Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper

Sweet Tea and Sympathy (Southern Eclectic, #1)

by Molly Harper

After a spectacular failure at an exclusive event in Chicago, event planner Margot Cary takes a job in Lake Sackett, Georgia. Organizing wakes and fishing trips isn't exactly her thing, but she starts feeling more at home when she catches the eye of the elementary school principal Kyle Archer. A offer for a big-city job means Margot must decide between her career, and a possible new love.

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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We first meet Margot Cary at the height of her career as an elite event planner in Chicago where everything goes spectacularly wrong. With a tarnished reputation and at the end of her lease Margot accepts an offer of employment from her estranged father's family the McCready's.

The McCready family owns a Funeral Home and Bait Shop located on the shore of Lake Sackett. The tale delivered a delightful tale as Margot gets to know the family she and her mother left behind. As her father tries to rebuild their relationship, Margot soon finds herself spending time with her cousins, helping out the elementary school and finding herself attracted to the school principal Kyle Archer.

I had to laugh at the family run business and stories emerging from it. Harper provided its history, and it made perfect sense! I enjoyed the McCready family from the cousins to the dog loving Aunt. Margot has some issues with her Dad, and it takes her a little while to shake off the city in her. In the meantime, Harper welcomed us to the town, introduced us to the locals and shared PTA drama. Harper understands small-town politics and their inner workings making the setting and characters feel genuine.

We are treated to a subtle, realistic romance that is served on the side as Margot comes into her own, makes career decisions and tries to find her slice of happy. Harper allows the reader to experience an array of emotions from laughter at one-line zingers to emotional moments that had me completely caught up in its thread. The characters are unique and we meet a rather large cast of them.  You will adore the McCready family as they open their arms wide and welcome Margot. They were authentic and loved each other flaws and all.

If you love small-town tales featuring family, character growth, humor and heart with a dash of romance, then grab a tall glass of sweet tea and enjoy SWEET TEA AND SYMPATHY.

Copy provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 27 August, 2017: Finished reading
  • 27 August, 2017: Reviewed