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Mystic Creek #2
New Leaf
The New York Times bestselling author of Silver Thaw returns to Mystic Creek for a new novel about a love that inspires the courage to start over…and the strength to reclaim a dream.
When Taffeta Brown was viciously betrayed by her wealthy husband, she lost everything—including custody of their daughter, Sarah. Now that Taffy has moved to Mystic Creek, Oregon, to start over, she unexpectedly meets the one man who might help her get Sarah back.
Barney Sterling, a local lawman, finds himself drawn to the lovely, guarded Taffy, but he’s stunned by her proposition—that they marry immediately to improve her chances of regaining custody of her daughter. Barney takes marriage too seriously to commit himself to a woman he hardly knows. Yet soon his sympathies fall with the desperate Taffy, and pretending to be in love becomes the easiest part of the plan. But they have no idea what they’re up against, or what they’re willing to risk to make a miracle come true in Mystic Creek.
When Taffeta Brown was viciously betrayed by her wealthy husband, she lost everything—including custody of their daughter, Sarah. Now that Taffy has moved to Mystic Creek, Oregon, to start over, she unexpectedly meets the one man who might help her get Sarah back.
Barney Sterling, a local lawman, finds himself drawn to the lovely, guarded Taffy, but he’s stunned by her proposition—that they marry immediately to improve her chances of regaining custody of her daughter. Barney takes marriage too seriously to commit himself to a woman he hardly knows. Yet soon his sympathies fall with the desperate Taffy, and pretending to be in love becomes the easiest part of the plan. But they have no idea what they’re up against, or what they’re willing to risk to make a miracle come true in Mystic Creek.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 5, 2016
839 people are currently reading
1917 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Anderson
102 books2,960 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
(1)romance author:
Adeline Catherine was born and raised in Grants Pass, Oregon, USA. She always yearned to be a writer like her mother. The morning that one of her professors asked if she could use samples of Catherine’s creative writing on an overhead projector to teach was a dream come true. In 1988, she sold her first book to Harlequin Intrigue and went on to write three more before she tried her hand at a single-title historical romance. Nine books later, she did her first single-title contemporary.
Catherine married Sidney D. Anderson, an industrial electrician and entrepreneur. They had two sons, Sidney D. Jr. and John G. In 2001 she and her husband purchased a central Oregon home located on a ridge with incredible mountain views and surrounded by forestland honeycombed with trails. It was her dream home, a wonderland in the winter and beyond beautiful in the summer. She named it Cinnamon Ridge after the huge ponderosa pines on the property, which sport bark the color of cinnamon.
Sadly, Catherine lost her husband to a long-term illness in 2014. She has kept Cinnamon Ridge as her primary residence but divides her time between there and her son John's farm, where she has the support of her loved ones and can enjoy his horses, cows, and raise her own chickens.
Catherine loves animals and birds, both wild and domestic. She presently has two Australian shepherds, six cats, and a very old canary. She is very family oriented as well. Her older son has lived in Japan, Australia, and now resides in New Zealand. Catherine and her stateside family will celebrate Christmas on the north island with Sidney, his wife Mary, and their two sons, Liam and Jonas.
(1)romance author:
Adeline Catherine was born and raised in Grants Pass, Oregon, USA. She always yearned to be a writer like her mother. The morning that one of her professors asked if she could use samples of Catherine’s creative writing on an overhead projector to teach was a dream come true. In 1988, she sold her first book to Harlequin Intrigue and went on to write three more before she tried her hand at a single-title historical romance. Nine books later, she did her first single-title contemporary.
Catherine married Sidney D. Anderson, an industrial electrician and entrepreneur. They had two sons, Sidney D. Jr. and John G. In 2001 she and her husband purchased a central Oregon home located on a ridge with incredible mountain views and surrounded by forestland honeycombed with trails. It was her dream home, a wonderland in the winter and beyond beautiful in the summer. She named it Cinnamon Ridge after the huge ponderosa pines on the property, which sport bark the color of cinnamon.
Sadly, Catherine lost her husband to a long-term illness in 2014. She has kept Cinnamon Ridge as her primary residence but divides her time between there and her son John's farm, where she has the support of her loved ones and can enjoy his horses, cows, and raise her own chickens.
Catherine loves animals and birds, both wild and domestic. She presently has two Australian shepherds, six cats, and a very old canary. She is very family oriented as well. Her older son has lived in Japan, Australia, and now resides in New Zealand. Catherine and her stateside family will celebrate Christmas on the north island with Sidney, his wife Mary, and their two sons, Liam and Jonas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 364 reviews
July 18, 2016
I give this book one star for its creative use of outdated cliches and its few pages of genuine sexual tension. The spelling and grammar also all appeared to be correct. Otherwise... if you liked this book, probably just skip this review. I don't begrudge others for enjoying a book that I don't. I'm glad for you if you enjoyed it.
For everyone else...
Why do I do this to myself. Why. Why do I continue reading Catherine Anderson's books when they have become, frankly, terrible? In the past I could overlook the stilted dialogue, the questionable gender relations (completely anti-feminist under the patronizing guise of being feminist), the recycled characters, the recycled problems, the recycled interactions, the recycled plot turns. Yes, in the past I could overlook them, because the books were basically enjoyable. My last few reviews on CA's books pretty completely illustrate my fading adoration for her books, though. This book, in my opinion, was rock bottom.
Frankly, this book made me angry. It offends me as a woman and as an intelligent being and as a stepparent and as a romance fan.
1. Yet again in a CA book, under the guise of "honor," the main male character acts like a complete ass throughout the entire book. I assume I'm supposed to swoon at this. Once Barney (yes. His name is Barney. Taffeta never bats an eye at this, despite it being 2015 or 2016. And yes. Her name is Taffeta.) enters Taffeta's life, he makes all the decisions. He puts her happy ending with her daughter in motion. He decides when and where they'll go, and how they'll do things, and how long they'll do them for. He decides how he'll handle relations with her daughter. He decides when they need to separate. He decides. He decides. He decides. Because he's so "honorable," guys. He's such a savior.
Also, he "loves" her daughter after meeting her a handful of times. As a stepparent, I am yet again offended at this completely simplistic view of blended families and stepparent/stepchild relationships. (Also, the book directly prior to this one--which is about Barney's brother, in the SAME UNIVERSE, had the exact same plot. Abusive ex-husband, precocious small daughter that the protagonist is instantly in love with, absolutely no hesitation about what being a stepparent means. CA has used this exact scenario like seven times in her books. EXACT. Couldn't CA even have made this kid a boy just for some variety?)
2. Taffeta is such a "strong woman." This brand of fake feminism has become a running theme. It's so patronizing. As per usual, the woman doesn't think she's anything special. She's not pretty/smart/funny/worthy. Only Barney can see it in her. Only Barney can make her understand how great she is. And yet again, she's a woman beat down by her ex-husband who is now the villain of the story--how many times has CA used this plot device? Seriously? How? Many? Times?
3. Barney supposedly respects Taffeta, who is a supposedly smart woman. Why does she need him explain how the world works to her? Why does she ask him such moronic questions? Why does every single thing he says to her sound patronizing? Is it because he ends every single sentence of dialogue with "honey"? It's meant to be sweet, I suppose, but serves mainly as a reminder that Taffeta's a little airhead and Barney, much like Barney Stinson, needs to teach her how to live. "Do this, honey." "Do that, honey." "Don't worry, honey, I know how your in-laws will react because I've never met them before. Honey." "Oh, Barney! Thank god for you!"
4. "Sarah." Yes, I put her name in quotes because five-year-old Sarah isn't even remotely close to a genuine human being.. Why CA didn't just make her be 10 years old is beyond me, although even if she were 10, it'd still be completely ridiculous. A few things Sarah does: talks like a 45 year old, googles naked men on her iPad, raises her hand at an all-school assembly to ask a hypothetical question that relates to her own life (with follow-up questions) meant to test the speaker... just... she's supposed to be five. FIVE. She has a nose ring and bellybutton ring that no one has thought to remove. Oh, and she wears makeup. To school. Mascara, blush, and lipstick, supposedly. SHE. IS. FIVE. I'm not commenting on how inappropriate that is (that's pointed out in the book), I'm pointing out how completely unbelievable it is that a child would do these things while getting ready for school on her own, unrelated to some dress-up game. Hilariously, Taffeta even comments that Sarah doesn't even do a good job applying it.
5. And that brings me to the grandparents. Who just allow her to wear the makeup and google strippers on her iPad and call people assholes. Because they just don't want to hurt her, you know. I'm sure that the teachers at her school are just okay with the makeup as well. Yeah, that's reasonable.
6. And then you know, there's that whole thing where they let Sarah dictate absolutely everything in their lives. Surprise, she doesn't like her new stepfather. SO HE MOVES OUT. Even though Sarah doesn't actually live with them. And Taffeta doesn't want him to go, but Barney makes the decisions--under the guise of nobility, again. Until Taffeta finally gets a spark to the brain and has her big moment--where she yells at him because she needs his help to get through this situation. Oh, and because she loves him and stuff.
7. Barney says about 900 times that Taffeta would be hot if she were wearing makeup. Gee. Thanks.
A few choice quotes:
Because ladies are delicate beings and off-color jokes might hurt their dainty ears.
So if you don't want children, you are a selfish, unhappy being with no reason for living. Wow, Barney is such a great guy for not being like that.
Well, I guess Barney's parents also taught him to be an honorable tightass stick-in-the-mud with no imagination whatsoever.
Just. I just. I can't. I cannot even.
What 30-ish year old man talks like this?
What 20-something woman talks like this?
Typically if I don't like a book, I don't write a super critical review. I don't like the idea, however unlikely, that the author will read my review and be hurt by it. In general I think bad reviews mainly hurt the book/movie/theatre biz and I don't support it, but looks like CA's doing fine with reviews and sales and dedicated fans. And if you do read this, Catherine, well, I'm sorry. I truly enjoyed your earlier books.
But so much of this is offensive to me--as a woman, as a person. I wish authors would focus less on giving readers absolute "perfection" in the characters and relationships, and more on the realistic--even in romance novels with happy endings. (For prime examples: any Kristan Higgins book.) While CA's earlier books were truly my favorite romances that I looked forward to every year, we've now crossed the line into bizarro entertainment.
For everyone else...
Why do I do this to myself. Why. Why do I continue reading Catherine Anderson's books when they have become, frankly, terrible? In the past I could overlook the stilted dialogue, the questionable gender relations (completely anti-feminist under the patronizing guise of being feminist), the recycled characters, the recycled problems, the recycled interactions, the recycled plot turns. Yes, in the past I could overlook them, because the books were basically enjoyable. My last few reviews on CA's books pretty completely illustrate my fading adoration for her books, though. This book, in my opinion, was rock bottom.
Frankly, this book made me angry. It offends me as a woman and as an intelligent being and as a stepparent and as a romance fan.
1. Yet again in a CA book, under the guise of "honor," the main male character acts like a complete ass throughout the entire book. I assume I'm supposed to swoon at this. Once Barney (yes. His name is Barney. Taffeta never bats an eye at this, despite it being 2015 or 2016. And yes. Her name is Taffeta.) enters Taffeta's life, he makes all the decisions. He puts her happy ending with her daughter in motion. He decides when and where they'll go, and how they'll do things, and how long they'll do them for. He decides how he'll handle relations with her daughter. He decides when they need to separate. He decides. He decides. He decides. Because he's so "honorable," guys. He's such a savior.
Also, he "loves" her daughter after meeting her a handful of times. As a stepparent, I am yet again offended at this completely simplistic view of blended families and stepparent/stepchild relationships. (Also, the book directly prior to this one--which is about Barney's brother, in the SAME UNIVERSE, had the exact same plot. Abusive ex-husband, precocious small daughter that the protagonist is instantly in love with, absolutely no hesitation about what being a stepparent means. CA has used this exact scenario like seven times in her books. EXACT. Couldn't CA even have made this kid a boy just for some variety?)
2. Taffeta is such a "strong woman." This brand of fake feminism has become a running theme. It's so patronizing. As per usual, the woman doesn't think she's anything special. She's not pretty/smart/funny/worthy. Only Barney can see it in her. Only Barney can make her understand how great she is. And yet again, she's a woman beat down by her ex-husband who is now the villain of the story--how many times has CA used this plot device? Seriously? How? Many? Times?
3. Barney supposedly respects Taffeta, who is a supposedly smart woman. Why does she need him explain how the world works to her? Why does she ask him such moronic questions? Why does every single thing he says to her sound patronizing? Is it because he ends every single sentence of dialogue with "honey"? It's meant to be sweet, I suppose, but serves mainly as a reminder that Taffeta's a little airhead and Barney, much like Barney Stinson, needs to teach her how to live. "Do this, honey." "Do that, honey." "Don't worry, honey, I know how your in-laws will react because I've never met them before. Honey." "Oh, Barney! Thank god for you!"
4. "Sarah." Yes, I put her name in quotes because five-year-old Sarah isn't even remotely close to a genuine human being.. Why CA didn't just make her be 10 years old is beyond me, although even if she were 10, it'd still be completely ridiculous. A few things Sarah does: talks like a 45 year old, googles naked men on her iPad, raises her hand at an all-school assembly to ask a hypothetical question that relates to her own life (with follow-up questions) meant to test the speaker... just... she's supposed to be five. FIVE. She has a nose ring and bellybutton ring that no one has thought to remove. Oh, and she wears makeup. To school. Mascara, blush, and lipstick, supposedly. SHE. IS. FIVE. I'm not commenting on how inappropriate that is (that's pointed out in the book), I'm pointing out how completely unbelievable it is that a child would do these things while getting ready for school on her own, unrelated to some dress-up game. Hilariously, Taffeta even comments that Sarah doesn't even do a good job applying it.
5. And that brings me to the grandparents. Who just allow her to wear the makeup and google strippers on her iPad and call people assholes. Because they just don't want to hurt her, you know. I'm sure that the teachers at her school are just okay with the makeup as well. Yeah, that's reasonable.
6. And then you know, there's that whole thing where they let Sarah dictate absolutely everything in their lives. Surprise, she doesn't like her new stepfather. SO HE MOVES OUT. Even though Sarah doesn't actually live with them. And Taffeta doesn't want him to go, but Barney makes the decisions--under the guise of nobility, again. Until Taffeta finally gets a spark to the brain and has her big moment--where she yells at him because she needs his help to get through this situation. Oh, and because she loves him and stuff.
7. Barney says about 900 times that Taffeta would be hot if she were wearing makeup. Gee. Thanks.
A few choice quotes:
"Tony also offered a Joke of the Day, an off-color version for men who came in along and another version suitable for mixed company."
Because ladies are delicate beings and off-color jokes might hurt their dainty ears.
"Barney didn't know how anyone could be so selfish that he never wanted children because of money. Sure, raising a family was costly, but kids brought people joy and gave them a reason for being."
So if you don't want children, you are a selfish, unhappy being with no reason for living. Wow, Barney is such a great guy for not being like that.
After a co-worker complains that Facebook and blogs are blocked at work: "Barney had never tried to go online except for department business. He'd been taught good work ethics by his parents, and fooling around when he was being paid to do a job didn't occur to him."
Well, I guess Barney's parents also taught him to be an honorable tightass stick-in-the-mud with no imagination whatsoever.
While teaching Taffeta to play poker: "Players can get prickly if a newbie screws up the flow of cards by taking stupid hits." "What's a hit?" she asked. "That sounds violent."
Just. I just. I can't. I cannot even.
"Taffeta told me that Sarah yearns to have a dog."
What 30-ish year old man talks like this?
"You'll be working your own shift today, Barney. You needn't stay here and help me."
What 20-something woman talks like this?
Typically if I don't like a book, I don't write a super critical review. I don't like the idea, however unlikely, that the author will read my review and be hurt by it. In general I think bad reviews mainly hurt the book/movie/theatre biz and I don't support it, but looks like CA's doing fine with reviews and sales and dedicated fans. And if you do read this, Catherine, well, I'm sorry. I truly enjoyed your earlier books.
But so much of this is offensive to me--as a woman, as a person. I wish authors would focus less on giving readers absolute "perfection" in the characters and relationships, and more on the realistic--even in romance novels with happy endings. (For prime examples: any Kristan Higgins book.) While CA's earlier books were truly my favorite romances that I looked forward to every year, we've now crossed the line into bizarro entertainment.
January 4, 2016
Get ready for an exceptional story of love, sacrifices, and new beginnings. Catherine Anderson's Mystic Creek series, continues with her newest book, New Leaf. It will melt your heart, bring tears of laughter to your eyes, and have you holding your breath til the conclusion. Everyone needs a new start in life no matter what their past have dealt them. Three cheers for Catherine Anderson's exceptional talent and undying wisdom in conquering true love in every book she writes. 5 stars isn't enough, it deserves 10!!!!
January 21, 2016
Catherine Anderson’s newest book, “New Leaf”, is a winner from the first page. As a matter of fact, it took me longer to read this book than any of her other books. Why, because it was hard to read? Absolutely not. Instead, it took me so long because every word needed to be savored and relished, cherished and almost committed to memory. In my humble opinion, this is one of, if not the, best book that Catherine Anderson has ever written and she has written some awesome books. First, “New Leaf, second installment in the Mystic Creek series, addresses not one but two social issues. It addresses the trending attitude toward law enforcement officers and it also addresses how wealth can affect court decisions with money and lies but it also shows how that can be reversed with perseverance. These are two social issues that desperately needed addressing in this day and time. Kudos to you Catherine Anderson for having the bravery to address the issues that other authors are afraid to touch. I strongly urge any reader that loves a true romance to read this series. However, each book is a standalone book so if you don’t read the whole series, do yourself a favor and read “New Leaf”. It is a decision you will never regret.
November 18, 2015
To be fair, I haven't read the first book in this series. And I'm not sure that the 'romance' genre is my thing.
It wasn't until I was in Chapter Three that I realized our main guy, Barney, is actually pretty young (under 30). The first three chapters make him sound like he's much older, maybe late forties. He doesn't come across as a late-twenty-something. At all.
Barney uses very Southern phrases and I couldn't help but read his voice with a Southern accent. But he lives in Oregon - born and raised. That ain't the South. This bothered me.
This book switches back and forth from Barney's POV to Taffeta's (Gosh, I hate that name!). It is a bit confusing at times and takes a moment to figure out which POV I'm in.
The first several chapters of Taffeta's POV are troubling. Barney comes across a bit aggressive. To the point that it made me feel uncomfortable. And then all of a sudden there is "The Proposition". It is pretty much absurd. And from there the rest of the story was totally predictable.
Sarah. I totally get the need to have the reader understand just how hard Sarah's life has been. However, it crossed the line for me into totally unbelievable. In real life, social services would have been all up in this situation.
Overall, this book is about 95% innocent and reads like an Amish romance. And then out of nowhere, 5% near vulgarity. It was off-putting to me. Again, I'm thinking this genre just isn't for me. But I did finish the book in one day, so that counts for something!
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
It wasn't until I was in Chapter Three that I realized our main guy, Barney, is actually pretty young (under 30). The first three chapters make him sound like he's much older, maybe late forties. He doesn't come across as a late-twenty-something. At all.
Barney uses very Southern phrases and I couldn't help but read his voice with a Southern accent. But he lives in Oregon - born and raised. That ain't the South. This bothered me.
This book switches back and forth from Barney's POV to Taffeta's (Gosh, I hate that name!). It is a bit confusing at times and takes a moment to figure out which POV I'm in.
The first several chapters of Taffeta's POV are troubling. Barney comes across a bit aggressive. To the point that it made me feel uncomfortable. And then all of a sudden there is "The Proposition". It is pretty much absurd. And from there the rest of the story was totally predictable.
Sarah. I totally get the need to have the reader understand just how hard Sarah's life has been. However, it crossed the line for me into totally unbelievable. In real life, social services would have been all up in this situation.
Overall, this book is about 95% innocent and reads like an Amish romance. And then out of nowhere, 5% near vulgarity. It was off-putting to me. Again, I'm thinking this genre just isn't for me. But I did finish the book in one day, so that counts for something!
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
March 20, 2016
New Leaf (Mystic Creek, #2) by Catherine Anderson is the new book in this series set in Mystic Creek, Oregon and the focus is on Barney from the Sterling family this time. This is another well written traditional romance from Ms. Anderson that had me reading well into the night. Even though it is book two in the series, it is easily read as a standalone.
Barney Sterling is a deputy in Mystic Creek who has to respond to a disturbance call at Taffeta Brown’s apartment. He finds the shop owner is not the ‘Plain Jane’ that she pretends to be around town and he wants to discover her secrets. Taffeta has been married and has a little girl that was taken from her due to lies told by her ex-husband. She is trying to get her new life together in Mystic Creek to get her daughter back. When she finds out her daughter is in danger due her ex-husband’s criminal behavior, she proposes a marriage of convenience to Barney to get her back sooner rather than later and out of danger.
This book is a must read for lovers of traditional romances. The characters make you laugh, cry and cheer. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series!
Barney Sterling is a deputy in Mystic Creek who has to respond to a disturbance call at Taffeta Brown’s apartment. He finds the shop owner is not the ‘Plain Jane’ that she pretends to be around town and he wants to discover her secrets. Taffeta has been married and has a little girl that was taken from her due to lies told by her ex-husband. She is trying to get her new life together in Mystic Creek to get her daughter back. When she finds out her daughter is in danger due her ex-husband’s criminal behavior, she proposes a marriage of convenience to Barney to get her back sooner rather than later and out of danger.
This book is a must read for lovers of traditional romances. The characters make you laugh, cry and cheer. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series!
December 7, 2015
I discovered Catherine Anderson's books back when Penguin had a warehouse in my area and did an annual sale. I picked up a couple because I liked the covers and have been sold on the author every since then.
New Leaf is the second in the Mystic Creek series. I did not read the first in the series so want you to know this can be read as a stand alone book. I am, though, looking forward to going back and reading the first of the series.
First the small town setting grabbed me. If more books are set in small Mystic Creek, Oregon, I want to read them. I want to know what is going on in that small town. While I grew up on the East Coast, this is like the small town I grew up in.
The main characters in this book left me wondering how I ever left small town life. Barney - yes, Barney the deputy and getting jokes about that regularly - and Taffeta - who names their child that? - are opposites as far as small town people. He is born and bred and came back after a short time away. She is from a larger city on the other side of the Cascades. He came from a loving family. She bounced from foster home to foster home as a child. He has never been married. She's divorced. She's also keeping a secret that, even though Barney is wanting to get to know Taffeta better, may cause him to never speak to her again.
As they work through Taffeta's secret, the two lives become entwined.
Pick this up and have a good read.
New Leaf is the second in the Mystic Creek series. I did not read the first in the series so want you to know this can be read as a stand alone book. I am, though, looking forward to going back and reading the first of the series.
First the small town setting grabbed me. If more books are set in small Mystic Creek, Oregon, I want to read them. I want to know what is going on in that small town. While I grew up on the East Coast, this is like the small town I grew up in.
The main characters in this book left me wondering how I ever left small town life. Barney - yes, Barney the deputy and getting jokes about that regularly - and Taffeta - who names their child that? - are opposites as far as small town people. He is born and bred and came back after a short time away. She is from a larger city on the other side of the Cascades. He came from a loving family. She bounced from foster home to foster home as a child. He has never been married. She's divorced. She's also keeping a secret that, even though Barney is wanting to get to know Taffeta better, may cause him to never speak to her again.
As they work through Taffeta's secret, the two lives become entwined.
Pick this up and have a good read.
January 27, 2016
Catherine Anderson has done it again!
In book 2 of new hit series Mystic Creek we hear Barney's story.
Getting a call for a disturbance he meets Taffy...like with some of the authors stories there is a common theme....but instead of running from an abused husband it is Taffy who has been accused of abuse. Getting together seems like a good way to get her daughter out of a bad situation but with Barney it takes him doing a little digging to see if Taffy was being honest.
I laughed, cried, felt like hitting my head against the wall with Barney and at times yelling at him to stop over thinking and make a move! I admit I was a little concerned about the book in the beginning because I had trouble getting through some of the pages but once I got going I couldn't put it down!
In book 2 of new hit series Mystic Creek we hear Barney's story.
Getting a call for a disturbance he meets Taffy...like with some of the authors stories there is a common theme....but instead of running from an abused husband it is Taffy who has been accused of abuse. Getting together seems like a good way to get her daughter out of a bad situation but with Barney it takes him doing a little digging to see if Taffy was being honest.
I laughed, cried, felt like hitting my head against the wall with Barney and at times yelling at him to stop over thinking and make a move! I admit I was a little concerned about the book in the beginning because I had trouble getting through some of the pages but once I got going I couldn't put it down!
December 15, 2015
In exchange for a fair review of this book I was given an early copy of this book. I have to say I usually love Catherine Anderson's books, and I was not disappointed! I didn't realize that this was the second in a series, but I was able to keep up with the characters, as this is pretty much a stand alone book. It was a sweet little romance with a very good story line and a little bit of heat in the bedroom. I love the book from beginning to end! I would definitely recommend this book!
January 5, 2016
This is another fulfilling, wonderful, heart-driven story with Taffeta (Taffy) Brown and Barney Sterling as the main characters. Taffy opened Healthful Possibilities on East Main in Mystic Creek, Oregon and lives in an apartment above the store. Barney is a deputy who is the brother of Jeb, whose story was told in Silver Thaw, book one of this series. Mystic Creek is a small town that I have anxiously anticipated coming back to. There is drama and heartbreak, and both characters’ stories are realistic and are told with heart. The heart-wrenching emotional experiences of Taffy, a mother who lost custody and unsupervised visitation rights of her three-year-old daughter due to the lying, low-life, greedy, selfish, repugnant, etc. guy that got her pregnant during their marriage, Phillip, is felt by the reader. His parents are wealthy and he has taken monetary advantage of them and coerced them into believing Taffy abused their daughter, Sarah. They are divorced, but Taffy is frightened of the lifestyle her daughter Sarah has been living in for the past two years. Taffy relies on her trust of Barney to confide in him her truth of what happened. Barney, who is slower to trust, wants to find a way to help Taffy, and as they explore a new relationship with each other in their search for justice, they want to find a way to bring Sarah back into her life.
This can definitely be read as a standalone book, but be prepared to want to read Silver Thaw as soon as you finish New Leaf. There are other Sterling siblings, and I can’t wait to read their stories. I know I use the word "heart" a lot, but it is what it is. I love this series! [I received this book in advance for a fair review.]
This can definitely be read as a standalone book, but be prepared to want to read Silver Thaw as soon as you finish New Leaf. There are other Sterling siblings, and I can’t wait to read their stories. I know I use the word "heart" a lot, but it is what it is. I love this series! [I received this book in advance for a fair review.]
November 30, 2015
Second book in Mystic Creek and was another hit. I liked the way Taffy and Barney interacted in this book from her late night dances to her early morning talks with Barney. I did find it kind of got stuck in the middle and seemed to drag and didn’t like the way Taffy didn’t put up more of a fight to get her daughter back after all that was taking place, but all in all was a good read.
Taffeta moves to Mystic Creek to start over her life after her husband sets her up and gets her convicted as a child abuser. Taffy thinks if she can make a deal with one of the towns deputies she can convince a judge to get her daughter back, but then this backfires and Taffy finds she actually likes Barney.
Barney can’t seem to get Taffy out of his head and wants to know more about her, but when she offers a proposition to get custody of her daughter, after his initial shock he finds he wants to help her, but keeping his feelings for Taffy become harder and harder as they try to get her daughter back and find a life together as well.
Taffeta moves to Mystic Creek to start over her life after her husband sets her up and gets her convicted as a child abuser. Taffy thinks if she can make a deal with one of the towns deputies she can convince a judge to get her daughter back, but then this backfires and Taffy finds she actually likes Barney.
Barney can’t seem to get Taffy out of his head and wants to know more about her, but when she offers a proposition to get custody of her daughter, after his initial shock he finds he wants to help her, but keeping his feelings for Taffy become harder and harder as they try to get her daughter back and find a life together as well.
January 6, 2016
New Leaf had me turning pages from the beginning. Barney and Taffeta's story had me yelling at them, cheering for them, and I couldn't wait to see what twists and turns that Catherine put in their story. Taffeta has lost custody of her daughter, and she and Barney form an alliance to reverse the court ruling. And off we go.
This is the second book in the series, and I can't wait for the next one. There is one warning, though, please do not start this book at night, unless you don't have to work the next day.
This is the second book in the series, and I can't wait for the next one. There is one warning, though, please do not start this book at night, unless you don't have to work the next day.
June 3, 2017
Updated Review
So I set this one aside for later about a year and a half ago. I was not feeling the book and the heroine pulled a stunt that just set my back up. I let it set and over the time since, I went back and read book one in this series (didn't realize this was a book two when I picked it up) and fell in love with Jeb and Amanda in Silver Thaw. It reminded me that I loved Jeb's family and the poignant story. I decided on the spur of the moment that I wanted to pick this one up again and get Jeb's brother, Barney's story.
It's funny. I had marked the book right where I stopped reading and I had a pretty good memory of what led up to that point so I decided to press on from there. I think that was a good call. The funny part is that if I had just read on a little further I probably wouldn't have DNF'd the book at the time though who knows if I would have enjoyed it as much as I did. Hard to say because... mood reader.
Anyway, this time around, I had no hang-ups and this one read like a charmer. I can see that the author has a real gift for writing a poignant situation. She kept it real with Taffeta's troubles and they didn't all go away just because she got with Barney. It did move forward slowly and the marriage of convenience morphed into something real though Barney tried to be honorable about it. The process of proving her innocence and getting Sarah back was a pretty strong part of the conflict in the latter half of the book.
New Leaf was much gentler than the first book, Silver Thaw, and it paced out slowly. It was more realistic for sure. I think the author's writing style and tones take some adjustment. There is a small town, pro-family and clean living vibe to it though it can get spicy and doesn't shirk when it comes to the grittier things people can be and do to each other when it came to Taffy's ex and what happened with her daughter.
All in all, I ended up enjoying this one quite a bit this second shot I took at it though I did find it lagged in places. I look forward to getting Ben's story next, maybe. That situation looked promising. So I'd recommend these to those who enjoy a sweet, poignant, and spicy small town contemporary romance.
***********************************************************************
DNF- for now at p. 71
This was a book I picked up because I love small town romance and I wanted to try a new to me author. I read the scenario and thought I'd be good with it.
I started the book and thought it was cute and loved the hero, Barney, who just happens to be a sheriff's deputy and gets all the Barney Fife jokes tossed at him as a result. Taffeta was an interesting character who had something horrific happen to her so she moves to a new town, plays the mouse, and hides out. She wants no one to guess her past even the friendly, Barney who is taken with her.
She rejects him and then turns around to proposition him when her little girl's situation becomes dire. She did it in an offensive way though she hadn't meant it to be. She was scared and desperate.
Normally, I love this sort of scenario- fake mates/marriage of convenience trope. And normally this book would be right up my alley. But for some reason, I'm just not feeling it. I really do think it is me and my mood so I'm going to set it aside for now and give it a go later. I don't hate it and I still want to read it, but if I keep pushing, I very likely will come to hate it.
My thanks to Penguin Group for providing the book in exchange for an honest review.
So I set this one aside for later about a year and a half ago. I was not feeling the book and the heroine pulled a stunt that just set my back up. I let it set and over the time since, I went back and read book one in this series (didn't realize this was a book two when I picked it up) and fell in love with Jeb and Amanda in Silver Thaw. It reminded me that I loved Jeb's family and the poignant story. I decided on the spur of the moment that I wanted to pick this one up again and get Jeb's brother, Barney's story.
It's funny. I had marked the book right where I stopped reading and I had a pretty good memory of what led up to that point so I decided to press on from there. I think that was a good call. The funny part is that if I had just read on a little further I probably wouldn't have DNF'd the book at the time though who knows if I would have enjoyed it as much as I did. Hard to say because... mood reader.
Anyway, this time around, I had no hang-ups and this one read like a charmer. I can see that the author has a real gift for writing a poignant situation. She kept it real with Taffeta's troubles and they didn't all go away just because she got with Barney. It did move forward slowly and the marriage of convenience morphed into something real though Barney tried to be honorable about it. The process of proving her innocence and getting Sarah back was a pretty strong part of the conflict in the latter half of the book.
New Leaf was much gentler than the first book, Silver Thaw, and it paced out slowly. It was more realistic for sure. I think the author's writing style and tones take some adjustment. There is a small town, pro-family and clean living vibe to it though it can get spicy and doesn't shirk when it comes to the grittier things people can be and do to each other when it came to Taffy's ex and what happened with her daughter.
All in all, I ended up enjoying this one quite a bit this second shot I took at it though I did find it lagged in places. I look forward to getting Ben's story next, maybe. That situation looked promising. So I'd recommend these to those who enjoy a sweet, poignant, and spicy small town contemporary romance.
***********************************************************************
DNF- for now at p. 71
This was a book I picked up because I love small town romance and I wanted to try a new to me author. I read the scenario and thought I'd be good with it.
I started the book and thought it was cute and loved the hero, Barney, who just happens to be a sheriff's deputy and gets all the Barney Fife jokes tossed at him as a result. Taffeta was an interesting character who had something horrific happen to her so she moves to a new town, plays the mouse, and hides out. She wants no one to guess her past even the friendly, Barney who is taken with her.
She rejects him and then turns around to proposition him when her little girl's situation becomes dire. She did it in an offensive way though she hadn't meant it to be. She was scared and desperate.
Normally, I love this sort of scenario- fake mates/marriage of convenience trope. And normally this book would be right up my alley. But for some reason, I'm just not feeling it. I really do think it is me and my mood so I'm going to set it aside for now and give it a go later. I don't hate it and I still want to read it, but if I keep pushing, I very likely will come to hate it.
My thanks to Penguin Group for providing the book in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2015
This is the second book in Catherine Anderson’s Mystic Creek series, the first being Silver Thaw. However, this is the first book by Catherine Anderson that I’ve read, and it certainly won’t be the last.
The main characters are both likeable (albeit their names are amusing); Barney is a deputy in Mystic Creek and Taffy runs a health/herbal store called Healthful Possibilities. From the synopsis I could easily tell how this story will end, and it’s evident from the start that Barney and Taffy are attracted to each other. Still, it was heartwarming to read how their romance begins, unfold and evolve.
The author is quite good with descriptions that I found myself wishing Barney is real and Mystic Creek is an actual place. I found the pacing a bit slow though, but the story managed to hold my interest until the epilogue. It’s also refreshing to read a romance novel where the conflict doesn’t involve a third party trying to break up the main characters. Instead, the main conflict involves Sarah (Taffy’s daughter) and Taffy’s struggle to gain custody of her.
All in all a feel-good read for romance lovers. I give this 3.5 out of 5 stars. I received a galley of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. New Leaf comes out on January 5, 2016.
The main characters are both likeable (albeit their names are amusing); Barney is a deputy in Mystic Creek and Taffy runs a health/herbal store called Healthful Possibilities. From the synopsis I could easily tell how this story will end, and it’s evident from the start that Barney and Taffy are attracted to each other. Still, it was heartwarming to read how their romance begins, unfold and evolve.
The author is quite good with descriptions that I found myself wishing Barney is real and Mystic Creek is an actual place. I found the pacing a bit slow though, but the story managed to hold my interest until the epilogue. It’s also refreshing to read a romance novel where the conflict doesn’t involve a third party trying to break up the main characters. Instead, the main conflict involves Sarah (Taffy’s daughter) and Taffy’s struggle to gain custody of her.
All in all a feel-good read for romance lovers. I give this 3.5 out of 5 stars. I received a galley of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. New Leaf comes out on January 5, 2016.
December 30, 2015
A NEW LEAF, a new year, a new fave! I was privileged to receive an advanced copy just before Christmas! What a wonderful present! Thank You Catherine! I was in the middle of a trilogy I was reading so I finished it first and immediately started on New Leaf! Kind of glad I was sick in bed and resting a lot because I mostly read and since I had a very hard time putting the book down it was convenient. Catherine just keeps getting better and better! I laughed and cried through most of the book, the story moves along at such a steady pace I read half of it before I realized it. I want to live in Mystic Creek. I am one reviewer that does not like to tell anyone about a book in a review, that would spoil it. I will only tell you that if you love Catherine you must read New Leaf! I can't wait for the next visit to Mystic Creek. Yeah Catherine!
January 2, 2016
Another win for Catherine Anderson! New Leaf is the second in the Mystic Creek series, and I so hope there will be many more. I read the entire 408 pages in less than 24 hours. It is a story of new beginnings, full of laughter and tears. I love books set in small towns with great attention paid to the interaction of all the characters. Catherine Anderson is a master story teller. She draws the picture so well that you are there watching the story unfold, and you never want to leave. I can't wait for the next intallment in the Mystic Creek series.
December 14, 2015
I couldn't get past the fact that so much emphasis was on the main character's looks. The male lead is supposed to be a deep individual with a heart of gold, but it turned me off that he didn't notice her at all until he saw her with makeup on. The narration kept harping on the woman just needing a little bit of makeup to be hot. Gross.
February 18, 2016
Thank you FirsttoRead for my complimentary review copy.
Heartbroken, Taffeta Brown, (AKA "Taffy"), starts a new life in the small town of Mystic Falls after being falsely accused and convicted of a terrible crime. She opens a health food store and tries not to call attention to herself. Her ex, Phillip Bern, is a selfish, smarmy, materialistic lawyer who used to weasel money out of his father to support his lavish lifestyle. Phillip wanted out of the marriage without upsetting his father. When his toddler daughter had an accidental fall, he seized the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.
Taffy's efforts to remain under the radar backfire when Barney Sterling, the hunky deputy sheriff, becomes intrigued by her mystery. After getting to know him, Taffy tells him her story and makes a proposition that greatly upsets him. He flatly refuses and storms out, leaving her shaken. After cooling off, doing some checking, and consulting with his parents, Barney apologizes and relents. Together, they formulate a plan to get her daughter back.
From the very first page, I was drawn in. I loved the language style, vivid descriptions, and humor. The perspective alternates between Taffy and Barney, which really helps in getting to know them. Peripheral characters are also well-developed There is some profanity and graphic sexual content but it fits in with the storyline.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. It was a great story with a satisfying ending. Although it was the second book in the series, it can stand on its own. I do plan to read the first in the series(I was thrilled that an excerpt was included) and any sequels. Ms. Anderson has been added to my must-read authors list and I look forward to catching up on her backlist.
Heartbroken, Taffeta Brown, (AKA "Taffy"), starts a new life in the small town of Mystic Falls after being falsely accused and convicted of a terrible crime. She opens a health food store and tries not to call attention to herself. Her ex, Phillip Bern, is a selfish, smarmy, materialistic lawyer who used to weasel money out of his father to support his lavish lifestyle. Phillip wanted out of the marriage without upsetting his father. When his toddler daughter had an accidental fall, he seized the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.
Taffy's efforts to remain under the radar backfire when Barney Sterling, the hunky deputy sheriff, becomes intrigued by her mystery. After getting to know him, Taffy tells him her story and makes a proposition that greatly upsets him. He flatly refuses and storms out, leaving her shaken. After cooling off, doing some checking, and consulting with his parents, Barney apologizes and relents. Together, they formulate a plan to get her daughter back.
From the very first page, I was drawn in. I loved the language style, vivid descriptions, and humor. The perspective alternates between Taffy and Barney, which really helps in getting to know them. Peripheral characters are also well-developed There is some profanity and graphic sexual content but it fits in with the storyline.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. It was a great story with a satisfying ending. Although it was the second book in the series, it can stand on its own. I do plan to read the first in the series(I was thrilled that an excerpt was included) and any sequels. Ms. Anderson has been added to my must-read authors list and I look forward to catching up on her backlist.
January 5, 2016
New Leaf
By Catherine Anderson Mystic Creek #2.
Anytime I see or hear about a Catherine Anderson book; I am very excited to read it. I was honored to get a preview copy for an honest review. This book takes up where Silver Thaw ended; but is a stand alone book.
Barney Sterling; the hero is a sheriff deputy, and a rancher, after spending time in other jobs he came home to Mystic Creek. Taffeta Brown, is new to town, owns her own shop and is trying to get custody back of her daughter Sarah. They are brought together through Barney's job of keeping the peace. From the first meeting, there is a spark between Barney and Taffeta. You are drawn into their lives in such way that you know that you know them. If you have ever lived in a small town; you know how you know everyone in town. You know that your every move is watched. And that doesn't change in A new Leaf; you are drawn into the lives of this family, you hurt when they hurt; and laugh when they laugh.
They started their lives together pretending to be in love and we get to feel and see them as they go through their relationship; the hard time; to the good times. They have the support from their family and from the town. It was wonderful to revisit some old friends from Silver Thaw; and to meet some more members of Mystic Creek. This book will draw you end and you won't want to put the book down until you are done reading. Another winner from Catherine Anderson; and I for one can't wait for book #3 about Mystic Creek.
By Catherine Anderson Mystic Creek #2.
Anytime I see or hear about a Catherine Anderson book; I am very excited to read it. I was honored to get a preview copy for an honest review. This book takes up where Silver Thaw ended; but is a stand alone book.
Barney Sterling; the hero is a sheriff deputy, and a rancher, after spending time in other jobs he came home to Mystic Creek. Taffeta Brown, is new to town, owns her own shop and is trying to get custody back of her daughter Sarah. They are brought together through Barney's job of keeping the peace. From the first meeting, there is a spark between Barney and Taffeta. You are drawn into their lives in such way that you know that you know them. If you have ever lived in a small town; you know how you know everyone in town. You know that your every move is watched. And that doesn't change in A new Leaf; you are drawn into the lives of this family, you hurt when they hurt; and laugh when they laugh.
They started their lives together pretending to be in love and we get to feel and see them as they go through their relationship; the hard time; to the good times. They have the support from their family and from the town. It was wonderful to revisit some old friends from Silver Thaw; and to meet some more members of Mystic Creek. This book will draw you end and you won't want to put the book down until you are done reading. Another winner from Catherine Anderson; and I for one can't wait for book #3 about Mystic Creek.
December 28, 2015
This is the second book in a series, the first being Silver Thaw. I've been anxiously waiting for a year to read this having enjoyed the first one so much, and I wasn't disappointed! I love series book because it's like visiting with family when you read another book, and you always have something to look forward to knowing the next one is coming. I was so excited that I sat down and read half yesterday, and as soon as I could today I sat down and finished it. Lucky for me I have a wonderful husband who understands my love of books. This book is about a young woman who fell for the wrong guy and ends up losing everything she loves, and about how she finds the strength to start again while fighting for the daughter she lost. It was everything I look for in a book it warms the heart, it makes you laugh and it also makes you cry, {but in a good way}. It gives you hope that even though you might be dealt a bad hand in life that just maybe you can find that one true love. I got to visit with some real life friends in this book as well as the characters. Catherine has a way of making the characters so real that you feel you know them personally. This book like all of Catherine's will go in my "keep" shelf and I will re-read it in the future along with the others in the series. If you aren't familiar with Catherine's books I highly recommend them, although this is the second in the series but it can also be read as a stand-alone book. I do think you would enjoy Silver Thaw also and would recommend it too.
December 27, 2015
"New Leaf", by Catherine Anderson, is the second book in her new series "A Mystic Creek Novel".
I loved book one with Jed and this book picks up where that one ends with Jed's brother
Barney and his life and trials with Taffey or as she prefers Taffeta.
Taffeta was falsely accused of abusing her 3 year old daughter when her rich husband wanted
to end the marriage without alienating his wealthy parents.
Taffy moved to Mystic Creek and was wooed by Barney Sterling a County Deputy.
They work together to get Taffy's daughter back.
The story is very believable, the characters are real and I immediately identified with Taffeta
even though our lives are so different.
Catherine Anderson has that gift of making stories come alive and leaves you wanting
more when finished reading it. I have never read one of her books that I didn't like, and
she is on my "Always Buy" list.
I am never disappointed and she delivered again with this second book.
You will not be sorry that you bought and read it.
I loved book one with Jed and this book picks up where that one ends with Jed's brother
Barney and his life and trials with Taffey or as she prefers Taffeta.
Taffeta was falsely accused of abusing her 3 year old daughter when her rich husband wanted
to end the marriage without alienating his wealthy parents.
Taffy moved to Mystic Creek and was wooed by Barney Sterling a County Deputy.
They work together to get Taffy's daughter back.
The story is very believable, the characters are real and I immediately identified with Taffeta
even though our lives are so different.
Catherine Anderson has that gift of making stories come alive and leaves you wanting
more when finished reading it. I have never read one of her books that I didn't like, and
she is on my "Always Buy" list.
I am never disappointed and she delivered again with this second book.
You will not be sorry that you bought and read it.
December 27, 2015
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy in return for an honest review. As usual Catherine Anderson comes thru with another great book. Taffey starts a new life in a small town after being falsely accused and convicted of a crime, so she can try to get her daughter back. She also finds love and romance. I did not want to put book down once I started. Catherine has that gift to bring her stories to alive and I was not disappointed.
December 26, 2015
Catherine Anderson has another hit with New Leaf. I received this book before its release in exchange for an honest review. Barney Sterling is a Deputy with the Sheriff's Office in the town of Mystic Creek. He's on duty one night when he's called to a noise disturbance. It seems loud music is coming from Taffeta Brown's apartment above her health food store. Barney can't believe it. When he arrives, he sees her dancing through her window and is shocked at the change. He begins visiting her and wonders why she hides her beauty. Not long after he begins visiting her, she calls and asks him to meet her at a restaurant in a nearby town and tells him a story that he's not sure he believes then makes him a proposition. Not wanting to give away the events in the story, I'll just say that ultimately Barney helps Sarah and this story is about their path as a couple and, ultimately, a family as Taffeta's daughter, Sarah, joins them. As usual, Catherine brings forth the emotions of the various events so you find yourself cheering, laughing, and crying throughout the book. I can always count on a book by Catherine Anderson to really get to me. Not only do I enjoy the read but I am drawn into the book, not wanting to put it down until I reach the end. New Leaf is an excellent book and a wonderful read. This book is full of love. There is a deep romantic love between Taffeta and Barney, one of those loves you know will last a lifetime. There's maternal love that knows no bounds. Taffeta is a mother who sacrificed everything for her daughter. Then, there's the love that Barney comes to feel for Sarah, a strong and protective paternal love. I highly recommend it.
February 18, 2016
I received an advance reading copy in return for an honest review, so I hope Catherine Anderson is truly ready for how honest I will be.
I have loved Catherine's books for years, ever since I found Morning Light in a grocery store. Since then I have read her books, finding them in libraries, grocery stores, bookstores, or anywhere I could get my grubby little hands on them. I loved how well her novels flowed and captured the true essences of passion, lust, and love. But, with the last couple of books, these emotions seemed to be truly lacking within the pages, and this is especially evident with "New Leaf".
"New Leaf" was positively tedious, uneventful, and predictable. The characters were her most unlikable to date, as they were dull and annoying. Barney came off a bit sexist, Tafetta too whiny. I wanted to punch Barney every time he made some asinine comment about her appearance, especially this whopper, "maybe I'd be inclined to repeat what just happened if you hurry to put on something less enticing." I'd like my books with a little less perpetuation of rape culture.
The only thing I liked about this book was seeing Catherine use the word "dick". I just hope her main male characters are less of one in the future.
PS - What happened to the hot sex scenes? They've become non-existent.
I have loved Catherine's books for years, ever since I found Morning Light in a grocery store. Since then I have read her books, finding them in libraries, grocery stores, bookstores, or anywhere I could get my grubby little hands on them. I loved how well her novels flowed and captured the true essences of passion, lust, and love. But, with the last couple of books, these emotions seemed to be truly lacking within the pages, and this is especially evident with "New Leaf".
"New Leaf" was positively tedious, uneventful, and predictable. The characters were her most unlikable to date, as they were dull and annoying. Barney came off a bit sexist, Tafetta too whiny. I wanted to punch Barney every time he made some asinine comment about her appearance, especially this whopper, "maybe I'd be inclined to repeat what just happened if you hurry to put on something less enticing." I'd like my books with a little less perpetuation of rape culture.
The only thing I liked about this book was seeing Catherine use the word "dick". I just hope her main male characters are less of one in the future.
PS - What happened to the hot sex scenes? They've become non-existent.
February 24, 2016
Sweet romance all about family…
Taffeta Brown is starting over in a small town. She is keeping quiet, happy to melt into the background of her new home. When Barney Sterling answers a noise disturbance call he is unprepared to see the side of Taffy she is so desperate to hide. Once his eyes are opened, however, he can’t unclose them and the gates suddenly open to friendship and love, and so much more…
I think I have read everything this author has written and I’m always ready for another well-written, sweet romance. I was not disappointed in this second book in the series which offers love, especially maternal, at its core. With an unusual beginning to their relationship, that doesn’t stop Barney and Taffy from doing everything they can to make it work. From what should have been a cheesy wedding to a family-fueled reception, love permeates every decision and struggle. While their romance is the center of the story, love in all its variations can be found as well, with maternal devotion firmly at the forefront.
A five-year old (going on twenty-five) is in the midst of it all and brings together all the characters in an emotional and heartfelt love story. ~ Diane, 4 stars
Taffeta Brown is starting over in a small town. She is keeping quiet, happy to melt into the background of her new home. When Barney Sterling answers a noise disturbance call he is unprepared to see the side of Taffy she is so desperate to hide. Once his eyes are opened, however, he can’t unclose them and the gates suddenly open to friendship and love, and so much more…
I think I have read everything this author has written and I’m always ready for another well-written, sweet romance. I was not disappointed in this second book in the series which offers love, especially maternal, at its core. With an unusual beginning to their relationship, that doesn’t stop Barney and Taffy from doing everything they can to make it work. From what should have been a cheesy wedding to a family-fueled reception, love permeates every decision and struggle. While their romance is the center of the story, love in all its variations can be found as well, with maternal devotion firmly at the forefront.
A five-year old (going on twenty-five) is in the midst of it all and brings together all the characters in an emotional and heartfelt love story. ~ Diane, 4 stars
December 29, 2015
Catherine Anderson NEVER disappoints. It is always hard for me when I get one of her new books, I can't put it down. Always good to start on a Friday or Saturday night, otherwise, I go to work groggy the next day, from reading all night....
This is the great story of Taffeta Brown. The leading male is Barney Sterling. Taffeta is turning over a NEW LEAF, trying to begin her life again, to clear herself of false charges she was convicted of. She has a local natural products store in town, where she lives in the upstairs apartment.
Barney is a sheriff's deputy who is called to investigate loud music one evening. Taffeta eventually tells Barney her story & tries to convince him to help her.
Read the story to see how it all works out. It was a great read, its easy to put yourself in Taffeta's position & feel her pain.
This is the great story of Taffeta Brown. The leading male is Barney Sterling. Taffeta is turning over a NEW LEAF, trying to begin her life again, to clear herself of false charges she was convicted of. She has a local natural products store in town, where she lives in the upstairs apartment.
Barney is a sheriff's deputy who is called to investigate loud music one evening. Taffeta eventually tells Barney her story & tries to convince him to help her.
Read the story to see how it all works out. It was a great read, its easy to put yourself in Taffeta's position & feel her pain.
December 27, 2015
New Leaf, a Mystic Creek novel by Catherine Anderson is utterly amazing. I can proudly say that I have read all of Catherine Anderson's books and I have yet to find one that I do not love.
This newest story follows Taffeta Brown, a new business owner in Mystic Creek, and Barney Sterling, a small time sheriff's deputy with a big heart. Like all of Catherine Anderson's heroes, Barney has a huge heart and the strength and conviction to back it up. Taffy is a woman who can, and does hold her own, and loves with her entire heart. These two have a goal and they work together to get to it.
The story touches the heart, and more than once I felt the same feelings that Taffy did, to the point that my boyfriend felt the need to cheer me up. Worth the read, but you will be sad when it's over. Cannot wait to find them again in the next book of the series.
This newest story follows Taffeta Brown, a new business owner in Mystic Creek, and Barney Sterling, a small time sheriff's deputy with a big heart. Like all of Catherine Anderson's heroes, Barney has a huge heart and the strength and conviction to back it up. Taffy is a woman who can, and does hold her own, and loves with her entire heart. These two have a goal and they work together to get to it.
The story touches the heart, and more than once I felt the same feelings that Taffy did, to the point that my boyfriend felt the need to cheer me up. Worth the read, but you will be sad when it's over. Cannot wait to find them again in the next book of the series.
December 26, 2015
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of New Leaf in return for an honest review. Second book in the series and I can truly say I love Barney and Taffeta just as much as Jeb and Amanda. Barney is the guy you want to take home. He is kind, caring, practical, truly a good man. Taffeta needs Barney to help her get her daughter back. And she poses an offer that completely knocks him for a loop. But after thought he can't refuse to help Taffeta and he puts his plan in motion. I laughed, I wanted to get mad, and I truly was sad during my read. And even with holiday plans going on still managed to finish this book. Catherine has always been my favorite author and New Leaf has me waiting for the next book in the series. You will not be disappointed.
December 22, 2015
I loved everything about this book. Barney and Taffeta are perfect for each other and have weathered the storm of being married and his being a Dad to her child. I laughed, I cried, and now I need to do the housework that I've neglected. I hope the next book in the series is about Ben and Sissy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2018
A story of a small town deputy sheriff, Barney having a crush on Taffeta the new gal in town.
She has a very big proposition for him......marriage in order to get custody of her daughter Sarah.
It's finally a miracle come true in Mystic Creek.
She has a very big proposition for him......marriage in order to get custody of her daughter Sarah.
It's finally a miracle come true in Mystic Creek.
December 26, 2015
I received this copy as a ARC in exchange for an honest review…
I enjoyed the book, it was a good read, typical of all Catherine Anderson books. It contained all the essential Catherine Anderson elements… a past that need to be overcome, a strong hero, heartbreak, laughter, joy, and love.
I will try to give review without giving too much away from the book.
The heroine of the book, had a past that hurt her deeply, she was married to a man who was not a good person. A messy divorce and lost custody of her child. She is working to rebuild her life when he meets the hero.
The hero, Barney, whom we met in Silver Thaw (brother of the hero of that novel), is a small town deputy; with strong values. He was raised in a loving family.
At first, he was very reluctant to help the heroine when she asks, but his upbringing, and values win out, and he agrees to help her. During the process of helping her, they fall in love. He’s a real upstanding guy.
The Cons:
I cannot like their names, Taffy and Barney? This was really hard for me to get past. I would have liked to have him called by his last name, his first name made it really hard to get into the book.
The book seemed to take awhile to get started, it lacked a bit more of the suspense that Catherine’s books tend to have throughout the whole book. The book was a bit slower than most of her books.
The end seemed pretty rushed, the beginning of book was very slow, then the middle to end seemed rushed to get it all in before the story ended. I think the book could have been a lot longer, to add in more elements, but I also think making it longer would have made it a harder read.
The beginning was hard to get through, I thought it was pretty slow, and a lot of details explained that I thought could have been passed up.
The Pro’s:
While the book took a bit to get into the action, I liked how they were able to build a relationship, that it was not rushed as some other books. While making the story longer, it would have made it a hard read, I think the book is of good length.
The hero you can’t not fall in love with, he’s the typical Catherine Anderson hero we have all come to love.
The story line and plot were great, another typical of Catherine Anderson, she is a great author, her books can reach out and grasp your heart, and draw you in.
Was an easy read when the story got going, was very easy to finish.
I like that this book is in a series, but can also be a stand alone, you did not have to read the first to understand anything in this book. I do not like when books are so linked together you can’t read one without others. Her books makes it easy to go how you would like in whatever order you would like, which is a huge plus. While she gave updates on characters of previous books, she did not spend a lot of time focusing on them, as their story was already written. I do not like when a series makes it impossible to read whichever you want when you want. Hers are not like that, you can read them how you want, when you want.
This author can tell a story and take you away from reality to another world, and draw you in. When I grab one of her books, I just know it will be a great read. Once I start it, I have to finish it the same day. I read this book in 4 hours. She describes things perfectly, but not to the point that you can’t use your own imagination to fill in what you prefer. For example, when she describes a hero, she can create him in your mind, but still leave it open enough for you to fill in the blanks with your preferences. Reading her books is like watching a movie in your mind. It’s a great vacation from reality for a few hours.
I recommend everyone reading this book if you are a fan of Romance, and a fan of Catherine… while it was not my favorite book of hers, it was still a great read, and I enjoyed it. Will read it again. And patiently waiting for the next in series.
I enjoyed the book, it was a good read, typical of all Catherine Anderson books. It contained all the essential Catherine Anderson elements… a past that need to be overcome, a strong hero, heartbreak, laughter, joy, and love.
I will try to give review without giving too much away from the book.
The heroine of the book, had a past that hurt her deeply, she was married to a man who was not a good person. A messy divorce and lost custody of her child. She is working to rebuild her life when he meets the hero.
The hero, Barney, whom we met in Silver Thaw (brother of the hero of that novel), is a small town deputy; with strong values. He was raised in a loving family.
At first, he was very reluctant to help the heroine when she asks, but his upbringing, and values win out, and he agrees to help her. During the process of helping her, they fall in love. He’s a real upstanding guy.
The Cons:
I cannot like their names, Taffy and Barney? This was really hard for me to get past. I would have liked to have him called by his last name, his first name made it really hard to get into the book.
The book seemed to take awhile to get started, it lacked a bit more of the suspense that Catherine’s books tend to have throughout the whole book. The book was a bit slower than most of her books.
The end seemed pretty rushed, the beginning of book was very slow, then the middle to end seemed rushed to get it all in before the story ended. I think the book could have been a lot longer, to add in more elements, but I also think making it longer would have made it a harder read.
The beginning was hard to get through, I thought it was pretty slow, and a lot of details explained that I thought could have been passed up.
The Pro’s:
While the book took a bit to get into the action, I liked how they were able to build a relationship, that it was not rushed as some other books. While making the story longer, it would have made it a hard read, I think the book is of good length.
The hero you can’t not fall in love with, he’s the typical Catherine Anderson hero we have all come to love.
The story line and plot were great, another typical of Catherine Anderson, she is a great author, her books can reach out and grasp your heart, and draw you in.
Was an easy read when the story got going, was very easy to finish.
I like that this book is in a series, but can also be a stand alone, you did not have to read the first to understand anything in this book. I do not like when books are so linked together you can’t read one without others. Her books makes it easy to go how you would like in whatever order you would like, which is a huge plus. While she gave updates on characters of previous books, she did not spend a lot of time focusing on them, as their story was already written. I do not like when a series makes it impossible to read whichever you want when you want. Hers are not like that, you can read them how you want, when you want.
This author can tell a story and take you away from reality to another world, and draw you in. When I grab one of her books, I just know it will be a great read. Once I start it, I have to finish it the same day. I read this book in 4 hours. She describes things perfectly, but not to the point that you can’t use your own imagination to fill in what you prefer. For example, when she describes a hero, she can create him in your mind, but still leave it open enough for you to fill in the blanks with your preferences. Reading her books is like watching a movie in your mind. It’s a great vacation from reality for a few hours.
I recommend everyone reading this book if you are a fan of Romance, and a fan of Catherine… while it was not my favorite book of hers, it was still a great read, and I enjoyed it. Will read it again. And patiently waiting for the next in series.
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