For millions of readers and Netflix viewers alike, Virgin River has become more than just a series — it’s a world to escape into. Robyn Carr’s bestselling novels (spanning over 20 books) and the hit streaming adaptation starring Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson have offered comfort, romance, and resilience wrapped up in the cozy-yet-complex life of a small town.

But what happens when you’ve turned the last page or binged the latest season? That familiar ache settles in: the longing for another close-knit community, another set of characters to root for, another place that feels like home.

Fear not. The literary world is filled with stories that capture the same magic — tales of second chances, found families, hard-won love, and communities that heal as much as they challenge. Whether you want more small-town romance, deeper family drama, or a touch of mystery, these 10 books (and series) are perfect companions for your post-Virgin River journey.

1. Thunder Point Series by Robyn Carr

If you want to stay in Carr’s universe a little longer, Thunder Point is the natural next step. Set in a windswept coastal Oregon town, the series blends familiar themes of fresh starts, resilience, and romance. Each book introduces new characters while weaving in beloved faces from earlier installments, much like Virgin River. Think of it as the seaside cousin to the mountain-town drama.

2. Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

This gem by NPR’s Linda Holmes feels like a modern, witty cousin to Carr’s series. Evvie, a recent widow in small-town Maine, is grieving both her husband and the life she thought she wanted. Enter Dean, a former baseball player battling his own losses. Their friendship-turned-romance is tender, funny, and real. Fans of Mel and Jack will connect with the story’s exploration of love after loss.

3. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

If Virgin River fed your love of community and healing, Shelby Van Pelt’s bestselling debut will surprise you. Widow Tova finds unexpected companionship with… an octopus. Yes, really. Through alternating perspectives — including that of the intelligent sea creature — the novel explores grief, kindness, and connection in ways both whimsical and profoundly moving.

4. Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

Nobody blends romance and suspense like Nora Roberts. In Whiskey Beach, a falsely accused lawyer retreats to a small coastal town, trying to rebuild his life. There he meets Abra, a woman determined to help him heal while danger still lurks. It’s darker than Carr’s books, but the themes of redemption and love in an intimate community will feel instantly familiar.

5. The Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing by Mira Jacob

For readers who adored the emotional depth of Virgin River, Mira Jacob’s sweeping debut is unforgettable. Following photographer Amina Eapen as she untangles family secrets and her father’s strange new behavior, the book examines intergenerational bonds, love, and grief. It’s not a romance, but the heart and healing it offers make it a must-read.

6. Lucky Harbor Series by Jill Shalvis

Looking for something lighter? Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor series delivers laugh-out-loud humor, sizzling romance, and that small-town setting readers can’t resist. With each book focusing on different couples, the series is more romance-forward than Virgin River, but it scratches the same itch for cozy continuity and community ties.

7. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett’s lyrical storytelling in Tom Lake may surprise Virgin River fans, but its heart is undeniably similar. As Lara recounts her youthful romance with a now-famous actor to her daughters during the pandemic, the novel explores memory, motherhood, and how the past informs the present. It’s quiet, profound, and beautifully layered.

8. The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore

Nothing says cozy quite like this charming small-town romance. When Jeanie inherits a café in a quaint village, she must navigate both new business challenges and new relationships. With far less drama than Virgin River, Laurie Gilmore’s story is comfort reading at its finest — think of it as a warm pumpkin latte for the soul.

9. Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan

Sewanee, a successful audiobook narrator, has carefully hidden away her own dreams and past wounds. When fate pairs her with a mysterious co-narrator, she’s forced to face both love and loss. Whelan’s witty, heartfelt novel isn’t just about romance — it’s about identity, friendship, and change, themes that Virgin River readers will deeply resonate with.

10. Blue Heron Series by Kristan Higgins

For readers who crave the interconnected storytelling of Virgin River, Kristan Higgins’ Blue Heron series is a delight. Set around a family-owned winery in New York, the series combines humor, family drama, and heartfelt romance. It’s warm, emotional, and brimming with characters you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Why We Keep Coming Back to Small-Town Stories

There’s a reason Virgin River and books like it keep readers hooked: they offer a world where hope survives, where community matters, and where love is always possible, even after heartbreak. These 10 books — spanning cozy romances, sweeping dramas, and poignant tales of resilience — carry that same spirit.

So once you’ve finished with Mel, Jack, and the residents of Virgin River, pick up one of these stories. Chances are, you’ll find yourself falling in love all over again.