Shelter Mountain by Robin Carr

(Posted for Diann Stark)

This is the second book in the Virgin River series:

An abused battered woman with her three year old son shows up in Virgin River looking for a place to stay the night. She is on her way to her ‘next stop’ to have their identity changed and disappear where her abusive husband will never find them. The only place that is open in this little town is the local bar, this is where she meets John “Preacher” Middleton. Preacher notices the woman is covered in bruises and he realizes he wants to protect them, and he wants to punish whoever did this to her. Paige Lassiter has stirred up emotions in this gentle giant of a man—emotions that he has never allowed himself to feel.

Then Paige’s ex-husband turns up in Virgin River, Preacher knows his own future hangs in the balance. And if there’s one thing in the marines’ motto of Semper Fidelis—always faithful—has taught him, it’s that some things are worth fighting for.

Audio book: Reading time 11 hours and 50 minutes. 376 pages