An Amazon Charts bestseller.
A woman’s journey through tragedy leads to the discovery of love in a novel about hope and survival by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee.
When a wildfire nearly destroys Parker Sinclair’s family home, it’s just one more disaster to add to her mountain of stress. For the past two years, she has shouldered the responsibility of raising her younger … responsibility of raising her younger brother and sister after their parents’ untimely deaths. Forced to leave college for a crappy job that barely pays the bills, Parker manages her family property, which consumes every aspect of her life. Now winter is coming and the forecast isn’t spreading sunshine on the dark cloud over her head. The last thing Parker needs is a mudslide destroying everything she has worked so hard to maintain.
Colin Hudson’s job as a public works supervisor is to protect Parker’s property and neighborhood from further damage. But it’s a little hard when the owner of the land is a control freak who tries to do everything herself. The hardworking, attractive young woman is far from the “hot mess” she claims to be. In fact, her tight grip of control is one of the things that attract him the most. It’s also the hardest to crack. Now Colin’s working overtime to help Parker open up her heart, trust him, and let him in.
As Parker and Colin work together to keep her home and neighborhood safe, they may be in for another disaster. Or they may just realize that sometimes it takes destruction to create something new.
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MY WAY TO YOU (Canyon Creek Series Book #1) by Catherine Bybee is the first book in a new contemporary romance series that is a powerful and engaging emotional read. I have enjoyed many books by this author, but this one grabbed me and would not let go.
Parker Sinclair had to grow up fast. Her parents were killed in an accident which meant she had to drop out of college and return home to finish raising her two younger siblings. After two years of a job that barely pays the bills, Parker is managing to keep the family property up in Canyon Creek, but it takes everything out of her.
When a wildfire strikes and burns all of the outbuildings and vegetation on the surrounding hills, Parker knows she is lucky to have had the house survive, but now with the rainy season coming Parker has to worry about mudslides that can destroy everything she has worked hard to save.
Colin Hudson is the county public works supervisor sent to evaluate Parker’s property for mud slides. He is struck by the tenacious and strong young woman shouldering such a large burden. Colin and Parker butt heads due to Parker not willing to give up control, but Colin is the is willing to work hard for Parker’s trust.
Can Parker and Colin work together to save her home and neighborhood?
I absolutely fell in love with Colin and the way he treated Parker. I know how hard it is to give up control even when you feel like you are drowning and I could relate with Parker. Ms. Bybee gave the couple witty banter and realistic dialogue. The sex scenes were explicit, but not gratuitous and did not overshadow the tenderness of the romance. I will be thinking of these two H/h’s for a long time to come. This story also has a third major character in Mother Nature and the destruction that she can bring. All the secondary characters are fully fleshed and are completely believable.
I highly recommend this emotional contemporary romance! I am now anxiously waiting for more books in this series.
Stunning. Bybee here uses her real life situation over the last few years to craft a story that is a testament to those who helped her most – the firemen and the flood control guys and the various repairmen – while also sticking to her bread and butter of romance novels. This one has some fun elements, such as when the lead guy comes out of the shower and, seeing his brother and sister in addition to our lead gal, says that he is glad he came out covered. His brother responds along the lines of “yeah, no one wants to see that”, and our lead gal raises her hand “I do!” (Seriously, I’m still cracking up about that particular scene. 🙂 But overall, the tone here is much more serious. For our lead gal in particular, life isn’t exactly easy. But she has an AR, an AK, a shotgun, a 911, and a .40 cal Glock and she’s a good shot – as she tells another character who thinks he can just come on her property any time he needs to. Not as light as I remember the Not Quite series being, but absolutely a strong story, and with such a cast that it isn’t clear (as it usually tends to be) where this series is going next. (I have suspicions, but even that is only a somewhat educated guess.) Very much recommended.
What a great new series!! I enjoyed reading this book so much and hated to put it down each night just to sleep. The relationship between Parker and Colin was fantastic! I loved Parker! For such a young age, she was such a spitfire!! Totally independent and didn’t need any help from anyone. Then along comes Colin who wants to help her and do it all but finds out quickly she can handle things herself, especially when she walks out with a shotgun over her shoulder and tells his men exactly how things are going to be. Not only was the romance so great but I thoroughly enjoyed what the story was about. Being a “northern from Ohio”, you read all about the fires and mudslides in California but you have no idea what is really going on or who all is involved in cleaning up the messes. To me, this was a real eye-opener. The destruction these things do to people’s properties is unbelievable. Reading your “Note from the Author” broke my heart to know that you went through this. I am so glad you survived this horrible ordeal. And the “Acknowledgments” of all the people who came together to help out in this disaster was amazing and they deserve a big “thank you”. I not only loved Parker and Colin but I also enjoyed reading about Colin’s and Parker’s families and how the bond between all of them grew. I can’t wait for the next book in this series so I can read about Matt and Erin. Thank you Catherine Bybee for such a great book!!
I’d been looking forward to this book because I knew the story came from similar situations that personally happened to the author. And I was not disappointed! I’ve read several of Bybee’s books, and this one (and the whole series), I felt, was one of her best yet. Do yourself a favor and start reading this one today.
Loved it!!!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher**
I have been excited by this new series from Catherine Bybee since I heard about it and it was definitely worth the wait! Bybee is one of my go-to authors and this is a powerful start to the Creek Canyon series!
Parker Sinclair is doing her best to hold it all together. She’s been raising her brother and sister since the untimely death of their parents and managing the family home and land. When a wildfire sweeps through the land causing major damage and in turn increasing the possibility of destruction from mudslides and floods, things get a whole lot worse before there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Colin Hudson is the guy every girl dreams of. He was raised to treat a woman right, he’s hard working and he’s always the first to offer assistance. As a public works supervisor, he’s assigned to the project at Parker’s house and he and his crew are tasked with doing what they can to save her property and that of her neighbors.
While supervising the project, Colin and Parker are in one another’s orbits and it’s clear pretty quickly that feelings are forming on both sides. While Parker may be a self-proclaimed “hot mess”, Colin is all about it and loves that about her. Will the stress of the situation pull these two apart or have them growing closer?
I did not want to put this book down once I started. I needed to know what happened to everyone involved. Not only were Colin and Parker strong and wonderful characters, the supporting characters were fantastic as well. I’m certain that the rest of the books in this series are going to be as awesome as this one was!
*4.5 stars*
Love can happen anytime…
I had no expectations as I began this story and didn’t realize how personal a story it was…
Parker was in the middle of a disaster and her focus, as it had been for a while, was keeping her family safe and their home in one piece. She’d barely been keeping things together as it was. Faced with so many challenges, when mother nature threatened both, she did what she had learned to do. She dug deep to find the strength and will to do what needed to be done…
Colin was an unexpectedly helpful hand in all the chaos. He had the expertise and the personality to make things happen, whether dealing with uncooperative residents or bosses. When he met Parker, he was pleasantly surprised to find someone more than capable of dealing with anything thrown her way. She was stubborn but smart, beautiful yet practical. She was a bright light in the chaos…
Their romance was a slow burn, at times almost hidden behind the tension and drama that surrounded them. Given the turmoil, the moments of love and intimacy seemed even sweeter. Their characters were down to earth, very likable and had me feeling each up and down right along with them.
I didn’t realize how close this story was to the author until the end but given the vividness of the storytelling I shouldn’t have been surprised. It felt like a front row – though thankfully safe – seat.
With a brother and sister still fighting their demons, I look forward to more…
*Reviewed for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty
This first book of the series, is also the first book I would be reading by this author, and thus was intrigued.
The story centers around Parker Sinclair and Colin Hudson.
Parker has had to deal with a lot in her young life, primarily taking care of her younger siblings , even if her dreams turned to dust.
When mudslides threaten all her hard work, she meets Colin.
Colin is public works supervisor attracted to this complicated woman.
As they work together we also get a chance to meet secondary characters that bring some interest to the story.
It was a sweet and touching story. More of a women’s fiction book than a full fledge romance.
Still, one you will enjoy the complex characters that will touch your hearts.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This was a sweet love story featuring Colin and Parker and I’m guessing the first in a series of books. Well written characters with believable flaws and lots of difficulties to overcome. An enjoyable read, albeit heart-wrenching at times. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
I had the privilege of reading an ARC of Catherine Bybee’s My Way to You, the first book in her new Creek Canyon series for an honest review. I can honestly say that it was one of the most enjoyable books that I have read recently and I am honored that I was able to read an ARC of this amazing and personal story. My Way to You is a beautifully written story about perseverance and dealing with all of life’s shortcomings. I loved every page and could not put it down! One of my favorite parts of the story was the author’s note, where Catherine discloses her own real life experiences that lead to her writing such a personal story. I am truly in awe of Catherine for writing such an amazing personal story and her ability as an incredible storyteller. I love how Catherine develops her characters in such a way that you fall in love with them and care about them much like a good friend. My Way to You is the story of Parker Sinclair, who is the twenty-six year old guardian of her younger sister and brother and Colin Hudson, the supervisor of the public works department. Parker’s parents died two years ago, she left school and her future, to return home to take care of her siblings and all the responsibilities of running a household. A California wildfire nearly destroy the family home, where Parker lives with her sister, Mallory and brother, Austin. After the wildfires, Parker obsesses over the threat of mudslides that could come with the winter rains. Colin Hudson meets with Parker after the wildfire and devises a plan to calm some of Parker’s fears. Colin and his men spend weeks shoring up the land around her home. Parker is not used to relying on anyone for anything. It is hard for her to accept all the help that Colin offers. Before long, sparks are igniting between Parker and Colin. Then the rains come and the mudslides are worse than anyone anticipated. Parker has learned to make many life choices alone, it is hard for her to count on Colin to be there. My Way to You it filled with outstanding characters, wonderful descriptions of the landscape and the setting, and incredible plot twists. Catherine Bybee’s descriptions are so real, that I felt that I was right there with Parker as she was dealing with the mud slides. I loved Colin’s Mom, Nora, and the life lessons that she passed along to Parker. I felt like I was really related to her. I love that Catherine Bybee always writes about strong women. My Way to You is filled with the bittersweet and poignant moments, that I have come to love and expect in Catherine Bybee’s books. My favorite line in the book is “Time for a new chapter”. I love that Parker got her happily ever after even if she didn’t even realize that she wanted one. Catherine introduced the characters for her next book in the series, Home to Me. Cannot wait to see how the romance between Parker’s renter, Erin Fleming with all her secrets and fears, and Colin’s brother Matt develops.
5 Star Review My Way To You (Creek Canyon #1) by Catherine Bybee
I was excited when I learnt that Catherine Bybee had a new series releasing and although this book is a bit of a departure from previous books I have read by her, as always the heroine of the story Parker Sinclair is a strong and resilient women.
Parker’s life has not been easy, having to look after her younger siblings when her parents died, she never got to graduate college and has no real skills. To say that their lives have been difficult is a massive understatement and when faced with the latest blow, a fire that almost destroyed their home and a mudslide that might, she is at her wits end. Colin Hudson’s job as a public works supervisor is to protect property from further damage. His job is made harder by Parker who refuses to relinquish control.
Colin is attracted to Parker, a woman he knows has been through so much and yet is determined not to give in. All he wants to do is help and protect her but it is hard going. My Way To You is a heartfelt story that is emotional and at times gut wrenching. It is also a sweet story about love and overcoming obstacles that life puts in your path and in doing so allowing oneself to open up to the possibility of finding love and happiness.
This book was well written, with characters who have flaws and are not afraid to show them, this story will get to you in many ways.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Catherine Bybee has well earned her spot on my favorite authors-to-read list. I crave more to a story than just the couple getting together, and she delivers every time. There was so much heart in My Way to You. I just fell in love with all of these characters and the struggles they were going through.
Parker Sinclair is one tough chic. I want to be her when I grow up. Everything that she and her siblings have gone through would test the toughest of characters and she shined. After reading this book, I feel incredibly lazy compared to her. I feel like I need to get up and get to work because I admired her tenacity and her work ethic. She was just an incredible heroine and I can’t say enough about her.
Collin Hudson is the type of guy any woman would be lucky to have in their life. His parents taught him right on how to treat others. He was a mature, responsible man who just wanted to take care of those he loved. He was exactly the right guy for Parker. They may have butted heads a bit but it was just the right amount to show that these characters were flawed like the rest of us, but not too much to turn you off as a reader.
There were also some pretty amazing side characters that I’m going to assume will eventually have their own book in the series. All I can say is, I can’t wait! I loved this book and will be counting down the days for the next book in the series
There is no research better than first hand experience. From the beginning, the horrendous descriptions of the damage caused by first the massive fire & then the floods & mudslides felt personal. As you find out at the end of the story, the author lived through scenes similar to these. Only a brave & strong person could do it basically on their own. Parker was just such a woman. From having to leave college to come home & raise her brother & sister to doing everything she could to rescue their property, she never gave up.
Colin was sent in to devise & execute a plan to keep the inevitable mudslides & torrential rain from washing everything that survived the fire away. It was his first time being in charge & he couldn’t believe his boss was handicapping him before he even started. Then he saw Parker. The attraction was instantaneous & overwhelming. He had to work slow to gain her trust & respect.
This was a highly emotional, well written story. The author infused the heroine with such strength & character, she’s someone I’d love to know in real life. Every time something else happened, she’d get through it one minute, one hour, one day at a time. Those that didn’t listen to her because of her age, didn’t realize she’d been forced to mature beyond her years. Her beauty & personality shows through the mud & despair. Colin had to learn that she’d had only herself to depend on for years so it would take time for her to realize she had help. This isn’t strictly a romance but it’s more than just woman’s fiction.
A relevant and scary look into the California wildfires!
Parker Sinclair is forced into growing up when her parents unexpectedly die, leaving her in charge of her teenaged siblings and the family home.
She’s barely hanging on when a wildfire rips through the hills behind her house, threatening everything they own. Thankfully, the fire crews manage to get it under control, but the hillside is compromised now that the trees are gone. If a flood were to occur, it would wash away their home.
In steps public works supervisor Colin Hudson with a plan to fortify the embankment and build two buildings to house the rainwater and stop a potential mudslide- if only he weren’t so attracted to the homeowner.
Throw in a mysterious renter who jumps at every noise, and you have the setup for a page-turning story of strength, determination, and willpower.
Favorite Lines
Southern California was in its seventh year of a severe drought. The hillsides were nothing but dense vegetation, too starved for water to even scream anymore.
My Way to You- Catherine Bybee
Band-Aid on a hemorrhage. Water rushed off the mountain like anxious kids on a slip-and-slide.
My Way to You- Catherine Bybee
This story was written as a way for the author to show her appreciation for all the people who protect, serve, and care for those in the way of these destructive acts of nature.
I give My Way to You 5 lovely kisses- an eye-opening read!
Interesting plot
I feel the story is a bit drawn out but I still found it interesting. The plot is focused on the tragedies this family goes through, which started with the death of their parents. The things they faced due to continuous natural disasters, how they cope. In all of this a beautiful romance developed and there is light at the end of all the darkness
*I received a free digital ARC via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Glorious
This book is half based on reality, centred around the events of the Californian wildfires of 2016, which the author personally lived through. From an outsider’s point of view, it is impossible to imagine, even when viewing the photos of the event, as it doesn’t give you even a small idea of the heat and ash, or the crazy mudslides afterwards. I haven’t even a clue of what the Californian countryside is like, either. But the author gives such vivid descriptions, that it pulls you in and puts you there at the scene.
Amongst all this craziness and disaster is a young woman, just 25, forced to grow up early after tragically losing her parents and as a result becoming responsible for her younger siblings, and a chance encounter with a Public Works supervisor, who is determined to save her home from impending floods and mudslides. Yes there is a little bit of insta-attraction here, but it takes time for a relationship to slowly develop as Parker slowly eases up on her control and gives in to Colin.
Parker has gotten so used to doing everything on her own, Colin nicknames her “Annie Oakley” as a homage to her gun-wielding independence and steadfastness. Parker quite happily shows herself all woman by nicknaming him in turn “TDH” (aka, “Tall, Dark, and Handsome”). But just because she finds him attractive, doesn’t mean that she’s giving him a single inch of her hard-won control.
Two very independent characters, set amongst a deluge of disasters.
Alongside them all are Parker’s siblings, who are surprisingly well behaved considering their respective ages. Although that is a lot down to Parker, giving up her sibling responsibility in exchange for a parenting one. Then there’s Erin, a frightened young woman who starts to settle and shine as the story moves on. Plus Colin’s ever-loving family, who play a strong side roll.
But despite all the good, there were a couple of disappoints for me. Firstly, it took a while before we learnt about what happened to Parker’s parents, and even that wasn’t a true answer. Then there was Erin, always looking over her shoulder, but nothing ever came of that thread. I was also expecting something more to happen with the strange man who suddenly appeared in their yard.
A story filled with grit and determination that, despite my minor niggles, I really enjoyed.
Final rating: – Really liked
October 21, 2020
Great subjects.
Important subjects, interesting characters and wonderful explorations of reactions and emotions. But the explicit sex is just not enjoyable for this old lady. Hinting is much more fun than a how to! I keep forgetting this aspect of this wonderful writer’s repertoire.
I have not read it yet
I devoured My Way To You by Catherine Bybee all in one sitting as it was a riveting story and a page turner from beginning to end. The author’s real life experience with the devastating fires and floods made the scenes in this book so realistic. I loved and admired Parker, the tough as nails heroine in this story who had to give up her dreams in order to take care of her brother and sister after their parents’ death and now must fight Mother Nature to keep their family home. I adored Colin who did everything he could to help Parker safeguard her home and property as well as help alleviate any stress. I really enjoyed meeting his parents and siblings and their interaction with Parker and each other. While this may not be the typical sexy romance story you’re used to reading by this author, Catherine Bybee shows that you can find love amongst any hardship in life. I cannot wait to read the next book in this new series.
Parker Sinclair is no stranger to tragedy. When her parents were killed in an accident, she left college and arranged custody of her younger siblings. So when a fire swoops in and burns structures all around them she takes charge, until the possibility of mudslides heightens the threat.
Colin Hudson is a County Public Works Supervisor, a man who is in charge of a massive project to prevent the slides that could permanently damage her property. Always in each other’s company, their attraction grows until they give in.
Both are controlling, independent, and protective. They discover they may want different things from life. But as rains soak the ground and soil begins to move, they somehow find that love overcomes differences and even big problems can be handled.
As a former city manager, I loved this book because it highlights unsung heroes often overlooked: those guys in the trucks who wield shovels and skip loaders, dig ditches and fix pipes and do clean up after tragedies, fixing water lines and roads. Catherine Bybee lived through some of the events outlined in this book and I commend her, not only for a heartfelt story, but for recognizing the guys in the blue shirts who work hard in the name of public service. Five stars.