Ashton Lee

I listened to this audio book on a long driving trip. While this book has gotten some negative reviews, I actually enjoyed it ....for the most part. I did think the ending was flat. I feel the author did a good job describing the characters. I feel like I know them and could have a conversation with them. There are some, though, that I would ignore at all costs. :-)
Maura Beth is a young director of a small town library. The town council has given her until the end of the year to turn the library around. She and a small group of dedicated readers push to keep the library open.
I loved how this book club thinks *outside the box* when conducting their club meetings.… (plus d'informations)

This is the fifth book in the Cherry Cola Book Club Series by Ashton Lee, but it is the first one that I read. I did not need to read the others, but I wish that I had. The characters personality development over the previous entries in the series would have been a definite plus. Having said that, the book was enjoyable, fun with some serious issues as well.

Cherico, Mississippi is ready to open a new, up to date library library during its July 4th celebrations. There will be an open house with tours, a book signing, fireworks and a concert, but, Maura Beth, the head librarian, thinks something is missing. During a trip to a small neighbouring town, she realizes that they need food as part of the celebration and comes up with a contest. She wants to have tents offering food, and a contest to name the best dish in various categories, with the person who made the best dish crowned as Queen of the Cookbooks. It sounds simple enough but what happens is quite entertaining. Along with that, Renette, one of the library employees was raised by a very strict, religious family. They sneak about the celebration to spy on their daughter and the library comings and goings. Renette also gets herself in a little trouble that brings down the wrath of her parent's church.

There are some charming and not so charming Southern characters in the book. They are a bit quirky and their speech is a little strange and can sometimes be a stumbling block when reading. There are lively book discussions during the one meeting of the Cherry Cola Book Club, and delicious sounding food. Maura Beth McShay is a confident library director who faces down controversy, and unites the citizens of Cherico in this enjoyable book. I gather from comments that her character has grown quite a bit in the previous books. The other members of the book club are all loyal, strong and somewhat headstrong as well. They support Maura and come to her aid when she needs them. Overall I liked this story and the little town of Cherico, but I do recommend that you read the previous books first if you want the full picture of the characters and the town. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.… (plus d'informations)