I have love-hate feelings for this mother and daughter story set in Cooke County, Tennessee, in 1966. I was rooting for the daughter and groaning over the mom's cringey, selfish behavior.

I didn't know what I expected going into this book, so it was hard to be disappointed. I thought about giving up on it around 70%, but then it got really interesting. I would call this a dark comedy, but it was more sad than funny. There is a happy ending, justice is served in the end...not sure what else to say.

Great narration. The warm Southern accents of the characters transported me. This is probably one of the least helpful reviews I've ever written, but I guess I'm just still feeling conflicted about whether I liked this book or not. 😅

The Empress of Cooke County (Audio book) by Elizabeth Bass Parman
Naration byBrittany Pressley

In Stark, Tennessee, you have an interesting dynamic of a small town where gossip flows and whispers carry. At 38, Posey Jarvis is not where she wants to be and drowns her sorrows in gin. Her daughter, Callie Jane, is dreaming of escaping the town she feels “stuck” in. After a short-lived surprise engagement, she finds a friend and plans her escape.
Callie’s relationship with her father is her anchor while her mother in volatile in angush. Posey only has a goal to share her unhappiness and a quest for notoriety. She sees herself as the “Empress” of Cooke county.
There are some surprises but the overall plot scheme is somewhat predictable and falls flat. Callie Jane is definitely the heroine here finding her own path and her voice in the shadow of her controlling mother.
All in all it was a pleasant read but I wanted more. The characters fell flat in development while a few started out strong. I just expected more overall.
The cover is wonderful!
Brittany Pressley did a phenomenal job as a narrator giving voice to the individual characters and bringing personality to the scenes. Brilliant job! Her narration definitely added to the experience of the book.

I give the book an overall 3.5/5⭐️.
I did enjoy it and I would recommend it for a light “fluff” read but I would not promote it personally.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC.

Excellent book!
I will highly recommend this one to everyone I know.
And the narrator, Brittany Pressley was wonderful!
I truly enjoyed this one.
Thanks to all for approving my request to listen.

I could not get invested in this story. It was a lot of characters and a lot of jumping around. I had a hard time following.

Thanks Harper Collins for the ARC and Audiobook!

This one was so easy to read, I flew through the audiobook in less than a day! Britney Pressley can do no wrong and listening to her is like listening to an old friend talk!

I usually don't love southern vibes, but was surprised with how much I enjoyed this one! I think this will be a big hit! I'm always down for this kind of women's fiction and for mother/daughter drama and genre blends, so this fit the bill for me!

This is out now!

The Empress of Cooke County by Elizabeth Bass Parman, narrated by Brittany Pressley, is a captivating audiobook that weaves together themes of family, loss, and small-town life in a way that feels intimate and heartfelt. Pressley’s narration really elevates the story, bringing out the emotions of each character with a rich and nuanced performance. Her voice fits perfectly with the tone of the book, and she manages to differentiate between the characters subtly, making it easy to follow their dialogues and perspectives.

The pacing of the narration was well-suited to the story’s unfolding—neither rushed nor too slow, which allowed me to really sink into the world of Cooke County. Pressley’s warm delivery added a layer of comfort to the more tender moments, and she brought just the right level of intensity to the scenes that needed it.

As for the story itself, The Empress of Cooke County paints a vivid picture of complicated family dynamics and the weight of personal history. While the plot is engaging, there are moments when the emotional depth truly shines through, making it much more than just a tale of a woman returning to her roots. Parman’s writing has a nostalgic yet reflective quality, which Pressley captures beautifully in her narration.

Overall, this audiobook is a wonderful listening experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with strong emotional undertones. The combination of Elizabeth Bass Parman’s heartfelt writing and Brittany Pressley’s skilled narration makes this one worth the time.

I loved this debut novel and look forward to reading more! I enjoyed the 1960s atmosphere, the small-town vibes and Callie Jane's story. Her mom Posey is a woman who has spent her life wanting something more & not appreciating what she had. The two have a messy relationship, however Callie Jane has a beautiful relationship with her father and friends. I did not expect the ending at all but liked how it played out. Great book!

The Empress of Cooke County by Elizabeth Bass Parman is a captivating novel that blends humor and suspense with unforgettable characters. The story revolves around Posey Jarvis, a manipulative southern woman whose life is filled with small-town gossip, star-crossed lovers, and misplaced expectations. Although the book has humorous moments, it also carries a tragic undertone, making it a compelling yet bittersweet read. It's an engaging tale from the first page, offering an enjoyable and memorable reading experience.

#netgalley

The Empress of Cooke County* is a captivating story about a mother and daughter who couldn’t be more different. One of the strengths of the book is how the author masterfully makes you root for one of the main characters, while finding the other deeply unlikeable—yet you remain equally invested in both. This dynamic adds a richness to the story that goes beyond your typical family drama.

The family dynamics are well-explored, offering a mix of tension, emotional depth, and a few shocking moments that caught me off guard. There were even a few events I wouldn’t have expected in a book like this, especially given the genre. While it was a simple and easy read, it still kept me engaged and left me thinking about the characters long after I finished.

Overall, I found *The Empress of Cooke County* to be a very enjoyable book and I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC to listen to and review.

The Empress of Cooke County was narrated wonderfully! I was so impressed at how the narrator drew me in and helped me picture all of the characters in this small town. I started off wanting to get to know more about Posey, but as the novel continued, I found myself disliking her more and more. This book definitely has twists and turns (especially with the introduction of a mysterious Peeping Tom). The plot twist was something I was not expecting!

The Empress of Cooke County by Elizabeth Bass Parman is a brilliantly crafted novel that beautifully captures the spirit of a small Southern town in the 1960s. The vivid and quirky world of Spark, Tennessee, with its gossiping beauty shop and the excitement over new blue refrigerators, sets the stage for a deeply moving, often hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking story about family, love, and self-discovery.
Posey Jarvis, the self-proclaimed "Empress" of Cooke County, is a fascinating character, equal parts charismatic and flawed. Her obsession with Jackie Kennedy, gin-fueled escapades, and struggle to manage her daughter Callie Jane’s newfound independence make her larger-than-life and relatable. The novel skillfully weaves Posey’s unraveling plans — whether it’s hosting a reunion at a crumbling mansion or reconnecting with her lost love — into a story about how messy and unpredictable life can be, no matter how carefully you try to control it.
Callie Jane, meanwhile, brings a refreshing perspective as she tries to carve out her own identity in the shadow of her domineering mother and the expectations of a town that feels like it’s stuck in time. Her journey toward independence is powerful, and when a shocking twist threatens everything she holds dear, her determination to protect those she loves adds emotional depth to the narrative.
Full of Southern charm, eccentric characters, and a perfect mix of humour and drama, The Empress of Cooke County explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, the weight of small-town expectations, and the courage it takes to forge your own path. Elizabeth Bass Parman delivers a heartwarming and unforgettable story that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was wonderful, she’s one of my favorites anyway! The storyline was intriguing, much different than I expected. It held my interest throughout and I enjoyed it.

This Ginny and Georgia meets blue Jasmine meets streetcar named desire meets a murder mystery, set in the 60s, is a fun ride through and through. I listened to the audiobook of this and then narrator with the southern accent did a wonderful job with the setting and narration of the story.

Our main characters Posey and Callie Jane, the mother and daughter of a story could not be completely different from each other if they tried once stuck in the past trying to gain the glory of being the elite socialite of surrounding and delusional about her love. Meanwhile, her daughter willing to spread the wings of a freedom within the society of the 60s and breaking the shackles off being a homemaker. Posey is calculated manipulative and at one point you just want to smack the delulu out of her. She could very well be the cousin Edie to the Blanche Du Bois’s Jackie . On the other hand with Callie Jane you can’t help but root for her as she finds her freedom and footing to stand up for herself and you want to protect her.

The southern accent works because the book is set there and I assume that even if I was reading it, I would have read in the same accent in my mind. The smaller characters are also given ample time in the story that come together later to satisfying conclusion.

A story about how children want more than just what is expected of them specially by their parents. The mystery is set up nicely and is woven well through the story but is simple in its execution. It is also a story about the image of it all, how one presents and perceives oneself and how they want others to see them as. A very modern story if you ask me even though it is set in the 60s. The whole notion of one generation trying to fit into a certain box and the other trying to break out of it is certainly at display here. Living for oneself and the consequences of choices (some good , some not so) certainly play themselves in both mother and daughter’s lives

The mystery end of the things does taken a bit of time to set up and kick in, it’s resolution seems a bit rushed but still too satisfying end. Go for this joyride story that takes a bit of time to set up, is not your average story, but certainly worth your time.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Collins for this ARC in exchange for a review

Thanks to HarperCollins Muse Audiobooks and NetGalley for access to this audiobook. I followed along with a physical copy, but I was really glad to be listening because the narrator, Brittany Pressley, does a great job! I found it really fun and funny, although the story was darker than the cover made it appear it would be. If you like Southern women's lit, this is a great book to pick up - and the audio is especially good!

I don’t think there’s anything “wrong” with this book, it just wasn’t for me. I’ve forgotten most of the plot already and it’s only been a couple of days since I’ve read it, so I wouldn’t consider it a very memorable story either.

Posey Jarvis is 38 years old and convinced she is the "empress" of Spark Tennesse. She's a gin drinking Jackie Kennedy look alike who is best at avoiding her husband, Vern. Her daughter Callie Jane is beginning to become more rebellious, and Posey is doing all she can to keep up with her as Callie is unknowingly engaged. It is when Posey's Aunt Milbrey's mansion becomes Posey's that she gets the bright idea to host her high school's 20th reunion. She cannot wait to see the love of her life that dumped her twenty some years ago.

All of the different relationships and dynamics were enjoyable and kept me intrigued. Small town filled with drama and gossip was so relatable.
Overall, the book kept me engaged and I was able to finish it rather quickly.

I listened to the audio book version and the narrator did a fantastic job playing the rolls and portraying the appropriate emotions.

Thank you, Harper Collins, Elizabeth Bass Parman, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars. I had high hopes for this book, and unfortunately, it was just not it for me. I really didn't like any of the characters very much, but by the end of the book I actually despised Posey so much I didn't want to read her POV.

"She [...] recalled her three wishes, the same ones she made on every eyelash, double rainbow, and white horse: to be loved by her daughter, to live in a mansion, and to one day call CJ her husband."

Posey has a secret. The 38 years old woman has spent twenty years of her life waiting to be reunited with her true love, the secret father of her (now grown-up) daughter Callie Jane. But no one in her small community knows it. No one knows that everything Posey has done to become the most distinguished member of Cooke county was done with the sole purpose of becoming worthy of CJ. When she inherits her rich aunt's house, Posey takes it as a sign that all her wishes will come true very soon, and if not, she will be the one to make them come true, whatever the price. As for Callie Jane, who gets (reluctantly? Accidentally?) engaged to her childhood best friend, the time has come to stand up for herself and make her own choices.

This was such a great story ! I liked the 60's backdrop, the small-town atmosphere, the characters ... It reminded me of "Desperate Housewives" and "Ginny & Georgia". I feel like Posey could be a bit more nuanced, but it was overall an interesting reading experience, very immersive, with vivid characters.

🎧 Audiobook : 5/5 Brittany Pressley did a terrific job with the southern accents !

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for giving me access to this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Super cute book! I loved it. So fun from the beginning with a little mystery, a few twists, and a Murder! Audio was great too. Heartwarming and heartbreaking ❤️

The Empress of Cooke County
Author: Elizabeth Bass Parman
Narrator: Brittany Presley

I was expecting this book to be funny based on the description and while it had funny moments, it was heartbreaking. One of the FMC, Posey was impossible to like. She was manipulative, controlling, and just plain unlikeable. She was always looking back, wanting the man she had a one night stand with which resulted in her daughter. The biological father wanted nothing to do with Posey or their daughter. Her husband always wanted to get married and have children but was sterile. So, the two characters married. He loved her but she did not love him in return. She was always having an emotional affair with what she thought could be with her one night stand, plus she had an alcohol addition. He was having an affair but everyone loved him. The daughter justified his affair because her mom mistreated and manipulated him all the time. Then there is the other FMC, Callie Jane, the daughter. She struggled with her mother controlling her every move and wanted to please her father. Her side of the story is a great coming of age. There is an unexpected twist at the end that is just heartbreaking.

Thank you Harper Collins Focus and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.