Book Club Babies
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
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
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This latest book in the Cherry Cola Book Club series by Lee (Queen of the Cookbooks) presents a rosy-tinged pregnancy story with few obstacles for its characters. Cherico, Miss., library director Maura Beth McShay is expecting, as is her sister-in-law, Elise McShay, professor of women's studies, and her friend, Periwinkle Place, owner of a popular local restaurant. Maura Beth decides that the three of them could use a bit of encouragement and so founds Expecting Great Things, an offshoot of her successful Cherry Cola Book Club, so that expectant mothers can be supported by others in the community. The problems that the three face are given equal narrative weight, though their problems are not equally weighty. Periwinkle faces the racism of her mother, who won't interact with her black husband Parker, or her "mixed-race" baby on the way; feminist Elise must inform her parents that she has chosen to be a single parent. Maura Beth is simply facing pressure from her mother over her child's name. A series of family meals, potlucks, parties, and visits to the local grocery for free samples comfort the heroines. Problems are resolved effortlessly, which may appeal to readers looking for upbeat entertainment.
