Netflix has ordered TV adaptations of the romance novel book series “Virgin River” and “Sweet Magnolias,” the streamer announced Thursday. Both female-led dramas will consist of 10 episodes.
“Virgin River” is a contemporary romance based on the beloved Harlequin book series penned by author Robyn Carr. There are now 20 books in the New York Times best-selling “Virgin River” series, and together they have sold more than 13 million copies.
Here is the official logline for the series: Melinda Monroe answers an ad to work as a nurse practitioner in the remote California town of Virgin River thinking it will be the perfect place to start fresh and leave her painful memories behind. But she soon discovers that small-town living isn’t quite as simple as she expected and that she must learn to heal herself before she can truly make Virgin River her home.
Sue Tenney is serving as showrunner and executive producer, with Roma Roth and Chris Perry also executive producing the project, which hails from Reel World Management. Production on “Virgin River” begins later this year.
“Sweet Magnolias” is based on the Sherryl Woods’ book series published by MIRA Books, an imprint of Harlequin. Woods will serve as an executive producer on the series.
Per Netflix, “Sweet Magnolias” centers on three South Carolina women, best friends since high school, as they shepherd each other through the complexities of romance, career, and family.
Sheryl J. Anderson will serve as showrunner and executive producer on “Sweet Magnolias,” with Dan Paulson also executive producing.