Silver Thaw (Mystic Creek)

Silver Thaw is hard to put down once you pick it up. Amanda Banning and her daughter Chloe have run away to Mystic Creek to escape from Mark Banning, an abusive husband and father. In Mystic Creek, Amanda struggles, living in a run down rental and walking a mile to and from a part time job. Feeling overwhelmed by life, Amanda writes her wishes and dreams on pieces of pink paper and tosses them into the wind where handsome a handsome neighbor finds them scattered on his land. Jedediah Sterling reads the messages and wonders where they are coming from. When a winter storm takes out power all over Mystic Creek, neighbors start checking on neighbors. Jeb chooses Elderberry Lane, knowing there are a lot of older people and hoping to find the person sending the notes. At the end of a long day, Jeb notices a house at the end of Elderberry that looks abandoned. He is ready to skip it, but notices footsteps in the snow in front. When he knocks on the door, he finds a fearful Amanda. After talking to a neighbor, Amanda agrees to allow him in the house. The pipes have all broken and he tells them they have to leave. Amanda zfinally accepts that she and Chloe will move into Jeb's house for a few days. This book takes the reader through Amanda's story of abuse, escape and learning to trust and finally live and love again. She is ultimately reminded of everything she has lived through after filing for divorce and having her abusive ex show up in Mystic Creek. But with the love and support of Jeb and his family, they make it through. This is truly a must read and my favorite Catherine Anderson book ever.

I read 'New Leaf' which is book 2 in the series and really enjoyed it. Usually, I will just go on to the next book, but I decided instead to go back and start at the beginning. I enjoyed this book. Catherine Anderson is a gifted writer with the ability to bring you to tears and also to laughter. This story delves into the horror of domestic abuse and how it is sometimes nearly impossible for the victim to escape. The plot was good and so was the dialogue between the characters. I would have enjoyed the book more but a few things did bother me. It was stated several times (and also in book 2) that the heroine looked a lot like the hero's mom. I found that a little icky. Also, I got SO tired of those stupid pink slips with notes on them that I would actually skip a few pages to get away from reading them. The truly shining characters for me, were the young daughter and the dog, Bozo. I enjoyed the book but it won't be one that I will reread. However, I have already purchased the next book in the series. Some language (not a lot) and sexual situations may offend some readers.

I love this book so much that I read it yearly between November and December. I consider it a Christmas read, even though it’s not specifically about Christmas it takes place around Thanksgiving and Christmas. It may be old-fashioned, but I love stories about struggling single mothers. And it’s also out of date these days are out of fashion, but I love when a good man comes to the rescue of a woman. Not because she can’t take care of herself, but because he feels protective of her. There are some moments of clunky dialogue in this book where the words that are written by the author sound very stilted or out of place… out of tune with how people really speak and the words people really tend to use. I’m not referring to the fact that the characters don’t tend to use profane language, as many people don’t. Just some types of words that the author uses and dialogue don’t make a lot of sense. Outside of that, I really love the book. I’ve read a couple of her other ones in the Mystic Creek series and I don’t like them as much but they’re still good as well. This one is still my favorite.

''SILVER THAW'....By Catherine Anderson is one FANTSTIC read, right from the first page. This is a terrific story of hope, determination, family, second chances and the power of love. Her words and characters go to the core of your heart., and remain there. Even the animals will find a spot there, too. It touches every single one of your emotions. It is an absolute wonderful escape into life in Mystic Creek. Where people who desperately need changes in their lives, meet, in a magical concept of expressing thoughts, dreams and wishes. With a ton of determination, the bonds of family and love, changes can be made. I never end one of her books without being reminded or learn a valuable life lesson, "SILVER THAW" is no exception. You want more, you don't want it to end. But the good news is, this is the first novel in the Mystic Creek series. I, one of many, will be so looking forward to more adventures in Mystic Creek with the Sterling family. BRAVO! To Catherine Anderson for creating a tremendous story, woven deep with hope, trust, compassion, community and triumph!

This is totally an out-of-the-ballpark home run book. It is definitely one of the best books I have ever read. Through laughter, tears, and giggles, this new Mystic Creek series places you in a real silver thaw. Winter in Oregon and the freezing ice and snow take hold of your emotions. Amanda finally escapes from the clutches of Mark, her husband, taking her 6-year-old daughter, Chloe, as far away as her funds allowed her to go. Caught in a deadly storm, Jeb takes them into his safe sanctuary, and is one of the most admirable, patient, and lovable characters that has ever graced a story. His large family embraces both Amanda and Chloe, trying to keep them safe from Mark finding them. You never know when he will terrorize them more. It kept me awake at night, and my thoughts could barely stray to my everyday life. The fun animals in the story, especially Jeb's mastiff, Bozo, give you the break you need from the suspense. Delightful! I felt frozen throughout this amazing book, and the thaw that you anticipate remains in your vision. I look forward to more Mystic Creek books, and am hoping that Jeb's two sisters and three brothers get their chance for one of their own, as I have fallen in love with them too.

Ich habe das Buch gewählt, weil ich die Idee mit den in den Wind entlassenen Zetteln mochte und etwas seichtes für ein paar freie Tage haben wollte. Das Buch kombiniert eine Liebesgeschichte mit sehr hässlichen Szenen häuslicher Gewalt an Mutter und Kind. Kann man machen, ist aber dünnes Eis. Die Protagonistin bleibt mir ein wenig blass und zwischen "Ich verabscheue Sex" und "Ich kriege nicht genug von Dir" liegen quasi 30 Seiten. Nicht glaubwürdig. Ein Drittel des Buches erzählt davon, wie sich wer wie bewaffnet, um Schutz zu bieten. Da liegen quasi überall Schusswaffen griffbereit und selbst die Mutter trägt eine. Alles im Haus mit Sechsjähriger. Und am Ende siegt natürlich das Gute, der Böse stirbt. Aber Gott hat alles so gefügt, der arme Mann war halt krank und im Himmel ist ja niemand mehr böse, weil Gott alle liebt! Mir ist das zu klischee-amerikanisch und hat mir die Lust auf weitere Bücher dieser Autorin genommen.

A beautiful story of love refreshing I read the series up to book 6 memories of patience understanding a new family beginning anew life

Livre fidèle aux autres romans de cette auteur, belle histoire et très agréable à lire. Je ne suis pas déçue.

as expected

I loved this book, couldn't put it down. I love Jeb, every woman should have a Jeb haha A chilling and romantic read, with just the right amount of sexy time!