Book 2

The Reading Circle

by Ashton Lee

Published 1 January 2014
"In Cherico, Mississippi, Maura has won a year's reprieve from the chopping block for her underfunded library. But when a violent storm damages the library, Councilman Sparks resumes his campaign to shut down the library for good. Maura and the Cherry Cola Book Club will learn that the best stories have twists and heroes one never expected"--

Book 4

A Cherry Cola Christmas

by Ashton Lee

Published 29 September 2015
Christmas is coming to the small town of Cherico, Mississippi, and there’s no better way to prepare than with the Cherry Cola Book Club’s feast of good food, good books—and good people…

Cherico’s newlywed librarian Maura Beth Mayhew is back from her honeymoon and she and Jeremy McShay are settling into married life. But as the holidays approach, Cherico’s economy is struggling, and there’s even a mysterious crime spree afoot. Maura Beth decides what the community needs is a healthy dose of Christmas cheer—which means a special meeting of the Cherry Cola Book Club...

Along with the delicious potluck offerings everyone has come to expect, Maura Beth has invited members and the public to share their most uplifting stories—and share they do. In fact, Cherico’s residents infuse the gathering with so much hope and courage they just might inspire a culprit’s confession, and conjure a miracle that could save the town—and Christmas…

“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 Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Book 5

Queen Of The Cookbooks

by Ashton Lee

Published 29 November 2016
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

Book 6

Book Club Babies

by Ashton Lee

Published 28 November 2017
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