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!

---

Did you miss the first book in the series:

Silver Thaw

Book Review: Silver Thaw by Catherine Anderson

Silver Thaw
Mystic Creek #1
Author: Catherine Anderson
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 6th 2015
Review Source: Signet

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Coulter and Harrigan Family novels comes a brand-new contemporary romance series about first love, second chances, and hope reborn…

After years of living in fear of her husband, Amanda Banning has left him and moved to Mystic Creek, Oregon, for a fresh start. But she’s having a tough time providing for herself and her six-year-old daughter. Writing her secret yearnings on slips of paper and sending them into the wind helps her cling to the hope that things will get better…and that she can find happiness again.

Jeb Sterling has no idea that the handwritten messages he finds scattered across his land are the first hints that his life is about to change. Nor does he understand why he feels so compelled to help Amanda Banning and her daughter when a cold snap leaves them temporarily homeless. Maybe he’s inspired by Amanda’s courage or perhaps by her beautiful brown eyes. Either way, the man who once renounced love suddenly finds himself willing to do anything for the pair. Amanda seems to have given up on her dreams, but Jeb refuses to quit until he makes her every wish come true…

When I think of Silver Thaw, I think of Hallmark. I love this channel! They air adorable movies and shows. Silver Thaw is definitely worth a Hallmark movie. When I realized this is a series, I got excited that we will be getting more stories of Mystic Creek town!

Silver Thaw is the story of Amanda and her daughter, Chloe. They are on the run from her abusive husband. Living day to day, Amanda tries to give Chloe what she needs. With no money and a horrible place to call home, Amanda is stuck in this apartment during a winter storm. Luckily, there is hero at their rescue. This stranger brings them to his home and in their a new spark of love changes everything.

What I loved most about this story is the hope that Amanda had toward the future. Every day, she writes little messages and leave them scattered around Mystic Creek. In which Jeb, soon to be their hero, finds them. At first Jeb thinks someone is trying to throw “herself at him”. But when he finds out Amanda is the one writing these notes, he sees that no matter what she’s been through, she is a positive person.

I really enjoyed Silver Thaw. I loved Amanda and Chloe. They’ve been put through a lot and they have such an amazing and positive attitudes. Something we should all admire and learn from. This book is a great contemporary romance story. Worthy of a Hallmark movie.