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Mystic Creek #3
Mulberry Moon
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.
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.
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 3, 2017
643 people are currently reading
1485 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Anderson
102 books2,959 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 237 reviews
February 9, 2017
Well it looks as though I am going to be one of the very few not as enamored of this book as all the others. I know that Ms Anderson writes some very sweet romances (I adored her book Blue Skies to the point that I've worn the backing away).
But this book just made the heroine Sissy into a very childlike (and for me unrealistic and nearly unlikable creature -come on? A Pack Rat???) and Ben into a 'prince charming'; again unrealistic outside of a Christian romance. I understand that Sissy was abused to some point (and you will find that point near the ending of the book), it was hinted at all though out the book. I also understand that Ben does not want to hook up to any woman that doesn't share his likes and dislikes. I found this to be unrealistic and a bit on the cruel side - he wanted his women to adore his animals; ALL of his animals as much as he did and he wouldn't settle for anyone who merely liked them - with him it was all or nothing. I do NOT like characters that give ultimatums -on either side. This is what I felt Ben to be doing with his other relationships.
This book felt to me as if it had been hurriedly written with a lot of thinking about sex and once you get to the act it was like a deflated balloon -disappointing. Don't get me wrong, I don't like or dislike sex in books- this just seemed to be especially poorly written and not engaging at all.
Had I read about Ben's chest just one more time - I would have tossed my Kindle out of the window.
*ARC supplied by publisher.
But this book just made the heroine Sissy into a very childlike (and for me unrealistic and nearly unlikable creature -come on? A Pack Rat???) and Ben into a 'prince charming'; again unrealistic outside of a Christian romance. I understand that Sissy was abused to some point (and you will find that point near the ending of the book), it was hinted at all though out the book. I also understand that Ben does not want to hook up to any woman that doesn't share his likes and dislikes. I found this to be unrealistic and a bit on the cruel side - he wanted his women to adore his animals; ALL of his animals as much as he did and he wouldn't settle for anyone who merely liked them - with him it was all or nothing. I do NOT like characters that give ultimatums -on either side. This is what I felt Ben to be doing with his other relationships.
This book felt to me as if it had been hurriedly written with a lot of thinking about sex and once you get to the act it was like a deflated balloon -disappointing. Don't get me wrong, I don't like or dislike sex in books- this just seemed to be especially poorly written and not engaging at all.
Had I read about Ben's chest just one more time - I would have tossed my Kindle out of the window.
*ARC supplied by publisher.
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February 5, 2017DNF
Nope, not holding my attention. At. All. Goodbye, chickens. I did like Finn, the dog.
Nope, not holding my attention. At. All. Goodbye, chickens. I did like Finn, the dog.
September 15, 2019
Sissy Bentley wants nothing more than to run a successful business and leave her impoverished past behind her. She is not in the market for a man; men only got friendly with her if they wanted something, usually one specific thing, and she learned a long time ago that she owed them nothing and needed nothing from them.
When Ben Sterling begins to frequent her cafe and shows interest in her, she gives him a shoulder so cold the furnace kicks in. But then her chickens escape, and she doesn’t have time to round them up, run the cafe, and build them a better coop. Ben offers his help, no strings attached—which she doesn’t believe for a minute. But unless she wants to lose her investment in the chickens or disappoint her clientele, she has no choice but to accept his help.
As crises continue to arise, she comes to rely on Ben’s support…and waits for the other shoe to drop. Because there is no way he wants only for which he asks—her love.
When I finished the book, I had the impression that I liked it. I liked the characters. I liked the simple (if unoriginal) plot. I liked the unusual and interesting events that carried me through the rising action and conflict. But I’m looking through my notes now (I take book reviews very seriously), and I see that I noted over a dozen cons. Anderson is a favorite, so it breaks my heart, but I really believe she can do better.
SPOILERS
I had problems with several elements of the story, big and microscopic. Some smaller things that had me shaking my head were:
I cannot believe the first line of this romance novel was, “With the taste of tacos lingering in his mouth, Ben…” I love tacos. I’m familiar with the taste that lingers. I usually have to brush my teeth and gargle Listerine to get rid of it, for it is not sexy, endearing, or exciting. That is not how I wanted to meet my hero. All that needed to be said was that he was leaving the Mexican restaurant, having eaten dinner there because he wasn’t comfortable going to Sissy’s cafe, no matter how much he would have preferred that.
Sissy was running her cafe all by herself. Like waiting, cooking, bussing, prepping, cleaning, bookkeeping—everything, all on her own. I guess it’s possible, if there were only half a dozen tables, but there had to have been more than a dozen, and in no way could she have been successful in real life. Or if she’d managed to do it all, she’d have quickly made herself ill from simple exhaustion, and then she definitely would have gone under. I didn’t buy it, but the situation was addressed in the story, so I made peace with it.
Sissy appreciated her customers having the initiative to go behind the counter to get what they needed. If she knew them well and trusted them, fine. Otherwise, most restaurant owners would prefer customers let the servers do their jobs. That’s part of the point of eating out—not having to make any effort. If she was too busy to see to her customers’ needs, that’s her own fault for trying to run the place herself, and she deserves for her customers to be disgruntled.
When Sissy started doing Ben’s books, I entirely expected her to figure out how much he’d spent building the coop and doing everything else for her. It was sort-of-not-really addressed at a point where I was supposed to believe she’d fallen in love with him enough that it didn’t matter to her. But she paid a fraction of what she would have if it hadn’t been Ben doing it all for her, and I believe it was in character for Sissy to freak out no matter how horny she was. But it never happened.
When they shared their first kiss, Ben knew she was nervous about it, so when she asked him to kiss her, he said it would probably be better if she initiated it. Then he says immediately after, “It doesn’t matter who takes the initiative, just as long as it happens.” I’m sorry, what? How does that make any sense? (Hint: It doesn’t.)
I’m amazed that Sissy, who was purported to be a fabulous cook on a budget, never made homemade Snickers bars instead of buying them. She could have saved some money, cut them as small as she wanted, and frozen the excess for herself if she didn’t want to serve them in the cafe. I LOVE Snickers, but I love the ones I make with my grandma the most.
The phone conversation between Sissy and Ben after they cat burgled was cheesy as HELL. I not only cringed, I laughed, too.
Onto the bigger issues.
Everyone was so damn nice. This book would not have worked, period, if everyone hadn’t been so cordial and accepting. I mean, the villain acted as befits a villain, naturally. Also, there were moments of negative emotion, but they were so mild as to almost be insincere, and I didn’t take them seriously. Everyone was friends, everyone got along, everyone loved Sissy and Ben, loved one another. All of their dispositions were sunny, and they all were unbelievably charitable. It was nice to imagine and heart-warming at face value, but it finally pissed me off at one particular point—the rat.
All right, it was cute at first when Sissy bonded with it. I’m sure there are people out there who find rats lovable (coughRonWeasleycough), and I’m sure some rodents make wonderful pets (Mickey Mouse doesn’t count). I didn’t particularly have a problem with her wanting to keep it as a pet, against all sage advice (including that of a veterinarian). If she was so desperately lonely that she wanted to risk her health, doom the health of the rat, and likely lose her business if it was discovered by the wrong people, that was her right to be stupid. But it fell far, far down the cliff of responsibility when Ben found the nest, as well as a whole rat family, and did nothing about it.
To his credit, he would have killed the beast if it had been left to him. To his credit, he did inform the lady who owned the property where he found the nest, but she feigned ignorance because she didn’t want to upset Sissy by having them all killed. (So damn nice.) Also to Ben’s credit, he warned the other shop owners—yes, this was in town—that pack rats had been seen and to take precautions. But even knowing how dangerous wild rodents could be; even after the pack rat had indirectly broken Sissy’s leg; even knowing pack rats tended to steal shiny things, which could happen to be very expensive items such as jewelry—or an expensive key fob, Ben!—despite all of those factors, no one had the balls to call the fricken exterminator. Some might call that criminal negligence. Snickers was not worth saving.
Also, there were times when the characters would overly explain, either in external or internal dialogue, their reasons for doing things, usually things that were controversial. It was as if Anderson was terrified of offending anyone and wanted to make the characters’ decisions (and therefore hers) seem completely reasonable and politically correct. … But that’s what makes characters remarkable—when they have qualities that make them unique, flaws that the audience can relate to. Happily-ever-after is a foregone conclusion, but that doesn’t mean everything has to work out perfectly.
But of all my nitpicks, I hated this the most.
So Sissy snaps her right tibia in two. It’s noted several times how painful the injury was. Now get this—as soon as Ben gets her home from the hospital, all she can think about is sex. She BEGS him to sleep with her.
What the beeeeep—
I’m not kidding. Now, I’ve never broken a bone, but I have had surgery a few times and been pretty sick. If I were Sissy, I, personally, would have had sex so far from my mind I would probably forget what it was. All I’d want to do is take my happy syrup and sleep, or if I couldn’t sleep, do something mindless, like watch TV, or read if I could concentrate that much. I wouldn’t have felt at all attractive until I was able to shower properly again. But not Sissy! She was so horny, not twenty-four hours after getting home from the hospital, that she was willing to be strapped down to the bed so she wouldn’t move while he screwed her. Bull. Shit. What’s worse—he almost did it! He, the guy who did everything he could for her, was so desperately horny that he considered being that reckless just to get off. (And actually, he suggested the strap, like he was doing her a favor.)
Even, even, if they’d managed to keep her injured leg still, that didn’t mean the movement of the rest of her body—or the bed—or him—wouldn’t jostle it and do further damage—which she wouldn’t feel until the happy juice had worn off. Oh, boy, she’d feel it then. And if that wasn’t crazy enough, Sissy was a virgin. Granted, few first times are any good, but with a freshly broken leg? Did she LIKE doing things the hard way? I think I was supposed to find the whole thing romantic and funny, but all I could think was, “Jesus Christ, do not do it. I beg you, do not have sex or I will hide this book in a box in a dark corner under the stairs and never speak of it again.” They didn’t, thank God, or Sissy would have been right to think crazy ran in her family. (If you’re going to pay for a doctor’s advice, you should probably listen to them. They know a few things.)
Well, with all that, I think I’ve provided sufficient character sketches. I have to say, though, I did like Sissy, Ben, Finn the Australian shepherd, the other critters, all the cafe regulars, all the Sterlings, etc. They were good people, and I wish people did have such friendly, generous dispositions. The world would be such a better place. Maybe. I especially liked the vet, Jack Palmer, as well as Drake Mullin, the pharmacist. I’d love to see them get together with the Sterling girls (if they’re legal; I can’t remember how old the girls are). I vote those stories next.
All right, wrapping up with writing and style. I noticed a few typos, which is to be expected. One really threw me, though—when Ben said, and I quote, “I really grateful your help.” I’m guessing during editing or print “I really appreciate your help” got crossed with “I’m really grateful for your help.” No big deal. Gave me a giggle.
What is a big deal is that the story has very little energy. It’s fun and just interesting enough to keep my attention (at first, anyway), but while Sissy and Ben’s relationship progresses at a relatively realistic pace, the story trudges a bit. It’s like driving through a snow storm that hasn’t risen to blizzard conditions yet—you can see well enough and aren’t afraid of losing control, but though you keep a steady pace, it seems to take forever to reach your destination. The first half, maybe even the first two-thirds, were fine—but then Sissy breaks her leg and it all kind of goes to pot. I swear most of my notes (the cons) were picked out of the second half.
That said, the book was several chapters longer than it needed to be. The chunk between Sissy getting to the ER and Ben learning to run the cafe could have been significantly trimmed and slimmed with some concentrated revision. We didn’t need to see Ben’s interactions in the hospital, nor did we need to witness every minute of him nursing Sissy the first few days. The things that might have wrongly convinced Anderson and the editors those parts were necessary are the lust between the two and Sissy’s telling him about her past. The former was just…no (see above), and I’d have appreciated the latter more if Sissy had said it when she was sober. That whole section could have been summed up in a few paragraphs of exposition, and I think the story would have been stronger.
Overall, if you’re not nearly as picky or critical as I am and can enjoy fiction for what it is, I promise you’ll enjoy this book. :)
noapologybookreviews.com
keeneyeediting.com
When Ben Sterling begins to frequent her cafe and shows interest in her, she gives him a shoulder so cold the furnace kicks in. But then her chickens escape, and she doesn’t have time to round them up, run the cafe, and build them a better coop. Ben offers his help, no strings attached—which she doesn’t believe for a minute. But unless she wants to lose her investment in the chickens or disappoint her clientele, she has no choice but to accept his help.
As crises continue to arise, she comes to rely on Ben’s support…and waits for the other shoe to drop. Because there is no way he wants only for which he asks—her love.
When I finished the book, I had the impression that I liked it. I liked the characters. I liked the simple (if unoriginal) plot. I liked the unusual and interesting events that carried me through the rising action and conflict. But I’m looking through my notes now (I take book reviews very seriously), and I see that I noted over a dozen cons. Anderson is a favorite, so it breaks my heart, but I really believe she can do better.
SPOILERS
I had problems with several elements of the story, big and microscopic. Some smaller things that had me shaking my head were:
I cannot believe the first line of this romance novel was, “With the taste of tacos lingering in his mouth, Ben…” I love tacos. I’m familiar with the taste that lingers. I usually have to brush my teeth and gargle Listerine to get rid of it, for it is not sexy, endearing, or exciting. That is not how I wanted to meet my hero. All that needed to be said was that he was leaving the Mexican restaurant, having eaten dinner there because he wasn’t comfortable going to Sissy’s cafe, no matter how much he would have preferred that.
Sissy was running her cafe all by herself. Like waiting, cooking, bussing, prepping, cleaning, bookkeeping—everything, all on her own. I guess it’s possible, if there were only half a dozen tables, but there had to have been more than a dozen, and in no way could she have been successful in real life. Or if she’d managed to do it all, she’d have quickly made herself ill from simple exhaustion, and then she definitely would have gone under. I didn’t buy it, but the situation was addressed in the story, so I made peace with it.
Sissy appreciated her customers having the initiative to go behind the counter to get what they needed. If she knew them well and trusted them, fine. Otherwise, most restaurant owners would prefer customers let the servers do their jobs. That’s part of the point of eating out—not having to make any effort. If she was too busy to see to her customers’ needs, that’s her own fault for trying to run the place herself, and she deserves for her customers to be disgruntled.
When Sissy started doing Ben’s books, I entirely expected her to figure out how much he’d spent building the coop and doing everything else for her. It was sort-of-not-really addressed at a point where I was supposed to believe she’d fallen in love with him enough that it didn’t matter to her. But she paid a fraction of what she would have if it hadn’t been Ben doing it all for her, and I believe it was in character for Sissy to freak out no matter how horny she was. But it never happened.
When they shared their first kiss, Ben knew she was nervous about it, so when she asked him to kiss her, he said it would probably be better if she initiated it. Then he says immediately after, “It doesn’t matter who takes the initiative, just as long as it happens.” I’m sorry, what? How does that make any sense? (Hint: It doesn’t.)
I’m amazed that Sissy, who was purported to be a fabulous cook on a budget, never made homemade Snickers bars instead of buying them. She could have saved some money, cut them as small as she wanted, and frozen the excess for herself if she didn’t want to serve them in the cafe. I LOVE Snickers, but I love the ones I make with my grandma the most.
The phone conversation between Sissy and Ben after they cat burgled was cheesy as HELL. I not only cringed, I laughed, too.
Onto the bigger issues.
Everyone was so damn nice. This book would not have worked, period, if everyone hadn’t been so cordial and accepting. I mean, the villain acted as befits a villain, naturally. Also, there were moments of negative emotion, but they were so mild as to almost be insincere, and I didn’t take them seriously. Everyone was friends, everyone got along, everyone loved Sissy and Ben, loved one another. All of their dispositions were sunny, and they all were unbelievably charitable. It was nice to imagine and heart-warming at face value, but it finally pissed me off at one particular point—the rat.
All right, it was cute at first when Sissy bonded with it. I’m sure there are people out there who find rats lovable (coughRonWeasleycough), and I’m sure some rodents make wonderful pets (Mickey Mouse doesn’t count). I didn’t particularly have a problem with her wanting to keep it as a pet, against all sage advice (including that of a veterinarian). If she was so desperately lonely that she wanted to risk her health, doom the health of the rat, and likely lose her business if it was discovered by the wrong people, that was her right to be stupid. But it fell far, far down the cliff of responsibility when Ben found the nest, as well as a whole rat family, and did nothing about it.
To his credit, he would have killed the beast if it had been left to him. To his credit, he did inform the lady who owned the property where he found the nest, but she feigned ignorance because she didn’t want to upset Sissy by having them all killed. (So damn nice.) Also to Ben’s credit, he warned the other shop owners—yes, this was in town—that pack rats had been seen and to take precautions. But even knowing how dangerous wild rodents could be; even after the pack rat had indirectly broken Sissy’s leg; even knowing pack rats tended to steal shiny things, which could happen to be very expensive items such as jewelry—or an expensive key fob, Ben!—despite all of those factors, no one had the balls to call the fricken exterminator. Some might call that criminal negligence. Snickers was not worth saving.
Also, there were times when the characters would overly explain, either in external or internal dialogue, their reasons for doing things, usually things that were controversial. It was as if Anderson was terrified of offending anyone and wanted to make the characters’ decisions (and therefore hers) seem completely reasonable and politically correct. … But that’s what makes characters remarkable—when they have qualities that make them unique, flaws that the audience can relate to. Happily-ever-after is a foregone conclusion, but that doesn’t mean everything has to work out perfectly.
But of all my nitpicks, I hated this the most.
So Sissy snaps her right tibia in two. It’s noted several times how painful the injury was. Now get this—as soon as Ben gets her home from the hospital, all she can think about is sex. She BEGS him to sleep with her.
What the beeeeep—
I’m not kidding. Now, I’ve never broken a bone, but I have had surgery a few times and been pretty sick. If I were Sissy, I, personally, would have had sex so far from my mind I would probably forget what it was. All I’d want to do is take my happy syrup and sleep, or if I couldn’t sleep, do something mindless, like watch TV, or read if I could concentrate that much. I wouldn’t have felt at all attractive until I was able to shower properly again. But not Sissy! She was so horny, not twenty-four hours after getting home from the hospital, that she was willing to be strapped down to the bed so she wouldn’t move while he screwed her. Bull. Shit. What’s worse—he almost did it! He, the guy who did everything he could for her, was so desperately horny that he considered being that reckless just to get off. (And actually, he suggested the strap, like he was doing her a favor.)
Even, even, if they’d managed to keep her injured leg still, that didn’t mean the movement of the rest of her body—or the bed—or him—wouldn’t jostle it and do further damage—which she wouldn’t feel until the happy juice had worn off. Oh, boy, she’d feel it then. And if that wasn’t crazy enough, Sissy was a virgin. Granted, few first times are any good, but with a freshly broken leg? Did she LIKE doing things the hard way? I think I was supposed to find the whole thing romantic and funny, but all I could think was, “Jesus Christ, do not do it. I beg you, do not have sex or I will hide this book in a box in a dark corner under the stairs and never speak of it again.” They didn’t, thank God, or Sissy would have been right to think crazy ran in her family. (If you’re going to pay for a doctor’s advice, you should probably listen to them. They know a few things.)
Well, with all that, I think I’ve provided sufficient character sketches. I have to say, though, I did like Sissy, Ben, Finn the Australian shepherd, the other critters, all the cafe regulars, all the Sterlings, etc. They were good people, and I wish people did have such friendly, generous dispositions. The world would be such a better place. Maybe. I especially liked the vet, Jack Palmer, as well as Drake Mullin, the pharmacist. I’d love to see them get together with the Sterling girls (if they’re legal; I can’t remember how old the girls are). I vote those stories next.
All right, wrapping up with writing and style. I noticed a few typos, which is to be expected. One really threw me, though—when Ben said, and I quote, “I really grateful your help.” I’m guessing during editing or print “I really appreciate your help” got crossed with “I’m really grateful for your help.” No big deal. Gave me a giggle.
What is a big deal is that the story has very little energy. It’s fun and just interesting enough to keep my attention (at first, anyway), but while Sissy and Ben’s relationship progresses at a relatively realistic pace, the story trudges a bit. It’s like driving through a snow storm that hasn’t risen to blizzard conditions yet—you can see well enough and aren’t afraid of losing control, but though you keep a steady pace, it seems to take forever to reach your destination. The first half, maybe even the first two-thirds, were fine—but then Sissy breaks her leg and it all kind of goes to pot. I swear most of my notes (the cons) were picked out of the second half.
That said, the book was several chapters longer than it needed to be. The chunk between Sissy getting to the ER and Ben learning to run the cafe could have been significantly trimmed and slimmed with some concentrated revision. We didn’t need to see Ben’s interactions in the hospital, nor did we need to witness every minute of him nursing Sissy the first few days. The things that might have wrongly convinced Anderson and the editors those parts were necessary are the lust between the two and Sissy’s telling him about her past. The former was just…no (see above), and I’d have appreciated the latter more if Sissy had said it when she was sober. That whole section could have been summed up in a few paragraphs of exposition, and I think the story would have been stronger.
Overall, if you’re not nearly as picky or critical as I am and can enjoy fiction for what it is, I promise you’ll enjoy this book. :)
noapologybookreviews.com
keeneyeediting.com
October 31, 2018
I've broken my heart, laughed, and swooned with the Sterling family as they each find love in a small Oregon town full of quirky characters and big hearts. But, I missed one of the books and finally had the chance to go back for it thanks to the library purchasing it at my request. While I still enjoyed all the things I've come to love about the Sterlings and Mystic Creek, this will not be a favorite book in the series.
Mulberry Moon is third in the Mystic Creek series. Like the others, it is connected to the rest of the series, but would read just fine as standalone or out of order.
Ben Sterling is back home from his rodeo days and ready to settle down. He wants a home and family and love just like his brothers have recently found. Only, Ben doesn't fall for an easy lady who's full of light and laughter. No, his heart yearns for the frosty 'back off' woman who wants nothing to do with him and makes that icily clear. Until, her desperation for help with her business gives him the break he needs. Sissy's had one tough row to hoe and bad men are at the heart of it. She wants nothing to do with the other half of the race and only wants to focus on her restaurant. Ben's kindness is too good to be real, right?
Hmmm, I feel like I'm kicking a puppy when I say this, but I couldn't stand the heroine and it dragged the story down for me. I feel guilty because she's been abused and that is the center of her issues. However, here's the thing, I get it, but her words and behavior over and over and over went well past mistrust and pain. And, her one-woman restaurant act was not realistic. There is just no way. A bakery or a takeout place... maybe, but a restaurant, cafe or diner is not a one man show even if the hours were shortened which they weren't. And, her response to Ben went beyond telling someone 'no'. She was mean and unkind and refused to respond when Ben was generous and good to her- saved her livelihood over and over with no gain other than to get her to like him. I got it at first and accepted it, but she carried that stuff on waaaay too long.
That leads me to say that this story felt unbalanced. Because Sissy carried on her behavior that long and Ben never missed a step and was almost too perfect in the face of all that, this romance didn't work for me. They weren't equals and honestly, I saw nothing that would have drawn him to her other than the challenge. And, I saw nothing to keep him going past common decency to a neighbor in trouble. She gave him nothing and it just made him into some saint after a while. Now, yes, I've got a hair up my nose and it wasn't quite that black and white, but close.
The end it was a bit better when she thawed, but by then I had read lots of pages and it was nearly too late. I was happy for Ben to have succeeded and glad for her that her past was put to rest and she could heal, but it felt too late in coming to have me really on board. So, I'm glad I got to fill in the missing story in the series for me, but sad I couldn't like it as much as others in the series.
Mulberry Moon is third in the Mystic Creek series. Like the others, it is connected to the rest of the series, but would read just fine as standalone or out of order.
Ben Sterling is back home from his rodeo days and ready to settle down. He wants a home and family and love just like his brothers have recently found. Only, Ben doesn't fall for an easy lady who's full of light and laughter. No, his heart yearns for the frosty 'back off' woman who wants nothing to do with him and makes that icily clear. Until, her desperation for help with her business gives him the break he needs. Sissy's had one tough row to hoe and bad men are at the heart of it. She wants nothing to do with the other half of the race and only wants to focus on her restaurant. Ben's kindness is too good to be real, right?
Hmmm, I feel like I'm kicking a puppy when I say this, but I couldn't stand the heroine and it dragged the story down for me. I feel guilty because she's been abused and that is the center of her issues. However, here's the thing, I get it, but her words and behavior over and over and over went well past mistrust and pain. And, her one-woman restaurant act was not realistic. There is just no way. A bakery or a takeout place... maybe, but a restaurant, cafe or diner is not a one man show even if the hours were shortened which they weren't. And, her response to Ben went beyond telling someone 'no'. She was mean and unkind and refused to respond when Ben was generous and good to her- saved her livelihood over and over with no gain other than to get her to like him. I got it at first and accepted it, but she carried that stuff on waaaay too long.
That leads me to say that this story felt unbalanced. Because Sissy carried on her behavior that long and Ben never missed a step and was almost too perfect in the face of all that, this romance didn't work for me. They weren't equals and honestly, I saw nothing that would have drawn him to her other than the challenge. And, I saw nothing to keep him going past common decency to a neighbor in trouble. She gave him nothing and it just made him into some saint after a while. Now, yes, I've got a hair up my nose and it wasn't quite that black and white, but close.
The end it was a bit better when she thawed, but by then I had read lots of pages and it was nearly too late. I was happy for Ben to have succeeded and glad for her that her past was put to rest and she could heal, but it felt too late in coming to have me really on board. So, I'm glad I got to fill in the missing story in the series for me, but sad I couldn't like it as much as others in the series.
December 30, 2016
Mulberry Moon (Mystic Creek #3) by Catherine Anderson
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.
I had a hard time deciding between three or four stars which frustrates me because I was anticipating this installment so much.
However it was mostly a character flaw that prevented me from voting it up to four.
Sissy lived up to her name too often too much. Sissy was ridiculous, Sissy was childish, unstable, insecure and more. That kind of personality doesn't mesh well with what I look for in a female lead in a story like this. At the same time I really liked Ben.
Yet I wanted to shake him and tell him to drop Sissy but he was king and kept with it - which is admirable considering how determined he is.
There was plenty of good interactions and funny scenes that made me laugh I just didn't care for Sissy as a person, I didn't like Sissy and Ben as a couple and that bogged down how I felt about this book.
Catherine Anderson
This title will be available January 3rd 2016!
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews has a QR code for your phone!
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from followers!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
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.
I had a hard time deciding between three or four stars which frustrates me because I was anticipating this installment so much.
However it was mostly a character flaw that prevented me from voting it up to four.
Sissy lived up to her name too often too much. Sissy was ridiculous, Sissy was childish, unstable, insecure and more. That kind of personality doesn't mesh well with what I look for in a female lead in a story like this. At the same time I really liked Ben.
Yet I wanted to shake him and tell him to drop Sissy but he was king and kept with it - which is admirable considering how determined he is.
There was plenty of good interactions and funny scenes that made me laugh I just didn't care for Sissy as a person, I didn't like Sissy and Ben as a couple and that bogged down how I felt about this book.
Catherine Anderson
This title will be available January 3rd 2016!
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews has a QR code for your phone!
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from followers!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
February 22, 2017
review originally posted on http://www.joyfullyreviewed.net/revie...
April 11, 2017
This is the third book in the Mystic Creek series, but the first one that I read. I had no problem following the story and this book can easily be read as a standalone.
Sissy Bentley has moved to Mystic Creek to run the diner left to her by her Aunt Mabel. She has a questionable past and does not want to get involved with men, any man! Her childhood was extremely dysfunctional and as a result, she finds it hard to trust anyone. Ben Sterling, born and raised in Mystic is well to do, has a good education and is ready to settle down. The problem is that he has not found the right woman, that is, until he met Sissy. She is everything he wants in a woman. Sissy treats Ben cordially, but that is it, she does not want his attention beyond being a customer in her diner. Ben goes out of his way to help her, she remains quite distrustful of his motives for his assistance. She tries to dislike him, but he keeps getting in her way, helping her out, being kind to her and she finds herself starting to care for him. She can't let that happen. There is a lot of fun in this story, chasing chickens, building a coop and run, and the mysterious intruder??? Ben has the patience of a saint as Sissy continues to waffle about their relationship. Just when he thinks he is making progress, up goes the wall. Through all this, Ben is a perfect gentleman, kind and respectful, never giving up. The story took a very serious twist when it came time to deal with Sissy's realistic baggage. This was the one part that seemed just a little over the top. It is hard to believe anyone could have had that much bad luck and mistreatment over the years. Sissy's hard luck continues for the most of the novel. Sissy just cannot seem to catch a break, from runaway chickens, to lice killing her chickens, to a ghost or something stealing from her to a broken leg, it keeps coming. When Sissy is finally willing to take a chance with Ben, her past comes back to haunt her. Can their love survive?
Catherine Anderson does a great job of developing her characters. We get to know them and their motivation as we read this book, and I couldn't help but root for their relationship. Even though Sissy has this terrible past to deal with, she is a decent, kind and caring person. This is a character driven story that is an easy read. The book kept me turning the pages until I finished. I recommend this book to romance lovers, as well as those who love the West and the stories that go with it.
Sissy Bentley has moved to Mystic Creek to run the diner left to her by her Aunt Mabel. She has a questionable past and does not want to get involved with men, any man! Her childhood was extremely dysfunctional and as a result, she finds it hard to trust anyone. Ben Sterling, born and raised in Mystic is well to do, has a good education and is ready to settle down. The problem is that he has not found the right woman, that is, until he met Sissy. She is everything he wants in a woman. Sissy treats Ben cordially, but that is it, she does not want his attention beyond being a customer in her diner. Ben goes out of his way to help her, she remains quite distrustful of his motives for his assistance. She tries to dislike him, but he keeps getting in her way, helping her out, being kind to her and she finds herself starting to care for him. She can't let that happen. There is a lot of fun in this story, chasing chickens, building a coop and run, and the mysterious intruder??? Ben has the patience of a saint as Sissy continues to waffle about their relationship. Just when he thinks he is making progress, up goes the wall. Through all this, Ben is a perfect gentleman, kind and respectful, never giving up. The story took a very serious twist when it came time to deal with Sissy's realistic baggage. This was the one part that seemed just a little over the top. It is hard to believe anyone could have had that much bad luck and mistreatment over the years. Sissy's hard luck continues for the most of the novel. Sissy just cannot seem to catch a break, from runaway chickens, to lice killing her chickens, to a ghost or something stealing from her to a broken leg, it keeps coming. When Sissy is finally willing to take a chance with Ben, her past comes back to haunt her. Can their love survive?
Catherine Anderson does a great job of developing her characters. We get to know them and their motivation as we read this book, and I couldn't help but root for their relationship. Even though Sissy has this terrible past to deal with, she is a decent, kind and caring person. This is a character driven story that is an easy read. The book kept me turning the pages until I finished. I recommend this book to romance lovers, as well as those who love the West and the stories that go with it.
November 21, 2018
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
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
February 4, 2017
Mulberry Moon was another very enjoyable read from Catherine Anderson. Her small town story, filled with family and supportive towns people, animals and drama, all add up to a very good read. I love the cover of this book and the Indian saying that goes with the mulberry moon.
Ben Sterling is the hero of the story and like all other Catherine Anderson heroes, a fine man with values and respect for himself and others. And with a mother that always expects the best of her sons! He turns his hand to helping Sissy who has overloaded herself with chickens and really doesn't have too much idea about how to care for them. The chicken part of the story is a lot of fun and well actually... very informative. As well Ben has a very trusty puppy named Finnegan who is downright adorable.
On the other hand Sissy is without family and setting up a business single handedly in Mystic Creek. She has guts and determination and is beginning to make a success of her small cafe. The people in town like her and are beginning to watch out for her. Her family background is the opposite of Ben's one. She had the bad luck of an abusive father and a battered, abused mother. Escaping there clutches was the best thing Sissy ever did.
It doesn't take long for Ben to become smitten with Sissy, however although she likes him her background means she is not going to trust easily. But Ben has a plan - wait her out and don't crowd her.
There is plenty of action in the story, it is well paced, peppered with extremely delightful animals and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ben Sterling is the hero of the story and like all other Catherine Anderson heroes, a fine man with values and respect for himself and others. And with a mother that always expects the best of her sons! He turns his hand to helping Sissy who has overloaded herself with chickens and really doesn't have too much idea about how to care for them. The chicken part of the story is a lot of fun and well actually... very informative. As well Ben has a very trusty puppy named Finnegan who is downright adorable.
On the other hand Sissy is without family and setting up a business single handedly in Mystic Creek. She has guts and determination and is beginning to make a success of her small cafe. The people in town like her and are beginning to watch out for her. Her family background is the opposite of Ben's one. She had the bad luck of an abusive father and a battered, abused mother. Escaping there clutches was the best thing Sissy ever did.
It doesn't take long for Ben to become smitten with Sissy, however although she likes him her background means she is not going to trust easily. But Ben has a plan - wait her out and don't crowd her.
There is plenty of action in the story, it is well paced, peppered with extremely delightful animals and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 2, 2017
I had a like/dislike relationship with this book. I really enjoyed the people of small-town Mystic Creek. I also love how everyone is always helping everyone else and in everyone's business. It's a loving and welcoming town and there are plenty of interesting characters.
What really bugged me about the book was Sissy and Ben. Their relationship was not balanced. Sissy has completely sworn off men and refused to give an ounce of kindness to Ben, even when he helped her out. She's very judgmental and I didn't like her character at all. Ben was too good for her, not the other way around.
I really liked Ben. He is genuine, warm and so nice. He tried to win Sissy over but she fought him the whole way. He must have REALLY loved her to put up with all the stuff she threw at him. That's where the imbalance comes in. Sissy went way overboard in her attempts to push Ben away. And Ben was too nice and understanding when it came to Sissy's actions. I think if Sissy's behavior was dialed back a bit and Ben wasn't so hell bent on his pursuit, I think the story would have been more likable.
***I voluntarily read a paperback ARC in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
What really bugged me about the book was Sissy and Ben. Their relationship was not balanced. Sissy has completely sworn off men and refused to give an ounce of kindness to Ben, even when he helped her out. She's very judgmental and I didn't like her character at all. Ben was too good for her, not the other way around.
I really liked Ben. He is genuine, warm and so nice. He tried to win Sissy over but she fought him the whole way. He must have REALLY loved her to put up with all the stuff she threw at him. That's where the imbalance comes in. Sissy went way overboard in her attempts to push Ben away. And Ben was too nice and understanding when it came to Sissy's actions. I think if Sissy's behavior was dialed back a bit and Ben wasn't so hell bent on his pursuit, I think the story would have been more likable.
***I voluntarily read a paperback ARC in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
March 17, 2017
I liked the beginning but towards the middle it just went downhill. Sissy was scared when Finn the dog was in her restaurant because of health reasons but when she "captures" the packrat all of that flew out the door. I mean really?
Then when Sissy decides to "steal" the kitten that was the last straw. Like no one will know that it was her. It was obvious that Sissy was the culprit. I couldn't finish the book because she just suddenly became all sassy and whiny.
Then when Sissy decides to "steal" the kitten that was the last straw. Like no one will know that it was her. It was obvious that Sissy was the culprit. I couldn't finish the book because she just suddenly became all sassy and whiny.
January 5, 2017
Not the best one of hers that I have read. Thought it went on too long. It is light reading and passes the time. Hope her next one is better.
November 20, 2016
The opening scene from Mulberry Moon is the funny and unique and drew me in immediately.
Ben reluctantly comes to Sissy’s assistance because even though she’s been very unwelcoming to him he’s too nice a guy not to help. He offers to build a much better chicken coop which gives him a chance to spend time with Sissy who he’s wanted to get to know since she first came to town.
Ben is the most persistent and patient man ever. He’s been lucky enough to have grown up in a solid, happy family and to have had enough career success to buy his own ranch. He’s considerate, romantic, kind and a strong man. At a fairly young age, he’s got everything he wants in life except a family of his own. He thinks Sissy might be the one to be his life partner.
Sissy’s life has been the opposite. She’s been treated horribly by her own parents, has never known true love and support and was preyed upon by more than one man. All this has caused her to build huge, fortified walls around herself. She trusts no one, especially men who show interest in her. She’s incredibly lucky to have inherited a café from an aunt she’d never met and start a new life. She, however, has no interest in meeting that perfect someone.
It is refreshing that instead of falling in love immediately these two spend a very long time getting to know each other. Through a series of problems from almost comical to slightly sad to petty crime and outright life threatening, Ben is there for Sissy. He doesn’t get discouraged that she won’t let him in and instead his feelings continue to grow the more time he spends with her. He’s her rock and partner in crime before she’s even accepted him as such.
Though the book is very well written and moved at a good pace, I personally didn’t have Ben’s patience with Sissy. I kept thinking only a fictional man would be as kind, calm and patient dealing with her. Most would have walked away after giving so much and being shut out.
Ben’s patience pays off and Sissy finally realizes she can trust him and is falling for him. Just as Sissy is getting comfortable enough to pursue a physical relationship, she breaks her leg and the two spend a couple of weeks exploring their attraction without actually sleeping together. The sexual tension really builds until she’s healed enough to finally make love with Ben.
Even after she realizes how deeply she loves Ben, Sissy still tries to push him away “to protect him”. Ben may be patient but he’s not a pushover and he takes a strong stand forcing Sissy to wake up and finally commit completely.
Mulberry Moon is full of interesting and unique situations, colorful characters, intense suspense and heartwarming people. Sissy not only gets the guy, she gets an extended family and an entire community and becomes the woman who can lovingly embrace them. Anderson spends so much time developing Ben and Sissy’s relationship that there’s no question they’ll have a fabulous, long life together. I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat and I cheered.
Ben reluctantly comes to Sissy’s assistance because even though she’s been very unwelcoming to him he’s too nice a guy not to help. He offers to build a much better chicken coop which gives him a chance to spend time with Sissy who he’s wanted to get to know since she first came to town.
Ben is the most persistent and patient man ever. He’s been lucky enough to have grown up in a solid, happy family and to have had enough career success to buy his own ranch. He’s considerate, romantic, kind and a strong man. At a fairly young age, he’s got everything he wants in life except a family of his own. He thinks Sissy might be the one to be his life partner.
Sissy’s life has been the opposite. She’s been treated horribly by her own parents, has never known true love and support and was preyed upon by more than one man. All this has caused her to build huge, fortified walls around herself. She trusts no one, especially men who show interest in her. She’s incredibly lucky to have inherited a café from an aunt she’d never met and start a new life. She, however, has no interest in meeting that perfect someone.
It is refreshing that instead of falling in love immediately these two spend a very long time getting to know each other. Through a series of problems from almost comical to slightly sad to petty crime and outright life threatening, Ben is there for Sissy. He doesn’t get discouraged that she won’t let him in and instead his feelings continue to grow the more time he spends with her. He’s her rock and partner in crime before she’s even accepted him as such.
Though the book is very well written and moved at a good pace, I personally didn’t have Ben’s patience with Sissy. I kept thinking only a fictional man would be as kind, calm and patient dealing with her. Most would have walked away after giving so much and being shut out.
Ben’s patience pays off and Sissy finally realizes she can trust him and is falling for him. Just as Sissy is getting comfortable enough to pursue a physical relationship, she breaks her leg and the two spend a couple of weeks exploring their attraction without actually sleeping together. The sexual tension really builds until she’s healed enough to finally make love with Ben.
Even after she realizes how deeply she loves Ben, Sissy still tries to push him away “to protect him”. Ben may be patient but he’s not a pushover and he takes a strong stand forcing Sissy to wake up and finally commit completely.
Mulberry Moon is full of interesting and unique situations, colorful characters, intense suspense and heartwarming people. Sissy not only gets the guy, she gets an extended family and an entire community and becomes the woman who can lovingly embrace them. Anderson spends so much time developing Ben and Sissy’s relationship that there’s no question they’ll have a fabulous, long life together. I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat and I cheered.
March 11, 2017
Sweet, funny with all the feels…
If you are in the mood for sweet, funny, steamy, and the occasional zing to your heart, then you will love Sissy Sue and Ben’s story. This is the third in the Mystic Creek series and I was looking forward to another un-dark read full of love and family – and that is exactly what I got!
“There were worst fates than being loved by a dog.”
Sissy Sue (I love that name) has put everything she has, and is, into making a success of her small town café. It’s a new venture though and she is working more hours than she should. She has no time for herself let alone love - not that she believes in it anyway. Ben wants to change all that as Sissy Sue may be just the woman he has always dreamed about….
“They say that any man and woman who stand together under a mulberry moon are destined to fall in love and live happily ever after.”
This book seemed to be separated into two very distinct halves. The first half of this book was hilarious. I mean, drop the book, belly laugh; hold your sides funny. There was livestock galore and one animal caper after another as Sissy Sue and Ben butted heads and hearts from their first antagonistic meeting. Sissy Sue’s chip on her shoulder was the size of a skyscraper but Ben’s gentle, warm ways were going to wear it down, slowly…
And then, the second half of the book found the two in a different place. Not so at loggerheads, more ready to be a couple but something felt off. Was it the abrupt shift from frenemies to ‘can’t keep my hands off you’ lovers? I can’t put my finger on it but their story turned and I don’t know if I caught up with them…
Saying that, however, as with all of this author’s stories, family and friendship are an integral part and this time out was no exception. With characters about town that were intriguing and interesting on their own, Mystic Creek has become a town I wish I could go visit. And find out if Ben has more brothers – some cousins maybe? – who are still single… -Diane, 4 stars
If you are in the mood for sweet, funny, steamy, and the occasional zing to your heart, then you will love Sissy Sue and Ben’s story. This is the third in the Mystic Creek series and I was looking forward to another un-dark read full of love and family – and that is exactly what I got!
“There were worst fates than being loved by a dog.”
Sissy Sue (I love that name) has put everything she has, and is, into making a success of her small town café. It’s a new venture though and she is working more hours than she should. She has no time for herself let alone love - not that she believes in it anyway. Ben wants to change all that as Sissy Sue may be just the woman he has always dreamed about….
“They say that any man and woman who stand together under a mulberry moon are destined to fall in love and live happily ever after.”
This book seemed to be separated into two very distinct halves. The first half of this book was hilarious. I mean, drop the book, belly laugh; hold your sides funny. There was livestock galore and one animal caper after another as Sissy Sue and Ben butted heads and hearts from their first antagonistic meeting. Sissy Sue’s chip on her shoulder was the size of a skyscraper but Ben’s gentle, warm ways were going to wear it down, slowly…
And then, the second half of the book found the two in a different place. Not so at loggerheads, more ready to be a couple but something felt off. Was it the abrupt shift from frenemies to ‘can’t keep my hands off you’ lovers? I can’t put my finger on it but their story turned and I don’t know if I caught up with them…
Saying that, however, as with all of this author’s stories, family and friendship are an integral part and this time out was no exception. With characters about town that were intriguing and interesting on their own, Mystic Creek has become a town I wish I could go visit. And find out if Ben has more brothers – some cousins maybe? – who are still single… -Diane, 4 stars
March 1, 2017
I did not like this book. It was too boring and too long with very little to keep you reading. It took me forever to read it. I was disappointed because I have read the 2 other Mystic Creek novels and liked them both. That is the only reason I was willing to finish this and give it 2 instead of one stars.
November 28, 2016
If you love romantic contemporary novels, with wonderful characters, small town living and a heart warming love story.......grab this !
March 12, 2017
Did not like this book. Main characters were just weird. Made it halfway through book and just skimmed the rest. Didn't even like the ending. No comparison to the first 2 books of the series.
April 30, 2018
3,5 ★
My review in Hungarian.
My review in Hungarian.
February 6, 2017
Mulberyy Moon is a sweet small town romance. It is book 3 in the Mystic Creek series, but can be read as a standalone.
The main characters, Ben and Sissy, were both likeable, but after a while I found Sissy’s past and repeated bad luck to be too much. It was so horrible, it seemed impossible that this could have all happened to one person. Also, her back and forth with Ben grew tiresome and only made Ben look more like a saint for putting up with her. I just never felt the connection between them and there wasn’t a lot of character growth or development. I'm sure many readers will still enjoy this story, but for me, Mulberry Moon was just an ok overly dramatic romance.
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book. Many thanks to the First To Read program.*
The main characters, Ben and Sissy, were both likeable, but after a while I found Sissy’s past and repeated bad luck to be too much. It was so horrible, it seemed impossible that this could have all happened to one person. Also, her back and forth with Ben grew tiresome and only made Ben look more like a saint for putting up with her. I just never felt the connection between them and there wasn’t a lot of character growth or development. I'm sure many readers will still enjoy this story, but for me, Mulberry Moon was just an ok overly dramatic romance.
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book. Many thanks to the First To Read program.*
January 2, 2017
Ben has returned home to stay and work his ranch. He's just about given up finding a woman that won't sneer at his choice of living when he meets Sissy.
She recently inherited her Aunt Mabel's cafe and has plans to renovate. Her plans do not include Ben and his interest in her, but he doesn't give up and continues to insert himself in her life. She has a past that keeps her from getting close to anyone, and when she finds herself falling for Ben she wants to run. Many funny situations made this a heartwarming read. Looking forward to revisiting Mystic Creek.
She recently inherited her Aunt Mabel's cafe and has plans to renovate. Her plans do not include Ben and his interest in her, but he doesn't give up and continues to insert himself in her life. She has a past that keeps her from getting close to anyone, and when she finds herself falling for Ben she wants to run. Many funny situations made this a heartwarming read. Looking forward to revisiting Mystic Creek.
March 24, 2017
I've read a few Catherine Anderson books and have loved them, but I had trouble with this book. I really didn't like Sissy, I found her annoying and judgemental. And Ben was also a bit boring too. And don't get me started on the whole 'ghost' thing. Too silly. Had to stop reading at 30%. It's a DNF for me
November 14, 2017
I will start by saying I have enjoyed other books that this author has written. This book for lack of a better word was lame. I made myself finish the book on the off chance it would improve. No such luck. I should have cut my losses when the pack rat angle was introduced, just awful. Adding in the disabled kitten took it to a whole new level of ridiculous. Spare yourself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2017
Mulberry Moon: A Mystic Creek Novel Book 3 is by Catherine Anderson. It takes place in Mystic Creek, Oregon. Mystic Creek is a very small community with outlying ranches. Everyone knows each other and helps out when help is needed. However, they are not overly nosey and butting into your business when you do not want them to.
Ben Sterling had come back home to Mystic Creek and his ranch. He had been on the rodeo circuit long enough. He had a good nest egg to fall back on if needed. He had his ranch and his dog and for now, that was enough. He was on the lookout for a forever woman. He liked women; but he was looking for someone who didn’t mind getting her shoes dirty in the barn, didn’t mind the hours a rancher had to spend with his stock, who didn’t want to change him, and who would really love him for who he was. Right now, he full and was on his way home. Suddenly, a great number of chickens comes around the building. He thought they were Marilyn’s but upon searching for where they came from, decided they were Sissy Bentley’s chickens and she probably didn’t know they were out. He liked the looks of Sissy and wanted to get to know her; but she had built a huge fence around herself and he hadn’t found a way in.
Sissy Bentley had inherited her aunt’s café and was determined to make a go of it. She hadn’t had the best of childhoods and just wanted to make a go of her life and not have anyone try to rule her. She had had only bad experiences with the men in her life so was determined to keep men at arm’s length. She worked seventeen hours a day in her café because she wanted enough money to refurbish it and bring in more customers. She would also like to hire some help; but that was in the future, she hoped. She had purchased eighty chickens and had them in a temporary pen. When Ben told her they were out, she was determined to catch them all without his help or the help of his dog Finn. She wanted nothing to do with Ben and his offerings of help. She knew there would be a payment due if she had him help her.
This book is good but it is really long and boring to read. You keep waiting for something to happen, some action. It is a beautiful love story and a story of a small town. It took me about a week to read it and I usually read one a day. This one was one which you could put down and come back to later. It did receive high praise from other authors for the way it was written. It does pull at your emotions; but much later in the book.
Ben Sterling had come back home to Mystic Creek and his ranch. He had been on the rodeo circuit long enough. He had a good nest egg to fall back on if needed. He had his ranch and his dog and for now, that was enough. He was on the lookout for a forever woman. He liked women; but he was looking for someone who didn’t mind getting her shoes dirty in the barn, didn’t mind the hours a rancher had to spend with his stock, who didn’t want to change him, and who would really love him for who he was. Right now, he full and was on his way home. Suddenly, a great number of chickens comes around the building. He thought they were Marilyn’s but upon searching for where they came from, decided they were Sissy Bentley’s chickens and she probably didn’t know they were out. He liked the looks of Sissy and wanted to get to know her; but she had built a huge fence around herself and he hadn’t found a way in.
Sissy Bentley had inherited her aunt’s café and was determined to make a go of it. She hadn’t had the best of childhoods and just wanted to make a go of her life and not have anyone try to rule her. She had had only bad experiences with the men in her life so was determined to keep men at arm’s length. She worked seventeen hours a day in her café because she wanted enough money to refurbish it and bring in more customers. She would also like to hire some help; but that was in the future, she hoped. She had purchased eighty chickens and had them in a temporary pen. When Ben told her they were out, she was determined to catch them all without his help or the help of his dog Finn. She wanted nothing to do with Ben and his offerings of help. She knew there would be a payment due if she had him help her.
This book is good but it is really long and boring to read. You keep waiting for something to happen, some action. It is a beautiful love story and a story of a small town. It took me about a week to read it and I usually read one a day. This one was one which you could put down and come back to later. It did receive high praise from other authors for the way it was written. It does pull at your emotions; but much later in the book.
December 12, 2021
This book started more enjoyably (in my opinion) than the other books in this series, but it ended like all Anderson’s books do: a woman’s bad past comes back to haunt her. Realistically, I have to wonder how these biddies are all ending up in the same small town? I own two of the other books in this series, so I will read them, but I’ll definitely wait to do so, since I’ll be reading the entire same plot, but with different names.
August 15, 2019
I have had such an up and down year.. Because of audible escape I can now listen and catch up on all my favorite authors. This story grabbed me fast and wouldn't let me go. Sissy and Beau were perfect. Loved them so much. Lots of family and friends and a really well written slow burn romance. 5 stars all the way.
December 13, 2019
Legyen 3.5, de a hősnő miatt nem tudok többet adni. Volt humor, cuki állatok, érdekes helyzetek, és Ben Sterling is rendes pasi, de ami a csaj művelt...A könyv első fele miatta csúszott nehezen, és hiába lett jobb a vége, rányomta a hangulatát. Snickerses hasonlat poén volt. :)
April 1, 2017
Cute book. Fun to read even though it was a bit predictable. I think I will read the other books in the series as well.
November 4, 2017
Another great book
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October 16, 2022La hacen re largaaaaa, me re aburrí qué me importa los pollos que tiene en su granja 🤌😴
February 7, 2017
Catherine Anderson was one of my "finds" of 2015. I so much enjoy her emotive writing and her ability to draw out such compassion from her readers for her characters. As much as her novels reduce me to a sobbing mess, it would be more of a tragedy to overlook them.
Mulberry Moon holds all of the characteristics I so much adore in her romances. The blossoming of love and trust, the awakening of her characters strength, and the heartwarming feeling that comes with the resolution.
Mulberry Moon scales on the sweeter side of Anderson's romances and although enjoyable, I missed the angst I've become accustomed too in her writing.
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