Picture a Mississippi storyteller who spun small-town charm into a literary feast—meet Ashton Lee! Born in historic Natchez, this Southern author crafted the beloved Cherry Cola Book Club series, blending cozy fiction with heartfelt tales of community and the power of libraries. His vivid characters and warm narratives have made him a gem in contemporary Southern fiction, inviting readers to savor the quirks of Cherico, Mississippi.
The Making of Ashton Lee
Ashton Lee grew up in Natchez, Mississippi, surrounded by a large Southern family that fueled his storytelling. His father, writing as R. Keene Lee post-WWII, was a pulp fiction editor in New York, planting the seeds for Ashton’s love of words. He honed his craft at The University of the South (Sewanee), studying Creative Writing under Andrew Lytle, a Southern Agrarian and editor of the Sewanee Review. This rich literary foundation shaped Lee’s path, leading him to Oxford, Mississippi, a haven for writers.
Ashton Lee’s Unforgettable Stories
Lee’s Cherry Cola Book Club series, starting with The Cherry Cola Book Club (2013), follows librarian Maura Beth Mayhew as she fights to save her underfunded library in fictional Cherico, Mississippi. Through potluck dinners and discussions of classics like To Kill a Mockingbird, the book club fosters friendships, rekindles dreams, and transforms the town. Sequels like The Reading Circle (2014) and A Cherry Cola Christmas (2015) deepen Cherico’s quirky charm, with Maura Beth evolving from a naive librarian to a fierce advocate.
Lee’s style is lighthearted and cozy, brimming with Southern wit and vivid characters who leap off the page. His novels weave themes of community, resilience, and the enduring value of libraries, reflecting his experience as a publisher’s representative for Southern libraries. Queen of the Cookbooks (2016) and Book Club Babies (2017) add festive competitions and heartwarming milestones, cementing Lee’s knack for blending humor with poignant moments.
Why Ashton Lee Matters
Ashton Lee’s work resonates for its celebration of small-town life and the vital role of libraries as community hubs. His David-versus-Goliath tales highlight the real-world struggles libraries face, inspiring readers to cherish these institutions. By capturing the South’s warmth and eccentricities, Lee has carved a niche in Southern fiction, earning praise from readers and groups like the Pulpwood Queens for his authentic, uplifting stories.
- Born in Natchez, Mississippi, now resides in Oxford.
- Key works: The Cherry Cola Book Club, The Reading Circle, A Cherry Cola Christmas.
- Studied under Andrew Lytle at Sewanee.
- Advocate for public libraries through his storytelling.
About Ashton Lee
Snag The Cherry Cola Book Club and dive into Ashton Lee’s heartwarming Southern world! Whether you’re a bibliophile or just love a good potluck, Cherico’s charm awaits.