Date: 3rd January 2017
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 448
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Rating:
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.
Ben Sterling is the hero of the story and like all other Catherine Anderson heroes, a fine man with values and respect for himself and others. And with a mother that always expects the best of her sons! He turns his hand to helping Sissy who has overloaded herself with chickens and really doesn't have too much idea about how to care for them. The chicken part of the story is a lot of fun and well actually... very informative. As well Ben has a very trusty puppy named Finnegan who is downright adorable.
On the other hand Sissy is without family and setting up a business single handedly in Mystic Creek. She has guts and determination and is beginning to make a success of her small cafe. The people in town like her and are beginning to watch out for her. Her family background is the opposite of Ben's one. She had the bad luck of an abusive father and a battered, abused mother. Escaping there clutches was the best thing Sissy ever did.
It doesn't take long for Ben to become smitten with Sissy, however although she likes him her background means she is not going to trust easily. But Ben has a plan - wait her out and don't crowd her.
There is plenty of action in the story, it is well paced, peppered with extremely delightful animals and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
