Mulberry Moon (Mystic Creek, #3)

by Catherine Anderson

The New York Times bestselling author of New Leaf returns to Mystic Creek, Oregon, where a wounded heart finds a place to call home. . . .
 
After a career on the rodeo circuit, Ben Sterling longs to settle down on his farm and start a family like his brothers. He’s searched all over for the woman of his dreams. Yet the only one to spark his interest is the new owner of the local café. Getting her attention, however, won’t be easy.
 
Sissy Sue Bentley has worked hard to make it on her own, and she doesn’t need another man in her life. From her alcoholic father to the men she’s dated, who were after only one thing, they are nothing but trouble. Except Ben keeps showing up whenever she really needs help. Sissy struggles to deny her growing feelings for him—but soon Ben’s tender concern has her hoping for a happier future. Then her past comes barreling back into her life, and it will take more than the love in Ben’s heart to hold them together.
 
 
NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED

• ISBN10: 0451488024
• ISBN13: 9780451488022
• Publish Date: 3 January 2017
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Berkley
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 448
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780451488022

Reviews

[kimbacaffeinate]

Each book in this series features a new couple and the town of Mystic Creek. I love this small, quaint town with its mix of Main Street businesses and farmland. Ben Sterling has left life on the rodeo circuit and returned home. He has begun to set down roots and plans to train horses for his income. The only thing missing is a wife and children to fill his home. Sissy Sue Bentley has caught his eye, but for some unknown reason, she hates him. His luck changes when he spots a chicken in the road. Yep, that's what I said, "a chicken." The tale that unfolds will have the reader smiling, wiping a tear and giggling as they root for a happily ever after.

One of the things I enjoy about Anderson's stories is the depth she brings to her characters. She doesn't rush her stories, and while bits may be too sugary sweet for others, I find them to be a refreshing change in a sea of angst filled romances. In Mulberry Moon, Sissy is a bit standoffish, and Anderson takes the time to allow both Ben and the reader to understand her. Ben works with troubled horses making him the perfect guy to take on Sissy. What starts out as neighbor helping neighbor slowly evolves into something sustainable.

Ben and Sissy's relationship had some unexpected hiccups from accidents to Sissy's past rearing its ugly head. As they slowly developed trust this delicate romance bloomed into something more. Theirs's a slow-burning romance that fades to black, with just enough detail to curl your toes but not enough to have you blushing. Both characters are likable. They're honest folks who appreciate the meaning and rewards of a hard day's work. They look after others around them making their journey to happiness all the more enjoyable.

Anderson had me laughing, sighing and she even made me cry over chickens, a kitten, and a rat. I kid you not. A rat. If you love animals, Mulberry Moon will delight you with its array of four-legged and winged friends.

I loved the folklore Anderson shared about a Mulberry Moon. It added a nice touch to an already beautiful story. I hope you decide to take a trip to Mystic Creek.

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer