MULBERRY MOON is a Mystic Creek romance novel that is fun, loaded with characters that charm and a bevy of animals that will appeal and make you smile. Ben Sterling is the stud, super hero who has returned home from the rodeo circuit and is looking to settle down. Like his two brothers who live close by he is ready for marriage and a family. He dreams about a gal who will love his farm, his lifestyle, his dog, Finnegan, a.k.a. "Finn," and the rest of his farm animals. So far every gal he has been interested in recoils at dog hairs, manure, and his farm. He is attracted to the lovely gal who has just opened a cafe in town, but every time he has tried to approach her, she has frozen him out. She does not like him, and he wonders why? He will just have to try harder to charm Sissy Sue Bentley. She could be his dream gal.

Sissy ran away from an unhappy and abused childhood as soon as she could. Her father was a lazy drunk who beat Sissy and her mother. They often moved, sometimes in the dead of night as soon as the bill collectors were due.. Her mother pretended not to see when her husband abused their daughter. Sissy never made any girlfriends and the boys all wanted things from her, mostly sex. She decided she wanted no men in her life ever. When her Aunt Mable died and left her a small, rundown cafe, Sissy decided it was time to move, dream and work for a successful future. She traveled to Mystic Creek, Oregon, where The Cauldron became her top priority. Sissy loves to cook and works hard. The townsfolk like her and soon her future looks brighter. She has friends, she has a blossoming business, and she loves the people and the small town of Mystic Creek.

At dusk in town, Ben loading supplies into his truck, sees chickens running all over. He notices they are coming from the backyard of The Cauldron and walks over with Finn, who is a great herder. He spies a small, broken down coop with broken wire, a pen too small and she bought too many chickens. An annoyed Sissy runs up, and Ben tells her to help him catch the chickens and put them back in the coop When they were done he told her she had too many chickens for such a small coop. He offered to rebuild it for four meals a day. Sissy is not pleased, but she agrees. Now together often, slowly but surely Ben begins to get Sissy to talk to him. She begins to like and trust him, and she confides in him. When she confides about her abusive childhood and why she does not trust men, Ben becomes more protective than ever. He is in love with her, and it is not too long before Sissy feels the same way about Ben

Catherine Anderson is one of my favorite authors. Her family novels are always a treat with characters you love, and MULBERRY MOON is no exception. Ben charms and you fall in love with him, along with his adorable dog, Finn. Once he sets his cap for Sissy, she is unable to stop from falling deeply in love with him. This sweet saga about family loyalties, finding forever love in a small town filled with caring people, is a sweet adventure. I loved it and look forward to the next sequel. I am a fan. Bravo!

Book Summary

The New York Times bestselling author of New Leaf returns to Mystic Creek, Oregon, where a wounded heart finds a place to call home. . . .

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.