Mulberry Moon by Catherine Anderson – Review & Giveaway

Mulberry Moon
Mystic Creek series – Book #3
by Catherine Anderson
Release Date: January 3, 2017

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Description:
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.

Review:

Mulberry Moon by Catherine Anderson is the 3^rd book in her Mystic Creek series. This is another one of those sweet romances in small towns, which Catherine Anderson does so well.

Ben Sterling, who is our hero, has returned to Mystic Creek to run his farm, after a long stint on the Rodeo circuit.  Ben has no trouble dating women, but the one he has always wanted to date completely ignores him, and he can’t figure out why.   Sissy Bentley is our heroine, and she runs the local café, which  she inherited from her aunt. The café continues to grow, as Sissy’s reputation for good food brings her more business than she can handle. 

Ben no longer visits Sissy’s café, since she is very indifferent and cold towards him.  One cold night, as he heads toward his car, he sees chickens running everywhere.  Ben realizes they are coming from the back of Sissy’s restaurant, and tries to catch them.  Sissy will also run out to help Ben bring back her hens, and reluctantly accepts his help.  Ben explains why this happened, as her chicken coop is small and not in good shape.  Ben will eventually convince Sissy to allow him to build her a bigger and better chicken coop, and in turn she can pay him with 4 meals a day. 

What Ben doesn’t know is that Sissy had a rough childhood, and an abusive father, which totally turns her off of any man.  Sissy will do all she can to push Ben away, despite her slowly growing attraction to him; but her trust issues, as well as fears will force her to block him at every turn. 

Ben is very persistent, and uses the time he spends eating  and working at the restaurant to help Sissy to open up to him.  What follows is a slow build romance that has Sissy beginning to realize that she is falling hard for Ben.  Ben knows Sissy is the one woman for him; the one he wants to spend his life with.  Will Sissy be able to learn to trust and admit her love for Ben? 

There were some very good characters, especially Sissy’s neighbors and the daily restaurant visitors, as well as Ben’s family.  I loved Ben’s dog, and eventually the kitten she adopts.  When Sissy has an accident and breaks her leg, things between her and Ben will change for the better, as he will be there for her throughout, including helping in the café.  The sexual chemistry between them becomes scorching hot, though there was a lot of sexual tension.  Ben was such a great hero, always looking out for Sissy, caring for her,  even to the point he forced himself not to have sex, since she was recovering.  Just when Sissy finally opens her eyes to how much she loves Ben, the hated father will return causing her to back away, in order to protect Ben.

Mulberry Moon was very well written, a sweet small town romance, great characters, wonderful pets, an exciting climax and a fun story.  The lone issue I had was that Sissy was very annoying early on with her refusal to give Ben a chance, but that changed later.  Overall this was a heartwarming story that you should read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Catherine’s publisher is offering a paper copy of MULBERRY MOON to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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