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Cherry Cola Book Club #5
Queen of the Cookbooks
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
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
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2016
About the author
Ashton Lee
17 books66 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 22, 2017
Loved it! Catching up with old friends.
Planning for Spurs to come to town brings in a new character, Ana, and the new library opening bring plenty of problems and fun.
Ana says, "I'm very proud of my Hispanic heritage, but I always say that history can only get us so far. What really counts is what we do with ourselves in the present,..." (pg 25) and I heartily agree.
Maura Beth is dealing with people signing up for the cooking contest going on during the opening of the library and the book says, "Maura Beth steeled herself with a smile, as she always did when she encountered difficult patrons. In such instances her objective was always to conceal what she was really thinking." (pg 35) I am working on this trait as a fairly new worker at a library and reading and recording scripture that applies and helps my attitude helps me as well as reading books about library, and general books that cover all businesses, customer service.
"The bond among all the members of The Cherry Cola Book Club had only grown stronger with the passage of time, and they supported one another whenever and wherever they could." (pg 119) I hope our book club members get as close as the Cherry Cola Book Club.
I hated chapter 8. Not all Christians act like Renette's parents and it makes all Christians look like judgemental, opinionated, loser, quacks. I hope people are smart enough to know that not all Christians are alike. You shouldn't judge a group by the actions of one person, whether real or imagined in a story.
"This was what a library should be about - involving the community in a variety of ways, making it seem as diverting as a movie theater or a county fair with all the crazy rides that took your breath away. To the point that the public would always be wondering what fun, enticing event was going on at the library. To the degree that it would always be a relevant part of the lives of Chericoans."
I love this series and hope that Ashton Lee has plans to write more.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt(s) –
A book about food
Planning for Spurs to come to town brings in a new character, Ana, and the new library opening bring plenty of problems and fun.
Ana says, "I'm very proud of my Hispanic heritage, but I always say that history can only get us so far. What really counts is what we do with ourselves in the present,..." (pg 25) and I heartily agree.
Maura Beth is dealing with people signing up for the cooking contest going on during the opening of the library and the book says, "Maura Beth steeled herself with a smile, as she always did when she encountered difficult patrons. In such instances her objective was always to conceal what she was really thinking." (pg 35) I am working on this trait as a fairly new worker at a library and reading and recording scripture that applies and helps my attitude helps me as well as reading books about library, and general books that cover all businesses, customer service.
"The bond among all the members of The Cherry Cola Book Club had only grown stronger with the passage of time, and they supported one another whenever and wherever they could." (pg 119) I hope our book club members get as close as the Cherry Cola Book Club.
I hated chapter 8. Not all Christians act like Renette's parents and it makes all Christians look like judgemental, opinionated, loser, quacks. I hope people are smart enough to know that not all Christians are alike. You shouldn't judge a group by the actions of one person, whether real or imagined in a story.
"This was what a library should be about - involving the community in a variety of ways, making it seem as diverting as a movie theater or a county fair with all the crazy rides that took your breath away. To the point that the public would always be wondering what fun, enticing event was going on at the library. To the degree that it would always be a relevant part of the lives of Chericoans."
I love this series and hope that Ashton Lee has plans to write more.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt(s) –
A book about food
February 6, 2017
Synopsis:
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… (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Maura Beth is a hard worker and she is determined to make the library grand opening successful. I liked the fact that she did not let hard work and problems stop her. I also liked the fact that the other members of the book club stood by her side and were very willing to help her. I really liked that this plot revolved around a library. There were so many things that went wrong but some of them were rather humorous and unusual. I also liked the fact that recipes were included, which sounded delicious.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written
humorous women’s fiction. This is the first book that I have read in the series and I did not have any trouble following along. But I wish I had read the other books so I could see the growth of the characters.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
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… (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Maura Beth is a hard worker and she is determined to make the library grand opening successful. I liked the fact that she did not let hard work and problems stop her. I also liked the fact that the other members of the book club stood by her side and were very willing to help her. I really liked that this plot revolved around a library. There were so many things that went wrong but some of them were rather humorous and unusual. I also liked the fact that recipes were included, which sounded delicious.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written
humorous women’s fiction. This is the first book that I have read in the series and I did not have any trouble following along. But I wish I had read the other books so I could see the growth of the characters.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 4, 2019
Challenges: LizzieFaye's Comfy Reads - Cherry Cola Club Books Series January 2019; and Steeped in Books Stacking the Series 2019/Create Your Own Readathon - Tertiary List, Level Two/5. Will revelations never cease in Cherico, Mississippi? New characters, reintroduced characters, and major changes in the lives of lead characters keep the ball rolling in Cherico.
November 3, 2016
Cherico, Mississippi is trying to update their library to become state-of-the-art, but as many cities have found, coming up with funds is not an easy thing to do. Librarian, Maura Beth McShay is leading the charge by organizing a "Queen of the Cookbooks" contest that is proving to be a real challenge! This story has the quirky characters that you would definitely expect in the Cherry Cola Book Club. The plot is funny and the characters are hilarious! Enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who would like a good chuckle!
Queen of the Cookbooks by Ashton Lee will be available November 29, 2016 by Kensington Publishing Corp. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Queen of the Cookbooks by Ashton Lee will be available November 29, 2016 by Kensington Publishing Corp. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
October 27, 2016
This was a hard one for me to get into. At first I didn't like the writing style and not being from America I felt some things were lost to me. But when I got more into the boom. I found myself enjoying it more. I am happy that I stuck with it and finished reading it.
The book is set in Cherico Mississippi. Maura Beth McShay is opening a new library. The new library had set back after set back but is set to open on the forth of July. Don't worry this significant date wasn't lost on me.
The book is set in Cherico Mississippi. Maura Beth McShay is opening a new library. The new library had set back after set back but is set to open on the forth of July. Don't worry this significant date wasn't lost on me.
December 6, 2016
I got into this series because I'm a Coke collector but I discovered that I enjoy the series. its not my usual read and it can be a bit over the top with expressions, preachy things and such but that is also what makes it quirky & fun. I hope the series continues and thanks for something different!!
December 29, 2017
The Cherry Cola Book Club gathers again in Ashton Lee's fifth novel Queen of the Cookbooks. Maura Beth Mayhew is the local librarian in the small southern town of Cherico, Mississippi. The new state of the art library is due to open on July 4th, during a city-wide celebration and cooking challenge on the library grounds. A couple of out of town entrants get heated during the competition causing a food fight in the middle of the celebration. Meanwhile, Maura Beth is dealing with a local church who is trying to get her fired for having unsavory books in her stacks. It seems like things never change in Cherico but one thing you can count on is the help from friends and family. The message that shines through is one of tolerance and understanding, and the love of family and friends can weather any storm.
Another enjoyable read about this little southern town. I am enjoying the series and see Lee's writing mature with each new book in the series.
Another enjoyable read about this little southern town. I am enjoying the series and see Lee's writing mature with each new book in the series.
July 8, 2018
Reading books about libraries and librarians like Ashton Lee’s Queen of the Cookbooks (A Cherry Cola Book Club Novel), takes me back to working in the public library. This is the third Cherry Cola Book Club novel I have read and library world has not changed. Cherico, Mississippi Librarian Maura Beth McShay is celebrating a new library. The success has not come cheap, as Maura Beth had prevailed upon the assistance of the library book club and several large donors. The opening festivities include fireworks by the lake, but it is the explosion that takes place at the ‘best in show of cooking’ events that ignites the opening ceremony. It seems some contestants feel the contest has been rigged. Enjoy life in everyday library world in Cherico, Mississippi and have a few laughs along the way with Ashton Lee. Finally, do not forget to support your local libraries – it cost less than $1 a year and the benefits are priceless.
October 25, 2016
I love this series (Cherry Cola Book Club). Maybe it's because I was a librarian for years or maybe I just love the town of Cherico, Mississippi. The new state of the arts library is set to open and Maura is busy planning the grand opening for the 4th of July. With a visit from Waddell Mack, country music sensation the event is sure to be a success even if it's picketed by the local strict church. With delays and glitches galore, Maura is stressing out. She decides to have a cooking contest with everyone welcome to enter and set up food tents. Lots of yummy recipes at the end of the book. A great addition to this series, you don't have to read the previous books to love this one but it's worth it to have background and info .
March 2, 2019
I have really wanted to love this series, but I've really struggled with it. I think many of the parts I find odd, annoying, or offensive could have been rectified with different editing. The whole premise so far has been promising, but there are bits of dialogue and descriptions that take me out of the story because I'm too busy thinking that in real life people would know better than to say such a thing.
This is also the second book that I've read lately that featured radical fundamentalist Christians who are trying to cause trouble. Since I'm a Christian with a solid faith who is NOT a radical fundamentalist, I always hate to see Christian's vilified or portrayed as "crazy." I know that it happens, it just isn't a trope that I enjoy reading about.
This is also the second book that I've read lately that featured radical fundamentalist Christians who are trying to cause trouble. Since I'm a Christian with a solid faith who is NOT a radical fundamentalist, I always hate to see Christian's vilified or portrayed as "crazy." I know that it happens, it just isn't a trope that I enjoy reading about.
January 15, 2017
Maura is busy getting ready for the grand opening of the new library, getting it built has been a big fight and the furniture still hasn't arrived. She has planned for a band and a big cooking contest where two of the contestants have a major battle. There is also a church group that protests outside the library for weeks because they don't agree with the most of the books the library has. Maura gets her Cheryl Cola book club to support the library. Then her sister-in-law shows up as an unwed mother giving the town more to talk about.
June 16, 2017
Not my favorite book in the Cherry Cola Book Club Series. As usual, Lee hits it out of the park with her setting, but I must be missing something to do with cooking contests, because here in the north, they focus on one dish such as chili or ribs, not a mish-mash of courses.
If you're reading directly through the series, it's not so bad you'd want to skip "Queen," but it's a lesser effort.
If you're reading directly through the series, it's not so bad you'd want to skip "Queen," but it's a lesser effort.
June 9, 2023
This is book 5 of a 6-volume series, building on the characters we've previously met, and this (and future volumes) introduce issues that are relevant to readers today, including prejudice, bigotry, book banning, decisions to become pregnant.
I think this was one of the most amusing of the series.
I actually listened to the audio book which enhanced the experience with those southern accents.
I think this was one of the most amusing of the series.
I actually listened to the audio book which enhanced the experience with those southern accents.
May 21, 2024
I wasn’t really sure what to make about this book, it’s not a romance, or a mystery book or anything else…just a feel good story chalk full of eclectic characters ( all with unusual names) and a town library in the center. Main character is happily married 💍 ( a breath of fresh air) and very relatable….really good story ( don’t usually read books written by a man) 🇺🇸👑🥧🥰. ( 👂🏻 📖)
December 15, 2025
I enjoyed The Cherry Cola Book Club, so I thought I'd check this one out. I was disappointed with Queen of the Cookbooks. I found irrelevant dialogue would drag on in places, so I skimmed those parts of book.
June 5, 2017
Probably one of the better books in the series. I really enjoyed this one. I can't wait for the next book
October 27, 2017
A great story of love and friendship.
July 3, 2018
My favorite book of the series! It is very pro-library and shows how libraries are so important. I liked the sub-plots as well. Good character development, too.
November 5, 2018
a typical cozy mystery, but there really isn't even a mystery in this one. I read this without reading the previous 4 books in the series, so I couldn't get into these characters
March 27, 2019
Enjoyable read. A little bit of drama but still light and true to form. However, very little surprises and predictable at times yet that did not affect my reading experience. Thumbs up!
June 13, 2019
Love this series
This has been a great series. I am looking forward to reading the next book. You won’t be disappointed in this series
This has been a great series. I am looking forward to reading the next book. You won’t be disappointed in this series
July 30, 2019
I didn't think I would enjoy this book quite so much,but it was such a fun read!
Read
April 2, 2020mrs frieze's cheeze balls
aleitha larken's chicken on the sofa
maybelle pleasance's no-sugar-added cherry cake
ana estrella's pigeon pea cake
aleitha larken's chicken on the sofa
maybelle pleasance's no-sugar-added cherry cake
ana estrella's pigeon pea cake
November 18, 2020
Eh... It just yammered on and on.
October 11, 2021
Not my favorite installment of this series but worth reading.
March 23, 2023
Oh my. The new library opens & people are picketing!? I hope I can find the last book in the series to read!
October 30, 2024
3.5 stars not the strongest in series but still enjoyable
August 24, 2021
3.5 Stars
January 7, 2017
Title: Queen of the Cookbooks - Cherry Cola Book Club Mystery Book 5
Author: Ashton Lee
Published: 11-29-2016
Publisher: Kensington Books
Pages: 304
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Women Sleuths; Cozy Mystery; Amateur Sleuths
ISBN: 13: 9781496705785
ASIN: B01CMGS37G
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4 Stars
I received a copy of "Queen of Cookbooks" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description
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…
My review of "Queen of Cookbooks":
A great read centering around the grand opening of a new library in Chericho. The town's cooks get together to compete for the title of Queen of Cookbooks. What ensues is a past paced mystery with plenty of clues being dropped a few unexpected twists twist and a lot of fun. This is the fifth book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone with little to no problems. Readers may want to read the previous stories in the series to see how much the characters have grown and change and to get a better grip on their personal interrelationships. A very good read for lovers of cozy mysteries.
My rating of "Queen of Cookbooks is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CMGS37G/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/queen...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Ashton Lee
Published: 11-29-2016
Publisher: Kensington Books
Pages: 304
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Women Sleuths; Cozy Mystery; Amateur Sleuths
ISBN: 13: 9781496705785
ASIN: B01CMGS37G
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4 Stars
I received a copy of "Queen of Cookbooks" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description
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…
My review of "Queen of Cookbooks":
A great read centering around the grand opening of a new library in Chericho. The town's cooks get together to compete for the title of Queen of Cookbooks. What ensues is a past paced mystery with plenty of clues being dropped a few unexpected twists twist and a lot of fun. This is the fifth book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone with little to no problems. Readers may want to read the previous stories in the series to see how much the characters have grown and change and to get a better grip on their personal interrelationships. A very good read for lovers of cozy mysteries.
My rating of "Queen of Cookbooks is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CMGS37G/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/queen...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews