if you’re a fan of virgin river, chances are you know that the beloved netflix show starring martin henderson and alexandra breckenridge >, is based on the hugely popular novel series by robyn carr of the same name.
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With three seasons under its belt and a fourth on the way, the drama series is clearly headed toward a similar success rate to the books. however, some fans may not be aware that the books and the TV show differ slightly.
The novel series currently consists of 22 books, all based on the Californian town of Virgin River, but the broadcast schedule features some important differences. discover the main ones here…
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not all virgin river books focus on mel and jack
the netflix show has martin and alexandra as the main focus of each season, portraying the complicated and winding love story of jack and mel. When the drama first developed, executive producer Sue Tenney said that she had hand-selected certain characters and storylines from Robyn’s novels, focusing on Jack and Mel.
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This is perhaps not surprising, because it gives the television audience major characters to invest in for the long haul. which brings us to the next difference…
there are many characters that haven’t been introduced in virgin river yet
As the book series progresses, other characters and their story become more of a focal point and are not yet known to viewers.
For example, Robyn’s novel, Second Chance Pass, tells the story of Vanessa, who arrives at Virgin River to find love again, but finds herself in a dilemma involving her late husband’s close friend. We will have to wait to see if Vanessa’s story is told in future episodes.
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jack and mel are the main characters of the netflix series
mel’s tragic story in virgin river is different in the books
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In the TV show, the audience is told that Midwife Mel is headed to Virgin River after losing her husband in a tragic car accident and sadly losing a baby. however, in the books, her backstory is slightly different.
Readers are informed that Mel’s late husband, Mark, was killed in a robbery at a local store. Also, Mel does not have a miscarriage in the book, but his robbery and subsequent death occurred before they could start a family.
Alexandra Breckenridge as Mel Monroe in Virgin River
charmaine and jack’s earlier relationship is more on screen
In robyn carr’s novels, charmaine and jack have a story but, perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s not as dramatic as it has been portrayed on screen. In the book, Jack and Charmaine have a casual relationship, but when Mel arrives at Virgin River, Jack realizes that he has feelings for her and breaks up with Charmaine.
but on the netflix show, the story of charmaine, jack and mel is exaggerated and is even presented as a possible love triangle situation. In season two, Charmaine becomes pregnant and viewers wonder if Jack could be the father. while the novel closes this story almost immediately, and makes it clear that jack is definitely not. but drama is what we love, right?!
virgin river by robyn carr, £7.99, amazon
virgin river books are much spicier
Turns out episodes of Virgin River on Netflix are pretty tame when it comes to racy moments between love interests. the novels are aimed at an adult audience and, of course, more descriptive.
so it’s perhaps not surprising that there is more intimate content in them. however, it seems that the TV show has deviated from this and has chosen to focus on the stories and the dramatic elements between the characters.
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