by Catherine Anderson
Series: Mystic Creek #3
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Libro.fm *affiliate
Heat Level:
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.
There is something about small-town romance series that make me want to pack my bags and move there. Mulberry Moon by Catherine Anderson is the third book in the Mystic Creek series. Once again Anderson transported me to this small Oregon town and pulled me in as she shared Ben Sterling and Sissy Sue Bentley slow-burning romance. Filled with heart, a dash of heat, humor, and suspense Mulberry Moon satisfied.
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 has 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.
Take a trip to Mystic Creek in Mulberry Moon by Catherine Anderson. You'll never want to leave. Share on X
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
Krystianna
I am glad to see you liked this one. This is the first that I’ve heard of it!
Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian
kimbacaffeinate
Glad I could share with you Krsytianna. I have loved each book in this series.
RO
There are certain authors that I’ll purchase without looking at the blurb, and Ms. Anderson is one of them. As you mentioned, her novels are about relationships that we can relate to, and there has never been one of her books that failed to bring a few tears. I’m looking forward to checking this one out and loved your review. Hugs…
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy, I am so glad you enjoy her books 🙂
Lampshade Reader
I need to put this on my wish list. I love heroes with a soft spot for animals. 🙂 ~Aleen
kimbacaffeinate
Oh me to….they win my heart everytime.
Ethan
I really like the idea of using the setting to unite the books in the series. It kind of reminds me of Tana French’s books. She focusses on different characters within the same world.
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, I like companion series like this 🙂
Kristin
This sounds so good. I love how you explained that Ms. Anderson takes the time to really develop the story through the characters. A guy chasing a chicken in the road? Fantastic!!! I remember we had these books stuffed on the shelves at the library, all thoroughly read through 😀 Great review!!
kimbacaffeinate
It had been a long time since I picked up one of her books, but I have been loving this series.
The Bibliophile Babe
Sounds like the characters are really solid!
kimbacaffeinate
They are, and I love that they feel like everyday people
Sophia Rose
I still have the first book in this series on my shelf. Love the small town romances, too.
How cute with the little animals. I’ve cried over some odd things in books so no harassment from me. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy, you are in for a treat 🙂
Angela Adams
Right before Christmas I finished “Silver Thaw,” the first book in the series. looking forward to books 2 and 3. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
I am so glad to hear you are reading them Angela!
Laura Thomas
I sometimes enjoy a story that isn’t filled with danger and takes it slow and easy. And I’m very much into character driven ones. Such a lovely cover too.
kimbacaffeinate
I am the same, and a book like this is perfect after a trip with Joe Hill…lol
Lorna
Oh you get me every time! I say this because I am already reading something else you recommended as I write this(The Hating Game)This sounds amazing. Can it standalone? Love good small town romances:)
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo, I hope you love the Hating Game and yes the books in this series will work as standalone.
blodeuedd
Aww small towns
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, they always sound wonderful in books 🙂
Quinn's Book Nook
I adore small town romances, too. I don’t know if I would really love it in reality, but in my fantasy they are always just so perfect. I’ve never read Catherine Anderson but she is on my list.
kimbacaffeinate
It has it drawbacks from lousy internet to shopping but it does sound lovely in books 🙂
Heidi
I am going to reserve a copy of this at my library. I need more sweet romances without drama and you know I am always up for an Oregon setting.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy them Heidi.
Kathryn
I enjoyed this one too and I think they are like real characters that just could be living in a town where I live. Loved all the chicken stuff, I know she has or had her own (CA) so she is very knowledgeable about them. Now I draw the line at the pack rat though!!
kimbacaffeinate
She always teaches me a little something Kathryn..and yes the chicken and rat stuff was fascinating.
Laurel-Rain Snow
That gorgeous cover first attracted me, and now, reading your review, I can visualize the little town in Oregon…and I, too, want to go there.
I love the sound of this book…so thanks for sharing it, and adding it to my wish list.
kimbacaffeinate
Yay, I hope you love it Laurel!
Katherine
I have seen Catherine Anderson around but I’m not sure I’ve ever read anything by her. Like you I love a small town romance and especially a slow burn one! This sounds like a book I would love and I’m more than a bit curious about how the rat fits into all this.
kimbacaffeinate
:snort: The “rat” thing was hilarious and sweet. Plus I learned something.
Tracy Terry
Oh yes, I could see myself living somewhere called Mulberry Moon which is why, odd as it sounds. this might not be the read for me. After all how could any book compare with the things a name like Mulberry Moon conjures up.
kimbacaffeinate
The stories take place in Mystic Creek, but there is a Mulberry Moon. I am forever wanting to pack my bags and live in these small towns 🙂
kindlemom1
Ooo I love that cover, so pretty and soft! I haven’t tried this author but it looks like she is one I need to add to my list to try this year.
kimbacaffeinate
She always leaves me smiling Ali 🙂 Happy New Year my friend!
Debbie Haupt
You know its been a long time since I’ve read anything by Catherine Anderson, maybe its time I pick her up again! Thanks for the great review Kim
kimbacaffeinate
I was the same, and have loved this series.
Maureen Beatrice
This sounds like a very good read. I also really love stories about small towns. And I love that cover.. Beautiful!!
kimbacaffeinate
I am the same, I loved starting my new year in Mystic Creek.