Title:  The Christmas Room

Author:  Catherine Anderson

Publisher: Berkley

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:Five

Review:

"The Christmas Room" by Catherine Anderson

My Thoughts....

I found this a good novella Christmas story that touches on a little bit of it all....from 'grief, trials and tribulations of a single parent, finding a love connection, moving to a new state, with secrets, physical violence,  name calling, lack of understanding, healing, redemption' and it did have some heart warming moments. This author gives the reader a wonderful story that was even humorous at times, with touching moments with interesting characters from [Maddie, Cameron (Cam}, Caleb McLendon, Sam and  Kristin Conacher] to name a few that will definitely keep your attention all the way through this beautiful description of Christmas Montana story. Be ready for a long story of this well blended family where the reader will be able to read about this 'dual love story of two different generations' with the best of it all ... it all happens around the Christmas holiday.  All that is left to say is that this was really a fantastic story of families and their relationships in how this author brings it all together so well after all is said and done.

One glance. That's all it takes. Wealthy rancher Ryan Kendrick falls hard and fast for lovely Bethany Coulter. A beguiling mix of sass and shyness, naiveté and maturity, she shares his passion for horses, has a great sense of humor, and can light up a room with her beautiful smile. She's absolutely perfect--in every way but one...

A long-ago barrel-racing accident has left Bethany confined to a wheelchair. In the years since, she has known both betrayal and heartbreak--and vowed never to open her heart to a man again. She has even accepted the possibility that she'll never be able to enjoy a healthy intimate relationship--or have children of her own. But there's something about handsome Ryan Kendrick. Something that makes her believe she can overcome every obstacle. Something that makes her believe in lifelong, lasting love...

Mulberry Moon - Catherine Anderson

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.

I had a hard time deciding between three or four stars which frustrates me because I was anticipating this installment so much.

However it was mostly a character flaw that prevented me from voting it up to four.

Sissy lived up to her name too often too much. Sissy was ridiculous, Sissy was childish, unstable, insecure and more. That kind of personality doesn't mesh well with what I look for in a female lead in a story like this. At the same time I really liked Ben.

Yet I wanted to shake him and tell him to drop Sissy but he was king and kept with it - which is admirable considering how determined he is.

There was plenty of good interactions and funny scenes that made me laugh I just didn't care for Sissy as a person, I didn't like Sissy and Ben as a couple and that bogged down how I felt about this book.

Catherine Anderson

 This title will be available January 3rd 2016!

Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.

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New Leaf by Catherine Anderson
Have read some of the author's other works and have enjoyed the story.
This one starts out in Mystic Creek where a woman, Tabbath runs the local nutritional health store, lives above it.
The town is small so it doesn't take much to excite some of the residents-especially when they can watch her dance provocatively with loud music.
That makes them call the sheriff's deputy and he has keys to all the main street stores and notifies her she has to turn the music down, and get some blinds.
He tries to befriend her with coffee but she needs to keep her distance, keep to herself as her daughter who's living with her ex has temporary custody.
She does summon him for help, with a proposition....He's attracted to her but knows he should not date the locals. Her proposition is so much more than he anticipated and he has a lawyer friend check out what she's told him.
Not very predictable when he finds out what her real situation is, nor his reaction. Like how he explains all the horse details to her in a way to make her understand and make her feel at home.
Lots of other family members in the picture and it takes time to understand who they all are.  Like the travel to the city and the things they do there...things don't go according to plan, as in real life either which makes this a  good read.
Romance and sex scenes and an excerpt from the next in the series is included.
Won this in a contest.