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Carmen Reid
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Stuck in Second Gear: A Sassy, Laugh-Out-Loud Journey to Self-Discovery Kindle Edition

by Carmen Reid (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 545 ratings

Don't miss the brand new, laugh out loud book club pick from bestselling author Carmen Reid! No one told her life was going to be this way....

He's got...

🦷 New teeth

✂️ New hair

💍 A new fiance

She's got...

🚙 An old Jag

👨‍👩‍👦 Her oddball family

🛣️ Miles of open road

Who is winning the divorce?😅

Lucie Marshal is absolutely furious! How did she go from being a successful wife and mother to divorced, teetering on bankruptcy, and barely speaking to her grown-up daughter? Worse, she’s just heard that her moronic ex-husband Miles is marrying a much younger woman in an influencer-style wedding in France #blessed #theone

Lucie will absolutely NOT be going. To hell with Miles, his new teeth, new hair and new wife! She’s perfectly fine...isn't she? Except, Lucie feels lost and angry almost all of the time. Just what happened to her younger, freer wild child self, who used to live life to the full?

But then pregnant daughter Zoe needs a lift... and eccentric nephew Deva does too and now Lucie has somehow agreed to drive her Dad’s beloved old Jag all the way across France to take them to her ex-husband’s wedding.

With a pitstop in Paris, a breakdown, unexpected passengers, and miles of open road, all set to Deva’s showtunes soundtrack – could this be the journey Lucie needs to find a way back to herself?

A hilarious and uplifitng book club pick, perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Fiona Gibson and Milly Johnson.

Praise for Carmen Reid:

'Bold, stylish and full of twists, turns and unexpected detours, this is Carmen Reid at her very best!' Shari Low

'Escapist Summer reading at its best' Jill Mansell

'A fantastic read!"⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Reader review

"Fantastic read, couldn't put it down" ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Reader review

"Can't wait to read the next one!" ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Reader review

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  1. Print length
    298 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Boldwood Books
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    December 7, 2024
  6. File size
    1.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Reid

Reid

Reid

Reid

Annie in Paris
Three in a Bed
The Woman Who Ran For The Hills
New Family Required
Worn Out Wife Seeks New Life
Stuck in Second Gear
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Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars 941
4.3 out of 5 stars 709
4.5 out of 5 stars 2,647
4.2 out of 5 stars 3,441
4.4 out of 5 stars 4,652
4.5 out of 5 stars 545
Price $3.99 $3.99 $3.99 $4.99 $4.99 $0.99
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D9F3KZHF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Boldwood Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 7, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.8 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 298 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1837517145
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 545 ratings

About the author

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Carmen Reid

Carmen Reid

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Hello and thanks for dropping by!

I'm the author of well over 20 books now with more to come. Many have been bestsellers in the Amazon charts, the UK paperback charts and even The Sunday Times paperback fiction chart. I write three different kinds of novels, but all feature the strong heroines that I hope you'll really enjoy spending time with.

Best known are my Personal Shopper novels, which star loveable comedy heroine, Annie Valentine. Four children, a second husband, a career in fashion, Annie's life is full of opportunities for adventure, comedy and fun.

In order, these books are:

1. The Personal shopper

2. Late Night Shopping

3. How Not To Shop

4. Celebrity Shopper

5. New York Valentine

6. Shopping With The Enemy

7. Annie in Paris

But don't feel you have to read them strictly in order as each comes with its own set of adventures that you can enjoy without knowing everything that's come before.

Then there are the family novels, which focus on one heroine and her whole family because I do love a family drama packed with adventure, big feelings and comedy. Children, husbands, parents, siblings - expect to find a whole mix of families in these books. You may shed a few tears, but hopefully you'll laugh too and have that warm, all-is-right-with-the-world feeling at the end.

The latest titles are:

Worn Out Wife Seeks New Life

New Family Required

The Woman Who Ran For The Hills

Three In A Bed

I also write for younger readers, aged around 12-16.

These books include my action-adventure story Cross My Heart, set during the Second World War and featuring an incredibly brave teenage girl.

Then there are the Secrets at St Jude's novels which follow four best friends at a boarding school in Edinburgh in Scotland, including new girl Gina who joins, all the way from California. These books are currently getting a re-edit and new covers, but they will be back soon!

1. Secrets at St Jude's New Girl

2. Secrets at St Jude's Jealous Girl

3. Secrets at St Jude's Drama Girl

4. Secrets at St Jude's Rebel Girl

5. Secrets at St Jude's Sunshine Girl

6. Secrets at St Jude's Party Girl

Welcome to my world. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and if you're reading an Annie Valentine book, you may even tweak your wardrobe!

See you there,

Carmen xxx

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
545 global ratings

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Uplifting story!
5 out of 5 stars
Uplifting story!
What a truly intriguing and heartfelt story! When I first started reading Stuck in Second Gear, I wasn’t quite sure it was going to be a book for me. Boy, did I change my mind as I read on. The author takes us on an adventure through France while sharing second chances, letting yourself be yourself no matter what and how strong family love can be. The author also touches on serious topics while being sensitive. Definitely take the time to read Stuck in Second Gear. You will be pleasantly surprised with everything about this uplifting story.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Robyn A. Chumley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Author’s best book yet
    Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    All the feel-good ones are in this book. Everything works for everyone. Even a little international commerce plays out. And the supermarket in Calais plays a role. Highly recommend!
    Helpful
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  • Klet
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a great read. Not a laugh out loud book..you follow the lead character through all of her challenges. You find yourself celebrating the wins she achieves.
    Helpful
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  • Laurie Colt
    5.0 out of 5 stars I Love Lucie!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    What a fantastic book! After a tumultuous divorce from Miles and losing her business due to his poor financial choices, the last 4 years have been a struggle. Now, as she watches her father's declining health, the last thing Lucie needs (or wants) is to go to Miles' wedding in France! But when Zoe, her pregnant daughter, calls with news the trains are striking and she can't make it to her dad's wedding, Lucie's dad talks her into driving Zoe and taking a short holiday.
    Soon, she adds Deva, her nephew from Miles' sister, to the passenger list. Each person is suffering from their own struggles. Lucie, broke and spending all her spare time with her father, harbors so much anger toward Miles for the demise of their marriage and her business. Zoe, 8 months pregnant and still working as an ICU nurse, is trying to figure out if her boyfriend, Rafi, is committed to her and their baby or working on making an exit. Deva, a 20 year old neurodivergent man obsessed with Coco Chanel and the theater, is studying business to appease his parents. Each have a life epiphany on a road trip to Southern France, changing the course of their lives and relationships.
    Family, marriage, love, and loss- all stepping stones in life- are explored, shared, and realized in the all-encompassing story.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Monica Mac
    5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely uplifting story :)
    Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    When I first read the synopsis, I was in two minds about the book. A woman goes to her ex-husbands WEDDING??!! There is no way I would do that! However, I like to give things a go, so I got stuck in and read the book.

    I loved it! Lucie is a woman who is struggling to adapt, post-divorce. Her ex has left her with a big debt that wasn't hers and her daughter Zoe is pregnant with no sign of a wedding ahead. Somehow or another, she is roped into taking her dad's Jag for a road trip to France, with her daughter and her nephew, Deva, in the car.

    Gotta admit that Deva was my favourite character in this book. He really comes into his own as the book goes on and I absolutely loved that :)

    A gorgeous, modern tale that is well worth reading.

    5 stars from me.

    Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Chrisj
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love this story so much!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    I love this story so much! It has wonderful characters, who immediately went straight to my heart. I really enjoy books that have characters of various ages, especially if they include an elderly main character. I am thrilled to say this story has a lovely older gentleman.

    The majority of the story is an unexpected and unplanned trip filled with self discovery and a chance to explore relationships. It was a joy to go along on this journey.

    I absolutely adore this book and wish I had better skills to convey why! It just touched me so deeply. I know I will be reading this book again, which is a huge compliment, since I rarely re-read books. I look forward to future books by this author, Carmen Reid who has become a favorite of mine.
    Helpful
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  • Connie N.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great characters!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2025
    Format: Kindle
    I didn't know what to expect with this book since it's a new-to-me author, but I found the story to be fun and amusing, with a multitude of light-hearted problems and interactions to keep things interesting. I'd describe it as a midlife coming-of-age story, with Lucie (a 50-something mother/ex-wife) discovering more about herself and who she wants to be. She is an appealing character. Although resentful of her ex-husband's happiness and confused about her own future, she's constantly struggling with her feelings. But, on the plus side, she still thinks of the people around her, recognizing their needs, and trying to do something to help them. Zoe (her daughter), Deva (her nephew), Lucie's father, and the refugees all added a lot of depth to the story. All in all, this was a nice book, filled with hope and caring. I will definitely look for more from this author.
    Helpful
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  • Kim
    3.0 out of 5 stars Ok
    Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    The title doesn’t fit well here. The story was fine, with a bit too much emphasis on Chanel. Wouod like to have had more story for Deva. Overall a decent read though.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Nicola Short
    5.0 out of 5 stars Uplifting story!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    What a truly intriguing and heartfelt story!
    When I first started reading Stuck in Second Gear, I wasn’t quite sure it was going to be a book for me. Boy, did I change my mind as I read on.
    The author takes us on an adventure through France while sharing second chances, letting yourself be yourself no matter what and how strong family love can be. The author also touches on serious topics while being sensitive.
    Definitely take the time to read Stuck in Second Gear. You will be pleasantly surprised with everything about this uplifting story.
    Customer image
    Nicola Short
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Uplifting story!

    Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024
    What a truly intriguing and heartfelt story!
    When I first started reading Stuck in Second Gear, I wasn’t quite sure it was going to be a book for me. Boy, did I change my mind as I read on.
    The author takes us on an adventure through France while sharing second chances, letting yourself be yourself no matter what and how strong family love can be. The author also touches on serious topics while being sensitive.
    Definitely take the time to read Stuck in Second Gear. You will be pleasantly surprised with everything about this uplifting story.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • black beauty 345
    5.0 out of 5 stars great book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 1, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Love the story the characters everything about it, the funny parts the sad parts, was perfect read for me, well done
    Report
  • psauve
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good vacation read
    Reviewed in Canada on June 9, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would :) Light good vacation read
    Report
  • Alison Dorsett
    4.0 out of 5 stars A lovely easy read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It didn't need much brain power to work out what would happen in the end. I was looking for a light read and this was perfect.
    Report
  • kristine Freeman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 18, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Carmen Reid is a fantastic writer ,her books just keep you enthralled all the way through and sad when you've finished. I wish she had written more books.
    Report

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