Catherine Anderson is the acknowledged master of pairing rather unconventional characters. I am admittedly rather smitten with this talented, truly awesome writer. Her Kendrick/Coulter/Harrigan books are definitely some of my all-time favorites. And HUCKLEBERRY LAKE is the fifth book in her Mystic Creekseries, which has brought to life so many wondrous characters both two and four-footed I must admit.
Picture this. Two lovely people who are handicapped, one profoundly deaf and the second a woman. Yes, you heard me correctly. Erin’s only deficit is the fact that her father wanted a son, and so to gain his approval Erin has done all she could to be that boy. That included driving herself physically to be strong and tough enough to compete with any man she meets on the job and candidly in her personal life as well. Most men seem to shy away from Erin, at least in her mind, so she doesn’t see herself as pretty or feminine. Subconsciously Erin judged herself against friends that knew how to be more womanly and feminine and came up lacking. So sad.
Wyatt spent so many years mastering the art of appearing normal – pretending not to be deaf. Wyatt was adept with lip reading and was diligent in learning to speak as a hearing person would. However, due to a major misstep, Wyatt’s world spiraled downward rapidly. Appearing as a hearing young man had a tragic consequence. Luckily he walked away from this event, but scars run deep and forged his outlook toward women. In short, Wyatt totally avoided any relationship with women.
In some ways, this is a coming of age story albeit more thirties than teens or twenties. But several characters in HUCKLEBERRY LAKE are just beginning to face the realities of their lives. Much of these characters' lives have been caught up in dramas – most not of their own making – but repercussions so awesome that it has taken a toll on their lives and now finally faded so as to give them hope for a better, more fulfilled future. Erin and Wyatt may be the lead characters in HUCKLEBERRY LAKE, but they are in good company with an awesome supporting cast.
HUCKLEBERRY LAKE may be part of a series, but it truly reads as a standalone novel. This is a grand tale with drama and humor, angst and joy all mixed together. Catherine Anderson is a great believer in love healing all wounds, and HUCKLEBERRY LAKE is a fine example of that belief. My library, both paper and digital, is filled to the rim with books by Catherine Anderson. If you are not already a fan, then let HUCKLEBERRY LAKE be your introduction to one of the most wondrous romance writers. Fall in love with Erin, Wyatt, Jen, Kennedy, Julie, Blackie, Four Toes, and the rest of the gang at Mystic Creek.
Love blooms once more in the quaint town of Mystic Creek, Oregon, from the New York Times bestselling author of Strawberry Hill.
Erin De Laney came to Mystic Creek hoping that the slower pace might rekindle her enthusiasm for law enforcement. Instead she feels as frustrated as she did in the city and when her disillusionment with the job increases, she takes a position on her uncle's ranch.
Her life has enough complications without her attraction to handsome, deaf cowboy, Wyatt Fitzgerald, the foreman on the ranch. Wyatt has sworn off dating, and Erin fears that nothing she does will ever change his mind. Yet while working with an abused horse under Wyatt's guidance, Erin comes to better understand herself. She also learns that love can heal almost anything.
Wyatt yearns to take Erin into his arms, but he's hesitant to pursue a romantic relationship. When their work sends them out alone together into a wilderness area, Wyatt is even more determined to hold Erin at arm's length.
But out of their time alone together on the mountain blossoms a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime love if only he's willing to give her his heart and make her his.
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