What do you think?
Rate this book
Cherry Cola Book Club #2
The Reading Circle
"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
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
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
81 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
Ashton Lee
17 books67 followersAshton Lee was born in historic Natchez, Mississippi, into a large, extended Southern family which gave him much fodder for his fiction later in life. His father, who wrote under the pen name of R. Keene Lee right after WWII, was an editor and writer in New York of what is now called pulp fiction. As a result, Ashton inherited a love of reading and writing early on and did all the things aspiring authors are supposed to do, including majoring in English when he attended The University of the South, affectionately known as Sewanee. While there, he studied Creative Writing under Andrew Lytle, then editor of the Sewanee Review, and a member of the Southern Agrarians in the 1920s.
Ashton lives in Oxford, MS, enjoying the amenities of a university town that many writers have called home.
Ashton lives in Oxford, MS, enjoying the amenities of a university town that many writers have called home.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
June 24, 2021
Relaxing southern set read, tho the names were annoying.
March 9, 2014
I just love visiting the community at Cherico! It felt like visiting old friends when I picked this book up. Maura Beth continues to fight for her little library in a small town. She is truly a heroine I can respect. Along the way, we reacquaint with the same group of interesting characters who were in the Cherry Cola Book club from the first book but she also may pick up an interesting ally along the way. I must say that it you haven't read the first book, you could read this one as it will stand alone, but, I'd encourage you to read the first one and then read this one. It is a great little quest. Quite frankly, I'm already looking forward to the next one in this series. I can't wait to see what great things are in store for Cherico. Oh, and the cover of the copy I had was pretty sweet too. Anything with lots of books and a kitty will attract my attention. Well done, Ashton Lee! I'll be waiting for more tales from Cherico.
January 7, 2019
A quick easy read with more character development than I expected. And that’s a good thing for me! Although it read much like a “romance,” I found it to be quite enjoyable! I will suggest the first in the series for my book club and will read the remaining installments when available and as I have time.
February 8, 2018
Really enjoy this series!
February 8, 2018
It has been several years since I read the first book in this series, but I enjoyed it. When I saw the remainder of the series on the shelves of my local library I decided to continue the story. I loved how easy it was to reconnect with these characters that I enjoyed so much the first time around. I appreciated the efforts of the book club to go against the city council once more to save the library they love so much.
I thought this was a fun read with characters and stories that were easy to follow. I will definitely pick up the remainder of this series on my future trips to the library and see where the characters are going.
I thought this was a fun read with characters and stories that were easy to follow. I will definitely pick up the remainder of this series on my future trips to the library and see where the characters are going.
December 16, 2015
How do you know when something has passed its prime, turning from useful and resourceful to obsolete and irrevelent? When is it time to pull the plug, so to speak?
These questions, and more, are cause for concern in “The Reading Circle,” a follow-up to Oxford author Ashton Lee’s novel, “The Cherry Cola Book Club.” Reviews for Natchez native’s debut novel describe it as “a delightful read, written in a light and breezy style, with a cast of characters that is equal parts kooky and genuine.”
“The Reading Club” will be released in late March, one year after readers were first introduced to the small town of Cherico, Miss., and met Maura Beth Mayhew, a young librarian trying to save Cherico Library from budget cuts and residents’ general lack of interest. She’s pitted against conniving councilmen who want to divert municipal funds for their gain.
With the help of the Cherry Cola Book Club, Maura Beth has combined Southern favorites – food, visiting and discussion – into a new town hit. People who previously never used the library now are coming to check out books, work on the computer and search the archives.
After earning a year’s reprieve from closure, the clock is ticking as Maura Beth tries new, and often quirky, ways to build interest in the library. She encourages members of the Cherry Cola Book Club, known for its potluck dinners and literary reviews, to discuss novels such as “Forrest Gump,” which leads to a shrimp-theme feast and heated discussion about war and patriotism. Other readings led the group to explore their feelings about race relations, women’s roles and corrupt politicians.
Food, as all Southerners know, is a centerpiece at any gathering, and Lee has included a culinary treat for his readers. At the end of each book are recipes sure to bring folks running to the folding table with their plates in hand.
New book club members play a major role in “The Reading Club,” including Jeremy McShay, a handsome Nashville teacher, and Parker Place, a pastry chef with a past. They join the cast of eccentrics introduced in the first novel, including Periwinkle (owner of Twinkle Café), Connie and Doug McShay, radio celebrity Becca Broccoli and husband “Stout Fellow,” spinster Voncille Nettles and her beau Locke.
But, as with most things in Cherico, few things go as planned. Book discussions lead to life stories, many of which have been kept secret for generations. And just like many of the books on the library’s crooked shelves, stories come to life, producing unexpected “I didn’t see that coming” twists, heroes and life lessons.
These questions, and more, are cause for concern in “The Reading Circle,” a follow-up to Oxford author Ashton Lee’s novel, “The Cherry Cola Book Club.” Reviews for Natchez native’s debut novel describe it as “a delightful read, written in a light and breezy style, with a cast of characters that is equal parts kooky and genuine.”
“The Reading Club” will be released in late March, one year after readers were first introduced to the small town of Cherico, Miss., and met Maura Beth Mayhew, a young librarian trying to save Cherico Library from budget cuts and residents’ general lack of interest. She’s pitted against conniving councilmen who want to divert municipal funds for their gain.
With the help of the Cherry Cola Book Club, Maura Beth has combined Southern favorites – food, visiting and discussion – into a new town hit. People who previously never used the library now are coming to check out books, work on the computer and search the archives.
After earning a year’s reprieve from closure, the clock is ticking as Maura Beth tries new, and often quirky, ways to build interest in the library. She encourages members of the Cherry Cola Book Club, known for its potluck dinners and literary reviews, to discuss novels such as “Forrest Gump,” which leads to a shrimp-theme feast and heated discussion about war and patriotism. Other readings led the group to explore their feelings about race relations, women’s roles and corrupt politicians.
Food, as all Southerners know, is a centerpiece at any gathering, and Lee has included a culinary treat for his readers. At the end of each book are recipes sure to bring folks running to the folding table with their plates in hand.
New book club members play a major role in “The Reading Club,” including Jeremy McShay, a handsome Nashville teacher, and Parker Place, a pastry chef with a past. They join the cast of eccentrics introduced in the first novel, including Periwinkle (owner of Twinkle Café), Connie and Doug McShay, radio celebrity Becca Broccoli and husband “Stout Fellow,” spinster Voncille Nettles and her beau Locke.
But, as with most things in Cherico, few things go as planned. Book discussions lead to life stories, many of which have been kept secret for generations. And just like many of the books on the library’s crooked shelves, stories come to life, producing unexpected “I didn’t see that coming” twists, heroes and life lessons.
September 18, 2014
A month or so ago a friend and I went to an author talk at our local library. The author did not show up, but a bookseller was selling copies of both of his books. My friend bought his first book and I bought his second so we could share them.
I read the second book first since it is the one I purchased. It is a fairly simplistic story about a librarian in a Cherico, a small Mississippi town, who is trying to save the library. The villain is a local politician who wants to tear down the library and use the land for his own purposes. I was a little surprised that the author of these books is a man because they definitely seem to be "women's fiction."
A fast read, but not much of a plot.
This is an update to my earlier review. Our library extended another invitation to the author and he made a presentation today. Unfortunately, the library did not make much of an effort to promote his visit and my friend and I were the only members of the public who attended. In addition to the two of us, a representative from a book store was there to sell books and a couple of library employees attended. Even though the audience was small, the author was gracious and charming. He spent about 90 minutes talking with us about his books and writing in general. My friend and I are going to talk with our book club next week about inviting him to attend one of our meetings.
Two more books are planned for this series. One will be released in April, 2015 and the fourth one will be released in October. The author told us that the plots of the two new books will have more twists and turns. I plan to read both of these books.
I read the second book first since it is the one I purchased. It is a fairly simplistic story about a librarian in a Cherico, a small Mississippi town, who is trying to save the library. The villain is a local politician who wants to tear down the library and use the land for his own purposes. I was a little surprised that the author of these books is a man because they definitely seem to be "women's fiction."
A fast read, but not much of a plot.
This is an update to my earlier review. Our library extended another invitation to the author and he made a presentation today. Unfortunately, the library did not make much of an effort to promote his visit and my friend and I were the only members of the public who attended. In addition to the two of us, a representative from a book store was there to sell books and a couple of library employees attended. Even though the audience was small, the author was gracious and charming. He spent about 90 minutes talking with us about his books and writing in general. My friend and I are going to talk with our book club next week about inviting him to attend one of our meetings.
Two more books are planned for this series. One will be released in April, 2015 and the fourth one will be released in October. The author told us that the plots of the two new books will have more twists and turns. I plan to read both of these books.
February 20, 2021
Enjoyable quick read!
February 22, 2016
Last year I reviewed the first book in this series, The Cherry Cola Book Club, which resulted in some healthy dialog with the author. While I believe that Robert Kuehnle (pen name Ashton Lee) is a library supporter, and hopes to raise awareness of library funding issues with this series, my main issue with the book was his misrepresentation of public libraries. I felt that his representation of underused public libraries perpetuated a dangerously erroneous stereotype when most public libraries are seeing increased usage in spite of reduced funding. You can see that review, and the subsequent comments, here.
When Mr. Kuehnle sent me a message to let me know he would be releasing the next book in the series I decided to give it a read. The issues that I personally found concerning in the first book were not as evident in the second installment in the series. Maura Beth, the library director, and her supporters are busy with their lives and the continuation of their book club. Much of the book is centered on the personal lives and romantic relationships of the various town members. However, they continue to be concerned about future funding for the library as they were only given a year’s reprieve. The crooked politicians in the town seem chiefly concerned about creating an industrial park bearing their names, and using the funds currently allocated to the library to do so. Of course, the library is saved again, in an even more spectacular fashion. Personally, the way that it happened made me a little nauseous, and isn’t something that I would do. No matter how valuable I find public libraries to be, I need to be able to look at myself in the mirror each morning in spite of politics and behind-the-scenes wrangling.
If you liked the first book in the series, or like a quick read with small town characters, a little romance and a little literary focus, then this may be a series that you enjoy. For me, it still feels a little stilted and false, but for a light book to take to the beach you could definitely do worse.
See more on my blog at www.watchingthewords.wordpress.com
When Mr. Kuehnle sent me a message to let me know he would be releasing the next book in the series I decided to give it a read. The issues that I personally found concerning in the first book were not as evident in the second installment in the series. Maura Beth, the library director, and her supporters are busy with their lives and the continuation of their book club. Much of the book is centered on the personal lives and romantic relationships of the various town members. However, they continue to be concerned about future funding for the library as they were only given a year’s reprieve. The crooked politicians in the town seem chiefly concerned about creating an industrial park bearing their names, and using the funds currently allocated to the library to do so. Of course, the library is saved again, in an even more spectacular fashion. Personally, the way that it happened made me a little nauseous, and isn’t something that I would do. No matter how valuable I find public libraries to be, I need to be able to look at myself in the mirror each morning in spite of politics and behind-the-scenes wrangling.
If you liked the first book in the series, or like a quick read with small town characters, a little romance and a little literary focus, then this may be a series that you enjoy. For me, it still feels a little stilted and false, but for a light book to take to the beach you could definitely do worse.
See more on my blog at www.watchingthewords.wordpress.com
April 26, 2014
My Review:
Kensington|April 1, 2014|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-7582-7342-0
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.
I despised Durdin Sparks, a selfish man who didn't do anything unless there was something in it for him. I just wanted to slap that man up side of the head! Maura Beth on the other hand, was a sweet and honest woman who just wanted her library to be saved from destruction and she was willing to do everything in her power to see that through to conclusion. This was a great light read and one that I enjoyed very much.
Kensington|April 1, 2014|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-7582-7342-0
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.
I despised Durdin Sparks, a selfish man who didn't do anything unless there was something in it for him. I just wanted to slap that man up side of the head! Maura Beth on the other hand, was a sweet and honest woman who just wanted her library to be saved from destruction and she was willing to do everything in her power to see that through to conclusion. This was a great light read and one that I enjoyed very much.
March 14, 2014
I received an ARC of this book...review will be posted closer to its April publication date.
Book #14 Read in 2014
The Reading Circle by Ashton Lee
This book will be out on March 25, 2014 but I was lucky enough to receive a signed copy from the author. I loved the first in this series, The Cherry Cola Book Club. The second book, this one, was no different.
In this book, MauraBeth is still trying to ensure her library's survival, as the local councilman wants its location to build an industrial park. MauraBeth tries to increase numbers in The Cherry Cola Book Club, but the councilman plants his own member to cause problems. As if that is not enough to worry about, MauraBeth's growing relationship with teacher boyfriend Jeremy is hitting some snags. However, MauraBeth is a librarian made of strong stuff and she engages in her struggles head on.
Once again, Lee does a great job writing female characters. He creates voices for them that are interesting and believable. He did have me a bit worry about Jeremy early on in this book but showing a different side to Jeremy made him a more complex character.
I loved this book and cannot wait for book #3 in the series to come out. I highly recommend this series to book lovers who love to read about books, libraries and interesting characters.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Book #14 Read in 2014
The Reading Circle by Ashton Lee
This book will be out on March 25, 2014 but I was lucky enough to receive a signed copy from the author. I loved the first in this series, The Cherry Cola Book Club. The second book, this one, was no different.
In this book, MauraBeth is still trying to ensure her library's survival, as the local councilman wants its location to build an industrial park. MauraBeth tries to increase numbers in The Cherry Cola Book Club, but the councilman plants his own member to cause problems. As if that is not enough to worry about, MauraBeth's growing relationship with teacher boyfriend Jeremy is hitting some snags. However, MauraBeth is a librarian made of strong stuff and she engages in her struggles head on.
Once again, Lee does a great job writing female characters. He creates voices for them that are interesting and believable. He did have me a bit worry about Jeremy early on in this book but showing a different side to Jeremy made him a more complex character.
I loved this book and cannot wait for book #3 in the series to come out. I highly recommend this series to book lovers who love to read about books, libraries and interesting characters.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
July 13, 2014
The Cherry Cola Book Club of Cherico, Mississippi is on it's one year reprieve from Councilman Spark's determination to close the town's library down and use the funds to build his "Legacy", an industrial park--(THE CHERRY COLA BOOK CLUB). But librarian, Maura Beth Mayhew, still has tricks up her sleeve and a growing number of friends and patrons who are backing her efforts to keep the library open.
As with the first book, there's interesting information on just what it takes to keep a library open. There's also an intriguing discussion of another book, FOREST GUMP, that gets it's members lives and view points front and center. The characters are becoming much more developed, with some romances and secrets revealed. The southern charm, humor, and gumption continues making this a terrific read. Secrets revealed give this story the bases for lots more books in this series--I hope!!
I listened to the Audible version of this book which added lots of enjoyment to an already great read!
As with the first book, there's interesting information on just what it takes to keep a library open. There's also an intriguing discussion of another book, FOREST GUMP, that gets it's members lives and view points front and center. The characters are becoming much more developed, with some romances and secrets revealed. The southern charm, humor, and gumption continues making this a terrific read. Secrets revealed give this story the bases for lots more books in this series--I hope!!
I listened to the Audible version of this book which added lots of enjoyment to an already great read!
March 28, 2014
The Reading Circle by Ashton Lee
Read the first book in this series and glad to see it continue. Such great ideas for keeping the library open and the community using it for many things.
Although it should help prove to the town council of its usefulness there is the old boy network at play still that thinks the money should go towards a park with their name on it.
Like how Maura Beth interacts with such a group of people with not much in common. Love hearing the latest on the townsfolk that were also in the first book.
So many events taking place and will they outwit Councilman Sparks once and for all...Love the ending and especially all the bonus recipes!
I received this book from Kenssington Books Co.
Read the first book in this series and glad to see it continue. Such great ideas for keeping the library open and the community using it for many things.
Although it should help prove to the town council of its usefulness there is the old boy network at play still that thinks the money should go towards a park with their name on it.
Like how Maura Beth interacts with such a group of people with not much in common. Love hearing the latest on the townsfolk that were also in the first book.
So many events taking place and will they outwit Councilman Sparks once and for all...Love the ending and especially all the bonus recipes!
I received this book from Kenssington Books Co.
April 15, 2014
Another great visit to Cherico, Mississippi. You can't help but find yourself laughing aloud at times as you read. We all have people in our lives who resemble each character in the book even evil Councilman Sparks. How many of us dream of the day that person will get their comeuppance. Hoping there is more to come...
April 28, 2014
The library is once again in jeopardy, and this time all of its supporters are caught up in their own personal crises. Can they all band together to save the library and their own relationships? By the end of the novel, it seems that everything is once again right with the world. We shall see.
June 28, 2014
i really liked this book. not a lot of drama but a well written book. I liked the story line and the wat the author weaved the storyline of the Book clubs members into the story. I recommend it.
April 2, 2014
One dimensional characters written by a man who apparently has never even met a woman under the age of sixty. Horrible.
May 19, 2014
Like a fun visit with good friends! Can't wait for more!
April 23, 2014
A nice series aimed at librarians.
Can the book club save the library? Yes - of course.
Can the book club save the library? Yes - of course.
May 2, 2014
2nd book in the Cherry Cola Book club series. I like them...
July 21, 2014
If there were 1/2 stars, i would add to my rating. Another fun installment - not necessarily "deep" reading, but well written and entertaining.
May 3, 2014
I can't wait for the next one to see how the Cherico Reading Club throws 2 weddings and builds a new library!
March 17, 2016
Thank goodness I'm finished. What a boring book.
May 22, 2020
This was a quick and fun read. This is the first book I've read of Ashton Lee's even though it is the second book in the series. At first I was taken aback by all the characters that were introduced in the first chapter. First and last names for each character and I felt like I needed to take notes to remember who was who. I eventually had to flip back to the beginning to remember who each character was. The book is well-written, but has very little plot. I do like that it has heart, though. The characters are kind to each other and seem to encourage one another rather than tear each other down as I find is the case in a lot of other books. I liked the personal growth of Nora's character, even at a later age, and the other characters' reaction to her. The Twinkle is a charming creation and Maura Beth is a fairly strong character fighting for her library's survival. I think the relationship that starts to build between Mr. Place and Peri is my favorite part of the book. But there is just a hint of that before the book ends. Jeremy, on the other hand, seems like a stiff boring character, but maybe his character was better developed in the first book of the series, which I have not yet read. Not sure why he and Maura Beth are in love, but again, I'll have to read the first book to see if there is more relationship and character development there. Overall, a fun read that won't cause nightmares. Not much plot, but sweet characters in a charming small town. Enjoyed it.
July 4, 2021
Acceptable
This book is supposed to be a standalone novel, but it draws heavily on the previous book. There are so many characters introduced that the reader has to really concentrate to keep up with who's who. As a current librarian, I appreciate the love and care that Maura Beth puts into her job. The book club established in the first novel is continued here with some interesting caveats. More interesting than the literary discussions are the interruptions at each meeting.
However, I do not care for the stereotypical characterizations: the meek, simple librarian, the philandering husband, the dowdy secretary, etc. We peek into the couples' homes and see their relationship struggles. I found my attention wandering with the many unrelated details of their separate lives. I do not understand Maura Beth and Jeremy's relationship at all. What draws them together? Where is the passion? I feel like I do not get to know any of the characters well. They all seem like flat stereotypes with shallow lives and feelings. I prefer books with passionate, flawed characters that seem to live beyond the pages, hot messes spilling over with deep feelings. This is an acceptable, comfortable story with little stress and even less thinking. This may be your cup of tea. If so, visit Cherico and sit in on a book club meeting, and then go over to Twinkle's Cafe for a slice of Parker's pie.
This book is supposed to be a standalone novel, but it draws heavily on the previous book. There are so many characters introduced that the reader has to really concentrate to keep up with who's who. As a current librarian, I appreciate the love and care that Maura Beth puts into her job. The book club established in the first novel is continued here with some interesting caveats. More interesting than the literary discussions are the interruptions at each meeting.
However, I do not care for the stereotypical characterizations: the meek, simple librarian, the philandering husband, the dowdy secretary, etc. We peek into the couples' homes and see their relationship struggles. I found my attention wandering with the many unrelated details of their separate lives. I do not understand Maura Beth and Jeremy's relationship at all. What draws them together? Where is the passion? I feel like I do not get to know any of the characters well. They all seem like flat stereotypes with shallow lives and feelings. I prefer books with passionate, flawed characters that seem to live beyond the pages, hot messes spilling over with deep feelings. This is an acceptable, comfortable story with little stress and even less thinking. This may be your cup of tea. If so, visit Cherico and sit in on a book club meeting, and then go over to Twinkle's Cafe for a slice of Parker's pie.
April 16, 2018
This book surprisingly blew me away. It is adorable. It's a lighthearted read for sure, and not too much to think of critically, but I loved it all the same.
Maura Beth has been running the underfunded Cherico Public Library in Mississippi since she graduated from LSU with her Library Science degree. She has attempted to improve the library several times with computer terminals and the like in order to increase circulation, but is always denied. Now the City Council wants to tear down the library for more parking or a park or something of the like. Maura Beth has to think fast on how she's going to rally the small town of Cherico to save the library.
One plan Maura Beth comes up with is to host a book club that doubles as a sort of pot luck. With this idea in the pot, she begins to make more and more friends in the small town of Cherico.
Such a cute read, and as a library fan myself, I loved hearing the passion that Maura Beth had for her library. Not mention how she offered up audio books to some residents that couldn't see so well anymore, or were too busy with work to really read. Loved it so much.
Support your local library! (I did read this through the Libby/Overdrive app)
Maura Beth has been running the underfunded Cherico Public Library in Mississippi since she graduated from LSU with her Library Science degree. She has attempted to improve the library several times with computer terminals and the like in order to increase circulation, but is always denied. Now the City Council wants to tear down the library for more parking or a park or something of the like. Maura Beth has to think fast on how she's going to rally the small town of Cherico to save the library.
One plan Maura Beth comes up with is to host a book club that doubles as a sort of pot luck. With this idea in the pot, she begins to make more and more friends in the small town of Cherico.
Such a cute read, and as a library fan myself, I loved hearing the passion that Maura Beth had for her library. Not mention how she offered up audio books to some residents that couldn't see so well anymore, or were too busy with work to really read. Loved it so much.
Support your local library! (I did read this through the Libby/Overdrive app)
April 4, 2025
Pros:
It is lovely to see the library still striving to grow as they fight to keep it and visiting the friends we made in book one is lovely. We have a truly colorful cast of characters but not terribly diverse.
Cons:
I’m having a little trouble with the series as it continues. I know it was written in the mid 2010s but it is coming off so much older. I don’t know if that is because I am looking at it through a lens of privilege or if it’s written to be older. However the librarian and her partner really come off as intellectual snobs with their push to only read classics. Having her then thinking about the reactions to an interracial relationship is so sad. I know that racism is living strong but putting it so subtly into a book and not having it overcome in that same book is disheartening.
It is lovely to see the library still striving to grow as they fight to keep it and visiting the friends we made in book one is lovely. We have a truly colorful cast of characters but not terribly diverse.
Cons:
I’m having a little trouble with the series as it continues. I know it was written in the mid 2010s but it is coming off so much older. I don’t know if that is because I am looking at it through a lens of privilege or if it’s written to be older. However the librarian and her partner really come off as intellectual snobs with their push to only read classics. Having her then thinking about the reactions to an interracial relationship is so sad. I know that racism is living strong but putting it so subtly into a book and not having it overcome in that same book is disheartening.
February 4, 2025
Maura Beth Mayhew has bought her library a year's reprieve, and she's started a reading circle to help bring more people through the library's doors. There are romances going on and a nasty councilman and his two yes men who want the library closed and plowed under. The problem I have with this book is when lighting damages the roof over the Children's section. I get them not doing anything until the insurance adjuster comes through and takes their pictures, but once that's done the wet books needed to be removed so the mold doesn't spread throughout the collection as it is want to do. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book very much.
August 6, 2018
We meet the Cherry Cola Book club gang again. But this time around the book didn't quite do it for me. The Congressman's campaign to discredit Maura and the library, and it's resolution was hardly focused on, and wrapped up two thirds into the book. So that the rest of the story felt anti climactic. The book selections and discussions were excellent though.
May 20, 2022
I was looking forward to reading this book #2 in this series but I finally had to give up on it. All the talk of sex was just ridiculous. On the positive side, it was not explicit and it was mostly discussed within the context of a marriage but it was so unnecessary and not interesting. This will be the last book in this series I will be reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews