by Catherine Anderson
Series: Mystic Creek #4
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
The New York Times bestselling author returns to Mystic Creek, Oregon, with a story about finding an unforgettable love just around the corner. . . .
When a favorite customer on his delivery route needs a favor, Tanner Richards agrees to help without a second thought. The last thing he expects is to face off against the man's spitfire granddaughter.
Crystal Malloy is near her breaking point. Her beloved grandfather constantly skirts the rules at the retirement center where he's recovering from surgery. She's caring for his escape artist dog, even if it means abandoning her salon customers, and she has no time for a romantic attraction to the handsome new stranger.
After Tanner's reassigned to Mystic Creek, Crystal can no longer ignore how much she misjudged the man's good intentions. She has known too much sorrow to easily open her heart, but she can't deny that Tanner and his children could gift her with a happiness beyond compare--if only she can forgive herself for the past and accept that she's deserving of such a love.
Spring Forward by Catherine Anderson is the fourth novel in the Mystic Creek series. Set in, Mystic Creek, Oregon Anderson shares the tale of a widowed father, an elderly rancher and his granddaughter. Mix in an ornery dog and a nasty manager of a retirement community and you’ll discover a tale that will make you smile, laugh aloud and even shed a tear or two.
While this is the fourth book each of the books in the Mystic Creek series work as a standalone.
Tanner Richards receives a call from his old neighbor and friend Tuck. Tuck fell and broke his leg and is now living in an assisted living facility in Mystic Creek. He asks Tanner for a small favor. and ends up costing him. When Tanner is reassigned to Mystic Creek, he meets Crystal thanks to Tuck’s dog, an ornery Heeler, who requires biscuits for safe passage in the yard and hates uniforms. I laughed at their first encounter and the tale that unfolds was delightful.
Crystal Mallory is living on a small ranch she recently purchased in hopes of moving her grandfather in once physical therapy has ended. For now, she is taking care of the home and his dog. Crystal came to live with her grandfather after a terrible family tragedy left her estranged from her parents. Anderson gives us her full story helping us understand Crystals fear of commitment, animal care and falling in love.
We get several storylines and each was wonderfully developed. We have Tuck and his dealings in the assisted living facility. Next, we have Tanner and Crystal’s budding romance and finally, we have Rip’s story. He is Tuck’s dog and boy does he give Crystal a hard time. This was an interesting thread that had me laughing and weeping.
There are two romances, but Tanner and Crystal’s are at the center. This was a sweet romance, with “fade to black” scenes, sweet kisses, love letters and more. Tanner has two children who added to the mix. The drama was kept to a minimum thanks to other threads but Crystal does experience growing pains as she confronts her personal demons.
Spring Forward offered up another delightful visit to Mystic Creek.
Spring Forward by Catherine Anderson offered up a delightful small-town romance with plenty of side stories 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
Tracy Terry
Loving the cover and yet this is one of the reasons I’d NOT buy the book.
There are not many genres I won’t read but stories involving animals is one of them. Unable to bear it if anything should happen to an animal, I tend to stay well clear if I even get so much of a whiff of a story in which an animal maybe hurt and Rip looks so cute.
Kimberly
These animals are,well loved and no one,gets hurt Tracy.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
I haven’t read this author before but I would totally read this one just for the dog. Great review!
Sophia Rose
I thought Rip was the star of the book. He cracked me up. Tuck’s romance was sweet and oh man was I cheering on the other pair. They really needed each other.
Lorna
Sounds like a good small town romance. I used to read a lot of these but haven’t for awhile-except for some contemporary books that standalone. Glad it was a great one for you!
Cyn
It’s absolutely freezing here right now so this cover definitely looks inviting aha. Glad this was such a good read, the romance does sound super sweet and the series really cute! Will have to check it out! Lovely review, Kim!
Stefanie
Oh boy, I’m a sucker for cute kids and a fun pet in a modern day romance. I’ll be checking out this series, thank you.
Blodeuedd
I may not like dogs, but a dog on a cover is never wrong
Angela Adams
This is a great series! Thanks for the post.
Heidi
I am wanting to read this just for the Oregon setting. Luckily, there is lots more to like. Have a lovely weekend!
Mary Kirkland
Oh that sounds so good and the cover is so darn cute.
Nick
Oh my this puppy! How adorable! But fade to black, you say? *side-eye*
It sounds like a lovely read!
Debbie Haupt
I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about this series, a lot of 4 and 5 * reviews. Okay its time I get back to reading her.
Melliane
the cover is super cute and it looks like it’s a nice romance too!
Melanie Simmons
This sounds great. The dog on the cover was the first thing I noticed. My dog is a heeler, so I’m very familiar with their quirks. They can be quite ornery. They are too smart for their own good, often. But I love them. Thanks for sharing.
Kari
Sounds great! I read the first one in this series and lost track, but I’m glad that they can be stand-alones too. I’m a sucker for a well-written romance with a dog in it 🙂 Have a good week.