This was a very enjoyable story. The reader feels as if they are living in Mystic Creek as well as knowing the characters on a personal level.

I am. Not able to review this title as I could not finish it. The characters were older and it felt strange.I can rate 3 stars for writing and just because I love the author.

Disillusioned with her job in law enforcement, Erin begins to work at her uncle's farm where she learns how to train an abused horse. In doing so she starts to deal with her past. We also meet Wyatt who works at the ranch and is deaf. The plot moves at a believable pace as both work out their past and move toward a future together. Review on an ARC received from NetGalley.

Good book. This continues the story of Wyatt and Erin that began in Strawberry Hill. It is full of deep emotions, self-discovery, and facing some hard decisions. Some lighter moments show the good side of living in a small town.

Erin is an attractive but intense deputy who seems to look at life as a competition that she has to win. There were many times in the first part of the book when I wanted to shake her and tell her to lighten up. But the more I learned of her past, the more I understood where she was coming from, and rooted for her to let go of her past. Erin moved from the city to the small town because her experiences there made her question her role as a cop. Unfortunately, though the pace is slower and the crime rate lower, she still questions her future. She also is attracted to her uncle's ranch foreman, Wyatt. However, nothing she does gets a similar response from him.

Wyatt is the ranch foreman. He has been deaf his whole life, but reads lips and has taught himself to speak almost as well as a hearing person. He's great with horses and has been known to gentle the most stubborn animals. He also watches out for his younger brother Kennedy, who works on the ranch part-time while he goes to college. Wyatt is attracted to Erin, but a life-altering event seven years earlier made him swear off women and relationships. Resisting Erin becomes more difficult the more often he is around her.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Wyatt and Erin. After a major misunderstanding brought on by well-meaning, but erroneous information from Kennedy, Erin and Wyatt agree to be friends. I liked seeing their friendship blossom once Erin gave up the constant come-ons. Wyatt's deafness allowed him to develop in other ways, and his empathy ratings are off the charts. I loved the way he saw Erin so clearly and tried to help her understand how her past still affects her life. When Erin hit a wall in her law enforcement career, causing her to reevaluate her life, Wyatt was there for her. At first, he wasn't too happy about her working for him on the ranch, as her proximity was a greater temptation. He also had to deal with her competitive nature, and find a way to get her past it. I loved the method he found, and how well it worked.

I ached for Erin almost as much as I wanted to smack her at times. Her entire life was spent trying to please her father. She went into law enforcement because of him. She has bottled up her emotions because of him. Her need to be better than everyone else is because of him. She is miserably unhappy as a cop but sticks it out because she doesn't want to disappoint him by quitting. That is until one heart-breaking event turns out to be the last straw and she turns in her badge. Her Uncle Slade gives her a job as a ranch hand and turns her over to Wyatt. Erin still can't let go of her need to be the fastest, smartest, best, and puts herself and others in danger because of it. Her stubbornness makes her ignore all attempts to help her, as she sees them as slurs on her capability. It takes nearly being fired for her to realize that she needs to change. I loved how Wyatt used an abused horse to get through to her.

Both Wyatt and Erin have let their pasts define their lives. I loved seeing the changes in Erin as she realizes how badly her parents' actions have affected her. Once that barrier is broken down, Erin finds it much easier to let go of her intense need to be the best. I loved her patience with the horse and how she sees parallels between them. The event in Wyatt's past that affected him so profoundly is heartbreaking. His reason for avoiding relationships is understandable and I ached for his belief that happiness is not in the cards for him. He has gone seven years successfully avoiding temptation, but Erin puts an end to that. She stirs him up, and resisting her becomes more difficult. A little matchmaking interference from Slade and Vicki throws Erin and Wyatt together in the wilderness, where there's no way to get away from each other. I loved seeing the sparks build between them. There's a slight hiccup when Erin confesses something to Wyatt, but Wyatt's anger is short-lived when Erin ends up in danger. It's an intense time but helps break down the final barriers between them.

There is a secondary romance going on between Erin's friend Julie and the pawnshop owner, Blackie. Julie has been interested in him for a long time, but he seems oblivious to it. She is surprised to discover that he is also interested, but is resistant because there is a twenty-year age difference between them. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. Blackie is young for his age, and a really sweet guy. He also becomes very protective of Julie. There is a fantastic section as he takes care of her when she goes down with a virus. There are some rough patches as they work their way through what each is looking for in a relationship, but it's easy to see that they belong together. Though they see their lives going down a particular path, it's always fun to see when Fate throws a bump in the road. This specific bump was a complete surprise and forced some self-examination on both their parts. The conclusion was not unexpected, and I look forward to seeing them in future books.

Wyatt's brother, Kennedy, has some page time of his own. He is a terrific young man, responsible, kind, and with a good head on his shoulders. I liked his dedication to his studies, and to the work he does on the ranch. On a rare trip into town, he rescued a young woman who was being threatened by her ex-boyfriend. Though she's only a senior in high school, Jen is just as focused as Kennedy, and they develop a friendship. Kennedy is a bit wary because he's older than she is. I liked their interactions as Kennedy frequents the hamburger drive-in where Jen works. It's Kennedy's friendship with her and knowing the type of person she is that makes him realize that something is very wrong when he arrives one evening and she isn't there. I ached for them both because of what happened. Kennedy's kindness and maturity are showcased in the following days and weeks, as he is there for Jen when she needs him. I hope that there will be more about them in future books.

There are also some fun moments with the ranch's rescue bear, Four-Toes. His story began in the previous book when he was rescued as a cub. His encounter with Jen is pretty funny and unexpectedly leads to a change for him, too.

4.5 Stars
Huckleberry Lake is the story I thought I was getting in the last book, Strawberry Hill. Due to some sort of snafu the first book description of Strawberry Hill made it seem like it was focused on Erin and Wyatt, (now since corrected) and they were featured proximately, but it was Vicky and Slade’s book, which was completely confusing when I got to the end and everything was still up in the air with Erin and Wyatt.

I don’t think you need to read the entire previous book to enjoy this story, but there was one scene at the very beginning where they meet for the first time and another when Wyatt deals with a horse in distress that I think would be unfortunate to miss, and give some much needed background to their relationship here.

I LOVED Huckleberry Lake! This is the book that I read by the fire for four hours straight, and then missed working up my Sunday Post because I was so wrapped up in the story. This is three-romances in one story: Erin and Wyatt, Julie and Blackie, and the start of one with Kennedy (Wyatt’s younger brother) and Jen.

Erin is an officer, bullied into the career path by her father. She hoped the move to Mystic Creek with its slower pace would make her love the job, but Erin’s coming to the realization that she may never be happy as a deputy. Fortunately, Erin loves Mystic Creek and has the support of her wonderful Uncle Slade, so it’s just a matter of figuring it out. Wyatt Fitzgerald, the deaf foreman of her uncle’s ranch, is another burr in Erin’s side. She’s so attracted to this sexy cowboy, and there were signals that he felt the same, but now she feels like Wyatt actively dislikes her.

Wyatt is very attracted to Erin, but a bad experience in the past made him swear off romance for good. When his reason was revealed I could understand why he felt that way, but I did think it was a bit extreme, and as Erin as spends more time on the ranch it’s harder for Wyatt to stick to his decision. I loved that Erin and Wyatt formed a friendship while slowly falling in love.

Julie and Blackie’s story was just a great, easy going romance, and loved how it all turned out.

Kennedy and Jen’s story really captured my heart, with all that happened! Kennedy’s attending college, working on getting his degree while supporting himself as a ranch hand. He meets Jen, a high school senior at the local burger joint, and having college and career goals in common they strike up a friendship. There was some danger, and a situation I won’t get into, but it will affect how things proceed in the future. I really, really hope Kennedy and Jen get their own book next.

I’d be remiss not mentioning the picturesque setting of Huckleberry Lake. Small towns and ranching life appeals so much to me, and the animals were like secondary characters here. Erin at times found it hard to take counsel from others, but she was able to come to these important truths by working with one of the new horses on Slade’s ranch. Their relationship was so touching, and I just love Slade’s bear, Four Toes!

I am such a fan of this author and this series.

I couldn't wait for this book because the 5th installment had me feeling as if there were too many loose ends and this installment seemed to tie it all together.

Erin and Wyatt continue to circle around one another but refusing to act on their feelings. Wyatt has his reasons to stay away from Erin and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Wyatt has a secret and believes he is doomed to happiness because of it. Erin is trying to discover where she can be happy as her current job leaves her feeling empty in addition to the unrequited feelings she has for Wyatt. The two decide that a friendship would be the best they can offer each other and that becomes the foundation of their relationship. The author takes her time with development of a relationship that blooms over time.

Erin's friend Julie has a great storyline, too, which could be a standalone story. She has suffered through a terrible divorce and discovers a friendship with Blackie who is shares a similar history with his own messy divorce. Both want to be friends, but cannot deny that their are strong feelings for each other but Blackie is resistent because he is older and wants Julie to have life experiences with the right partner who is closer to her age, but Julie has fallen for Blackie and has to convince him that they are right for one another. But they, too, have an unexpected challenge that tests their relationship.

Wyatt's brother, Kennedy, has an interesting storyline that takes a serious turn which forces him to make decisions that can impact his life.

And finally, this author managed to weave in the story of "Four Toes", Slade's bear and it is humorous and thoughtful to know that this animal is the darling of the community. I love Catherine Anderson's stories and always look forward to her annual release. Her stories are folksy, and engaging and you want to visit the little town of Mystic Creek.

*3.5 stars*

Always good to come back to Mystic Creek…

I always look forward to a new title by this author. The natural writing style, the gentle storytelling. It mixes heaps of family with love in all its facets. This time out Erin and Wyatt fought through a rough start to grow something meaningful together. Erin was trying to find her right place in the world and Wyatt tried to resist her as she did. Their lives continued to collide but uncertainty was at the heart of each interaction. So much conflict but the ups and downs meant they were trying to figure it out…

If that wasn’t enough (and it was), there were two sub-plots percolating alongside that meant love wasn’t in the cards for just Erin and Wyatt. While a bit distracting, there was a lot going on with three different couples finding their way, the totally different story arcs melded together into a read that was full of hope and, of course, love…

Happy release day to this sweet and emotional country romance! Even though I live in a big city, I have always thought that deep inside me is buried a country farm girl who would like to wear jeans and boots every day, and get my hands dirty planting things, fixing fences, and handling animals. So it was a great change of pace to immerse myself into a book set in eastern Oregon ranch country. Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing for giving me the chance to read this book ahead of time through NetGalley. Read on for my honest and unbiased, spoiler-free review.

I really enjoyed this sweet and emotional story. Erin and Wyatt each have some pretty big problems related to difficult things in their pasts, and it makes it very complicated for them to find their way in a relationship. We don't get anywhere near them actually figuring things out for the bulk of the book, but I am glad the author took her time with their development. It felt more real and honest that way. It's not a quick romance, but by the end, you are really cheering for them, and I love that.

This book touches on some difficult topics, including emotional abuse during childhood (unattainable parent expectations) and rape. If you would rather steer clear of those issues, this is probably not a good book for you to read. The topics are dealt with sensitively and tenderly, and I thought they added to/were integral to the story and character development; they aren't just there to be sensational. As a speech therapist, I work with many deaf and hard-of-hearing children, so I particularly enjoyed the insight and care the author took in exploring Wyatt's deafness and how it affected him throughout his life.

Aside from the main characters, we meet lots of side characters, including Erin's best friend and her love interest, Wyatt's little brother and his love interest, and of course, Erin's uncle Slade and his wife Vickie (the central story of the previous book in the series, Strawberry Hill--you don't have to read this book to know what's going on, but I think it probably adds to the depth of Erin and Wyatt's story if you do). I really enjoyed that we got chapters from the perspectives of these other characters. It added to the vibrance of the setting to feel what it means to all these different characters. If you are intrigued by the slow country lifestyle and small town gossip and relationships, then you'll love this book.

Overall, if you're looking for a sweet and emotional, not too fast-paced romance to read this mid-winter, then this might be just the book for you.

I enjoyed this entertaining read. There are plenty of emotions woven through the engaging story line. I found it easy to like Erin and Wyatt and to become fully invested in this couple getting a HEA. I will say that I thought that this book had a different flow to it. This was not a bad thing it just gave this book a very unique feel. If you are a fan of heartfelt reads with lots of charm and an overall feeling of genuineness, I don't think that you can ever really go wrong by grabbing one of this author's books.

“And sometimes not being completely honest can destroy what might be absolutely perfect.”

“Sometimes,” Julie said softly, “being too honest can do more harm than good.”“And sometimes not being completely honest can destroy what might be absolutely perfect.”

Catherine Anderson is a favorite romance author of mine. I haven't read all of her books but I've read a good portion of them.

This offering wasn't a total winner for me. The dialogue seemed stilted and the ending feelers rushed. Anderson writes about imperfect characters but in this case I felt that the imperfections were way too stressed as compared to the romance.

Erin DeLaney moves to Mystic Creek in central Oregon and becomes a county deputy, a job she hates but one she feels pushed into by her father.

Sparks fly when she meets Wyatt Fitzgerald, the ranch foreman at her uncle's ranch, who also happens to be totally deaf.

But even though there are feelings of mutual attraction, Wyatt pushes Erin away.

I really loved a lot of Anderson's earlier books. This is the fourth book out of a series of six that I've read about Mystic Creek. One other I didn't like much at all and two others were great - so not too consistent.

But Anderson's books on a bad day are better than a lot of romance authors books on their good days.

I received this book from Berkley Publishing through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

Fantastic, emotional read. Having said that, you should really read Strawberry Hill before reading this book. This story carries over 2 characters from the previous book. I had originally thought Strawberry Hill was going to be Erin and Wyatt's story. Thank goodness it wasn't. These 2 characters needed 2 books to truly evolve their story arc. They are both damaged souls who are struggling to find each other. They are both awful and wonderful. I am so glad Ms. Anderson gave them the care and time these 2 challenging people deserved.

The story also contains many secondary characters we have previously met in Mystic Creek. This story is very intricate and involved. I loved the way it was written and the beautiful story arc. I am so glad nothing was rushed for these 2 people and that they finally got their HEA.

Thank you for a beautiful story.

received as an ARC from Netgalley.

This is the sixth book in the Mystic Creek series and it does rely heavily on characters and character interactions from previous books in the series. Even though I have read the whole series, I admit I had forgot some of the earlier interactions between Erin and Wyatt. In this book we find out just why Wyatt is so reluctant to get involved with women and given his experience, it's easy to see why he is so reluctant. As in books past, Catherine Anderson has penned a heartwarming romance that is perfect for reading on a cold winter's night.

Huckleberry Lake by Catherine Anderson is the 6th book in her Mystic Creek series. Each one of the books in this series usually centers on two couples; one being the main couple and the other playing a smaller but nice part. In Huckleberry Lake, the main couple was Erin and Wyatt, whom we met in the previous book, which had left the storyline open about them.

Erin was a new cop, who was also the niece of Slade (last book hero), and she truly was not happy in her job. Wyatt, is the lead foreman on Slade’s ranch, and is deaf. Erin has been trying to get Wyatt to pay attention to her attraction to him, but to no avail. What she doesn’t know is that Wyatt, due to something in his past, has sworn off any relationship with woman. Wyatt goes out of his way to tell Erin to stop flirting with him, as he is not interested.

Wyatt’s brother Kennedy will rescue a girl from an attack from her former boyfriend, and in a short time after the girl is attacked again, Erin decides she cannot handle working for law enforcement. She goes to her uncle and decides she would love to work on the ranch. Of course, once she starts to work there, she learns that Wyatt will be her boss. Erin gets discouraged, as she tries to work hard at a frenetic pace, which has Wyatt and Slade warning her to slow down and learn about safety; but Erin had a rough childhood, with a father that was never satisfied, and decided perhaps she needed to walk away. Will Erin give up and leave the ranch, or find a way to get past her tough young years and learn to work with everyone?

The other couple, who also has a part of this story is Erin’s best friend, Julie, and Blackie, who is 20 years older. There chemistry was very good, and I did like their story line.

What follows is a nice romance about a couple who knew they were meant for each other, but unable to get past their issues. I loved the part where Erin learned to deal with a troubled horse, and train him to trust her. I also loved Wyatt’s dog Domino and of course, the cub bear Four Toes (who was part of the previous book).
I did like Erin and Wyatt, but both had their own issues that blocked any relationship. It took almost to the end of the book, for at least Wyatt to open his eyes. Erin earlier began to rise up beyond her issues with her father, and I really liked seeing her change. She showed Wyatt how much she cared for him, and knew it would be difficult for him to allow his feelings for her change his determination to never become involved. That alone throughout the book did cut the chemistry between them. It was nice when Erin pushed enough to make him realize that with her, he did not need to protect her.

Huckleberry Lake was a great story and emotional, as well as very well written by Catherine Anderson. I suggest if you have not read the Mystic Creek series, you need to do so soon and start with the first book.

This is the #6th book in the Mystic Creek Series. I have not read all but read the previous novel #5in the series and one of the storyline from the previous book which include Wyatt the foreman and Erin now get their own HEA in this novel. This is not your typical romance Wyatt and Erin take 99% of the book to get to their happy ending. While we the readers are anticipating their story we meet other secondary characters/couples. We meet Julie( Erin's friend) and her love interest Blackie we meet Kennedy(Wyatt's brother) and Jen his love interest and of course we get to visit with Slade and Vicki from the previous book. This storyline has not only the secondary characters but it touches on emotional and physical abuse that affects more than one of the characters .There is a rape storyline and sever assault that occurs. Overall a very emotional novel that will leave you sad mad happy and grateful of the characters overcoming and triumphing to find love after all . Review on goodreads and amazon.com

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 Creek series 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.