What Matters in Mayhew

Beanie Bradsher #1

by Cassie Dandridge Selleck

Every town has at least one beloved, if misunderstood, eccentric and Beanie Bradsher belongs to Mayhew Junction. Some – LouWanda Crump, for example – would call Beanie a spectacle, but Beanie just marches (and dresses) to the beat of a different drum. Not much has changed over the years in this town. On any given morning, you’ll find the same people at the same table at the same café, and none of them have changed one iota in the past twenty years. But now Beanie Bradsher has won the lottery, and might be dating Sweet Lee Atwater’s husband. And the hometown basketball star Vesuvius Jones just got a face full of Red Velvet cake at the Trunk-or-Treat. The gossip has never been juicier, which might just be a good thing. Lord knows this town could use a good shaking up.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Southern, Chick Lit, Book Club, Mystery

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2016

About the author

Born and raised in Central Florida, Cassie now makes her home on the banks of the Suwannee River in North Florida with her husband of twenty-five years and their tiny but terrifying chihuahua. A late-bloomer, Cassie worked in several careers before settling in to the writer's life. These included ten years at Merrill Lynch, several years as an Outreach Coordinator for a tri-county public library system, and several more doing marketing for her brother's company Anderson Crane and Bridge (now Anderson Hydra). An empty-nester after 34 years of raising three daughters, Cassie published her first novel, The Pecan Man in 2012. This work has since sold over 150,000 copies, been produced as an audio book by Blackstone and optioned for film rights to BCDF Pictures. This self-published novel is one of Amazon's best sellers and allowed the author to quit working full-time and return to college to earn a BFA in Creative Writing at Goddard College, which was a lifelong dream. An avid photographer since the 1980's, she is known as the Yayarazzi, so-named for her tendency to follow her grandkids around with a camera. Cassie's upcoming novel What Matters in Mayhew will be released in the fall of 2016.

Reviews

[Cassie Selleck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay...is it totally ridiculous to rate your own book and review it? On the dates, do I note the date I started writing it and the date I finished? Is it EVER really finished? These questions hurt my head. This was a labor of love and great fun to write. I have fallen in love with the characters: Beanie Bradsher with her crinoline underskirts and cowboy hats, Vesuvius Jones - the hometown hero who just wants to live in peace, and the regulars at the Mayhew Cafe round table - a Greek chorus of characters who speculate on darned near everything and mostly get everything wrong. I hope readers enjoy a few Southern quirks and quagmires, and I hope y'all forgive me for giving myself five stars. My thought process was this: if I don't love it, why should you?

[Lesley Kagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it, LOVED it, and can't wait to find out what happens in Mayhew next! Endearing, charming, funny, and romantic, this story has it all.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The problem with y'all is, you spend too much time at this table. From where you sit, all you can see is each other and the whole damn world looks ugly."

This is a book you’ll want to read again and again. It is whimsical, but also thought provoking. The characters are quirky and have firm values. This will take you on a wonderful and unexpected journey, and really challenge your core beliefs.

You’d do yourself a favor by reading this.

[Roberta · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing matters in Mayhew!!!

I finished the book a week ago. I wasn't going to leave a review but then I thought of others that could be reading a good book if they hadn't selected this one! If you enjoy reading about a small town filled with small minded hillbillies, unambiguous folks, uneducated, foolish, gossipy, and barely scraping buy financially then this book is for you! However I have better things to to with my time! I have no idea how this book got good review's don't trust other reviews this book is not worth reading! Not worthy of a full star. If I could I would give this book half a star! :(

[Richard Gartee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this character driven novel Cassie Selleck shows her skill at replicating the nuances of small town life where everybody knows your name and has an opinion about what you are up to. Although it is set in the fictional southern town of Mayhew Junction, one will find similar people, conversations, and repartee at village cafes in Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, or Minnesota, though the accents and dialect will differ.
It is clear from the first chapters that Cassie loves her characters and you will be charmed by them, too.

[Kim Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book from page one! Mrs. Selleck writes character-driven fiction, and it shows in the descriptions of the people and their situations. You feel like they are real and you could just drop by their house for coffee and a chat. You find yourself laughing and crying along with them, and rooting for them in their various pursuits. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the Beanie Bradsher series!

[T. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

One hot mess after another...

... A really good read you might want add to your Christmas reading list all things considered in the story. Be sure to download the fun narration.

[Wil A Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Matters?

Selleck hits the nail on the head when it comes to what matters. You can't help but love even her flawed characters. In a perfect world, there would be no discrimination or conflict. But what matters is the people who love each other on spite of all that. A lovely account of real people.

[Susy Skidmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute book. I’m especially interested in this series because they are set in north Florida and I am a native North Floridian.

[Jamie’s Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much. Loved the characters and the quirky southern town. Chock full of southern sayings and heart! I definitely want to read the sequel. There were some faith elements which I enjoyed and this would be a great Christmas read. I also read The Pecan Man by this author many years ago and loved that book so much! I recommend that book as well! It would have been a five star read for me except there were a couple of statements that felt a little too political.

[Suzette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much going on with this story. The narrator talks way too fast. Does not help to slow the speed. Disappointed with this book because I loved The Pecan Man.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to read this book since I loved The Pecan Man so much. But, I had some strong issues with the book that actually kept me up at night, the biggest one is the main character Beanie. It took me a while to figure out when the book actually took place. When Beanie watched the Roy Rogers movies, I placed the book in the 1940- 1950’s, especially with the outfits she chooses to wear. But, then Walmart was mentioned, and I figured the book takes place in modern day. So, why is she always dressed for square dancing? And, how can a person make a living selling Avon in such a tiny town? My friends and I all used to buy it, but all of us stopped a long time ago. Those matching cowboy hats must cost a fortune, how can she afford them on the Avon salary? Add to that she is apparently beautiful, but had not ever been kissed, and this is a women in her 40’s. And, she doesn’t drive. Now, I’ve met a lot of quirky people, I used to work in mental health, I’ve worked with the poor, and I am around a lot of truly gifted people who are exceptionally socially awkward, yet I can’t imagine this character coming to life. She doesn’t strike me as real. Her name, as well as most of the character’s names are extremely odd, but her name gets under my skin. Well, her name and BK. Every time BK was mentioned I thought of Burger King. I don’t even know what BK stood for in the book, or her brother’s name. Names aside, I did love the story about Sweet and her family, and my favorite character was Will (One of the only normal names in the book.). I could have easily done without Beanie and all the people who would sit and gossip. I’m really disappointed in the book. I really had wanted to love it.

[Sandy Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take Me Home....just for a visit

This was a trip back home for me. Small southern towns with highways down the middle of Main Street and folks dodging logging and chicken trucks as they jaywalk -- this is home. Good people struggling to overcome their own prejudices and sometimes losing -- this is home. Places and people that drive you crazy and yet create a longing in your heart -- this is home. This is Mayhew.

[Di]

Charming story containing many elements that make a book interesting . Secrets, gossip, love, family, scandal, even a bit of racism. Definitely not short on drama. Quirky little town inhabited by equally quirky characters. A few years came to my eyes by the end. I am not normally a fan of series but this one appeals to me. Refreshing writing, easy reading.

[Kathy Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Same ole same ole

Bunch of tiresome cliches thrown together...a.guy named Bubba, women always crying about every little thing and of course no sterotype southern story would be complete with out some racial crappolla thrown in. The whole dull plot was basically about the big surprise hubby "Bubba" got wifey "Sweet" for Christmas. I dont plan on reading the sequels.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to give this 2 1/2 stars, but since that wasn’t an option I gave it three. It just might be that after having read “The Pecan Man” and “The Truth About Grace” I was expecting more than this book offered. The character development was lacking, as was the story. I know this author is capable of so much more! It pained me to rate this book so low, but I had to be honest.

[JulieP · Rating 3 out of 5]

AUDIO. I will admit that I had high expectations after reading both The Pecan Man and The Truth About Grace so this one left me deeply disappointed. It’s basically unrealistic small town nonsense and not near the quality of writing as the other two. I’ll definitely be passing on the remainder of the series.

[Staci · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ultimately, my expectation for her writing was high and this simply fell much too short. I enjoyed the authors 1st book “The Pecan Man”. This story I felt was forced and completely unrealistic. Characters were introduced without adding to the story. I will not be reading the sequel.

[LorriLee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading The Pecan Man and The Truth About Grace. I have been looking for another author with the writing pizazz of Bille Letts. So, I really wanted to love this book. I really, really tried – and failed. It was not terrible. It is a nice story, pleasantly written with the potential to be a great story but the clichéd characters and typified social injustices were just too much – it was like a over-personified Lifetime movie of a small psychologically damaged haven in the South.

The characters are likable and somewhat developed, but not in a way you can identify with them. Selleck even takes the time to provide a chapter for each main character who directly “talks” to the reader, further expounding on his/her issues and feelings within the confines of the story. Somehow all that did not make me more attached to the characters. Please note, it is not due to a lack of experience or understanding of the South - I have spent most of my childhood summers in New Orleans and spent my college years in Atlanta in the 70s.

I think Selleck tried to put too many social issues into a book about a little town, so, as I said, it became overwrought with clichés. There is Suvi, the super-sized NBA hero cut down in his prime with a knee injury, owner of the only barbeque in town who runs his life by his perceptions of prejudice among the locals. Will, the displaced ‘foreigner” from Minnesota, owner of the local B & B, who lost his wife to cancer after buying this place on a whim, who is determined to see his wife’s dream through. Then there is Sweet, the matriarch of a local poor family with “Bubba”, her husband, and their 5 children who live in a double wide trailer, can hardly make ends meet, but owns the local dress ship. Of course there is the crowd at the local ‘Café’ who are the gossip mongers and clearly have black/white issues. All these people not be outdone by Beanie, the town odd-ball who loves to dress in her version ‘Dale Evans’ attire every day down to the cowboy boots, crinolines, and matching cowboy hats and ride a bicycle in town (but had no discernible job other than Avon to pay for the material to make these intricate outfits) but perhaps the most sane person in the bunch.

If that were not enough, there are lottery winnings, jealousies, abortion issues, religion, bullying, learning disabilities, strange love interests, and a slew of other oddities that make this story fairly unbelievable. Listed under satire and humor – this is the one thing I found lacking, I did not laugh once.

I feel terrible about this review and will never write a review of less than 3 stars. I research my books before I read them, so I am never really disappointed. So, I was very surprised after finishing this read. My reason for the 3 stars and hence this review is that the writing and the concept of this story have great potential. If you want a fast read that is entertaining with a bunch of odd characters who may grow on you over time, this book is for you. But for me, after The Pecan Man, What Matters in Mayhew is lackluster at best.

[Elease · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading The Pecan Man many years ago and loving it, I was excited to pick up this work by the same author. One of the things I like about the two Selleck stories I've read is that things happen and keep moving in the plot. This story was very readable and easy to pick up.

What I didn't like here is that the author doesn't really get Beanie settled. I know there's another book to follow up her story, but, honestly, the Beanie storylines felt a little thin and scattered to me in this one. She is set up to seem like one of two main characters, but she feels like a caricature of someone and I don't feel like I really got to know her. I probably will not be reading the next one, which I think is only out as an e-book.

I also recommend you skip the author's note, which gives away the farm a bit. It felt like the author was asserting herself a bit much with unnecessary personal background info that I really didn't care about. Just let the story speak for itself!

[Mary Sheriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Matters in Mayhew is a delightful peek into life in a Southern small town. The characters are warm, lovable, and quirky. The book feels to me like a modern-day Andy Griffith Show, not so much in the storyline, but in the way the book resonates. I laughed out loud several times, and then I proceeded to tear up at the end.
Overall, it’s a fun read. However, Selleck doesn’t ignore the elephant in the room. She hones in on issues of race but does so in a way that captures the nuances of the relationships without being heavy-handed in judgment. Thematically, the message is that racism still exists, that we need to do better, and that it will be difficult, but that by-and-large even racists aren’t necessarily evil, rather small-minded, misguided, and ignorant. This realistic portrayal of racial tension could be a bridge builder. I do hope book 2 of the series is forthcoming because I must know how things work out between Beanie and Will.

[Valerie HappiestWhileReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Matters in Mayhew by Cassie Dandridge Selleck is a unique - and a bit obscure- novel. To give a flavor, it’s self-published by Obstinate Daughters Press - love that name.

Set in a small town in north Florida, it features a quirky set of characters with interesting names, led by Beanie Bradsher. They may seem one dimensional until you get to know them. Universal themes of human nature (love, money, gossip, prejudice, etc.) are presented in unexpected ways, and more than one detail about the ending ending surprised me. I definitely need to read The Mayhew Junction Historical Society, the sequel, to find a happy ending for several characters.

[Marilyn Pettigrove · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did like this book but was disturbed by the "redneckness" of the characters. It does have a Fanny Flagg kind of feel. The characters live in a backwoods town and don't have any desire for it to be any different yet they have a loving quality about each other. They don't seem to know when they are offending each other. Some have not evolved past liking things and people different than themselves and their treatment of them just the way they are.
This is the beginning of a series. It will be interesting to see how she develops the people.

[Viki Mcelroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorous small town characters

The little town of Mayhew is full of colorful characters sometimes at odds with each other but in a town this size it’s hard to avoid your enemies. The most colorful character is Beatrice ‘Beanie’ Bradshaw. She makes her own clothes which are bright colors and resemble square dancing skirts with crinolines, western blouses, with cowboy hats and boots to match. Though a little eccentric she is loved by all and always available to lend a hand when needed. This book is enjoyable and pleasant. 👍🏼

[Suzie Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Country Living & Country Folks

A fun read. Lots of interesting character's, happiness and love pre vials throughout. Some drama, but handled extremely well by the author's talent for story telling. You'll enjoy meeting all the town people a d hearing all the gossip. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a good story that takes your mind off all your worries all the times you are reading it ..

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like books set in small towns...except for the inevitable town gossip (which is always present--and annoying). I'm normally not into any story with relationship upheavals (and there were several going on at once here), but the characters and dialogue are so well written that I found it all entertaining and was curious to see what would happen. The last two pages held disappointment, but there's a sequel--so I'll definitely read it to see what becomes of Beanie.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book by Cassie Dandridge Selleck and I sincerely enjoyed it. Born and raised a Yankee, the first few pages set me back a bit because of the way the characters spoke. After page 4 I was all in this book and I didn't stop until I had finished it. I love the characters in Cassie's books - they're like someone I've known all my life. Her books, for me, are like coming home.

[Mari Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 for this book I read in one day! Selleck writes amazing Southern literature. Her writing feels like a cross between Jan Karon and Fannie Flagg. I loved this book but the ending was a bit jarring for me. I'm hoping this was because there is a second book. These characters were colorful and eccentric and the plot not only interesting but culturally and socially relevant.

[Barbara Williford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mayhew is filled with some colorful characters. the drama unfolds when rumor has it eccentric Beanie Bradshar has one the lottery. After that the rumors start flying about everything. A book full of misunderstandings and the gossip mill. Follow the lives of these small town folks as they sort this out. Humorous and well written.

[Valorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good summer read. It started out slow with descriptions of many characters. I stayed with it because I had read the Pecan Man, by Cassie Dandridge Selleck and knew she was a good writer. The slow southern style of stories, I do enjoy. Im sure many would not like it, but sitting on my swing in my backyard, it was perfect.