by Catherine Anderson
Series: Mystic Creek #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
The New York Times bestselling author of Silver Thaw returns to Mystic Creek for a new novel about a love that inspires the courage to start over…and the strength to reclaim a dream. When Taffeta Brown was viciously betrayed by her wealthy husband, she lost everything—including custody of their daughter, Sarah. Now that Taffy has moved to Mystic Creek, Oregon, to start over, she unexpectedly meets the one man who might help her get Sarah back. Barney Sterling, a local lawman, finds himself drawn to the lovely, guarded Taffy, but he’s stunned by her proposition—that they marry immediately to improve her chances of regaining custody of her daughter. Barney takes marriage too seriously to commit himself to a woman he hardly knows. Yet soon his sympathies fall with the desperate Taffy, and pretending to be in love becomes the easiest part of the plan. But they have no idea what they’re up against, or what they’re willing to risk to make a miracle come true in Mystic Creek.
Last year I read and loved Silver Thaw, the first book in the Mystic Creek series and was delighted to have the opportunity to review and share New Leaf by Catherine Anderson the second book in the series. Touching with a dash of heat, Anderson brings heart to this small-town series that will have you pining to move to Mystic Creek, Oregon.
Taffeta Brown owns a small herbal shop in Mystic Creek. A newcomer to Mystic Creek, Taffeta has recently divorced. It left her traumatized by the events that unfolded causing her to lose custody of her young daughter Sarah. She is here to start over and keeps a low profile. I was very curious about Taffeta, and despite mistakes, I ended up connecting to her.
Barney Sterling is a local lawman, who responds to a noise complaint and takes notice of Taffeta. He begins showing up with coffee and cakes at her shop. Despite her fears, they slowly develop a friendship. Barney is handsome and patient with a quiet reserve. The man ended up making me swoon. It was nice falling for a truly good guy for a change.
New Leaf uses the marriage arrangement trope, and Anderson created the perfect scenario. I loved seeing this couple set up rules and expectations only to have it all blow up as the chemistry intensified. It was fun, sexy and had me flipping the pages. Anderson did a lovely job of making their attraction seem genuine and the idea of an arranged marriage to aid in getting custody of her daughter fit perfectly.
Wait until you meet Sarah. This precocious five-year old will have your head spinning, your jaw dropping and your heart aching. Seeing the three of them interact particularly Barney and Sarah was heartwarming and sprinkled with laughter. Anderson even had me tearing up.
Secondary characters added to the story, filled us in on local happens and hinted at romances yet to unfold.
Watching the romance build and take root was sexy, genuine and full of swoon worthy moments. I loved how the sexual tension built and their dialogue had me laughing aloud. Some of the scenarios and scenes were hilarious and I enjoyed the tango to my HEA. We see growth in all the characters and Anderson gave them depth.
Fans of small-town romance with a touch of heat and a whole lotta heart will fall in love with New Leaf and the Mystic Creek series.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Candace
This sounds good. I love the small town setting and that it’s in Oregon since I live so near it’s familiar to me. I also love young children in books.
Lorna
Very tempting as usual to me! Glad you enjoyed it so much. It does really sound like a great premise 🙂
Tyler H. Jolley
Coming from a small town, I’m usually a sucker for books based in smaller communities. I like that the secondaries really add to the story, especially Sarah.
Wattle
This one sounds like a cute read, I do like small town romances 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
Happy New Year!
Aurian
Happy New Year Kimberly! This sounds like a good one, adding it to my wishlist.
Lover Of Romance
Great review you have here. I haven’t picked this one up, but I have enjoyed this author in the past but it has been a long while since I have picked her up. I love small town tropes in romances they just fit so well with a love story.
Kathy
I love small town romances, and that cover is just so pretty to look at! This sounds like a really sweet read, too.
Cyn
Sarah sounds adorable! I love cute kids in books! Glad this was an awesome read (: Lovely review, Kim!
Nise'
I’ve had my eye out for this book, did not know it was #2 in a series. Will have to get the first book. Happy New Year.
Mary Kirkland
I’ve only read one book by her and while it was ok, it really didn’t do it for me. Probably just not my genre. Happy New Year!
Angela Adams
Happy New Year! “New Leaf” sounds like a great addition to my TBR list. I always admired this author’s skill with character development.
Stormi
New Leaf sounds very fitting for your first book of the new year. 🙂 Happy New Year!
Laurel-Rain Snow
Oh, I love the sound of the setting and the premise! Thanks for sharing.
Lekeisha
ANL sounds like a perfectly sweet romance. I love the idea of the arranged marriage to gain custody of the child. It’s good to read stories like this one. Adding book one to my library TBR. Great review!
Debbie Haupt
Happy New Year Kim!! I hope its a great one for you!
I haven’t read this author in a few years and it looks like I’ve just been convinced to get back on the wagon 😉
xo
Gwen
This book sounds like a great read. It also sounds a bit like a Hallmark channel movie and no that is not said negatively. I love Hallmark channel. I also like small towns and I’ve always wanted to own an herb and spice shop so that was just so neat to hear right in the beginning of your review. Great review It definitely has me interested.
Also, how perfect is the title of the book? What better way to ring in the new year.
Happy New Year. I hope 2016 brings you joy and lots of great books 🙂
blodeuedd
First review of the year 🙂
Kathryn
Happy New Year Kimberley. I am so looking forward to this one, have it on pre-order so will download to my Kindle no doubt on the day. Love that it sounds so good, I enjoy reading CA like no other author, she has a gift for producing a read that just feels so good, if I have a reading slump I go for a CA book.