Review: Yes, there is a message but it's still a good read!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 26, 2011
Dory is a single mother of two who escaped an abusive marriage in Oklahoma and now lives in Fortuna, CA.  Her new neighbor is Clay, a hunky firefighter who wants to help her with grass cutting and car repairs.  Dory's children instantly adore him. Dory doesn't like the situation at all even though she feels an instant attraction.  She explains to him she feels he is intruding on her independence.  Dory eventually allows Clay to help with her clunker of a car and she takes a chance and asks him over for dinner. The rest is romance history.I did not feel the story was "preachy".  I thought it was very honest.  The fact that Dory lost her job and one reason for it -  is very true!  In my experience, single moms do have a hard time taking off from work to care for children, and most people probably wouldn't get involved if they saw abuse taking place in a parking lot.  A woman with Dory's background must be very careful when meeting a new man and it must be very difficult trusting a man again. Singles mothers come from different backgrounds and experience different reasons for their situations.Mel and Paige from Virgin River help Dory organize a non-profit based on the real life Zoe Institute in Oklahoma that helps single women stand on their own two feet. A great bonus for Dory is falling in love with Clay. The story of founder Rhonda Clemons was heartbreaking, but I admire her strength to carry on and do wonderful things for others who have walked a similar path.