Today I have a review of Gimme Some Sugar, the third in the Summer Eclectic series by Molly Harper, available from Gallery Books on April 2, 2019!
My Thoughts:
I’ve used this term before- sometimes we need book comfort food, and Gimme Some Sugar and the Southern Eclectic series from Molly Harper are all just that, comfort.
Lucy Brewer is a young widow when she returns to Lake Sackett, Georgia. Her best friend, Duffy, has been in love with her for a lifetime, and she has had no idea. Duffy watched as Lucy married Wayne, and he’s there when Lucy needs to pick up the pieces after Wayne’s death.
Lucy feels guilty her life is better, simpler even, without Wayne around, but her family and friends insist she needs to grieve longer. No one really knew the inner workings of Lucy and Wayne’s marriage, but Duffy senses something is up with Lucy.
Lucy decides to open a bakery with Duffy’s help and as they work together, a spark between them is kindled.
Oh my, I love Lucy and Duffy and this story! Duffy was due for an offshoot story in this series. He’s a good guy with a big heart. Part of the fun with Southern Eclectic is the quirkiness of the characters. I mean where else can you find Duffy, who owns a bait shop doubling as a funeral parlor? And somehow, the way it’s executed feels so realistic, you don’t even question that zany detail; you just smile.
The humor here also warms my heart. Molly Harper is hilariously clever and funny, and the food! I can never forget the yummy food showcased by the author.
Overall, Gimme Some Sugar and the entire series are books you can fall into, knowing you will reliably receive an engaging and fun story with plenty of laughs and characters you will adore, all in a charming southern setting. I hope we get another installment or three, please, Molly Harper?!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
A young widow returns to Lake Sackett, Georgia to face the ghosts of her past—and decide if she’s ready to take another chance on love—in the third sparkling Southern Eclectic novel that “goes down as easy as honey on a deep-fried Twinkie” (Library Journal, on Sweet Tea and Sympathy).
Lucy Brewer would never have guessed that her best friend, Duffy McCready (of McCready’s Bait Shop & Funeral Home) has been in love with her since they were kids. Fear of rejection and his own romantic complications prevented Duffy from confessing his true feelings in high school, so he stood by and watched her wed Wayne Bowman right after high school. Wayne had always been a cheapskate, so it comes as no surprise when he suffers a fatal accident while fixing his own truck.
Even as her family and friends invade Lucy’s life and insist that the new widow is too fragile to do much beyond weeping, Lucy is ashamed to admit that life without Wayne is easier, less complicated. After all, no one knew what a relentless, soul-grinding trudge marriage to Wayne had been. Only Duffy can tell she’s hiding something.
In need of a fresh start, Lucy asks Duffy to put his cabinet-building skills to use, transforming the town’s meat shop into a bake shop. As the bakery takes shape, Lucy and Duffy discover the spark that pulled them together so many years ago. Could this finally be the second chance he’s always hoped for?
Once again Molly Harper “writes characters you can’t help but fall in love with” (RT Book Reviews) in this charming and entertaining love story.
Have you read Gimme Some Sugar, or is it on your TBR? Have you read any of Molly Harper’s books? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
Oooh, these covers!! Making me real hungry 😀
Is this a proper series? Or they are just set in the same town but the stories are not connected?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aren’t they yummy covers, Norrie?! The stories are connected and the characters in the spotlight shift a little through each of the books. ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Southern Comfort…..nothing better. These look lovely, Jennifer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are so charming, Marialyce! I just love them! ♥️
LikeLike
Glad you loved it too, Jennifer! This is such a fun series. It’s definitely comfort food in a book. I hope Molly Harper keeps writing about the Mccready family! Wonderful review and your cake made me so hungry! Happy Monday!❤💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Steph! That was my birthday cake- the brownstone cake! I REALLY wish I had some now! I also hope she keeps writing about this family. We’ll be ready for them, won’t we?! I hope your Monday was wonderful! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! I thought it was but then I wondered if you got a new one, lol. It made me want cake so badly, and I love cake so much that I would have inhaled a piece. Yes, we definitely will! They are great. It was, and I hope yours was too! ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
This reminds me of “liar” by Nora Roberts. Well, the widow part returning to her southern home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that sounds like one I need to check out. Did you enjoy it, Jina? I’m guessing this one has a lot more zaniness and humor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I enjoy Nora Roberts writing style – the imagery is exceptional.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love love love Molly Harper! I think I still have the second one to read! Thanks for the reminder my friend. Awesome review Jen!😊🙋♀️💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sus! Isn’t she special? There are also some little novellas that I really want to read! Have you read any of those? ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
What??? I don’t think so! I’m going to go look now! That cake!! Hmmm even though I just had a piece of cheesecake!🎂🎂💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
These sound like very fun reads! The cover makes me crave cake though. 😉 Wonderful review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Yvo! They are super fun and funny! Just charming reads to get lost in!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stephanie hooked me on this series last week! You just iced that cake, Jennifer💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful review and picture, Jennifer! I have not read GSS but added it to my tbr list. Happy 😊 Reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Virginia! I think you’ll enjoy this entire series! ♥️ Happy reading to you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it- so appropriate with the cover! You will love these, Jonetta! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this family! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the idea of book comfort food! 🙂 Great review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Chrissi! Me too! We need more books like this!
LikeLike
Sounds like a fun series! Great review, Jennifer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Darinda! It’s so fun and engaging!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you and Steph both liked these. I did add the series. Excellent review, friend. 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, favorite M! It’s a sweet and charming series! And so much fun! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
The idea of a bait shop doubling as a funeral parlour makes me deeply worried about magotts, somehow! 😉 Sounds delightful, and full of feel-good! But that cake! Either that’s a tiny cup of tea or a REALLY BIG CAKE! I’m hoping it’s the latter… 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a giant mug of iced tea and an enormous birthday cake! 😂 This is my birthday cake from back in December (pic taken in December, too, for the record!). It’s a Brownstone Front cake, which is a light cocoa cake with a caramel frosting. Oh my, my! It’s similar to red velvet cake, but without the red dye and a different frosting. This series is so fun and a pure delight! Just the kind of read you pick up when you want to feel better! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m all about comfort food and comfort reads so I’m going to have to check out this series!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you’ll have fun with this series, Suzanne. It completely draws you in.
LikeLike
This is my favorite in the Southern Eclectic series. I listened on audio and always enjoy Amanda Ronconi. Lucy was awesome! Wonderful review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Anne! You definitely make me want to listen to the audio now! I’m so happy you are a fan too.
LikeLike
these books look like a lot of fun 😀 and perfect for the summer. I really need the first book and to try Molly Harper
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, they would be so fun in the summer! I hope you get a chance to try out Sweet Tea and Sympathy and then maybe fall in love with the series too! ♥️
LikeLike
The title and covers drew me right in! So glad you loved this humorous, sweet southern series!! Sounds like one I’d love!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mack! I think you’d enjoy it too! It’s so sweet and endearing… and funny! 🍰
LikeLike
Southern Eclectic…. I like this! That business with the funeral parlor though 😀 Great review, Jennifer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Diana! It’s SO fun and zany and just heartwarming too! Lots to love! ♥️
LikeLike
So glad you enjoyed this one too, Jennifer! I’m a huge fan of this series.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay, Kyra! I’m so happy to hear that. These books are so special to me. Have you read the in-between novellas? I’m thinking of reading those next! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
The novellas are definitely on my list because I’ve enjoyed 1-3 so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been wanting to read Harper’s book since I saw the title of one begins with Sweet Tea! Doesn’t take much more to convince me but your review is nudging me to consider one soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, yes, the tea has your name on it, Shell! It’s a nice departure series. Zany and nothing too serious with clever humor!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll add some to my library list for sure 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m such a sucker for stories like this with friends who eventually fall for one another. 💜 Thank you for sharing this review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, LP! Me, too! Love second chances too! ♥️
LikeLike
You got me with those covers. This sounds like a very enjoyable story. No, not another add to my TBR…… 🙂💚
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Carla. I love those covers too! I’m sorry for adding to your TBR! 😉 ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
😆😆
LikeLiked by 1 person