Book Club Babies

October 23, 2017
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.

November 1, 2017
Lee (Queen of the Cookbooks, 2016) continues her entertaining Cherry Cola Book Club series. Crackerjack librarian Maura Beth McShay finds herself in the relatively unlikely position of not having any town battles to fight. Her new library is a hit with the community, which has united through the innovative programs Maura Beth has created. But nature abhors a vacuum, and so Maura Beth rallies her troops once again, this time around creation of another kind. Maura Beth is expecting her first child, as are her staunchly feminist sister-in-law, Elise, and her good friend, star restaurateur Periwinkle Place. Thus is the Expecting Great Things support group formed, welcoming all to share pregnancy tips and experiences. They have their work cut out for them when single-mother-to-be Elise must reveal her unusual decision to her traditional parents, and Peri faces her mother's rejection over the specter of a mixed-race grandchild. While frivolity certainly ensues, Lee's group of close-knit friends and her family handle serious issues of racism and repudiation, love and loyalty with their trademark homespun wisdom.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)