The Empress of Cooke County: A Novel By Elizabeth Bass Parman

The Empress of Cooke County by Elizabeth Bass Parman is a charming Southern tale set in the 1960s, brimming with humor and heart. The story follows Posey Jarvis, a self-styled "empress" of rural Spark, Tennessee. At thirty-eight, Posey spends her days idolizing Jackie Kennedy, avoiding her husband Vern, and grappling with her rebellious teenage daughter, Callie Jane. When Posey inherits a dilapidated mansion from her eccentric aunt Milbrey, she seizes the opportunity to host her high school reunion there—primarily to reunite with her long-lost love. Despite the mansion’s state of disrepair, Posey is determined to make the event a success.

Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Callie Jane is struggling with her own crises: a hasty engagement, the monotony of working at her father's store, and a peeping Tom terrorizing the town. Desperate for escape, she dreams of a new life in California, far from her mother's oppressive expectations.

Set against the backdrop of a gossip-filled small town, The Empress of Cooke County explores themes of identity, familial bonds, and the quest for personal freedom. Through its memorable characters and Southern charm, the novel delves into the complexities of love and self-discovery, illustrating how staying true to oneself can lead to transformative, life-altering choices. 📚❤️