Book Club Babies

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. (Dec.)