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Southern Eclectic #0.5
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck
Molly Harper brings her signature “clever humor, snark, silliness, and endearing protagonists” (Booklist) to the charming small town of Lake Sackett, Georgia with the new Southern Eclectic series.
Carl and Marianne were high school sweethearts, loving the way only teenagers can—with no thought to logic or pride, just a bone-headed, optimistic frenzy of unicorns and hormones. That was all they needed. Or so Carl thought.
Scared of being stuck in Lake Sackett, Georgia, like so many of her friends—without a real shot at a future or achieving her own dreams—Marianne panicked and bolted to college after stomping Carl’s heart into the high grass. But when she returns to Lake Sackett for the summer with her family after years away, she and Carl are drawn together like moths to a flame. As they rekindle their old romance and remember what it was like to be in love, they have to is this, finally, their real chance at happiness?
Carl and Marianne were high school sweethearts, loving the way only teenagers can—with no thought to logic or pride, just a bone-headed, optimistic frenzy of unicorns and hormones. That was all they needed. Or so Carl thought.
Scared of being stuck in Lake Sackett, Georgia, like so many of her friends—without a real shot at a future or achieving her own dreams—Marianne panicked and bolted to college after stomping Carl’s heart into the high grass. But when she returns to Lake Sackett for the summer with her family after years away, she and Carl are drawn together like moths to a flame. As they rekindle their old romance and remember what it was like to be in love, they have to is this, finally, their real chance at happiness?
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2017
346 people are currently reading
1461 people want to read
About the author
Molly Harper
61 books8,160 followersMolly Harper is the author of more than 40 romance titles including the Half-Moon Hollow series, the Mystic Bayou, the Starfall Point series, and her first murder mystery, A PROPOSAL TO DIE FOR. She lives in Michigan with her family. For more information, go to www.mollyharper.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
November 18, 2017
>4 absolutely adorable stars!!!
The biggest problem with this book is it was just too darn short! Molly Harper sure knows how to create fabulous characters.... this was a sweet second chance love story about Marianne and Carl, I really adore both of these characters (although I would’ve liked more!)...
This book was also an introduction to all these characters in this small Southern town... I am looking forward to reading this series and getting acquainted with all these fabulous characters! Nothing beats small town romance, makes this city girl want to move to a small town....
The biggest problem with this book is it was just too darn short! Molly Harper sure knows how to create fabulous characters.... this was a sweet second chance love story about Marianne and Carl, I really adore both of these characters (although I would’ve liked more!)...
This book was also an introduction to all these characters in this small Southern town... I am looking forward to reading this series and getting acquainted with all these fabulous characters! Nothing beats small town romance, makes this city girl want to move to a small town....
December 3, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I didn't want this story to end! I was really excited to get my hands on this prequel novella to Molly Harper's Southern Eclectic series. The fact that I won this title in a Goodreads giveaway made it even a little nicer. I listened to the audiobook of another of Molly Harper's books earlier this year and really enjoyed it so I was really eager to give this new series a try. This turned out to be a very enjoyable read.
This really felt like Marianne's story to me. Yes, there is some romance between Marianne and Carl but this was Marianne's tale. Marianne left the small town she grew up in when she went to college because she was looking for something more. She found what she thought she wanted and has a life she likes and what she thinks she needs as she comes home for a little while before going to law school.
Marianne has a large and colorful family and they all live by each other. Some of her family works in the funeral industry and Marianne is there to help out since she is home for a while. She ends up putting some of her negotiation skills to use pretty quickly when a family can't decide how to handle a loved one's final wishes. It was fun to watch Marianne try to find her spot in her family and their business.
When Marianne left the small town, she left Carl. It is pretty obvious right away that Carl and Marianne are still very attracted to each other. They have a lot of unresolved issues to work through since their break up was pretty rough but I thought that they really seemed to fit with each other.
I would recommend this book to others. I will say that just as the romance started to get going the book ended. I guess the idea behind a prequel novella is to make readers want to start reading the series and I can say that this novella accomplished that goal because I do want to find out what happens next. Anyone who enjoys a fun romantic story filled with humor and great characters will enjoy this one. I can't wait to read more from Molly Harper soon!
I won a kindle copy of this book from a giveaway on Goodreads.
Initial Thoughts
I didn't want it to end! Really...it was just getting to the good stuff and boom...it's over. It was a nice intro to the series. I thought it was fun and the characters were great. I had fun with it but would have really liked to see another chapter or maybe an epilogue.
I didn't want this story to end! I was really excited to get my hands on this prequel novella to Molly Harper's Southern Eclectic series. The fact that I won this title in a Goodreads giveaway made it even a little nicer. I listened to the audiobook of another of Molly Harper's books earlier this year and really enjoyed it so I was really eager to give this new series a try. This turned out to be a very enjoyable read.
This really felt like Marianne's story to me. Yes, there is some romance between Marianne and Carl but this was Marianne's tale. Marianne left the small town she grew up in when she went to college because she was looking for something more. She found what she thought she wanted and has a life she likes and what she thinks she needs as she comes home for a little while before going to law school.
Marianne has a large and colorful family and they all live by each other. Some of her family works in the funeral industry and Marianne is there to help out since she is home for a while. She ends up putting some of her negotiation skills to use pretty quickly when a family can't decide how to handle a loved one's final wishes. It was fun to watch Marianne try to find her spot in her family and their business.
When Marianne left the small town, she left Carl. It is pretty obvious right away that Carl and Marianne are still very attracted to each other. They have a lot of unresolved issues to work through since their break up was pretty rough but I thought that they really seemed to fit with each other.
I would recommend this book to others. I will say that just as the romance started to get going the book ended. I guess the idea behind a prequel novella is to make readers want to start reading the series and I can say that this novella accomplished that goal because I do want to find out what happens next. Anyone who enjoys a fun romantic story filled with humor and great characters will enjoy this one. I can't wait to read more from Molly Harper soon!
I won a kindle copy of this book from a giveaway on Goodreads.
Initial Thoughts
I didn't want it to end! Really...it was just getting to the good stuff and boom...it's over. It was a nice intro to the series. I thought it was fun and the characters were great. I had fun with it but would have really liked to see another chapter or maybe an epilogue.
October 17, 2017
What a sweet ol read. I love her!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Molly Harper just knows how to write fun, feel good stories. Whether you are devouring one of her quirky paranormal romance stories or a sweet contemporary romance, you know you are going to be entertained!
This new offering is a quick story that offers up a classic second chance romance. There is nothing like your first love, especially if it was the one that was supposed to be. But knowing you made a decision that haunts you doesn't make it easier to come home. Especially when that decision is waiting for you head on.
Easy breezy with a wonderful lighthearted HEA, this book is just what you need for a quick pick me up. A lovely southern charmer.
* copy received for review consideration
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Molly Harper just knows how to write fun, feel good stories. Whether you are devouring one of her quirky paranormal romance stories or a sweet contemporary romance, you know you are going to be entertained!
This new offering is a quick story that offers up a classic second chance romance. There is nothing like your first love, especially if it was the one that was supposed to be. But knowing you made a decision that haunts you doesn't make it easier to come home. Especially when that decision is waiting for you head on.
Easy breezy with a wonderful lighthearted HEA, this book is just what you need for a quick pick me up. A lovely southern charmer.
* copy received for review consideration
November 27, 2017
(After reading Sweet Tea and Sympathy I've come to the conclusion that this prequel novella would be best read after reading that)
A short and sweet Contemporary Romance about a woman returning home for the first time in a few years. It's kind of perfect. It has Molly Harper's trademark snark, it's entertaining and it's G Rated so you could give this book to your grandma without worrying too much.
A short and sweet Contemporary Romance about a woman returning home for the first time in a few years. It's kind of perfect. It has Molly Harper's trademark snark, it's entertaining and it's G Rated so you could give this book to your grandma without worrying too much.
October 17, 2017
3 Hitch a Ride Stars
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is a novella and is a standalone. I would suggest reading the first book in the series first or plan to read it right after this one, only because you get more insight of the characters. Since this is a novella, I didn’t get a lot of character development and a lot of secondary characters were thrown at my face. It’s a little hard to follow, but there is a family tree at the beginning of book and if you use it, it will help you better.
I’m starting to like novellas because I feel like you get a little treat without committing to a full length book. The premise of the book is super cute. Carl and Marianne are high school sweethearts, but Marianne leaves Carl broken hearted as she leaves the small town for school.
I love a good second chance novel and I was itching for some angst, tension and fights. Molly Harper writes charming, wholesome books. I usually read more New Adult, but I have nothing against slow burn novels, I think I would have preferred a little more interaction between the two main characters.
I found myself wanting more Carl and Marianne, instead of Marianne’s interactions with everyone in the town. I liked Carl’s dismissive personality and his carefree attitude. I liked Marianne’s confusion towards Carl and I craved more of it.
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is kind of like a prequel to what’s to come because EVERYONE is introduced into this book (or it seems like it). I felt like the introductions of characters was slightly more important than the two main character’s story. Regardless, I love a good small town read.
An ARC was provided
AMAZON - http://amzn.to/2zhd222
READ as an...
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is a novella and is a standalone. I would suggest reading the first book in the series first or plan to read it right after this one, only because you get more insight of the characters. Since this is a novella, I didn’t get a lot of character development and a lot of secondary characters were thrown at my face. It’s a little hard to follow, but there is a family tree at the beginning of book and if you use it, it will help you better.
I’m starting to like novellas because I feel like you get a little treat without committing to a full length book. The premise of the book is super cute. Carl and Marianne are high school sweethearts, but Marianne leaves Carl broken hearted as she leaves the small town for school.
I love a good second chance novel and I was itching for some angst, tension and fights. Molly Harper writes charming, wholesome books. I usually read more New Adult, but I have nothing against slow burn novels, I think I would have preferred a little more interaction between the two main characters.
I found myself wanting more Carl and Marianne, instead of Marianne’s interactions with everyone in the town. I liked Carl’s dismissive personality and his carefree attitude. I liked Marianne’s confusion towards Carl and I craved more of it.
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is kind of like a prequel to what’s to come because EVERYONE is introduced into this book (or it seems like it). I felt like the introductions of characters was slightly more important than the two main character’s story. Regardless, I love a good small town read.
An ARC was provided
AMAZON - http://amzn.to/2zhd222
READ as an...
June 30, 2025
I love this series and I love Molly Harper’s writing. This was such an adorable addition to the series. I just wish it had been longer.
This novella should definitely be read before Sweet Tea and Sympathy.
This novella should definitely be read before Sweet Tea and Sympathy.
November 17, 2017
Our story begins with Marianne McCready returning for the summer before starting law school in the fall. She isn't exactly excited about returning home but she is also having doubts about her life plan. An unexpected accident shares a brief encounter with her high school sweetheart, Carl. As feeling stir and Marianne deals with doubts about her career choice, we spend time with the McCready family as they handle the family businesses and celebrate Marianne's return the McCready way.
Filled with laughter, shenanigans, potato salad, town gossips and some unexpected heartfelt moments, Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck reminded me why I love this series and crazy family. Since I'd already read book one, I can tell you reading this isn't necessary, but it offered up a cute romance, introduced key characters and delivered a story I enjoyed. It offers a great taste for the series.
The romance was a second chance, and Harper did a wonderful job of sharing their backstory. While the romance didn't get a lot of page time since this is a novella, it did offer all the warm and fuzzy feelings. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Filled with laughter, shenanigans, potato salad, town gossips and some unexpected heartfelt moments, Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck reminded me why I love this series and crazy family. Since I'd already read book one, I can tell you reading this isn't necessary, but it offered up a cute romance, introduced key characters and delivered a story I enjoyed. It offers a great taste for the series.
The romance was a second chance, and Harper did a wonderful job of sharing their backstory. While the romance didn't get a lot of page time since this is a novella, it did offer all the warm and fuzzy feelings. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
November 19, 2017
Just sheer perfection. Yes, it was short and I wanted a hell of a lot more. But honestly, I got all the feels in this book. In a short time, I was totally invested in these characters. Molly has a way of writing that is simply effortless and shows a talent many can only dream of. I can’t wait for the next book. I do hope though that we get more of this couple. I want to know where life takes them.
October 17, 2017
I had read some of Molly’s other books a while ago and this synopsis + her name had me eager to read this.
I liked Marianne and Carl well enough. They’re both good people with an interesting past. There are a lot a lot a lot of characters and it seemed like we got the backstory on every single person who was mentioned. I especially liked Frankie and Duffy.
Plot wise, it felt like a lot of tell and not show. I didn’t really see the chemistry between Marianne and Carl and the few conversations they had didn’t seem like enough of a basis to practically get married.
Overall, I feel like this story would have been better as a full length. There was definitely promise, but it moved a bit to quickly for me to really enjoy it. However, it was a quick, fun read and I am interested in other books in the series.
**Huge thanks to Pocket Star for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Marianne and Carl well enough. They’re both good people with an interesting past. There are a lot a lot a lot of characters and it seemed like we got the backstory on every single person who was mentioned. I especially liked Frankie and Duffy.
Plot wise, it felt like a lot of tell and not show. I didn’t really see the chemistry between Marianne and Carl and the few conversations they had didn’t seem like enough of a basis to practically get married.
Overall, I feel like this story would have been better as a full length. There was definitely promise, but it moved a bit to quickly for me to really enjoy it. However, it was a quick, fun read and I am interested in other books in the series.
**Huge thanks to Pocket Star for providing the arc free of charge**
October 18, 2017
3.5 stars
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck was the hush puppy to the big catfish buffet that's about to happen when the rest of Molly Harper's new contemporary series, Southern Eclectic hits the bookshelves. This novella did what all starters for new series should. It set up the town and the people in it. Wither Harper is writing about vampires, naked werewolves or other plain Jane humans in some of her other contemporary romances the flavor is the same. Heart. Snark. Laughs. Sexy.
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck was an enjoyable fast read that has me wanting more from the Southern Eclectic series. I recommend it to Harper fans (no fangs or fur required).
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck was the hush puppy to the big catfish buffet that's about to happen when the rest of Molly Harper's new contemporary series, Southern Eclectic hits the bookshelves. This novella did what all starters for new series should. It set up the town and the people in it. Wither Harper is writing about vampires, naked werewolves or other plain Jane humans in some of her other contemporary romances the flavor is the same. Heart. Snark. Laughs. Sexy.
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck was an enjoyable fast read that has me wanting more from the Southern Eclectic series. I recommend it to Harper fans (no fangs or fur required).
February 22, 2018
Save A Truck, Ride a Redneck
Southern Eclectic, Book .5
I Picked Up This Book Because: I’m a fan of Molly Harper’s writing.
The Characters:
Marianne McCready:
Carl Dawson:
Pretty much all of Lake Sackett
The Story:
This book serves as our introduction to Lake Sackett, a small town in Georgia. Marianne is heading back for the summer after basically fleeing small town life and all its trappings for a pre-law degree. The main trapping being Carl Dawson.
Lake Sackett is full of characters a lot of them seem to be in the McCready family. The beginning of this book made me think about Sweet Home Alabama but the references do not carry far. While I like the characters we are introduced to there sure are a lot of them. For a story that is about 116 pages I feel like we meet a new person every other page for most of the book. I like the direction that Marianne and Carl’s story took and I see so much potential in the stories from the other characters.I look forward to the shenanigans that are sure to happen in this town.
The Random Thoughts:
The Score Card:
3.25 Stars
Southern Eclectic, Book .5
I Picked Up This Book Because: I’m a fan of Molly Harper’s writing.
The Characters:
Marianne McCready:
Carl Dawson:
Pretty much all of Lake Sackett
The Story:
This book serves as our introduction to Lake Sackett, a small town in Georgia. Marianne is heading back for the summer after basically fleeing small town life and all its trappings for a pre-law degree. The main trapping being Carl Dawson.
Lake Sackett is full of characters a lot of them seem to be in the McCready family. The beginning of this book made me think about Sweet Home Alabama but the references do not carry far. While I like the characters we are introduced to there sure are a lot of them. For a story that is about 116 pages I feel like we meet a new person every other page for most of the book. I like the direction that Marianne and Carl’s story took and I see so much potential in the stories from the other characters.I look forward to the shenanigans that are sure to happen in this town.
The Random Thoughts:
The Score Card:
3.25 Stars
October 12, 2017
This is my first time reading Molly Harper, but I've seen her name here and there. Browsing Netgalley one day the title caught my eye, and when I saw the author's name I decided it was time to try her out so I requested it, and a big thank you to the publisher for accepting my request!
This is a sweet second chance romance. Marianne is interesting and self-deprecating. She hightailed it out of her small town to go to college, and Carl was left behind with a broken heart. It's been many many years since I was Marianne's age, but I could relate to the feeling of needing to get away from the place where you grew up. Lately my catnip is small town stories and/or cowboys. Carl isn't a cowboy, but he had many of the attributes that those heroes usually have, though I wasn't sure at first how I felt about him. Wearing shirts with the sleeves torn off...he didn't exactly appeal to me. But he quickly grew on me. Marianne has a lot of family and I had a little trouble keeping track of them all, but I really liked her brother Duffy and her cousin Frankie. I'm hoping that future books in the series will feature them.
I'm not generally a big fan of novellas, just because I like to get more story than the shorter form allows. Marianne and Carl's new, or resumed, relationship was a bit sudden, and I would've liked to spend more time watching them get to know each again after being apart for four or so years. But I loved their interactions, and I laughed out loud a few times.
A quick and enjoyable read, and I'm interested now to see how much deeper Ms. Harper goes into her characters in a full length novel. She certainly seems to be popular, with over four thousand followers on Goodreads! I'm glad I gave her try!
This is a sweet second chance romance. Marianne is interesting and self-deprecating. She hightailed it out of her small town to go to college, and Carl was left behind with a broken heart. It's been many many years since I was Marianne's age, but I could relate to the feeling of needing to get away from the place where you grew up. Lately my catnip is small town stories and/or cowboys. Carl isn't a cowboy, but he had many of the attributes that those heroes usually have, though I wasn't sure at first how I felt about him. Wearing shirts with the sleeves torn off...he didn't exactly appeal to me. But he quickly grew on me. Marianne has a lot of family and I had a little trouble keeping track of them all, but I really liked her brother Duffy and her cousin Frankie. I'm hoping that future books in the series will feature them.
I'm not generally a big fan of novellas, just because I like to get more story than the shorter form allows. Marianne and Carl's new, or resumed, relationship was a bit sudden, and I would've liked to spend more time watching them get to know each again after being apart for four or so years. But I loved their interactions, and I laughed out loud a few times.
A quick and enjoyable read, and I'm interested now to see how much deeper Ms. Harper goes into her characters in a full length novel. She certainly seems to be popular, with over four thousand followers on Goodreads! I'm glad I gave her try!
December 10, 2025
3.6 🌟 (Audible)
A bit of backstory about Carl + Marianne. Some entertaining quotes that makes me wish I had this series on my Kindle.
A bit of backstory about Carl + Marianne. Some entertaining quotes that makes me wish I had this series on my Kindle.
February 8, 2018
Marianne is called home by her mother. She has tried to avoid the handsome boy she left whenever she came home over the years. But she knows she will have to face him on this trip.
Its a cute little love story that works through one romance while setting up others for later books.
Its a cute little love story that works through one romance while setting up others for later books.
May 15, 2019
Sweet second chance story. Carl and Marianne were high school sweethearts until Marianne panicked at the idea of being stuck in Lake Sackett before she had a chance to fulfill her dreams. She broke off her relationship with Carl with no explanation and high-tailed it off to college and the big city. After four years away and infrequent visits home, Marianne is back in town for the summer before starting law school. She isn't thrilled with the plan, but family pressure finally won out. The last thing she expected was for a close encounter with a deer to lead to seeing Carl again so soon.
The first meeting between Carl and Marianne was awkward at best. Marianne still feels guilty about the way she ended the relationship. Carl is still a little bitter about how it happened. But one thing was always clear - the sparks between them were still there. With Lake Sackett being a very small town, and Carl being best friends with her brother Duff, frequent encounters were a given. Some meetings were contentious, as they worked through the issues that broke them apart. I liked the way that Marianne owned up to her mistakes and sincerely apologized. Other meetings were far friendlier, as the sparks between them continued to snap and grow. But having been burned once, Carl wasn't in any hurry to risk his heart again when Marianne would leave again at the end of the summer.
Meanwhile, Marianne is at a crossroads in her life. She is well on the way to fulfilling the plans she had since she was a little girl. Law school, city life, and all the amenities are within reach. But she has discovered that those same plans don't excite her the way they used to. Plus, life, family, and friends don't irritate her nearly as much as they used to. I loved seeing her reconnect with her family and friends in some pretty funny scenes. I loved the whole kidnapping scene with her cousin Frankie and her brother Duff, which had me laughing out loud. While home for the summer, Marianne was also roped into helping with the family funeral business, where she used her stellar negotiating skills to solve an unusual issue. All of which have her rethinking her plans. A long talk with her dad and some devastating news gave her the motivation to reconfigure those plans. I loved the ending, as Marianne's plans came together. Her big moment with Carl was sweet.
The first meeting between Carl and Marianne was awkward at best. Marianne still feels guilty about the way she ended the relationship. Carl is still a little bitter about how it happened. But one thing was always clear - the sparks between them were still there. With Lake Sackett being a very small town, and Carl being best friends with her brother Duff, frequent encounters were a given. Some meetings were contentious, as they worked through the issues that broke them apart. I liked the way that Marianne owned up to her mistakes and sincerely apologized. Other meetings were far friendlier, as the sparks between them continued to snap and grow. But having been burned once, Carl wasn't in any hurry to risk his heart again when Marianne would leave again at the end of the summer.
Meanwhile, Marianne is at a crossroads in her life. She is well on the way to fulfilling the plans she had since she was a little girl. Law school, city life, and all the amenities are within reach. But she has discovered that those same plans don't excite her the way they used to. Plus, life, family, and friends don't irritate her nearly as much as they used to. I loved seeing her reconnect with her family and friends in some pretty funny scenes. I loved the whole kidnapping scene with her cousin Frankie and her brother Duff, which had me laughing out loud. While home for the summer, Marianne was also roped into helping with the family funeral business, where she used her stellar negotiating skills to solve an unusual issue. All of which have her rethinking her plans. A long talk with her dad and some devastating news gave her the motivation to reconfigure those plans. I loved the ending, as Marianne's plans came together. Her big moment with Carl was sweet.
November 20, 2017
Romance is super rushed and falls flat. Otherwise I loved the heroine and the small town.
Review to come
Review to come
October 13, 2017
It's been years since I read a book by Molly Harper. But the names of authors who make me laugh OUT LOUD always stick with me so when I saw a new title with her name attached to it, I was on it.
Save a Truck Ride a Redneck has all of the quirk I expect from a Molly Harper novel and eccentric characters, but it also has a love for the small town lifestyle and the idiosyncrasies that go with it.
Marianne's family who runs a funeral home/bait shop (yep, doesn't that make you want to read it right there?) lives in a compound of sorts. Family is never far away. Carl, who is best friends with Marianne's brother Duffy, is now pretty much a member of the family too.
Even though years have gone by, Marianne is still drawn to Carl; it's reciprocated. In fact, this has one of the hottest scenes, rich with swoon and steam, without sex, that I have read in a long time.
The only drawback that I found with Save a Truck Ride a Redneck is that it's a novella so I didn't get to spend as much time with Marianne and Carl (especially the delicious Carl) that I would like. However, Harper manages to put so much in this novella that I never felt cheated as far as a real story and characterization (except for wanting more Marianne and Carl!). Typically that's my main complaint with many novellas, but I didn't have it here.
Save a Truck Ride a Redneck falls under women's fiction so for those of you who hang back from reading romances, you might want to give this a try. While there is some romance with Marianne and Carl, there is a lot of family and relationships and humor. If you need some quirk, snark, and humor, this might just do it for you.
Fun times!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Save a Truck Ride a Redneck has all of the quirk I expect from a Molly Harper novel and eccentric characters, but it also has a love for the small town lifestyle and the idiosyncrasies that go with it.
Marianne's family who runs a funeral home/bait shop (yep, doesn't that make you want to read it right there?) lives in a compound of sorts. Family is never far away. Carl, who is best friends with Marianne's brother Duffy, is now pretty much a member of the family too.
Even though years have gone by, Marianne is still drawn to Carl; it's reciprocated. In fact, this has one of the hottest scenes, rich with swoon and steam, without sex, that I have read in a long time.
The only drawback that I found with Save a Truck Ride a Redneck is that it's a novella so I didn't get to spend as much time with Marianne and Carl (especially the delicious Carl) that I would like. However, Harper manages to put so much in this novella that I never felt cheated as far as a real story and characterization (except for wanting more Marianne and Carl!). Typically that's my main complaint with many novellas, but I didn't have it here.
Save a Truck Ride a Redneck falls under women's fiction so for those of you who hang back from reading romances, you might want to give this a try. While there is some romance with Marianne and Carl, there is a lot of family and relationships and humor. If you need some quirk, snark, and humor, this might just do it for you.
Fun times!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2019
This is in the Audible romance pkg, and is the 2nd Southern Eclectic novella I've listened to; Save a Truck... succeeded in feeling complete (unlike Peachy Flippin' Keen) and in making me want to read the series (much like Peachy Flippin' Keen). Seems like a really great handle on world/characters/quirky small town charm & strange, which I dig.
Also, Amanda Ronconi, who does the audio for Harper, is great. One of the reasons I keep going back to Harper's work.
Also, Amanda Ronconi, who does the audio for Harper, is great. One of the reasons I keep going back to Harper's work.
June 13, 2018
Almost didn’t add this one because I was too embarrassed by the name, but was classic Molly Harper humor wrapped comfort reading.
June 23, 2018
4 ½ stars for the series. A nice escape - being in a small town for a while.
This review is for all four books.
I’ve read two Molly Harper books in the past and was not wowed enough to buy more. They were both told in 1st person. But when I saw this new series being told in 3rd person I thought I’d try it. And yes, I really enjoyed it. Why is it that I feel like I can relax and enjoy a 3rd person book, but 1st person seems stressful?
The setting is a small lakeside town in Georgia. There is a romantic relationship in each book, but there is more of an emphasis on the town and things happening to various characters than on romance. I liked the way this was done.
You can read each book as a stand-alone except for Book 1.5. That book is the beginning of Book 2. You will be unhappy if you read 1.5 without continuing on to 2. But you can read Book 2 without 1.5.
In the first three books there were no sex scene details, but maybe a few references to “staying the night.” The fourth book had two sex scenes, briefly described, no body parts named.
Book #0.5 Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck - 3 stars
novella, 136 pages
Carl the auto mechanic and Marianne who recently graduated college with plans to go to law school. Nice story but I wanted more relationship development.
Book #1 Sweet Tea and Sympathy - 4 ½ stars
307 pages
Margot lost her job as an event planner in Chicago. She comes to Lake Sackett for a while at the request of relatives. She meets her biological father Stan and Kyle the elementary school principal.
Book #1.5 Peachy Flippin’ Keen - 3 stars
novella 75 pages
Frankie the female coroner and funeral home director meets Eric the new sheriff, formerly a cop in Atlanta. Someone has been playing mean pranks and vandalizing the family business - funeral home and bait shop. When I read this I was angry at the way the story stopped. But I soon learned this is the first chapter for the next book #2. So plan to read them together.
Book #2 Ain’t She a Peach - 4 ½ stars
304 pages
Continuation of the story about Frankie, Eric, and the vandalizing of the funeral home - and other things going on in town.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Amanda Ronconi narrated all four of these, and she did a fine job. I think she changed the way she does voices, since she was not good in a couple other books that I listened to.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Swearing language: mild and rarely used. I think the f word was used once. Sexual content: mild. Setting: current day Lake Sackett, Georgia. Copyright: 2017 and 2018. Genre: womens fiction with romance.
This review is for all four books.
I’ve read two Molly Harper books in the past and was not wowed enough to buy more. They were both told in 1st person. But when I saw this new series being told in 3rd person I thought I’d try it. And yes, I really enjoyed it. Why is it that I feel like I can relax and enjoy a 3rd person book, but 1st person seems stressful?
The setting is a small lakeside town in Georgia. There is a romantic relationship in each book, but there is more of an emphasis on the town and things happening to various characters than on romance. I liked the way this was done.
You can read each book as a stand-alone except for Book 1.5. That book is the beginning of Book 2. You will be unhappy if you read 1.5 without continuing on to 2. But you can read Book 2 without 1.5.
In the first three books there were no sex scene details, but maybe a few references to “staying the night.” The fourth book had two sex scenes, briefly described, no body parts named.
Book #0.5 Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck - 3 stars
novella, 136 pages
Carl the auto mechanic and Marianne who recently graduated college with plans to go to law school. Nice story but I wanted more relationship development.
Book #1 Sweet Tea and Sympathy - 4 ½ stars
307 pages
Margot lost her job as an event planner in Chicago. She comes to Lake Sackett for a while at the request of relatives. She meets her biological father Stan and Kyle the elementary school principal.
Book #1.5 Peachy Flippin’ Keen - 3 stars
novella 75 pages
Frankie the female coroner and funeral home director meets Eric the new sheriff, formerly a cop in Atlanta. Someone has been playing mean pranks and vandalizing the family business - funeral home and bait shop. When I read this I was angry at the way the story stopped. But I soon learned this is the first chapter for the next book #2. So plan to read them together.
Book #2 Ain’t She a Peach - 4 ½ stars
304 pages
Continuation of the story about Frankie, Eric, and the vandalizing of the funeral home - and other things going on in town.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Amanda Ronconi narrated all four of these, and she did a fine job. I think she changed the way she does voices, since she was not good in a couple other books that I listened to.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Swearing language: mild and rarely used. I think the f word was used once. Sexual content: mild. Setting: current day Lake Sackett, Georgia. Copyright: 2017 and 2018. Genre: womens fiction with romance.
September 29, 2017
I really like this author. I made the mistake of reading Sweet Tea and Sympathy first. This book was like a delicious appetizer preceding an incredible meal. I love this family and I can tell that there are more stories to tell.
Marianne has left her little town to go to college. She leaves behind her true love, Carl, but she breaks up with him before her departure because she is under the impression that he wants a commitment of marriage which will hinder her plans to become a lawyer. After years in college, she wants to spend the summer at home before going to law school. She bumps into Carl and all those little feelings ignite again, but Carl has his walls up because she broke his heart. Carl is proud and grew up in poverty while Marianne had a more privileged upbringing. He had assumed that she rejected him because he was poor.
Carl, too, has changed since Marianne left, he is an owner of his own business and he has a home that he is proud of. The two can't seem to stay away from each other but continue to be cautious. Can Carl forgive Marianne for breaking his heart?
Marianne is also readjusting to life back home and her family is so quirky and eccentric but loveable. She also gets some heartbreaking news that prompts her to make decisions with her own future. This story made you want more and I cannot wait for the next installment.
Marianne has left her little town to go to college. She leaves behind her true love, Carl, but she breaks up with him before her departure because she is under the impression that he wants a commitment of marriage which will hinder her plans to become a lawyer. After years in college, she wants to spend the summer at home before going to law school. She bumps into Carl and all those little feelings ignite again, but Carl has his walls up because she broke his heart. Carl is proud and grew up in poverty while Marianne had a more privileged upbringing. He had assumed that she rejected him because he was poor.
Carl, too, has changed since Marianne left, he is an owner of his own business and he has a home that he is proud of. The two can't seem to stay away from each other but continue to be cautious. Can Carl forgive Marianne for breaking his heart?
Marianne is also readjusting to life back home and her family is so quirky and eccentric but loveable. She also gets some heartbreaking news that prompts her to make decisions with her own future. This story made you want more and I cannot wait for the next installment.
November 25, 2017
It's cute, short, not raunchy at all, which by the title, I totally thought there would be something... so it's safe to pass it off to your mom or friend and not feel like a dirty person.
Now, it's very short, so you can read it all in one sitting. Which I liked! I got the whole story at once and I didn't have to drive myself crazy wondering what would happen next while I was at work.
Marianne is s sweet character, I would've loved for more character development between her and Carl but with the book being so short, I think it was great!
This was my first time I've ever read this author and I found I really liked it. I love cute romance novels and it's rare to find any without sexy times.
*I won this through a Goodreads Giveaway*
Now, it's very short, so you can read it all in one sitting. Which I liked! I got the whole story at once and I didn't have to drive myself crazy wondering what would happen next while I was at work.
Marianne is s sweet character, I would've loved for more character development between her and Carl but with the book being so short, I think it was great!
This was my first time I've ever read this author and I found I really liked it. I love cute romance novels and it's rare to find any without sexy times.
*I won this through a Goodreads Giveaway*
March 22, 2019
Such a well built world for so few pages. And the couple was cute, what little we saw of them actually together. The preset connection between them means we get told, and get none of the fun of the journey. Oh well.
Lines I Liked
“Meanwhile, Marianne’s car was grinding against the rock like a day-shift stripper.”
—-
“Mornin’,” Bob called cheerfully, yanking the truck door open.
“You’re lettin’ out the bought air,” Marianne told him as he handed in two huge coffee mugs. He snickered, climbing into the driver’s seat.”
Lines I Liked
“Meanwhile, Marianne’s car was grinding against the rock like a day-shift stripper.”
—-
“Mornin’,” Bob called cheerfully, yanking the truck door open.
“You’re lettin’ out the bought air,” Marianne told him as he handed in two huge coffee mugs. He snickered, climbing into the driver’s seat.”
October 23, 2017
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Molly Harper can get me giggling like no one else and that’s exactly what happened with Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck. From the hilarious title to the sweet cover to the wonderful people we met along the way, this novella kicked off the Southern Eclectic series in style.
It goes without saying that Molly Harper’s newest release is funny, snarky, and filled with a lot of heart. So even though this didn’t take place in our beloved Half-Moon Hollow, Kentucky–and it’s contemporary, not paranormal–Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck was still a sassy Southern romance. This time it was set in small town Lake Sackett, Georgia which had its own fair share of offbeat, completely likable characters. Read More
Molly Harper can get me giggling like no one else and that’s exactly what happened with Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck. From the hilarious title to the sweet cover to the wonderful people we met along the way, this novella kicked off the Southern Eclectic series in style.
It goes without saying that Molly Harper’s newest release is funny, snarky, and filled with a lot of heart. So even though this didn’t take place in our beloved Half-Moon Hollow, Kentucky–and it’s contemporary, not paranormal–Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck was still a sassy Southern romance. This time it was set in small town Lake Sackett, Georgia which had its own fair share of offbeat, completely likable characters. Read More
June 6, 2018
le titre est merveilleux mais n'a rien à voir avec la choucroute, cela étant, c'est mignon je lirai la suite ;)
January 19, 2025
As ever, I think second chance is SUCH a smart hook for a novella. I don't generally like person doesn't actually get out of their small town stories but this one was handled very well.
December 16, 2017
4.5 stars! I loved getting to know Marianne and her big, crazy family. Great storyline, great characters, and great narration. Can't wait to read more from this author :)
December 24, 2019
i don't know if it's really as bad as i think it is or if i just hated the heroine. i hope she‘s not a recurring character in the book series but ill take the risk and read the first main book.
the heroine was a childish, jealous small-town hick with a holier than thou attitude who thought the world revolves around her, leaving her boyfriend on a whim and breaking his heart when she went to college because of some stupid rumor that made her think she’s too good to be tied down by him in that small town.
when she‘s forced to return home to help out at the family's funeral home between college and law school she crashes her car and oh shit! the local mechanic is the poor man whom she fucked up emotionally! she got salty when he wasn’t chatty and got bitchy when he didn’t react like she expected aka to grovel at her feet. it gets even worse when the town gossip hick tells her of his new, lovely girlfriend with whom he seemed to be in a serious relationship.
„she just wanted him alone. happy but alone“ the heroines' reaction when she saw his gorgeous girlfriend. what a terrible fucking person. she wanted him to be alone so that she could be comfortable. her inner quirky monologue was disturbing. „Georgia is a death penalty state“ „i want to shave her eyebrows“ „i hate her“ even tho she never officially met his new girl.
from then on the jealous cow kept finding excuses to mope and lurk around places he frequented, second-guessed herself if she made the right decision leaving for college. that sad miserably fuck spontaneously broke up with him because she heard a rumor he was going to propose, even tho before that she planned to stay with him during her time away at college.
but oh shock! when miss heroines brother stuffs her into a burlap sack (yep) and drags her to a social gathering where she hets wasted & meets mr. hottie & FINALLY talks to him she learns that his gf aka her new secret nemesis is actually a lesbian. that is conveniently attracted to miss heroine uwu. „she’s not really my type and i get the feeling she’s more into you than into me“ mr hottie told her and she said that was sexy. yikes. that means her and hottie are just really good friends, unbeknownst to the towns gossip and miss heroine fell AGAIN for the gossip because shes too much of a cowardly cow to outright ask.
i was not a fan of the pretend racist side story, even tho it was clearly told in a way that showed racism=bad. what was the point of building up the tensions that come with a racist subplot just to be like jk they didn’t hate the lovely black man bc of his skin, they just didn’t want him to date their now dead momma. i really liked the love interest, carl and hoped he wouldn’t take her back since he deserved way better than that snotty cow.
the heroine was a childish, jealous small-town hick with a holier than thou attitude who thought the world revolves around her, leaving her boyfriend on a whim and breaking his heart when she went to college because of some stupid rumor that made her think she’s too good to be tied down by him in that small town.
when she‘s forced to return home to help out at the family's funeral home between college and law school she crashes her car and oh shit! the local mechanic is the poor man whom she fucked up emotionally! she got salty when he wasn’t chatty and got bitchy when he didn’t react like she expected aka to grovel at her feet. it gets even worse when the town gossip hick tells her of his new, lovely girlfriend with whom he seemed to be in a serious relationship.
„she just wanted him alone. happy but alone“ the heroines' reaction when she saw his gorgeous girlfriend. what a terrible fucking person. she wanted him to be alone so that she could be comfortable. her inner quirky monologue was disturbing. „Georgia is a death penalty state“ „i want to shave her eyebrows“ „i hate her“ even tho she never officially met his new girl.
from then on the jealous cow kept finding excuses to mope and lurk around places he frequented, second-guessed herself if she made the right decision leaving for college. that sad miserably fuck spontaneously broke up with him because she heard a rumor he was going to propose, even tho before that she planned to stay with him during her time away at college.
but oh shock! when miss heroines brother stuffs her into a burlap sack (yep) and drags her to a social gathering where she hets wasted & meets mr. hottie & FINALLY talks to him she learns that his gf aka her new secret nemesis is actually a lesbian. that is conveniently attracted to miss heroine uwu. „she’s not really my type and i get the feeling she’s more into you than into me“ mr hottie told her and she said that was sexy. yikes. that means her and hottie are just really good friends, unbeknownst to the towns gossip and miss heroine fell AGAIN for the gossip because shes too much of a cowardly cow to outright ask.
i was not a fan of the pretend racist side story, even tho it was clearly told in a way that showed racism=bad. what was the point of building up the tensions that come with a racist subplot just to be like jk they didn’t hate the lovely black man bc of his skin, they just didn’t want him to date their now dead momma. i really liked the love interest, carl and hoped he wouldn’t take her back since he deserved way better than that snotty cow.
April 25, 2018
After encountering the McCready family of Lake Sackett, Georgie in Frankie's novella, Peachy Freaking Keen, I wanted to go back and read the earlier stories about Margot and Marianne. Imagine my delight when I got the opportunity to 'borrow' a book through Simon and Schuster's XOXO After Dark page and the prequel novella with Marianne's story was on offer.
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is the first installment of the Southern Eclectic series. It's a coming home story for Marianne who ran off from her country beginnings to the big city as fast as she could get. She didn't want to become the cliche and had big plans. Now, after finishing law school and being guilted home by her mother, she finds herself at a crossroads. So many things that she pushed away about her family, her hometown, and the guy she stomped on his heart and left behind draw her more than law school and city life ever could.
I enjoyed how Marianne works through what she really wants while the fun and zanyness of the McCready's and Lake Sackett surround her. The heart and the laughter and togetherness in this small town setting and woman are told so well.
And, Carl, the boy turned man who was left behind? He was fabulous. Yes, she broke his heart and he wants to stay clear of her, but he's not cruel or dramatic about it. No, he tells her that he wanted her to have her dreams and never would have stopped her- which she knew, but he wanted to be there with her until she rushed off and left him behind with no explanation because she was young and scared. The man he is now after a hard childhood had me looking at Marianne like she was the worst kind of stupid for ditching that stuff when she could have had her career and Carl, but then she wised up so that's alright.
So, I was glad to go back to the beginning for Marianne's second chance story. It was cute and fun and heartwarming- a good lead in for the rest of the series. Now, I must snag Margot's book. Recommended for small town romance lovers.
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is the first installment of the Southern Eclectic series. It's a coming home story for Marianne who ran off from her country beginnings to the big city as fast as she could get. She didn't want to become the cliche and had big plans. Now, after finishing law school and being guilted home by her mother, she finds herself at a crossroads. So many things that she pushed away about her family, her hometown, and the guy she stomped on his heart and left behind draw her more than law school and city life ever could.
I enjoyed how Marianne works through what she really wants while the fun and zanyness of the McCready's and Lake Sackett surround her. The heart and the laughter and togetherness in this small town setting and woman are told so well.
And, Carl, the boy turned man who was left behind? He was fabulous. Yes, she broke his heart and he wants to stay clear of her, but he's not cruel or dramatic about it. No, he tells her that he wanted her to have her dreams and never would have stopped her- which she knew, but he wanted to be there with her until she rushed off and left him behind with no explanation because she was young and scared. The man he is now after a hard childhood had me looking at Marianne like she was the worst kind of stupid for ditching that stuff when she could have had her career and Carl, but then she wised up so that's alright.
So, I was glad to go back to the beginning for Marianne's second chance story. It was cute and fun and heartwarming- a good lead in for the rest of the series. Now, I must snag Margot's book. Recommended for small town romance lovers.
July 3, 2018
4-4.5 stars
This was a really enjoyable story. I liked both Carl and Marianne and was happy to see them work things out.
Marianne is a law student who has finished with pre-law and is planning to go on to law school. Marianne came from a small town and has been determined to escape it but lately has been thinking her future plans aren't as great as she always thought.
Carl is a mechanic and owner of the local garage. Carl came from a horrible family and was befriended by Marianne's brother and then the rest of her family. He's made a good life for himself but still is rather reserved.
I wont go in to too much details to avoid spoiling things (since this is a very short story) but I will say that I liked the set up, the characters and thought that Harper did her normal, high quality story crafting. Things came together quickly but believably and ended in a good way, with Marianne and Carl starting to rebuild their relationship and heading towards and eventual HEA together.
This was a really enjoyable story and I would recommend it. :)
* note - I listened to the audio version of this story and the narrator did a very good job.
This was a really enjoyable story. I liked both Carl and Marianne and was happy to see them work things out.
Marianne is a law student who has finished with pre-law and is planning to go on to law school. Marianne came from a small town and has been determined to escape it but lately has been thinking her future plans aren't as great as she always thought.
Carl is a mechanic and owner of the local garage. Carl came from a horrible family and was befriended by Marianne's brother and then the rest of her family. He's made a good life for himself but still is rather reserved.
I wont go in to too much details to avoid spoiling things (since this is a very short story) but I will say that I liked the set up, the characters and thought that Harper did her normal, high quality story crafting. Things came together quickly but believably and ended in a good way, with Marianne and Carl starting to rebuild their relationship and heading towards and eventual HEA together.
This was a really enjoyable story and I would recommend it. :)
* note - I listened to the audio version of this story and the narrator did a very good job.
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