A Cherry Cola Christmas

Cherry Cola Book Club #4

by Ashton Lee

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. Maura Beth’s father has even given them the down payment on a charming cottage. But as the holidays approach, Cherico’s economy is struggling. Beloved local shops have closed, jobs have been lost, and there’s even a mysterious crime spree afoot. Amid the gloom, 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. From poignant stories of grief and renewal to joyful stories of love and new life, Cherico’s residents infuse the gathering with so much hope and courage they just might inspire a culprit’s confession, and conjure a holiday miracle that could save the town—and Christmas… “ A Cherry Cola Christmas is filled with the quirky, funny and charming characters we’ve grown to love and whose poignant tales become the true blessings of Christmas. This book belongs under every tree this season.”--Christa Allan
 
"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

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Mystery, Holiday, Chick Lit, Cozy Mystery, Adult Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2015

About the author

Ashton 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.

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was the title. I freely admit that I was drawn in by the title. It was so cute that I had to check out the blurb and the promise of Christmas in a Southern small town and the Cherry Cola book club hooked me.

This was actually the fourth book in the series, but I didn't realize it when I snagged it. I ended up figuring this out quickly as I started reading. Thankfully, I had no problem getting into the story as there was enough explanations along the way.

The story opens with Maura Beth and her new husband Jeremy returning from their honeymoon to discover that their little town of Cherico, Mississippi is in trouble. The big cowboy boot factory has decided to locate nearer Nashville and that was the last big chance to keep people from moving away after jobs. And with the people, so goes the small town businesses. Practically the only good thing going is Maura Beth's new library. And added to the loss of businesses, there is a theft at Periwinkle's restaurant and Maura Beth's library desk worker's husband now has Alzheimer's. The mood of Cherico is low.

It's up to Maura Beth and the Cherry Cola Book Club and a determined city council member to save the day. With a little thought, home town generosity, luck, and hope, they bring together a Christmas gathering that no one will forget.

Alright, so this was a gently-paced, sweet small town contemporary. It's not deep or dramatic, but was a relaxing read. The characters were long established. Maura Beth is the lead and she is now fighting to help keep her friends' businesses in town, helping her friends at the restaurant with their thievery mystery, keeping an eye on a cunning city council member who has it in for her, compassionately helping her assistant through a family emergency, and chairing the quirky members of the book club all while adjusting to married life with her Jeremy. There was a lot going on. I enjoyed the engaging characters and all the story threads. There is humor, sweetness, and sorrow along with a few romances. There was a flavoring of Southern life and holiday festivity to it all. The atmosphere of Cherico and the holiday spirit was definitely a strong point.

I had a good time with this story and would definitely like to return for the early books as well as see the series continue. Those who enjoy both women's fiction and small town contemporary romance should take a look.

My thanks to Kensington Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth in the Cherry Cola Book Club Series set in Small town Cherico, Mississippi. I did not read the first three but had no problem following the story. The main character is newlywed and head librarian Maura Beth who has just returned from her honeymoon with her husband Jeremy McShay. She has just returned to work when she is summoned to town hall by the local councilman. She is informed that the Cowboy Boot company they have been counting on to build a factory in their newly established industrial park, has reneged and decided to locate elsewhere. Businesses can no longer remain in Cherico and residents are moving to find work. Maura Beth has no issues with the library staff due to a healthy endowment from a relative, but she steps it up to help the community. Another problem the town is dealing with is that someone in the town is on a crime spree making everyone just that little bit more uneasy. The book club members all have their own issues as well, so when Maura comes up with the idea of hosting a special Christmas event of the book club to lift everyone's spirits and remind them all what this time of year is all about. She opens it to everyone in town to participate. Fortunately for Cherico, they happen to know the right people at the right time to help them deal with their problems.

This was a sweet and perfect cozy read that would make great reading anytime but especially at Christmas. The characters are varied, which makes the book fun to read. There are eccentrics, bullies, introverts and know it alls, but they all come together for Cherico. A nice story for a cold weekend.

[Edel Waugh Salisbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in the Cherry Cola Book Club Series set in Small town Cherico , Mississippi featuring main character Newly wed Maura Beth who is just back from her honeymoon with husband Jeremy McShay . The staff at the library have kept everything afloat since she was gone but she is only just back when the Mayor requests her presence and needs her help! Businesses in this quaint town are suffering with the downturn in the economy and the Mayor needs her help to lift spirits.
While Maura Beth is getting used to life as a newly married woman and juggling her work and the book club someone in the town is on a crime spree making everyone just that little bit more uneasy especially when local businesses get targeted . The book club members all have their own woes too which makes a special Christmas event of the book club open to the public a necessity to lift everyone's spirits , and remind them all what this time of year is all about.
This was a sweet and perfect cozy read that would make great reading anytime but especially at Christmas. Definitely add this to your TBR list!

I received this book throughout lovely folks over at Netgalley.

[Lisa of Hopewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
My Interest

I read the earlier books in this series and enjoyed them. Author Ashton Lee used to sell to libraries and actually knows what librarians do!


The Story

In Book 4 of The Cherry Cola Book Club series we learn that our beloved Cherico, Mississippi is hitting the skids. Crime is up! The construction on the longed-for new library is slow, and businesses are fixin to leave! Is Councilman Durden Sparks having a change of heart? Can Maura Beth believe him? What does a Country Western Star eating at the Twinkle have to do with it all? Best of all, will Cherico get the Christmas miracle it needs to survive?

My Thoughts

My one negative thought is that Christmas was an afterthought. There is very little that is really Christmas-y here, except the idea of the rebirth and salvation of the town (thought his is not a Christian book series).

It is very hard to review a series without spoiling it for newcomers. You can read this as a stand-alone, but it would be best to read at least the first book to really get to know the characters. Thankfully, the author does not overburden readers with reminders of all that has gone on in previous books.

I enjoy this series because I am a librarian and because I live in a small town. The wiley (aka crooked) councilman and his henchmen are intentionally “over-the-top” to proivde a little giggle here and there, but Maura Beth faces the real world strugge of keeping the library open and making people see that libaries are not an anachronism. She uses the library to build Community while helping the community. The members of the Cherry Cola Book Club who meet at the library and have the literay food extravaganzas are a wonderful crew. The books they read in each installment of the series may be ones that are very familiar, but the fun they have with them adds to the enjoyment of reading this seires

A Cherry Cola Christmas by Ashton Lee

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely Christmassy story which is part of a series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series now. It’s set in a small town in America and I love these types of book. I love the setting and you get to know the other characters as you would if you lived there.

The cover is really lovely and would make me pick this one up to read.

You follow the Cherry Cola Book club members who are all going through various life challenges. The town is struggling financially and there are a spate of crimes which make everyone uneasy.. Mary Beth organises a special festive book club meeting. They share personal stories.

It would be perfect for curling up with a hot chocolate on a wintery evening on the build up to Christmas.

With many thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book with its small-town Christmas theme is a treasure. I just love a good holiday story. The town and its residents may have its share of strife, but when it comes to things that truly matter, they will come together like a family. A memorable tale with a great cast of characters that will keep you coming back for more. Book four in A Cherry Cola Book Club series is perfectly fine as a stand-alone. I recommend this book for readers who love small towns and no sexual content in their reading material.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenges: LizzieFayeCozyReads for this month; Holiday Bingo 2018 - Part of series (5), and red/green on cover (7), holiday lights on cover (1); also Baking recipes included for Twelve Days of Cozmas (2). Some really great surprises for the town of Cherico, Mississippi; some 'grinchy' behaviors of some of the residents are healed.

[Meredith Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cherry Cola Christmas by Ashton Lee is the story of a small town called Cherico Mississippi and the lovely people who live there. Maura Beth, the feisty librarian of the town, has just returned from her honeymoon and is ready to settle down into married life. She returns however, to find that her beloved town of Cherico's economy is struggling and a rare crime spree has spread across the town. Maura Beth decides the residents need a healthy dose of Christmas cheer and she calls upon her Cherry Cola Book Club to help out. She invites the entire community to come share inspirational stories, hoping that by coming together they can save their little town just in time for Christmas.

I picked up A Cherry Cola Christmas as a blind date with a book at a local bookstore. I'd heard about such a thing on-line and was so excited to see one in real life! My sister and I decided to each buy one and then exchange them after we finished reading. As I read A Cherry Cola Christmas I was surprised by two things. One, how much I loved this book. Ashton Lee does a great job of setting up a likable main character in Maura Beth. It's clear right away that everyone in the town, with the exception of one person, thinks of her as a leader and someone to respect. The supporting characters of the town also lend a likeable nature to the story and give a well rounded variety of people. I wouldn't call A Cherry Cola Christmas a cozy mystery novel because there really isn't a mystery to solve. It has the feeling of that type of book, however it's more of a window into the town and how the people there live their lives. I would call it a feel good story. I'm sure there's a name for that type of book but it's escaping me at the moment.
I found the names of the towns people and the way they talked very interesting. It wasn't bad, it was just different for me. It was clear that the author grew up in Mississippi because the names and dialect seemed very genuine to the south.

Second, I was surprised to learn that A Cherry Cola Christmas was written by a man. I didn't pay much attention to the author other than his name Ashton, which I wrongly assumed was a woman. He's written Maura Beth so well that I was genuinely surprised when I flipped to the back of the book and saw his picture. When I think of cozy books, mystery or otherwise, I automatically think the author is a woman. I'm so glad I was wrong! I absolutely loved this book and will check out other Cherry Cola Book Club novels. If you like feel good stories, I recommend this one!

[Ashley Dimmerling · Rating 2 out of 5]

Looking at the cover I thought this would be a very cute hallmark like book. But it wasn’t anywhere close. It was slow-paced and a little bland. And yet there was a lot going on. And barely any mention of Christmas! 😒

[Vickie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a fun read. Loved the characters.

[Susan O'Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The days are shorter, and the “to-do” lists are longer. “Jingle Bells” lyrics ring loud, and “ho, ho, ho” echoes through the busy stores and streets. Television programming is filled nightly with either violence or holiday reruns and specials.

Yep, it’s that time of year when we make time for others, but sometimes forget ourselves.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle, what’s the best way to kick back at the end of a long night or on a chilly weekend when everyone else is watching football? The best way to relax, of course, is with a book.

If Mr. Scrooge seems to be taking residence at your home, pick up the latest edition of Ashton Lee’s “Cherry Cola Book Club,” a sweet collection with hope, friendship, romance (but little sex) and no violence. The latest by the Oxford, Miss., author is “A Cherry Cola Christmas,” which follows, in order, “The Cherry Cola Book Club” (2013), “The Reading Circle” (2014) and “The Wedding Circle” (2015). Books 5 and 6 are expected in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Lee, who hails from Natchez, Miss.,has created the fictional town of Cherico, Miss. It’s a Southern community struggling with an older population, recession, development and sense of identity. Into town steps a young and enthusiastic Maura Beth Mayhew, determined to turn the dying library around and prevent its doors from closing.

In the first book. Maura Beth creates the Cherry Cola Book Club and becomes a part of the community. Potluck dinners and a love of mystery and gossip brings the town’s residents together after so many generations apart. In book 2, the librarian uses unearthed information to force the town council, especially one particular scheming politicians, to upgrade the library. In the third installment, she marries Jeremy McShay, a local English teacher, who shares his wife’s love for history, Chico and its inhabitants. Along the way, Maura Beth must learn how to deal with family relationships to make her wedding a special day to remember.

With all that good news and merriment behind them, members of the Cherry Cola Book Club should be excited about the holiday season. Something is missing, though. Older friends are dying, local stores are closing, and crime, though minor, seems to be on the increase. All are predicaments that the author understands since he also grew up in a small-town atmosphere where everyone knows your secrets and is eager to share them. Lee, himself a member of a large southern family, also knows the power of the potluck, how food and fellowship can bring people together for a common good time.

That’s what Maura Beth and her friends do, and through that simple gesture of breaking bread with others, comes forth the spirit of Christmas, community and faith in others.

Just as with his earlier “Cherry Cola Book Club” novels, Lee draws upon stories, not the stories just found in a library, but the tales of people, their memories and their dreams. And as with any novel about the South, food plays an important part. Recipes are included in each book. For instance, the latest includes several favorites from Fat Mama’s Tamales in Natchez.

For more information about Ashton Lee and his books, visit facebook.com/ashtonlee.net

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first I have read in this series. I believe it would have been helpful to have read the other three books, but this is still a sweet, traditional Christmas story.
Since this is the fourth book in the Cherry Cola Book Club Series, I wasn't too familiar with the characters, but soon felt right at home. I enjoyed the heartwarming stories of all the people who live in Cherico. While Maura Beth is getting used to life as a newly married woman and keeping busy with the new library that is being built, someone in the town is stealing and this is causing anxiety as the little town is suffering some economic woes. The book club members are having their own problems dealing with illnesses, pregnancy, job loss and heartache. When it's decided that the Cherry Cola Book Club is in need of some cheering up, they have a Christmas party inviting everyone to come and enjoy the potluck dinner. It will be a time to share and reminisce, bringing them all a little closer during the holidays.
I liked how the stories were all intertwined and came together nicely at the end.
This is an enjoyable holiday story. I look forward to reading more in this series.

I received a copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for my fair and honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Cherry Cola Book Club Series set in Small town Cherico , Mississippi. Maura Beth who is just recently back from her honeymoon is in charge of the towns library when the Mayor needs her help. Aside from the Mayors request, the Book Club has a mystery spending spree, which makes everyone uneasy and the mystery must be resolved. One specific business is the main focus and the town is worried. The Book Club also has it's own worries as they put together a public event to bring the community together. Can Maura juggle married life, the mayors request, the library and the makings of her first Christmas as a married woman?

Having never read the other three books in this series, this book can be read as a stand alone, but I feel like the book refers to many of the characters from previous books, which is why I gave it four stars. I believe it would have been helpful to have read the other three books, but that should not turn you away from this small town, delightful Christmas charm book!

Thank you to Kensington Books for allowing me to review this book. I was not compensated for a positive review, but was provided a complimentary copy through NetGalley.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Christmas Book and since this is one of my favorite topic I chose this book and I have with many others this month because of its reference to Christmas or had Christmas in its title.

This is the first book I read of this series and just loved the story plot. It is a familiar story of a big company coming who will infuse monies into the community which never materialized and stores are closing and people moving. Into this mix someone had stolen the waitress tips and no one saw the culprit. Maura Beth invites members and the public to come and share their most uplifting stores caused a renewal of hope as Christmas is approaching. What can an unknown cowboy singer bring to this mix? Will it bring a sense of hopefulness which they need at this time? Can't tell you the ending just read the book.

[Kim j · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must admit that I started this series because of the name; Cherry Cola because I collect Coke items & because I thought it was a cozy mystery. Its a cozy but not a mystery series. These books are nice to read in between what I really love to read which is murder, mystery, thriller books with classics & biography type books. They are really cheesy & everything seems to work out magically, even that language is cheesy because no one speaks that way unless on purpose. I have mixed feelings about the book but probably will read the next one if it comes out. I just don't know what else they can do to keep readers interested so I see this as a short series.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashton Lee has the right idea with his small town of Cherico, MS. Who wouldn't want to live there? I know that I would love neighbors such as these. Maura is a great southern librarian, soft and gentle, but as tough as nails if need be. Country music star Waddell is the perfect country singer When he reached out to the town of Cherico, to help save them I know he melted this reviewer's heart. Having missed the previous books in this series, i will be sure to go back and catch up. II hope to see more of Ashton and the fine folks in Cherico.

have been given an advance copy of this book, in exchange of an unbiased review.

[Mystereity Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book, but not really the style of book I usually read. This book takes place in Mississippi at Christmas time in a small town that is facing financial difficulties - businesses are leaving town, unemployment is up, and things are looking bleak. I have to say, the vernacular in this book sounded like a yankee trying to sound Southern (and didn't really work) and the dialogue was a little stiff. I was halfway through the book when I figured out the main character and her husband were in their late 20s/early 30s. I thought they were in their 50s by the way they sounded.

Overall, a cute book and a nice seasonal read.

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the tasty little morsel that the title sounds like it would be. The characters are pleasant, the little town setting is familiar, the plot is so-so. I think that if you enjoy this type novel you'd enjoy this series. Unfortunately, I have only read #1 and then this one, #4, so I had to guess at some developments I missed in the intervening installments. The main reason I picked up the two that I have read, however, is that "Book Club" in the descriptions---and I do enjoy the book club set in the Cherico Library. Not quite like my library book club, but I think some of the same characteristics are shown. Good books, good discussion, good friends.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful Christmas story set in small town Mississippi. Even though this is book four in this series and I've never read any of Ashton Lee's books, I had no trouble getting into this story and it's great set of characters. Reminiscent of "A wonderful life", Maura Beth the town's librarian is looking for ways to help the folks of Cherico through the holidays even facing unemployment, closing shops and a dying economy. I hope there are many more visits to Cherry Cola, Mississippi and I'm going to get the first three books to get a little background. Enjoy this surprising tale.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful visit to Cherico, MS to catch up with my friends Maura Beth, Periwinkle and gang.

It is the holidays and something is afoot with missing tips at The Twinkle and businesses closing up faster than one can say "Merry Christmas" and everyone is turning to Maura Beth to figure out how to save the day.

Sit down with your book or e-reader and favorite winter beverage by the Christmas tree and enjoy some laughter and a few tears along the way. As always you will never be disappointed with your visit to Cherico.

[Ann Bergeron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in the popular Cherry Cola Book Club series does not disappoint. The story line moves along quite nicely from Book 3 and opens the door to interesting new plot twists when Book 5 is released next year.

As a bonus you get the recipe for the world-famous tamales from Fat Mama's Tamales in Natchez. Read the book, grab a friend, and start making tamales!

[Melissapalmer404 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #96 Read in 2017
A Cherry Cola Christmas by Ashton Lee

This is the fourth book in a wonderful series, focusing on the Cherry Cola book club in Cherico. These books blend mystery, romance and humor with interesting and entertaining characters, as well as some good book talk. These are comfort reads to me. I borrowed this book from the public library.

[Marci Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always nice to get away from the rat race of life to small-town coziness & Ashton Lee & his Cherico, Miss. always seem to accomplish that. Even though it's fictional, Cherico feels like home & its inhabitants are like family. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Tiffany Collins-Haight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read to get me in the mood for the upcoming holidays!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore the people of Cherico and eagerly await each book in this series! With each one that comes out, they get better and better!

[Susan Moxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I awesome story that reminds me of my own little book club.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a retired librarian, I enjoy the creativity of authors who incorporate libraries into their stories. Such is the case with Ashton Lee’s A Cherry Cola Christmas. The series is centered around the Cherry Cola Book Club in Cherico, Mississippi. Librarian, Laura Beth and Jeremy McShay have just returned from their honeymoon, and Laura Beth finds herself once again, summoned (more like commanded) to present herself before Councilman Durden Sparks.
Now if you’ve been following this series, you’ll remember that Durden Sparks is the ‘black sheep cousin to the son of darkness’ spreading anything but good cheer to the folks of Cherico. He has lusted after Laura Beth and conceived numerous power grubbing moves to stop the funding of a new library; all to be thwarted by the good folks of Cherico lead by Laura Beth herself. However, the councilman does have good intentions where his little town is concerned, and the recent business closures and dwindling population have left him feeling blue as the Christmas season approaches.
Never before has Laura Beth trusted the councilman; often learning too late of his mischief. Laura never knows what to expect and when she finds him warming up to her and then admitted into the emergency room, the anxiety sets in on ulterior motives. The councilman has been awfully friendly of late; almost as if the Ghosts of Christmas have come-a-callin. It looks like a job for Laura Beth and the book club to take action.
This time of the year we reflect and seek out goodness amidst the sales and ballooning industry of commercialism as the holidays press our Naughty or Nice buttons. So take some time to find a quiet corner and read a feel good book. Enjoy!

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, but ended up with mixed feelings over all. There were some interesting twists and some uplifting stories, but I was taken out of the story several times while cringing at references to the main character's sex life with her new husband. It wasn't graphic at all, it just didn't need to be there. I think that sort of thing can be assumed with newlyweds. I didn't feel like it fit in this type of book.
As I was finishing up the book, I was really enjoying the last chapter until one of the above mentioned references, and then a letter was read that was meant to be uplifting. It was a letter written by a character before she died of cancer and it was her impression of God. This was a total turn-off for me since it was completely contrary to what the Bible actually says about God. I wasn't offended since people are, of course, entitled to their own beliefs. But it just left me on a sour note with the book as a whole.
Also there really wasn't much about Christmas until the very last chapter.
I think of the four books in the series so far, The Wedding Circle has been my favorite. Hopefully, I will enjoy the last two books more than this one.

[Lily (Night Owl Book Cafe) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Follows newlywed librarian Maura Beth Mayhew who returns to her little town after her honeymoon only to find that trouble is amis.
This book was okay. It didn't quite give me the Christmas feels I was hoping for. It's very character-driven, which normally isn't an issue, but I struggled to connect with these characters, mainly because I haven't read the previous books in this series.
Several things are happening throughout the book, which sometimes left me feeling checked out. The book is probably a great addition to those already familiar with the story, but I sometimes find myself bored.
I didn't agree with some of Maura Beth's actions during a specific type of situation.
This book has a few Christian themes, even though it's not labeled as such
Councilman Durden Sparks was a character that just left me feeling icky from the start which did not help.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was part of a series based on the Cherry Cola Book club. I had not read any of the previous books, but am always in search of a book for our club that is not a Romance novel...something with more going for it. Reading previous books may have helped to love the characters more but I found that I wasn't in the dark at all as there were few unexplained references to things that had happened in other novels.

The characters were well-defined and there was a comfortable feeling with them. It was not a "romance" novel per se an there were some sectins that would make for interesting discussions.