Sandy M’s review of Mulberry Moon (Mystic Creek, Book 3) by Catherine Anderson
Contemporary Romance published by Jove 3 Jan 16

What a delightful story this is. As much as I enjoyed the previous book in this series, Mulberry Moon is now my favorite. True romance with a man who is too good to be true and a woman who has to learn to trust that he is. Totally heartwarming and charming.

Ben Sterling is back home to ranch after years on the rodeo circuit. He’s ready to settle down, but the only problem is he can’t find that right someone. When Sissy Bentley took over her late aunt’s cafe in Mystic Creek, Ben wanted to get to know her better. However, Sissy has done nothing but give him the cold shoulder, and he can’t figure out why. At the point of trying to decide whether to continue to break through or call it quits when it comes to the pretty lady, Ben keeps finding himself in situations with her where his help is required, and his momma would kick his butt if he ever walked away from a lady in need.

Having grown up poor with a drunken and abusive father, then coming across guys who want nothing more than what they want, Sissy’s distrust of men is fairly deep, and she’s not willing to let her guard down – not even for the kind and handsome rancher, Ben Sterling. I do love the early scenes when Ben begins to build Sissy a chicken coop for all her fowl friends, because that’s when he starts to work his way under her skin, despite how hard she tries to keep him out. He knows she’s attracted to him, so it’s the slow-but-sure course he’s decided to take to win her over. The woman is worth every second as far as he’s concerned. So little by little they spend more time together, and Sissy is learning a man like Ben is one in a million.

Once the ice does break, these two are absolutely delightful together. They work well together, have fun, and know what they have is so very special. Ben is the type of hero for which I read romance. He’s definitely way too good to be true in everything he does, and he does have flaws of course. I love his determination to take over for Sissy in the cafe when she injures herself and is bedridden. Ben’s love knows no bounds and he proves it over and over again. Then Sissy’s past re-emerges in her life, and she’s equally determined not to saddle the man with a woman who has crazy in her blood. Those scenes with her father, as well as her mother, are as dreadful as the ones with Ben’s parents are wonderful. Her family is as devious and hateful as Ben’s is loving, nurturing, and happy. They definitely come from two different walks of life, but Ben isn’t about to let Sissy walk away. This couple actually talks to one another through the fear and hurt.

It’s nice to see the Sterling family again and how they go to the mat for one another. I also love the townsfolk of Mystic Creek. They also band together when one of their own needs help. Small-town America at its best. This is only the third book in the series, so no reason not to start at the beginning and get caught up with these wonderful characters. I highly recommend it!

Grade: A

Summary:

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.

No excerpt available.

Other books in this series: