Ashton Lee

In the colorful small town of Cherico, Mississippi, librarian Maura Beth McShay is preparing for an exciting new installment in her own life story--with some help from the Cherry Cola Book Club.Overseeing the opening of Cherico's new library has been a labor of love for Maura Beth McShay, made extra challenging by the fact that she and Jeremy are expecting their first child. And there's another plot twist on the horizon: Jeremy's sister, Elise, has taken a sabbatical to have a baby and will be staying in Cherico during her pregnancy.It's an unlikely move for the fiercely independent Elise, one that's causing her some anxiety. Jeremy, who's supposed to be birthing the Great American Novel, is instead testing his wife's patience with his incessant "sympathy pains." Resourceful as always, Maura Beth decides to use her new library as a venue for "Expecting Great Things" meetings--a sequel to her beloved book club. The weekly gatherings allow townsfolk to share hopes, fears, and practical advice about parenting and pregnancy, along with anecdotes both poignant and hilarious. And amongst the revelations and new friendships, Maura Beth, Jeremy, and the rest of the Cherry Cola Book Club prepare to meet their newest members . . . Praise for The Cherry Cola Book Club novels"An intrepid librarian, a book club feast, and a cozy, heart-warming Mississippi mystery--what's not to love?" --Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet"Lee's buoyant David-versus-Goliath tale zestfully illuminates a real problem confronting libraries and cities of all sizes." --Booklist

In the quirky Southern town of Cherico, Mississippi, a new library means an exciting new chapter for librarian Maura Beth McShay--and for the friends and book lovers known as the Cherry Cola Book Club... The construction of Cherico's cutting-edge library has been an epic struggle worthy of War and Peace. But the Grand Opening Ceremony is scheduled at last--for the Fourth of July no less--featuring lakeside fireworks and a concert by country singer Waddell Mack. Maura Beth has even devised a cooking contest among area chefs and aspiring Julia Childs to crown the Queen of the Cookbooks. Yet even Maura Beth's careful plotting can't prevent some glitches... Between a furniture fiasco that requires some creative problem-solving, and front-desk clerk Renette's major crush on Waddell Mack, there's equal parts drama and comic relief. Once the ribbon has been cut and the delicious recipes are judged, the Queen of the Cookbooks will take her crown, and the Cherry Cola Book Club, along with Maura Beth and her staff, will have the library of their dreams. But it'll take luck, loyal friendships, and the shared love of a powerful story to make this a truly happy beginning... Praise for The Cherry Cola Book Club novels "An intrepid librarian, a book club feast, and a cozy, heart-warming Mississippi mystery--what's not to love?" --Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet "Lee's buoyant David-versus-Goliath tale zestfully illuminates a real problem confronting libraries and cities of all sizes." --Booklist

In the charming small town of Cherico, Mississippi, the Cherry Cola Book Club meets to discuss classic Southern literature, sample favorite dishes-and share their unique stories... Two wonderful new chapters are unfolding for Maura Beth Mayhew, Cherico's librarian. Thanks to her persistence, a new, cutting-edge library is being built on the shores of beautiful Lake Cherico. And come September, Maura Beth will marry Jeremy McShay at his aunt and uncle's stunning home. Yet in life, as in fiction, happy endings are hard-won... A local politician is trying to divert library funds, while Maura Beth's socialite parents insist on a lavish New Orleans wedding. Maura Beth invites them to Cherico to experience the town's laidback appeal-and the book club's delicious potluck fare. Sadly, not even Voncille Nettle's famous biscuits can placate Mrs. Mayhew once the discussion turns from Eudora Welty's The Robber Bridegroom to real-life marriage. To get the wedding and the library of her dreams, Maura Beth will have to harness the indomitable spirit of her favorite Southern heroines-and the sage advice of the Cherry Cola Book Club... "The challenges of keeping any library anywhere open and effectively serving its patrons is a problem facing most communities. Lee brings these salient topics to light in an unpredictably entertaining series." --Booklist

"This lighthearted, cozy read brought a smile to my face. Lovers of small town fiction are going to fall in love with The Reading Circle." --Marie Bostwick, author of Between Heaven and Texas Welcome to the quirky town of Cherico, Mississippi, where potluck meetings at the local library provide a feast for mind and stomach alike. . .If some folks had their way, the Cherico library would have shut down long ago. Councilman Durden Sparks aims to divert funding to a cause dear to his heart--and his wallet. With the aid of gumption and good friends, librarian Maura Beth Mayhew has finagled a one-year reprieve, and the burgeoning book club is raising the library's profile one mouthwatering meeting at a time. But more members mean more opinions. . .While the Forrest Gump-themed shrimp dishes are a universal hit, meetings don't always go according to plan. Between spirited debate over book choices and surprising revelations and relationship hiccups--including Maura Beth's fledgling romance--there's a lot to discuss. And just when bad luck threatens to finish the library for good, the Cherry Cola Book Club may learn that the best stories have twists--and heroes--you never expected. . .Praise for Ashton Lee's The Cherry Cola Book Club"Lee's buoyant David-versus-Goliath tale zestfully illuminates a real problem confronting libraries and cities of all sizes." --Booklist"Clever, sassy and as tasty as an icebox pie, The Cherry Cola Book Club is a rare treat." --Erika Marks, author of The Guest House

With its corrugated iron siding and cramped interior, the Cherico, Mississippi, library is no Antebellum gem. But for young librarian Maura Beth Mayhew, it's as essential to the community as the delicious desserts at the Twinkle, Twinkle Caf . It's a place for neighbors to mingle and browse through the newest bestsellers, for the indomitable Miss Voncille Nettles to host her "Who's Who in Cherico?" meetings. The library may be underfunded and overlooked, but it's Maura Beth's pride, and she won't let the good ole boys on the City Council close it down without a fight. Which is why Maura Beth has founded the Cherry Cola Book Club-a last-ditch attempt to boost circulation and save her job. Over potluck dinners featuring treasured family recipes, the booklovers of Cherico come together to talk about literary classics. But soon it's not just Margaret Mitchell and Harper Lee being discussed over chicken gumbo and homemade biscuits with green pepper jelly. Secrets are shared, old dreams rekindled, and new loves slowly blossom. Southern charm, wit, and warmth combine in this delightful novel about great books, true friends, and the stories that give life its richest meaning, on and off the page.