Will post on 8/11/2024
Set in the 60’s small southern town of Spark, people mainly do things out of obligation, what is expected, or because that’s what their parent’s did. All of the characters are intriguing and everyone has a secret(s). I always enjoy a small town with gossip, and small towns with ideal settings and sweet people.
This was a gossipy, full of secrets, status, keeping up with the Joneses kind of a book. There were good people, like Vern and Callie and scary people like Posey and the Creeper. The story came full circle and the reader got to see in a picture-perfect setting where people are always trying to be sweet, there was just a lot of bad.
How the secrets come out and things are discovered was the best part of the book. The mother daughter relationship between Posey and Callie was tough. Posey wanted her daughter to marry for money and status because it’s what she always wanted, but Callie was different. The way Posey treated her family was horrible and she was never happy. The story kept unfolding until the end and nothing about it was predictable for me. The women going to the hairdresser reminded me of Steel Magnolias were the woan of town gathered weekly for their wash and set hairdos.
If you love reading about the 60’s and the not so sweet south with a pinch of The Beatles you will love this book about family, friendship, and how the things that happen to us in our youth can certainly affect us in the present.

If you need a light read that will make you laugh, look no further than The Empress of Cooke County!

I enjoyed that while this was a lighter read, it still had layers that made me think. Honestly, I love a book that can do this. Reading heavy-hitters all the time is mentally exhausting. The Empress of Cooke County will appeal to those who need are looking for something to get them out of a reading slump, readers who enjoy wacky characters, or anyone who needs a lighter historical fiction novel.

I’ll cut to the chase. While the book description says this is a novel set in a gossipy small town during the turbulent 1960s, and full of Southern charm and unforgettable characters, I just didn’t feel it. Yes, it’s clearly a small town, and it’s set in the 1960s, but other than beehive hairdos and the Beatles, there was little to feel that time and place. (Certainly no references to civil rights, Vietnam, or any other big issues of the time.) As for Southern charm, I missed that. The southern-ness was conveyed by references to fried chicken, okra, sweet tea, hot weather, and a sprinkling of double-barreled names, but not much real atmosphere. And the characters aren’t particularly memorable. The principal character, Posey, is not just supremely unlikeable, but she is uninteresting. She is given few opportunities to play off other people; we read what is in her head, which is so narcissistically delusional that it’s hard to relate to her for a minute.

Posey’s daughter, Callie Jane, and Posey’s husband, Vern, are more interesting than Posey, though both are a bit too good to be true. The plot is both predictable and, at the same time, some aspects, like the process of restoration of a long-neglected house, aren’t very believable.

It’s a quick read, and I can see how it could be entertaining for the right reader. I’m just not that reader.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is more of a breezy beach read. The juxtaposition between mother and daughter is interesting, but in the end it leaves you wanting for more. There isn’t much character development and details (especially towards the end) that get skipped or have no resolution and leave the reader with questions. I would provide specifics, but that may be spoilers for other readers so I will abstain. Perhaps it’s done on purpose to save those details for a sequel?

Posey Jarvis is the self-appointed empress of Cooke County. Born on the wrong side of the tracks, she marries an slightly older man, Vern, when she finds herself pregnant with another man's child. That child, Callie Jane, now finds herself accidentally engaged to her childhood best friend Trace. Both women are struggling with who they are and what they want. This conflict finds them on opposite sides as Callie Jane tries to find a life far away from her alcoholic mother and the small town gossip that has surrounded her all her life. Suffering from some health issues, Vern tells Callie Jean that he is going to leave her the family business and Callie Jean is terrified that she really will be stuck in Sparks all her life. When Posey Jarvis inherits a mansion from a distant relative, she thinks this will be a chance for her to be married to Callie Jean's biological father and she starts working on a plan to divorce Vern. Fulfilling her dream of being a wealthy and powerful woman. A well-crafted novel of love, loss, and figuring out who you want to be.

This was definitely a case of not the right book for me and I feel unsettled even leaving a review.

My expectation going in based on the cover and synopsis was that it would more about a fun loving main charachter with some humor and life lessons throw. In.

It was definitely not that. The entire time I felt a mean and ungrateful undertone especially from the main character. Everything felt serious instead of lighthearted.

Thank you to the author, publisher and. NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. .

4.5 stars.

This book kept me reading for hours. I binged it in 8 hours... There's something about this Mother/Daughter duo that kept me enthralled. Posey is a character you "love to hate" and Callie Jane is a super relatable young woman just trying to find her way in life.

Told in two POV's, through Posey and Callie Jane's eyes, The Empress of Cooke County really had me second-guessing my thoughts regarding several characters. I especially loved the ending, where we are reminded that "Love Conquers All" and "good things happen in threes."

Thank you for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Based on the cover art, I definitely thought this was more along the lines of the lighter with a dip of serious themes Fannie Flag books but this was definitely heavier than I expected. A good reminder not to judge a book by its cover. I enjoyed the book I ended up reading, which is what matters. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
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The Empress of Cooke County
Author: Elizabeth Bass Parman
Source: NetGalley
Pub Date: Sept. 3, 2024

I judged this book by the cover. I thought it looked super cute with a southern theme featuring a beauty parlor, and it had me thinking of Steel Magnolias. It’s not that. It’s not even a dark comedy. It’s a sad story looking for an identity. Gloomy, with very few redeeming characters except for the father figure. I loved Vern. #TheEmpressofCookeCounty #literaryFiction #comingofAge #notsureGenre #alcoholic #southern #catUrine #beehiveHairdo #glum @NetGalley @HarperMuse
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I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel.
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#book #books #bookAddict #BooksOfInstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #reader #booklove #bookreader #bookreviewer

Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Collins Publlishing for an early copy of The Empress of Cooke County by Elizabeth Bass Parman

Posey Jarvis has lived under a delusion that has negatively affected her husband and daughter. Believing that a man from her past is soon to reappear in her life, Posey's poor decisions and a misplaced belief in her own superiority lead to the tragic death of her husband and the estrangement of daughter Callie Jean.

The author's writing strength lies in the character development that allows the reader to care so much for Posey's husband and daughter. The worse that Posey is portrayed, the more likeable her family becomes. Add to this a faithful adaptation of the early Beatles era and a teenage girl's dream of living in the California of the 1960s and Elizabeth Bass Parman has a winner.

The choices Callie Jean makes at the conclusion of The Empress of Cooke County will have readers hoping for a sequel to this complicated but ultimately uplifting drama.

The Empress of Cooke County is a captivating novel filled with humor, suspense, and unforgettable characters. This fast-paced story provides readers with a delightful glimpse into small-town Southern life at its finest. Get ready to chuckle as you immerse yourself in a tale brimming with secrets, high drama, and an unexpected conclusion!

3.5 Rounded Up

I don't know what to say about this book, but whatever the author did, it sure kept me reading!

We have a hateful, drunken main character (an adult) named Posey. Then we have her daughter, Callie Jane, a fairly spineless, at least to start, very young woman. Lastly, we have the husband and father, Vern, who is totally spineless but sticks to his word.

The book is told in two voices, Posey's and Callie Janes. It is set in 1966 with all manner of references to that time period. That was pretty cool!

Posey is living a dream in between her "nips" of gin, and she never really comes off as drunk to the reader, but the supporting cast sure knows about it!

The story is a fascinating one but leads to tragedy. This tragedy leads Callie Jane to find her backbone and finally do something with her life, and it also leads Posey to get everything she deserves.

I really liked this book. It was a very fast read that you may not want to put down.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher, Harper Muse, the author, and NetGalley.

I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is easily one of my favorite books of 2024. It's funny and heartbreaking and the story flows with so much emotion and action that I hated for it to end. Definitely will read more from this author in the future!

What a fantastic debut novel for Elizabeth Bass Parman. The way the character and story line are developed pulls you right in and makes it for an easy enjoyable read. You won’t be disappointed taking a chance on this one!

Bravo! It’s hard to believe that this is a debut novel!

Elizabeth Bass Parman has written a tale of mistakes, dreams, schemes and family secrets embedded in small town 1960’s Tennessee. At times, her narrative reminds me of Fannie Flagg’s novels.

Intricate and somewhat quirky characters gently coax the reader into non-stop reading. Posey, a dissatisfied housewife with wannabe dreams; Vern, the kind everyman, beloved by friends and Callie Jane, a mistakenly engaged and obedient daughter on the verge of rebellion. Combined with interesting supporting characters and life paths, this is a book that makes you eager to read more from Parman.

Highly recommend this for your next read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advance eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Fun read which also provides some heartfelt situations. I enjoyed the characters, even Posey and her cruelisms.

Living in the Nashville area for many years, I could identify with the places mentioned, especially Castner Knott!

This book is set in the 1960s following both Posey and her daughter Callie Jane as Posey is working on trying to get everything she believes she deserves and Callie Jane slowly figures out what she wants in life. This was a 4.5 star book that has quickly become one of the top ten reads this year.
We quickly learn how unlikable Posey is, disregarding everyone’s wishes while making hers’ everyone’s problem. She is delusional with how she views life and everything that has happened to her, she chooses to believe that everything will be fixed once she has the mansion, man (CJ), and money. Her tunnel vision for these things all lead to CJ the man she believes is in love with her, and will come and take her out of the misery she believes herself to be in.
It would not inaccurate to say I hated Posey, she has everything, but views her life as nothing of worth. She sees her daughter as an extension of what possibly might be the only thing she loves, CJ. She truly believes that CJ is her true love and he loved her as well despite all the proof to the contrary. She is the kind of character that made it enjoyable to see her delusion crumple before her eyes.
I spent the book rooting for Callie Jane and praying for Posey's inevitable downfall. I felt so vindicated when Callie Jane finally stood up for herself against her mother. The way I was quite literally cheering her on when she finally stood up to her mother towards the end. I’m so glad Callie Jane and Trace weren’t taken the usual route and the way their relationship ended was nice. I was so glad that she did end up putting her needs above those around her and stopped doing what she thought she was supposed to.
This was a very satisfying book. I can't think of anything I would change (excerpt maybe Vern’s ending).
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you NetGalley, Harper Muse, and the author for allowing me to read this ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This novel's setting and character development really made it easy to find myself inside Cooke County. I even at times felt like the Empress herself! The cover is also a great depiction of the 1960's southern ladies! The undertone of this novel was the ipact of societal norms, and there was a generational perspective. Posey, who considers herself the Empress of her small area in the south, outs the pressure on to maintain her status at any cost. When she inherits a broken down mansion from the quirky aunt (we love those), she outs the pressure up even more in trying to pull off a huge party there. Her daughter on the other hand wants to escape the south, the pressure to continue on the path of her parents and start fresh elsewhere. The dynamics between each character were well developed and enthralling!

"The Empress of Cooke County" by Elizabeth Bass Parman is a charming and nostalgic novel set in the rural town of Spark in Cooke County, Tennessee. The story centers on thirty-eight-year-old Posey Jarvis, who styles herself as the “empress” of her small community. Posey is an intriguing character, obsessed with Jackie Kennedy and caught in a strained marriage with her husband, Vern. Her relationship with her daughter, Callie Jane, is also tumultuous, especially as Callie becomes increasingly rebellious.

Posey's life takes a dramatic turn when she inherits a dilapidated mansion from her eccentric Aunt Milbrey. Seizing this opportunity, Posey decides to host her high school’s twentieth reunion at the mansion, driven by a desire to reconnect with her former lover who abandoned her nearly two decades ago. Despite the mansion’s dire state, with possums and pervasive odors, Posey is determined to make it presentable, symbolizing her yearning for a past love and her relentless, if misguided, hope.

Parallel to Posey’s storyline is that of her eighteen-year-old daughter, Callie Jane. Callie is facing her own set of crises: an unplanned engagement, an overbearing mother, and a mundane future working at her father’s store. She is desperate to escape the confines of her small town life and the creepy Peeping Tom adding to her distress. California represents freedom and a fresh start, but breaking free from the path set out for her by her parents and societal expectations is daunting.

Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, a period of significant social change, the novel vividly captures the essence of small-town Southern life with its gossip, charm, and memorable characters. "The Empress of Cooke County" is a touching exploration of family, love, and self-discovery. It highlights the struggle to be true to oneself and the impact that authenticity can have on one’s life and relationships.

Elizabeth Bass Parman crafts a narrative that is both heartwarming and poignant, illustrating how the pursuit of personal dreams and the challenge of breaking away from societal norms can lead to profound personal transformation. The novel’s rich depiction of the 1960s Southern setting adds depth to the characters' experiences, making "The Empress of Cooke County" an engaging read about the complexities of love and identity in a small town.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review.

The Empress of Cooke County tells a riveting story of Posey Burch Jarvis, a woman who believes the world has jilted her in more ways than one and that of Callie Jane Jarvis, Posey’s daughter, attempting to find herself in a world that appears to be too cruel.
Posey has spent the last near-20 years pining after a man named CJ, whom she had a week-long affair with when she was 19-years-old, culminating in a pregnancy and Posey all alone. That pregnancy resulted in the sweet, mild-mannered Callie Jane. Now 18-years-old and ready to get on with the life she dreams of, Callie Jane finds herself unwittingly engaged to her childhood best friend Trace.
The results of this story ends with Posey having the world she’s known forever ripped out from under her by her own actions, and Callie Jane coming to terms with her own life and learning that she must live that life by her own terms, and not anyone else’s.
In this story, you will be rooting for Callie Jane to grow a backbone and be able to stick up to her mother, the woman you will loathe from the very first page. This author has an uncanny way of getting you to hate one of the two main protagonists from the very first word written on the page. You will spend the rest of the 300+ pages wondering if Posey will learn that consequences come with the actions she has chosen, and cheering when that happens.
Well done to Elizabeth Bass Parman on a wonderful, coming-of-age story for Callie Jane and a guidebook on not what to do with your life from Posey. I originally chose this book as an ARC specifically because Cooke happens to be my maiden name, so I immediately was drawn to it, and I’m so glad that I did. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.
Thank you to Harper Muse, Netgalley and author Elizabeth Bass Parman for this complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.