Once Upon a Twilight!: Book Review: New Leaf by Catherine Anderson

New Leaf
Mystic Creek #2
Author: Catherine Anderson
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 5th 2016
Review Source: Signet

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.

Taffeta Brown only has one thing in mind, that is to clean up her life and get her custody of her daughter back. It has not been easy life for Taffy but she is making the best of it. She opened up her own business at Mystic Creek and is staying low. That is until she is caught dancing at night by a local deputy, Barney Sterling.

Chemistry of love at first sight is struck but Taffy tells Barney to stay far away… Only that Barney is not easily controlled. He decides to do the opposite and try to earn her trust by doing morning visits and being a total gentleman. It was funny seeing him try only to be let down. Okay, not really. As Taffeta is forced and pinned to the wall when she gets bad news of her daughter, she does a 180 and offers Barney a proposition. Totally a turn off for Barney but as he learns the truth, Barney does the unexpected.

These two are fantastic together. As they join forces to help Taffy earn her custody back, soon they will discover they are meant to be. I loved their relationship, their ups and down, and how they battle to stay together no matter what.

New Leaf was heartbreaking yet heartwarming. A great read for the holidays due to its message. There is always hope, if you only have the courage to face your demons. I honestly love this series and I cannot wait to read the next book! So if you’re a romance lover, make sure to read Mystic Creek series!