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Mystic Creek #6
Huckleberry Lake
Love blooms once more in the quaint town of Mystic Creek, Oregon, from the New York Times bestselling author of Strawberry Hill.
Erin De Laney came to Mystic Creek hoping that the slower pace might rekindle her enthusiasm for law enforcement. Instead she feels as frustrated as she did in the city and when her disillusionment with the job increases, she takes a position on her uncle's ranch.
Her life has enough complications without her attraction to handsome, deaf cowboy, Wyatt Fitzgerald, the foreman on the ranch. Wyatt has sworn off dating, and Erin fears that nothing she does will ever change his mind. Yet while working with an abused horse under Wyatt's guidance, Erin comes to better understand herself. She also learns that love can heal almost anything.
Wyatt yearns to take Erin into his arms, but he's hesitant to pursue a romantic relationship. When their work sends them out alone together into a wilderness area, Wyatt is even more determined to hold Erin at arm's length.
But out of their time alone together on the mountain blossoms a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime love if only he's willing to give her his heart and make her his.
Erin De Laney came to Mystic Creek hoping that the slower pace might rekindle her enthusiasm for law enforcement. Instead she feels as frustrated as she did in the city and when her disillusionment with the job increases, she takes a position on her uncle's ranch.
Her life has enough complications without her attraction to handsome, deaf cowboy, Wyatt Fitzgerald, the foreman on the ranch. Wyatt has sworn off dating, and Erin fears that nothing she does will ever change his mind. Yet while working with an abused horse under Wyatt's guidance, Erin comes to better understand herself. She also learns that love can heal almost anything.
Wyatt yearns to take Erin into his arms, but he's hesitant to pursue a romantic relationship. When their work sends them out alone together into a wilderness area, Wyatt is even more determined to hold Erin at arm's length.
But out of their time alone together on the mountain blossoms a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime love if only he's willing to give her his heart and make her his.
559 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2019
536 people are currently reading
867 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 122 reviews
January 17, 2020
4.5 Stars
Huckleberry Lake is the story I thought I was getting in the last book, Strawberry Hill . Due to some sort of snafu the first book description of Strawberry Hill made it seem like it was focused on Erin and Wyatt, (now since corrected) and they were featured proximately, but it was Vicky and Slade’s book, which was completely confusing when I got to the end and everything was still up in the air with Erin and Wyatt.
I don’t think you need to read the entire previous book to enjoy this story, but there was one scene at the very beginning where they meet for the first time and another when Wyatt deals with a horse in distress that I think would be unfortunate to miss, and give some much needed background to their relationship here.
I LOVED Huckleberry Lake ! This is the book that I read by the fire for four hours straight, and then missed working up my Sunday Post because I was so wrapped up in the story. This is three-romances in one story: Erin and Wyatt, Julie and Blackie, and the start of one with Kennedy (Wyatt’s younger brother) and Jen.
Erin is an officer, bullied into the career path by her father. She hoped the move to Mystic Creek with its slower pace would make her love the job, but Erin’s coming to the realization that she may never be happy as a deputy. Fortunately, Erin loves Mystic Creek and has the support of her wonderful Uncle Slade, so it’s just a matter of figuring it out. Wyatt Fitzgerald, the deaf foreman of her uncle’s ranch, is another burr in Erin’s side. She’s so attracted to this sexy cowboy, and there were signals that he felt the same, but now she feels like Wyatt actively dislikes her.
Wyatt is very attracted to Erin, but a bad experience in the past made him swear off romance for good. When his reason was revealed I could understand why he felt that way, but I did think it was a bit extreme, and as Erin as spends more time on the ranch it’s harder for Wyatt to stick to his decision. I loved that Erin and Wyatt formed a friendship while slowly falling in love.
Julie and Blackie’s story was just a great, easy going romance, and loved how it all turned out.
Kennedy and Jen’s story really captured my heart, with all that happened! Kennedy’s attending college, working on getting his degree while supporting himself as a ranch hand. He meets Jen, a high school senior at the local burger joint, and having college and career goals in common they strike up a friendship. There was some danger, and a situation I won’t get into, but it will affect how things proceed in the future. I really, really hope Kennedy and Jen get their own book next.
I’d be remiss not mentioning the picturesque setting of Huckleberry Lake . Small towns and ranching life appeals so much to me, and the animals were like secondary characters here. Erin at times found it hard to take counsel from others, but she was able to come to these important truths by working with one of the new horses on Slade’s ranch. Their relationship was so touching, and I just love Slade’s bear, Four Toes!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley Books in exchange for an honest review.
Huckleberry Lake is the story I thought I was getting in the last book, Strawberry Hill . Due to some sort of snafu the first book description of Strawberry Hill made it seem like it was focused on Erin and Wyatt, (now since corrected) and they were featured proximately, but it was Vicky and Slade’s book, which was completely confusing when I got to the end and everything was still up in the air with Erin and Wyatt.
I don’t think you need to read the entire previous book to enjoy this story, but there was one scene at the very beginning where they meet for the first time and another when Wyatt deals with a horse in distress that I think would be unfortunate to miss, and give some much needed background to their relationship here.
I LOVED Huckleberry Lake ! This is the book that I read by the fire for four hours straight, and then missed working up my Sunday Post because I was so wrapped up in the story. This is three-romances in one story: Erin and Wyatt, Julie and Blackie, and the start of one with Kennedy (Wyatt’s younger brother) and Jen.
Erin is an officer, bullied into the career path by her father. She hoped the move to Mystic Creek with its slower pace would make her love the job, but Erin’s coming to the realization that she may never be happy as a deputy. Fortunately, Erin loves Mystic Creek and has the support of her wonderful Uncle Slade, so it’s just a matter of figuring it out. Wyatt Fitzgerald, the deaf foreman of her uncle’s ranch, is another burr in Erin’s side. She’s so attracted to this sexy cowboy, and there were signals that he felt the same, but now she feels like Wyatt actively dislikes her.
Wyatt is very attracted to Erin, but a bad experience in the past made him swear off romance for good. When his reason was revealed I could understand why he felt that way, but I did think it was a bit extreme, and as Erin as spends more time on the ranch it’s harder for Wyatt to stick to his decision. I loved that Erin and Wyatt formed a friendship while slowly falling in love.
Julie and Blackie’s story was just a great, easy going romance, and loved how it all turned out.
Kennedy and Jen’s story really captured my heart, with all that happened! Kennedy’s attending college, working on getting his degree while supporting himself as a ranch hand. He meets Jen, a high school senior at the local burger joint, and having college and career goals in common they strike up a friendship. There was some danger, and a situation I won’t get into, but it will affect how things proceed in the future. I really, really hope Kennedy and Jen get their own book next.
I’d be remiss not mentioning the picturesque setting of Huckleberry Lake . Small towns and ranching life appeals so much to me, and the animals were like secondary characters here. Erin at times found it hard to take counsel from others, but she was able to come to these important truths by working with one of the new horses on Slade’s ranch. Their relationship was so touching, and I just love Slade’s bear, Four Toes!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley Books in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2020
I am such a fan of this author and this series.
I couldn't wait for this book because the 5th installment had me feeling as if there were too many loose ends and this installment seemed to tie it all together.
Erin and Wyatt continue to circle around one another but refusing to act on their feelings. Wyatt has his reasons to stay away from Erin and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Wyatt has a secret and believes he is doomed to happiness because of it. Erin is trying to discover where she can be happy as her current job leaves her feeling empty in addition to the unrequited feelings she has for Wyatt. The two decide that a friendship would be the best they can offer each other and that becomes the foundation of their relationship. The author takes her time with development of a relationship that blooms over time.
Erin's friend Julie has a great storyline, too, which could be a standalone story. She has suffered through a terrible divorce and discovers a friendship with Blackie who is shares a similar history with his own messy divorce. Both want to be friends, but cannot deny that their are strong feelings for each other but Blackie is resistent because he is older and wants Julie to have life experiences with the right partner who is closer to her age, but Julie has fallen for Blackie and has to convince him that they are right for one another. But they, too, have an unexpected challenge that tests their relationship.
Wyatt's brother, Kennedy, has an interesting storyline that takes a serious turn which forces him to make decisions that can impact his life.
And finally, this author managed to weave in the story of "Four Toes", Slade's bear and it is humorous and thoughtful to know that this animal is the darling of the community. I love Catherine Anderson's stories and always look forward to her annual release. Her stories are folksy, and engaging and you want to visit the little town of Mystic Creek.
I couldn't wait for this book because the 5th installment had me feeling as if there were too many loose ends and this installment seemed to tie it all together.
Erin and Wyatt continue to circle around one another but refusing to act on their feelings. Wyatt has his reasons to stay away from Erin and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Wyatt has a secret and believes he is doomed to happiness because of it. Erin is trying to discover where she can be happy as her current job leaves her feeling empty in addition to the unrequited feelings she has for Wyatt. The two decide that a friendship would be the best they can offer each other and that becomes the foundation of their relationship. The author takes her time with development of a relationship that blooms over time.
Erin's friend Julie has a great storyline, too, which could be a standalone story. She has suffered through a terrible divorce and discovers a friendship with Blackie who is shares a similar history with his own messy divorce. Both want to be friends, but cannot deny that their are strong feelings for each other but Blackie is resistent because he is older and wants Julie to have life experiences with the right partner who is closer to her age, but Julie has fallen for Blackie and has to convince him that they are right for one another. But they, too, have an unexpected challenge that tests their relationship.
Wyatt's brother, Kennedy, has an interesting storyline that takes a serious turn which forces him to make decisions that can impact his life.
And finally, this author managed to weave in the story of "Four Toes", Slade's bear and it is humorous and thoughtful to know that this animal is the darling of the community. I love Catherine Anderson's stories and always look forward to her annual release. Her stories are folksy, and engaging and you want to visit the little town of Mystic Creek.
January 27, 2020
Good book. This continues the story of Wyatt and Erin that began in Strawberry Hill. It is full of deep emotions, self-discovery, and facing some hard decisions. Some lighter moments show the good side of living in a small town.
Erin is an attractive but intense deputy who seems to look at life as a competition that she has to win. There were many times in the first part of the book when I wanted to shake her and tell her to lighten up. But the more I learned of her past, the more I understood where she was coming from, and rooted for her to let go of her past. Erin moved from the city to the small town because her experiences there made her question her role as a cop. Unfortunately, though the pace is slower and the crime rate lower, she still questions her future. She also is attracted to her uncle's ranch foreman, Wyatt. However, nothing she does gets a similar response from him.
Wyatt is the ranch foreman. He has been deaf his whole life, but reads lips and has taught himself to speak almost as well as a hearing person. He's great with horses and has been known to gentle the most stubborn animals. He also watches out for his younger brother Kennedy, who works on the ranch part-time while he goes to college. Wyatt is attracted to Erin, but a life-altering event seven years earlier made him swear off women and relationships. Resisting Erin becomes more difficult the more often he is around her.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Wyatt and Erin. After a major misunderstanding brought on by well-meaning, but erroneous information from Kennedy, Erin and Wyatt agree to be friends. I liked seeing their friendship blossom once Erin gave up the constant come-ons. Wyatt's deafness allowed him to develop in other ways, and his empathy ratings are off the charts. I loved the way he saw Erin so clearly and tried to help her understand how her past still affects her life. When Erin hit a wall in her law enforcement career, causing her to reevaluate her life, Wyatt was there for her. At first, he wasn't too happy about her working for him on the ranch, as her proximity was a greater temptation. He also had to deal with her competitive nature, and find a way to get her past it. I loved the method he found, and how well it worked.
I ached for Erin almost as much as I wanted to smack her at times. Her entire life was spent trying to please her father. She went into law enforcement because of him. She has bottled up her emotions because of him. Her need to be better than everyone else is because of him. She is miserably unhappy as a cop but sticks it out because she doesn't want to disappoint him by quitting. That is until one heart-breaking event turns out to be the last straw and she turns in her badge. Her Uncle Slade gives her a job as a ranch hand and turns her over to Wyatt. Erin still can't let go of her need to be the fastest, smartest, best, and puts herself and others in danger because of it. Her stubbornness makes her ignore all attempts to help her, as she sees them as slurs on her capability. It takes nearly being fired for her to realize that she needs to change. I loved how Wyatt used an abused horse to get through to her.
Both Wyatt and Erin have let their pasts define their lives. I loved seeing the changes in Erin as she realizes how badly her parents' actions have affected her. Once that barrier is broken down, Erin finds it much easier to let go of her intense need to be the best. I loved her patience with the horse and how she sees parallels between them. The event in Wyatt's past that affected him so profoundly is heartbreaking. His reason for avoiding relationships is understandable and I ached for his belief that happiness is not in the cards for him. He has gone seven years successfully avoiding temptation, but Erin puts an end to that. She stirs him up, and resisting her becomes more difficult. A little matchmaking interference from Slade and Vicki throws Erin and Wyatt together in the wilderness, where there's no way to get away from each other. I loved seeing the sparks build between them. There's a slight hiccup when Erin confesses something to Wyatt, but Wyatt's anger is short-lived when Erin ends up in danger. It's an intense time but helps break down the final barriers between them.
There is a secondary romance going on between Erin's friend Julie and the pawnshop owner, Blackie. Julie has been interested in him for a long time, but he seems oblivious to it. She is surprised to discover that he is also interested, but is resistant because there is a twenty-year age difference between them. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. Blackie is young for his age, and a really sweet guy. He also becomes very protective of Julie. There is a fantastic section as he takes care of her when she goes down with a virus. There are some rough patches as they work their way through what each is looking for in a relationship, but it's easy to see that they belong together. Though they see their lives going down a particular path, it's always fun to see when Fate throws a bump in the road. This specific bump was a complete surprise and forced some self-examination on both their parts. The conclusion was not unexpected, and I look forward to seeing them in future books.
Wyatt's brother, Kennedy, has some page time of his own. He is a terrific young man, responsible, kind, and with a good head on his shoulders. I liked his dedication to his studies, and to the work he does on the ranch. On a rare trip into town, he rescued a young woman who was being threatened by her ex-boyfriend. Though she's only a senior in high school, Jen is just as focused as Kennedy, and they develop a friendship. Kennedy is a bit wary because he's older than she is. I liked their interactions as Kennedy frequents the hamburger drive-in where Jen works. It's Kennedy's friendship with her and knowing the type of person she is that makes him realize that something is very wrong when he arrives one evening and she isn't there. I ached for them both because of what happened. Kennedy's kindness and maturity are showcased in the following days and weeks, as he is there for Jen when she needs him. I hope that there will be more about them in future books.
There are also some fun moments with the ranch's rescue bear, Four-Toes. His story began in the previous book when he was rescued as a cub. His encounter with Jen is pretty funny and unexpectedly leads to a change for him, too.
Erin is an attractive but intense deputy who seems to look at life as a competition that she has to win. There were many times in the first part of the book when I wanted to shake her and tell her to lighten up. But the more I learned of her past, the more I understood where she was coming from, and rooted for her to let go of her past. Erin moved from the city to the small town because her experiences there made her question her role as a cop. Unfortunately, though the pace is slower and the crime rate lower, she still questions her future. She also is attracted to her uncle's ranch foreman, Wyatt. However, nothing she does gets a similar response from him.
Wyatt is the ranch foreman. He has been deaf his whole life, but reads lips and has taught himself to speak almost as well as a hearing person. He's great with horses and has been known to gentle the most stubborn animals. He also watches out for his younger brother Kennedy, who works on the ranch part-time while he goes to college. Wyatt is attracted to Erin, but a life-altering event seven years earlier made him swear off women and relationships. Resisting Erin becomes more difficult the more often he is around her.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Wyatt and Erin. After a major misunderstanding brought on by well-meaning, but erroneous information from Kennedy, Erin and Wyatt agree to be friends. I liked seeing their friendship blossom once Erin gave up the constant come-ons. Wyatt's deafness allowed him to develop in other ways, and his empathy ratings are off the charts. I loved the way he saw Erin so clearly and tried to help her understand how her past still affects her life. When Erin hit a wall in her law enforcement career, causing her to reevaluate her life, Wyatt was there for her. At first, he wasn't too happy about her working for him on the ranch, as her proximity was a greater temptation. He also had to deal with her competitive nature, and find a way to get her past it. I loved the method he found, and how well it worked.
I ached for Erin almost as much as I wanted to smack her at times. Her entire life was spent trying to please her father. She went into law enforcement because of him. She has bottled up her emotions because of him. Her need to be better than everyone else is because of him. She is miserably unhappy as a cop but sticks it out because she doesn't want to disappoint him by quitting. That is until one heart-breaking event turns out to be the last straw and she turns in her badge. Her Uncle Slade gives her a job as a ranch hand and turns her over to Wyatt. Erin still can't let go of her need to be the fastest, smartest, best, and puts herself and others in danger because of it. Her stubbornness makes her ignore all attempts to help her, as she sees them as slurs on her capability. It takes nearly being fired for her to realize that she needs to change. I loved how Wyatt used an abused horse to get through to her.
Both Wyatt and Erin have let their pasts define their lives. I loved seeing the changes in Erin as she realizes how badly her parents' actions have affected her. Once that barrier is broken down, Erin finds it much easier to let go of her intense need to be the best. I loved her patience with the horse and how she sees parallels between them. The event in Wyatt's past that affected him so profoundly is heartbreaking. His reason for avoiding relationships is understandable and I ached for his belief that happiness is not in the cards for him. He has gone seven years successfully avoiding temptation, but Erin puts an end to that. She stirs him up, and resisting her becomes more difficult. A little matchmaking interference from Slade and Vicki throws Erin and Wyatt together in the wilderness, where there's no way to get away from each other. I loved seeing the sparks build between them. There's a slight hiccup when Erin confesses something to Wyatt, but Wyatt's anger is short-lived when Erin ends up in danger. It's an intense time but helps break down the final barriers between them.
There is a secondary romance going on between Erin's friend Julie and the pawnshop owner, Blackie. Julie has been interested in him for a long time, but he seems oblivious to it. She is surprised to discover that he is also interested, but is resistant because there is a twenty-year age difference between them. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. Blackie is young for his age, and a really sweet guy. He also becomes very protective of Julie. There is a fantastic section as he takes care of her when she goes down with a virus. There are some rough patches as they work their way through what each is looking for in a relationship, but it's easy to see that they belong together. Though they see their lives going down a particular path, it's always fun to see when Fate throws a bump in the road. This specific bump was a complete surprise and forced some self-examination on both their parts. The conclusion was not unexpected, and I look forward to seeing them in future books.
Wyatt's brother, Kennedy, has some page time of his own. He is a terrific young man, responsible, kind, and with a good head on his shoulders. I liked his dedication to his studies, and to the work he does on the ranch. On a rare trip into town, he rescued a young woman who was being threatened by her ex-boyfriend. Though she's only a senior in high school, Jen is just as focused as Kennedy, and they develop a friendship. Kennedy is a bit wary because he's older than she is. I liked their interactions as Kennedy frequents the hamburger drive-in where Jen works. It's Kennedy's friendship with her and knowing the type of person she is that makes him realize that something is very wrong when he arrives one evening and she isn't there. I ached for them both because of what happened. Kennedy's kindness and maturity are showcased in the following days and weeks, as he is there for Jen when she needs him. I hope that there will be more about them in future books.
There are also some fun moments with the ranch's rescue bear, Four-Toes. His story began in the previous book when he was rescued as a cub. His encounter with Jen is pretty funny and unexpectedly leads to a change for him, too.
February 12, 2021
Catherine Anderson writes sweet romance stories with the added depth that often includes a character with a disability. This one was both informative and fun.
December 28, 2019
Fantastic, emotional read. Having said that, you should really read Strawberry Hill before reading this book. This story carries over 2 characters from the previous book. I had originally thought Strawberry Hill was going to be Erin and Wyatt's story. Thank goodness it wasn't. These 2 characters needed 2 books to truly evolve their story arc. They are both damaged souls who are struggling to find each other. They are both awful and wonderful. I am so glad Ms. Anderson gave them the care and time these 2 challenging people deserved.
The story also contains many secondary characters we have previously met in Mystic Creek. This story is very intricate and involved. I loved the way it was written and the beautiful story arc. I am so glad nothing was rushed for these 2 people and that they finally got their HEA.
Thank you for a beautiful story.
received as an ARC from Netgalley.
The story also contains many secondary characters we have previously met in Mystic Creek. This story is very intricate and involved. I loved the way it was written and the beautiful story arc. I am so glad nothing was rushed for these 2 people and that they finally got their HEA.
Thank you for a beautiful story.
received as an ARC from Netgalley.
January 2, 2020
Always good to come back to Mystic Creek…
I always look forward to a new title by this author. The natural writing style, the gentle storytelling. It mixes heaps of family with love in all its facets. This time out Erin and Wyatt fought through a rough start to grow something meaningful together. Erin was trying to find her right place in the world and Wyatt tried to resist her as she did. Their lives continued to collide but uncertainty was at the heart of each interaction. So much conflict but the ups and downs meant they were trying to figure it out…
If that wasn’t enough (and it was), there were two sub-plots percolating alongside that meant love wasn’t in the cards for just Erin and Wyatt. While a bit distracting, there was a lot going on with three different couples finding their way, the totally different story arcs melded together into a read that was full of hope and, of course, love… ~Diane, 3.5 stars
I always look forward to a new title by this author. The natural writing style, the gentle storytelling. It mixes heaps of family with love in all its facets. This time out Erin and Wyatt fought through a rough start to grow something meaningful together. Erin was trying to find her right place in the world and Wyatt tried to resist her as she did. Their lives continued to collide but uncertainty was at the heart of each interaction. So much conflict but the ups and downs meant they were trying to figure it out…
If that wasn’t enough (and it was), there were two sub-plots percolating alongside that meant love wasn’t in the cards for just Erin and Wyatt. While a bit distracting, there was a lot going on with three different couples finding their way, the totally different story arcs melded together into a read that was full of hope and, of course, love… ~Diane, 3.5 stars
January 6, 2020
I am a massive fan of this author and her books always go to the top of my reading list when a new one is brought out. This one did not disappoint, I like this author's writing because it's not all about the romance, there is a story to it and it builds slowly. Although this story in the description says it's about Erin and Whyatt it's actually also about Erin's best Friend Julie and the romance with the porn broker Blacky. the two romances interchange well and it's lovely to see the couples slowly finding themselves.
January 4, 2022
Too many romances going on in this one. There wasn't enough time spent on any of them. I would just get used to Wyatt and Erin getting nowhere and then Julie and Blackie would get started, and then Kennedy and Jen would pop up, so it didn't hang together too well but proceeded in fits and starts. Four Toes and Ginger were a bit too romanticized for my liking, but I thoroughly enjoyed Erin's working with her traumatized horse, Firecracker, which was the best part of the book to my way of thinking.
February 4, 2020
More a 3.5
As usual for her latest books, some elements were interesting, others not so good.
I still feel like trying, though. That counts for something when compared with other authors I no longer follow.
As usual for her latest books, some elements were interesting, others not so good.
I still feel like trying, though. That counts for something when compared with other authors I no longer follow.
February 21, 2025
Just wasn't my type of book. I didn't care for the language.
December 31, 2019
“And sometimes not being completely honest can destroy what might be absolutely perfect.”
“Sometimes,” Julie said softly, “being too honest can do more harm than good.”“And sometimes not being completely honest can destroy what might be absolutely perfect.”
Catherine Anderson is a favorite romance author of mine. I haven't read all of her books but I've read a good portion of them.
This offering wasn't a total winner for me. The dialogue seemed stilted and the ending feelers rushed. Anderson writes about imperfect characters but in this case I felt that the imperfections were way too stressed as compared to the romance.
Erin DeLaney moves to Mystic Creek in central Oregon and becomes a county deputy, a job she hates but one she feels pushed into by her father.
Sparks fly when she meets Wyatt Fitzgerald, the ranch foreman at her uncle's ranch, who also happens to be totally deaf.
But even though there are feelings of mutual attraction, Wyatt pushes Erin away.
I really loved a lot of Anderson's earlier books. This is the fourth book out of a series of six that I've read about Mystic Creek. One other I didn't like much at all and two others were great - so not too consistent.
But Anderson's books on a bad day are better than a lot of romance authors books on their good days.
I received this book from Berkley Publishing through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
“Sometimes,” Julie said softly, “being too honest can do more harm than good.”“And sometimes not being completely honest can destroy what might be absolutely perfect.”
Catherine Anderson is a favorite romance author of mine. I haven't read all of her books but I've read a good portion of them.
This offering wasn't a total winner for me. The dialogue seemed stilted and the ending feelers rushed. Anderson writes about imperfect characters but in this case I felt that the imperfections were way too stressed as compared to the romance.
Erin DeLaney moves to Mystic Creek in central Oregon and becomes a county deputy, a job she hates but one she feels pushed into by her father.
Sparks fly when she meets Wyatt Fitzgerald, the ranch foreman at her uncle's ranch, who also happens to be totally deaf.
But even though there are feelings of mutual attraction, Wyatt pushes Erin away.
I really loved a lot of Anderson's earlier books. This is the fourth book out of a series of six that I've read about Mystic Creek. One other I didn't like much at all and two others were great - so not too consistent.
But Anderson's books on a bad day are better than a lot of romance authors books on their good days.
I received this book from Berkley Publishing through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
February 18, 2020
CHALLENGE- BONUS # 5- 475+ PAGES
2.5 stars
I was looking forward to reading Erin & Wyatt's story b/c of all the foreshadowing in the previous books. However, I was disappointed.
It was too long. (500+pages)
There was too much going on in the story. I wondered if perhaps the writer didn't think she had enough material for a book on the characters so she shoved everything into one book.
There were a lot of characters with 2 omantic subplots. i liked the stories in them but it was too much.
then there was Erin. She was unhappy w/working in the police, so she'll go back to school, no she's going to be rancher, then it's a horse whisperer. seriously! and then there was also a violent crime and all of the after-effects of that included.
The beginning was slow, i skimmed the middle but it was a nice ending.
2.5 stars
I was looking forward to reading Erin & Wyatt's story b/c of all the foreshadowing in the previous books. However, I was disappointed.
It was too long. (500+pages)
There was too much going on in the story. I wondered if perhaps the writer didn't think she had enough material for a book on the characters so she shoved everything into one book.
There were a lot of characters with 2 omantic subplots. i liked the stories in them but it was too much.
then there was Erin. She was unhappy w/working in the police, so she'll go back to school, no she's going to be rancher, then it's a horse whisperer. seriously! and then there was also a violent crime and all of the after-effects of that included.
The beginning was slow, i skimmed the middle but it was a nice ending.
December 31, 2019
Huckleberry Lake by Catherine Anderson is the 6th book in her Mystic Creek series. Each one of the books in this series usually centers on two couples; one being the main couple and the other playing a smaller but nice part. In Huckleberry Lake, the main couple was Erin and Wyatt, whom we met in the previous book, which had left the storyline open about them.
Erin was a new cop, who was also the niece of Slade (last book hero), and she truly was not happy in her job. Wyatt, is the lead foreman on Slade’s ranch, and is deaf. Erin has been trying to get Wyatt to pay attention to her attraction to him, but to no avail. What she doesn’t know is that Wyatt, due to something in his past, has sworn off any relationship with woman. Wyatt goes out of his way to tell Erin to stop flirting with him, as he is not interested.
Wyatt’s brother Kennedy will rescue a girl from an attack from her former boyfriend, and in a short time after the girl is attacked again, Erin decides she cannot handle working for law enforcement. She goes to her uncle and decides she would love to work on the ranch. Of course, once she starts to work there, she learns that Wyatt will be her boss. Erin gets discouraged, as she tries to work hard at a frenetic pace, which has Wyatt and Slade warning her to slow down and learn about safety; but Erin had a rough childhood, with a father that was never satisfied, and decided perhaps she needed to walk away. Will Erin give up and leave the ranch, or find a way to get past her tough young years and learn to work with everyone?
The other couple, who also has a part of this story is Erin’s best friend, Julie, and Blackie, who is 20 years older. There chemistry was very good, and I did like their story line.
What follows is a nice romance about a couple who knew they were meant for each other, but unable to get past their issues. I loved the part where Erin learned to deal with a troubled horse, and train him to trust her. I also loved Wyatt’s dog Domino and of course, the cub bear Four Toes (who was part of the previous book).
I did like Erin and Wyatt, but both had their own issues that blocked any relationship. It took almost to the end of the book, for at least Wyatt to open his eyes. Erin earlier began to rise up beyond her issues with her father, and I really liked seeing her change. She showed Wyatt how much she cared for him, and knew it would be difficult for him to allow his feelings for her change his determination to never become involved. That alone throughout the book did cut the chemistry between them. It was nice when Erin pushed enough to make him realize that with her, he did not need to protect her.
Huckleberry Lake was a great story and emotional, as well as very well written by Catherine Anderson. I suggest if you have not read the Mystic Creek series, you need to do so soon and start with the first book.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Erin was a new cop, who was also the niece of Slade (last book hero), and she truly was not happy in her job. Wyatt, is the lead foreman on Slade’s ranch, and is deaf. Erin has been trying to get Wyatt to pay attention to her attraction to him, but to no avail. What she doesn’t know is that Wyatt, due to something in his past, has sworn off any relationship with woman. Wyatt goes out of his way to tell Erin to stop flirting with him, as he is not interested.
Wyatt’s brother Kennedy will rescue a girl from an attack from her former boyfriend, and in a short time after the girl is attacked again, Erin decides she cannot handle working for law enforcement. She goes to her uncle and decides she would love to work on the ranch. Of course, once she starts to work there, she learns that Wyatt will be her boss. Erin gets discouraged, as she tries to work hard at a frenetic pace, which has Wyatt and Slade warning her to slow down and learn about safety; but Erin had a rough childhood, with a father that was never satisfied, and decided perhaps she needed to walk away. Will Erin give up and leave the ranch, or find a way to get past her tough young years and learn to work with everyone?
The other couple, who also has a part of this story is Erin’s best friend, Julie, and Blackie, who is 20 years older. There chemistry was very good, and I did like their story line.
What follows is a nice romance about a couple who knew they were meant for each other, but unable to get past their issues. I loved the part where Erin learned to deal with a troubled horse, and train him to trust her. I also loved Wyatt’s dog Domino and of course, the cub bear Four Toes (who was part of the previous book).
I did like Erin and Wyatt, but both had their own issues that blocked any relationship. It took almost to the end of the book, for at least Wyatt to open his eyes. Erin earlier began to rise up beyond her issues with her father, and I really liked seeing her change. She showed Wyatt how much she cared for him, and knew it would be difficult for him to allow his feelings for her change his determination to never become involved. That alone throughout the book did cut the chemistry between them. It was nice when Erin pushed enough to make him realize that with her, he did not need to protect her.
Huckleberry Lake was a great story and emotional, as well as very well written by Catherine Anderson. I suggest if you have not read the Mystic Creek series, you need to do so soon and start with the first book.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
February 13, 2024
Huckleberry Lake by Catherine Anderson
Mystic Creek #6
376-page Hardback story ends on 366
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Small-Town Oregon, Ranch Hand, Deafness, Celibacy, Sworn Off Relationships Trope, Emotional Scars Trope, ASL, Abuse, Multiple POVs, Border Collie, Assault - Including Sexual, Sheriff Department, Horses, Cows, Slow Burn Romance, Sex, Winter Spring Romances, Fears, Excerpt from Spring Forward
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "As Good as I Once Was" by Toby Keith
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🦌
My thoughts: 📖 Bottom of page 8 of 366/376 Chapter - What rip off! This is the story I thought I was getting in the last book. Of course, I'm going to continue, maybe all of the other loose ends will be tied up as well.
📖 44 Chapter Three - I don't know where this story is going, but it's going the long haul.
📖 274 Chapter Seventeen - This is taking forever. I'm enjoying it but there may be too many storylines. I feel like I'll have to wait till the next book to finish them. Since the frame with a sick wife has not been mentioned in the last few books I'm guessing he won't get a story.
This one took a while, but it was worth the wait. There were some touchy topics to go over. I'm guessing Jonas and Kennedy will be next, Kennedy is already hooked up but he's still in the friend zone.
Recommend to others: Yes. This was slow but good.
Mystic Creek
1. Silver Thaw (2015)
2. New Leaf (2016)
3. Mulberry Moon (2017)
4. Spring Forward (2018)
5. Strawberry Hill (2018)
6. Huckleberry Lake (2019)
7. Maple Leaf Harvest (2021)
Mystic Creek #6
376-page Hardback story ends on 366
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Small-Town Oregon, Ranch Hand, Deafness, Celibacy, Sworn Off Relationships Trope, Emotional Scars Trope, ASL, Abuse, Multiple POVs, Border Collie, Assault - Including Sexual, Sheriff Department, Horses, Cows, Slow Burn Romance, Sex, Winter Spring Romances, Fears, Excerpt from Spring Forward
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "As Good as I Once Was" by Toby Keith
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🦌
My thoughts: 📖 Bottom of page 8 of 366/376 Chapter - What rip off! This is the story I thought I was getting in the last book. Of course, I'm going to continue, maybe all of the other loose ends will be tied up as well.
📖 44 Chapter Three - I don't know where this story is going, but it's going the long haul.
📖 274 Chapter Seventeen - This is taking forever. I'm enjoying it but there may be too many storylines. I feel like I'll have to wait till the next book to finish them. Since the frame with a sick wife has not been mentioned in the last few books I'm guessing he won't get a story.
This one took a while, but it was worth the wait. There were some touchy topics to go over. I'm guessing Jonas and Kennedy will be next, Kennedy is already hooked up but he's still in the friend zone.
Recommend to others: Yes. This was slow but good.
Mystic Creek
1. Silver Thaw (2015)
2. New Leaf (2016)
3. Mulberry Moon (2017)
4. Spring Forward (2018)
5. Strawberry Hill (2018)
6. Huckleberry Lake (2019)
7. Maple Leaf Harvest (2021)
May 21, 2020
This book was a bummer. I’ve read and enjoyed the rest of the series (for the most part) so wanted to power through but it was a struggle.
Things I liked:
- differently abled hero
- heroine goes to therapy
- the animals (dog, horse, bears)
- MCs in their thirties
Things I did not like
- so many side plots and switching perspectives
- lots of unhealthy discussion of food and body dysmorphia, for male and female characters
- heroine’s parents are cartoon villains but we never see or hear from them
- heroine has been going to therapy for years but learns more in one session training a horse
- everyone is so damaged and self loathing
- unnecessary assault of a side character to set up a future damaged heroine??
- a lot of telling rather than showing in the characters development
- two characters who have a mature conversation about how they love their lives the way things are and don’t want kids get pregnant after one shot and a BC mix up and of course now they want to have multiple kids as soon as possible
Based on where we left the residents of Mystic Creek I’m assuming Wyatt’s brother Kennedy will get a book at some point with poor Jen. Not sure I’ll read on.
Things I liked:
- differently abled hero
- heroine goes to therapy
- the animals (dog, horse, bears)
- MCs in their thirties
Things I did not like
- so many side plots and switching perspectives
- lots of unhealthy discussion of food and body dysmorphia, for male and female characters
- heroine’s parents are cartoon villains but we never see or hear from them
- heroine has been going to therapy for years but learns more in one session training a horse
- everyone is so damaged and self loathing
- unnecessary assault of a side character to set up a future damaged heroine??
- a lot of telling rather than showing in the characters development
- two characters who have a mature conversation about how they love their lives the way things are and don’t want kids get pregnant after one shot and a BC mix up and of course now they want to have multiple kids as soon as possible
Based on where we left the residents of Mystic Creek I’m assuming Wyatt’s brother Kennedy will get a book at some point with poor Jen. Not sure I’ll read on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2021
This was one of the few books that I have read in recent years that has allowed me to become absorbed in the story. The characters, especially the main ones, Erin and Wyatt, are very likeable--kind and good natured. The town in which they live is quite charming too. There's action, but not too much as to completely take away the focus from Erin and Wyatt's relationship. It does take a looong time for anything to happen between them, but I don't mind a slow burn.
The book managed to include 2.5 love stories: Erin and Wyatt's, and 1.5 others. I won't mention the others as I don't want to have to tag this as a spoiler.
I would recommend this book if someone is looking for a leisurely read that has a happy ending.
The book managed to include 2.5 love stories: Erin and Wyatt's, and 1.5 others. I won't mention the others as I don't want to have to tag this as a spoiler.
I would recommend this book if someone is looking for a leisurely read that has a happy ending.
February 9, 2022
Ezt aztán jó nagy csalódás volt.
Erintől kb. öt percenként kaptam agyérgörcsöt, ami nagy kár, mert mindenki mást nagyon szerettem a könyvben.
Wyattet már az előző kötetben is nagyon szerettem és bár nem értettem egyet a döntésével, valahol megértettem, hogy félt.
A fordítót meg szívesen odaültetném a Google elé, hogy ha nem tudja bizonyos állatok milyen közösségben élnek, akkor tanulja meg használni a keresőt. Farkascsorda? Komolyan?!
Erintől kb. öt percenként kaptam agyérgörcsöt, ami nagy kár, mert mindenki mást nagyon szerettem a könyvben.
Wyattet már az előző kötetben is nagyon szerettem és bár nem értettem egyet a döntésével, valahol megértettem, hogy félt.
A fordítót meg szívesen odaültetném a Google elé, hogy ha nem tudja bizonyos állatok milyen közösségben élnek, akkor tanulja meg használni a keresőt. Farkascsorda? Komolyan?!
June 9, 2025
TW: This book includes a storyline about SA, though accidental.
I greatly enjoy this Mystic Creek series! The characters are all likeable and I love how their linked together, but you could pick up any Mystic Creek book and start reading without worry about needing to read the book before. It did help having read Strawberry Hill first, though, especially when Four Toes made an appearance.
The storyline was very lovely and I enjoyed how we got to know Erin very well. Her character development was my favorite out of everyone in the series.
Definitely worth reading!
I greatly enjoy this Mystic Creek series! The characters are all likeable and I love how their linked together, but you could pick up any Mystic Creek book and start reading without worry about needing to read the book before. It did help having read Strawberry Hill first, though, especially when Four Toes made an appearance.
The storyline was very lovely and I enjoyed how we got to know Erin very well. Her character development was my favorite out of everyone in the series.
Definitely worth reading!
March 17, 2020
I just love this series! Very well written. Great cast of characters that draw you into the story that it makes you feel like you belong there. I loved every minute of it!
October 19, 2024
How many story lines are we trying to follow? I can’t.
November 17, 2019
This is the #6th book in the Mystic Creek Series. I have not read all but read the previous novel #5in the series and one of the storyline from the previous book which include Wyatt the foreman and Erin now get their own HEA in this novel. This is not your typical romance Wyatt and Erin take 99% of the book to get to their happy ending. While we the readers are anticipating their story we meet other secondary characters/couples. We meet Julie( Erin's friend) and her love interest Blackie we meet Kennedy(Wyatt's brother) and Jen his love interest and of course we get to visit with Slade and Vicki from the previous book. This storyline has not only the secondary characters but it touches on emotional and physical abuse that affects more than one of the characters .There is a rape storyline and sever assault that occurs. Overall a very emotional novel that will leave you sad mad happy and grateful of the characters overcoming and triumphing to find love after all . Giving arc by netgalley.
December 30, 2019
Catherine Anderson’s Huckleberry Lake is sixth book of the Mystic Creek Series but not your typical romance novel. There are many things going on, especially with two sub-plots piggybacking on the main plot. The main story is about a deaf cowboy Wyatt Fitzgerald, and Erin De Laney struggling to overcome the demons of their past and their attractions toward one another. Along for the ride are these two sub-plots of the secondary characters: Julie, Erin's friend and her love interest Blackie, and the other is Wyatt’s brother, Kennedy, with his love interest in a 17-year-old Jen.
Huckleberry Lake is 539 pages long to read through emotional and physical abuses, the subplots, and details of ranch life. Being a deaf person, I can relate to Wyatt’s struggles in the hearing world. Huckleberry Lake is a good story, and Catherine Anderson has done a fine job with the details. I received this complimentary ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Huckleberry Lake is 539 pages long to read through emotional and physical abuses, the subplots, and details of ranch life. Being a deaf person, I can relate to Wyatt’s struggles in the hearing world. Huckleberry Lake is a good story, and Catherine Anderson has done a fine job with the details. I received this complimentary ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2020
I could not stand this book. I didn't like the main characters. I understand that Wyatt had a problem in the past but the way he is still dealing with it is not believable. Erin, despite her therapy, still doesn't face her issues. She has this "passion" that she wants to go to school for. Suddenly she quits her job and has. a new "passion". UGH! Julie and Blackie. I get it. They had bad relationships in the past........who hasn't? This isn't even a fun easy read. BORING and aggravating at the same time.
January 18, 2020
A modern day romance set in Mystic Creek, Oregon featuring two people trying to overcome their fears from childhood. The main male character, Wyatt Fitzgerald, is deaf and has a secret that he has decided means he can't love a woman. The female main character, Erin DeLacey, suffered abuse from her father because he wanted a son and she wasn't. The book was a quick easy read.
March 31, 2020
It's good. I've never read a romance book before...but with the libraries all closed, I needed some fiction to help me fall asleep! This is harmless enough; I really like following the main characters (Erin and Wyatt).
January 1, 2020
Happy release day to this sweet and emotional country romance! Even though I live in a big city, I have always thought that deep inside me is buried a country farm girl who would like to wear jeans and boots every day, and get my hands dirty planting things, fixing fences, and handling animals. So it was a great change of pace to immerse myself into a book set in eastern Oregon ranch country. Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing for giving me the chance to read this book ahead of time through NetGalley. Read on for my honest and unbiased, spoiler-free review.
I really enjoyed this sweet and emotional story. Erin and Wyatt each have some pretty big problems related to difficult things in their pasts, and it makes it very complicated for them to find their way in a relationship. We don't get anywhere near them actually figuring things out for the bulk of the book, but I am glad the author took her time with their development. It felt more real and honest that way. It's not a quick romance, but by the end, you are really cheering for them, and I love that.
This book touches on some difficult topics, including emotional abuse during childhood (unattainable parent expectations) and rape. If you would rather steer clear of those issues, this is probably not a good book for you to read. The topics are dealt with sensitively and tenderly, and I thought they added to/were integral to the story and character development; they aren't just there to be sensational. As a speech therapist, I work with many deaf and hard-of-hearing children, so I particularly enjoyed the insight and care the author took in exploring Wyatt's deafness and how it affected him throughout his life.
Aside from the main characters, we meet lots of side characters, including Erin's best friend and her love interest, Wyatt's little brother and his love interest, and of course, Erin's uncle Slade and his wife Vickie (the central story of the previous book in the series, Strawberry Hill--you don't have to read this book to know what's going on, but I think it probably adds to the depth of Erin and Wyatt's story if you do). I really enjoyed that we got chapters from the perspectives of these other characters. It added to the vibrance of the setting to feel what it means to all these different characters. If you are intrigued by the slow country lifestyle and small town gossip and relationships, then you'll love this book.
Overall, if you're looking for a sweet and emotional, not too fast-paced romance to read this mid-winter, then this might be just the book for you.
I really enjoyed this sweet and emotional story. Erin and Wyatt each have some pretty big problems related to difficult things in their pasts, and it makes it very complicated for them to find their way in a relationship. We don't get anywhere near them actually figuring things out for the bulk of the book, but I am glad the author took her time with their development. It felt more real and honest that way. It's not a quick romance, but by the end, you are really cheering for them, and I love that.
This book touches on some difficult topics, including emotional abuse during childhood (unattainable parent expectations) and rape. If you would rather steer clear of those issues, this is probably not a good book for you to read. The topics are dealt with sensitively and tenderly, and I thought they added to/were integral to the story and character development; they aren't just there to be sensational. As a speech therapist, I work with many deaf and hard-of-hearing children, so I particularly enjoyed the insight and care the author took in exploring Wyatt's deafness and how it affected him throughout his life.
Aside from the main characters, we meet lots of side characters, including Erin's best friend and her love interest, Wyatt's little brother and his love interest, and of course, Erin's uncle Slade and his wife Vickie (the central story of the previous book in the series, Strawberry Hill--you don't have to read this book to know what's going on, but I think it probably adds to the depth of Erin and Wyatt's story if you do). I really enjoyed that we got chapters from the perspectives of these other characters. It added to the vibrance of the setting to feel what it means to all these different characters. If you are intrigued by the slow country lifestyle and small town gossip and relationships, then you'll love this book.
Overall, if you're looking for a sweet and emotional, not too fast-paced romance to read this mid-winter, then this might be just the book for you.
February 15, 2022
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed the one and only Catherine Anderson book I've read prior to this ("Only By Your Touch"). Since I haven't read any of the other books in this series, I really didn't know anything about these characters or their past interactions. So this book was the very definition of a slow burn romance. The H/h don't even kiss until the final chapter of the book. How do we go the whole book without that even happening? Even the secondary story of Julie/Blackie is more rapid in its development of romance. They get a surprise baby, meanwhile we get a hands off Erin & Wyatt for 99.9% of the book. I wouldn't have minded had there been 500 pages of actual romance between Erin and Wyatt. But it's not like that at all. Wyatt does his best to avoid Erin because of something that happened when he was young. But eventually they form a friendship. Even then, it's not like they spend a ton of time together, even while working on the same ranch. So it was painfully frustrating to go the whole book with what seemed like filler material and a lack of romance.
I liked Wyatt. It's not often we get a deaf male lead. He was sweet, but he was stubborn as can be. He kept himself at arm's length from everyone because of that tragic mistake as a young adult. I completely understand why he did that and can understand his fears. I empathize with him. But even so, as Erin noted, there were other ways to cope with what happened.
Erin was a frustrating character. She was even more stubborn than Wyatt and so headstrong. But again, I get why she was the way she was. She was emotionally abused by her dad and even physically abused to a certain extent since he wanted her to be a boy. She kept those self-doubts and 'I have to be as good as the men around me' attitude throughout her adulthood and most of this book. At least she's going to a therapist for it though, so I appreciated that she was trying to get better.
I wish I could say more about the romance, but there really isn't much there to speak of. Too much time was spent on filler instead of expanding on the romance. Too much time was spent on a secondary romance between Julie & Blackie. Too much time was spent on a third romance between Kennedy and Jen. Don't get me wrong, I really wanted more of the Kennedy and Jen romance, more-so than Wyatt and Erin. I just wish the author hadn't made such a traumatic event part of Jen's story. That absolutely broke my heart. Maybe we'll see them get their HEA in a future book though.
I liked Wyatt. It's not often we get a deaf male lead. He was sweet, but he was stubborn as can be. He kept himself at arm's length from everyone because of that tragic mistake as a young adult. I completely understand why he did that and can understand his fears. I empathize with him. But even so, as Erin noted, there were other ways to cope with what happened.
Erin was a frustrating character. She was even more stubborn than Wyatt and so headstrong. But again, I get why she was the way she was. She was emotionally abused by her dad and even physically abused to a certain extent since he wanted her to be a boy. She kept those self-doubts and 'I have to be as good as the men around me' attitude throughout her adulthood and most of this book. At least she's going to a therapist for it though, so I appreciated that she was trying to get better.
I wish I could say more about the romance, but there really isn't much there to speak of. Too much time was spent on filler instead of expanding on the romance. Too much time was spent on a secondary romance between Julie & Blackie. Too much time was spent on a third romance between Kennedy and Jen. Don't get me wrong, I really wanted more of the Kennedy and Jen romance, more-so than Wyatt and Erin. I just wish the author hadn't made such a traumatic event part of Jen's story. That absolutely broke my heart. Maybe we'll see them get their HEA in a future book though.
January 6, 2020
In Catherine's latest Mystic Creek novel, we follow three couples all with their own issues although the main couple is Erin De Laney and Wyatt Fitzgerald. Erin moved to the small town of Mystic Creek as a sheriff's deputy to be near her uncle, Slade, who owns a ranch there. She left the big city's police force to join the sheriff's force in Mystic Creek thinking she might get more from the career her father forced on her there. But she's still very unhappy with her career and when a young girl is brutally attacked twice by her ex-boyfriend, Erin quits her job and goes to work on Slade's ranch. Wyatt is Slade's foreman and happens to be deaf. He's sworn off women due to a tragic event that happened seven years earlier. The two are attracted to each other but must each work through their own issues before they can enter a relationship. When Erin begins working with an abused, former parade horse, she begins to see the abuse she suffered as a child that she must get beyond.
Each of the couples come together and deal with life's curve balls, learning their strengths and weaknesses so they come to the relationship ready to be a partner and friend. In addition to the human couples, Slade's black bear, Four Toes, gets his own companion, a young black bear named Ginger.
I love Catherine's books and have them all. The Mystic Creek series is a great one and this book is no exception. Catherine has the ability to make you feel what each of her characters are going through and you root for them as the story develops. I laughed out loud at parts of this story and cried at others. I absolutely loved Huckleberry Lake. She captures the emotions and proves that there's no age limit to true love which is often wonderfully imperfect. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
Each of the couples come together and deal with life's curve balls, learning their strengths and weaknesses so they come to the relationship ready to be a partner and friend. In addition to the human couples, Slade's black bear, Four Toes, gets his own companion, a young black bear named Ginger.
I love Catherine's books and have them all. The Mystic Creek series is a great one and this book is no exception. Catherine has the ability to make you feel what each of her characters are going through and you root for them as the story develops. I laughed out loud at parts of this story and cried at others. I absolutely loved Huckleberry Lake. She captures the emotions and proves that there's no age limit to true love which is often wonderfully imperfect. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
February 6, 2020
I love reading Catherine Anderson books. I think this was one of the best books I've read by her. In this book you have four different background stories on various couples. You have your main characters Erin De Laney she is a deputy sheriff and she comes to Mystic Creek from a large city hoping for a slower pace. She hope this new life will bring my enthusiasm for her chosen profession. Instead she feels like she missing something in life.
Next you have Wyatt Fitzgerald he is a gorgeous deaf cowboy who is more connected with animals than people. Wyatt has swore off dating, due to a past he doesn't want anyone to know about. Both have had difficulties in there growing up and both need time to heal. Maybe working together on Erin's Uncle Slade's ranch will help them understand each other.
The other character's are Julie, Erin's best friend, Blackie, Julie's love interest. Their background story is just as sweet also. Another couple of characters are Kennedy Fitzgerald, Wyatt's baby brother, and Jennette a young lady that Kennedy meets. They meet over difficult circumstances. The last of the wonderful characters is Erin's Uncle Slade and his new wife Vickie.
I love this book because this book is about love and friendship and how you may not be blood related but you can still be family. i recommend this book to all who love Catherine Anderson and to those who love contemporary romance.
Next you have Wyatt Fitzgerald he is a gorgeous deaf cowboy who is more connected with animals than people. Wyatt has swore off dating, due to a past he doesn't want anyone to know about. Both have had difficulties in there growing up and both need time to heal. Maybe working together on Erin's Uncle Slade's ranch will help them understand each other.
The other character's are Julie, Erin's best friend, Blackie, Julie's love interest. Their background story is just as sweet also. Another couple of characters are Kennedy Fitzgerald, Wyatt's baby brother, and Jennette a young lady that Kennedy meets. They meet over difficult circumstances. The last of the wonderful characters is Erin's Uncle Slade and his new wife Vickie.
I love this book because this book is about love and friendship and how you may not be blood related but you can still be family. i recommend this book to all who love Catherine Anderson and to those who love contemporary romance.
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