Book & Scone Society, The Secret

Nora Pennington has opened a bookstore in Miracle Springs, North Carolina, where people go to find peace and healing. When customers come in with a freshly baked comfort scone from the Gingerbread House bakery, Nora chats with them, and helps them find books that will help them come to terms with things that are bothering them the most.

When a businessman involved in the housing development is killed before he can keep his appointment with Nora, she and three of her newfound friends meet to discuss the fact that the death, which is clearly a homicide, is being thought of as a suicide.

The four friends form the Secret, Book, & Scone Society, where they plan to discover the truth around the death. To do that they need to trust each other, so they trade stories and secrets, which helps them get to know each other better, and helps them to get to the bottom of Neil's death.

I am a huge fan of Ellery Adams, and have loved everything she's ever written. But this book spoke to my heart.Watching Nora, Estella, Hester and June learn about each other, and figure out the truth behind Neil's death, was a reading experience that made me think of my own secrets, and come to terms with things I hadn't thought about in a while.

The emotions that run through this story are real, and I found myself going back and rereading parts, even taking a highlighter and marking passages that I knew I would want to return to in the future. The characters are beautifully drawn and incredibly real.

In short, this is the most intriguing book of Ms. Ellery's that I have ever read, and I found it to be in my top ten books of the year. It is one that will find a place of honor on my shelf of favorites, and will be taken down often to be read again.

The Secret, Book, and Scone Society is a wonderful mix of mystery, emotion and a little bit of romance. I loved every word.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This is a new series by Ellery Adams revolving around four women that come together to solve a murder, but at the same time, to create a friendship that is centered around each woman telling their deepest secret.

Nora Pennington walked away from her previous life that left her scarred and is looking for a new beginning. She can read peoples troubles and in doing so recommends books from her small bookstore, that if read in specific order, can help people find the answers that they are looking for. Hester Winthrop creates comfort scones in her bakery. Estella Sadler, who is called nasty names behind her back and has a flair for the dramatic, is the local salon owner and June Dixon who works at the local thermal pools.

Together the women of Miracle Springs set out to find the answer as to why Neil Parrish, either fell or was pushed in front of a train. Sheriff Todd, also known as the Toad around town, calls it suicide but that quick answer does not hold up for the women. As they sip their coffee and gather around a table with a secret compartment, they begin to compare their notes on Neil. Something is very fishy in Miracle Springs and with a new housing development going in, that Neil was part of, the women set out to solve a murder, expose a fraud, and help to get one of their own out of jail when she has been accused of killing yet another person involved in the Pine Ridge development.

I enjoyed the first book in this new series. With interesting women and a bit of mysticism on the side, they take the reader through their lives and the small town that they call home. I can’t say that this book fully falls under the cozy mystery heading, but then again, it does not fall fully under romance, because you know that there has to be some, and it does not fit completely under women’s fiction or paranormal. Just little bits and parts of all of them, which leaves something for everyone.

Wow! This book was beautiful! The characters were so real and full of heart. These ladies had me rooting for them. The women in this book were all broken, yet they had been gluing themselves back together for a while. After meeting eachother, it seemed like the glue was drying faster. They all had difficult back stories. This helped them to all come together. Adams does a marvelous job of making characters that aren't just believable, but they become living, breathing beings. They aren't characters anymore, she make them people. People that you can feel for. The thing that intially draws them togther is there joint feeling of need to help a man that was murdered. A man that had seemed troubled. Someone who was broken and seemed to want to fix himself. Just like them. The woman form there Secret, Book, and Scone Society and get to work. The mystery aspect was fantastic. All of the women banded together and went on a search for the killer. As they looked into the mysterious happenings, they all became closer. They laughed, cried, and got into some sticky situations with each other. You can feel there friendships getting closer as the book progressed. Books have truly saved Nora's life. I loved all of the literary references that were dolloped throughout the book. Nora always seems to think that all people see when they look at her are her scars. But she meets a guy that might just convince her that that isn't true. Take some damaged, strong women, books, and a scone or two, and you have yourself one killer of a combination. I truly believe that these women can handle whatever life throws at them. I look foward to finding out what that may be!

I received a free copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Secret, Book, and Scone Society is an excellent series debut that will enchant and delight readers. I went in believing that this was a light cozy mystery and was pleasantly surprised by the depth this story contained. This book melds cozy mystery, magical realism, and contemporary fiction together to create an enchanting story with realistic, well-developed characters. The descriptive writing style worked beautifully with the mystery plot. Plus there are enough literary references to delight any reader.

After a visiting businessman is found dead on the local train tracks, Nora Pennington is convinced that his death was actually a murder. Rebuffed by the local police, she joins with three other local woman who also believe the death was suspicious. Together, these four women found the Secret, Book and Scone society. Each of these remarkable women has a secret they buried long ago. However, to earn the trust of the others, they decided that they each must expose their darkest secret. While seeking out the truth of the mystery, this group may just get more than they bargained for on all accounts.

I loved how realistic the characters in this book felt, particularly the main characters. They were all flawed in their own way. The friendships that formed between the four women of The Secret, Book, and Scone Society were lovely, based on mutual respect and understanding. Also, I adored that Nora used literature to help others heal while Hester makes comfort scones that bring them peace. The plot was relatively straightforward but the villains were wonderfully realistic. I loved how tightly woven the plot was. The author did a fantastic job of creating suspense while still giving the reader enough information to solve the mystery on their own.

I will be eagerly anticipated the second installment in the Miracle Spring, North Carolina series. The Secret, Book, and Scone Society was utterly charming. I loved the unexpected depth contained in this cozy mystery. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a good mystery.

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Miracle Springs, North Carolina is a small town that is known to be a place of healing. Not only is there a natural hot springs and renowned spa available but many of the shopkeepers in town have their own signature way of healing visitors. Nora Pennington is one of those shopkeepers being the owner of Miracle Books where she considers herself a bit of a bibliotherapist being able to talk with a customer and since which book would help them with their own problems.

When Nora meets a man that seems to be a bit troubled she senses that he could really use a bit of her brand of therapy but first she insists he go over to the Gingerbread House bakery and order one of the comfort scones made by the bakery’s owner who also bakes a personal scone after hearing someone’s story. But after getting his scone and before returning to the book store that same man ends up in front of the incoming train in what appears to be a suicide.

Nora immediately questions the death, sure she didn’t know the man well or hardly at all really but in the moments she’d talked with him she saw a bit of hope in his eyes and knew that there was more to this story than suicide. Gathering with her fellow lady shopkeepers they form the Secret, Book, and Scone Society and dive right into finding out more about the death and the secrets of their small town.

The Secret, Book, and Scone Society by Ellery Adams is the first book in the new cozy Miracle Springs, North Carolina mystery series. Picking this one up it becomes immediately apparent that Ms. Adams had to be an avid reader herself since the main character in the story is a book store owner and the book is full of literary quotes and references to many different types of titles all fitting certain situations. As a book lover myself this was a major positive that had me enjoying this one right away.

Also, the theme of a town dedicated to healing was also quite apparent as you get to know the ladies in the story. All of them have their own past that they are trying to overcome and share their secrets to each other during the book making this one quite the touching and emotional story. Each have such a different background to the story but it easily apparent why they are drawn to one another.

As for the mystery side of this cozy I found that it wasn’t quite as twisty that I was necessarily guessing all throughout. But with that being said the setting and characters certainly carry this book enough to make it quite a good one as I awaited the details to the conclusion of the story and just how everything had come about. Definitely a solid start to this series overall and would be interested in seeing how it continued now that we know the story behind these characters.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

The Secret, Book and Scone Society is the start of a new series by Ellery Adams. People come to Miracle Springs North Carolina for healing. In this book, 4 women form a group to help solve a murder. They all have deeply buried secrets and stayed away from friendships with others. They each must tell each other their deepest secret in order to build trust with each other.

The story evolves around a new housing development being established in their town.

I thought when reading the book, if the author's name was unknown to me while reading it, I would think it probably was an Ellery Adam book. The comfort scones reminded me of the charmed pie series. The book shop and information of the books reminded me of the book retreat series. The collectibles in her shop reminded me of Ellery's antique and collectible series. Most of all, the group of the 4 friends forming to solve murders, reminded me of the writers group in mystery by the bay series. Nora the main character reminded me somewhat of Olivia in the early by the bay mystery books. Even though they are very different they both seemed hardened and sealed off from life. I imagine a big change in warming up and trusting will be coming in future books. No Captain Haviland but perhaps Jeb's dog will take over some of that role in future books.

Have been looking forward to the release of this book. I always enjoy a mystery by Ellery Adams.

I have four new friends in Nora, Hester, June and Estella. If I could I would be taking a trip to Miracle Springs, North Carolina and eating scones while reading a book after I spent the day at the spa. I found myself not finishing the last nine pages right away because I knew it would it end my visit with my friends.

I would recommend this book to everyone whether you have a read a cozy mystery or not. As the author, Ellery Adams, mentioned it is a little edgier than her other cozies and it is wonderful. You will find yourself crying with the characters, cheering them on and wishing they were real.

All four women have experienced a trauma of some sort in their lives. The trauma has made them the strong woman they are today. Nora is the local bookstore owner who has a knack for picking out the books that you need to make you feel better or help you overcome a trauma in your life. As she is getting ready to meet a gentleman from earlier in the day, Estella comes running in with news. Nora's guest was just hit by the train. Was it a suicide or murder? The four women find themselves becoming fast friends and sharing their own secrets with each other in order to determine what happened.

There are a lot of book references throughout the book and I have found my TBR pile growing. My favorite quote of the book is Chapter 17 and is from Ray Bradbury: "You've got to jump off cliffs and build your wings on the way down."

Ellery Adams is one of my favorite authors. Her books never disappoint this reader. One of the things she excels most at is exploring the emotional depths of her characters. Whether it is their pain, their insecurities, or even their joys, you happily go along for the ride, even recognizing traits in yourself and others along the way.

In The Secret, Book & Scone Society, Adams does a masterful job once again in introducing us to Nora, Estella, Hester, and June, four women with diverse lives and pain, who live in Miracle Springs, North Carolina.

The mysterious death of a visiting businessman brings the four together as they resolve to determine the truth behind his passing. As they open up and share their deepest, darkest secrets to one another, a wonderful sisterhood is established. Healing, which they provide to guests in their town, becomes their own.

The mystery in the story takes many twists and turns, and I was pleasantly surprised by the end.

Adams is a great steward of the stories she's given, and Nora, Estella, Hester, and June, no doubt, are thanking her for telling this one so well. I look forward to many more in this series from her

What a glorious book. Not only does it weave parts of former creations by Ellery Adams but it will fill anyone's heart with light among the darkness. Ms Adams must have been in a very interesting state of mind to create this latest plot, as it feels very spiritual indeed. Nora is the main character who comes to this small town after a devastating accident, and yet still needs fulfillment to get through while craving privacy. Yet she develops several supportive relationships with women such as Estella and others as they attempt to crack the puzzle of what led to the death of a seemingly nice man early on in the book. They also share each others product offerings in their shops. It amazes me that Nora can live on so little yet her friendships and the message of The Secret, Book & Scone yield so much to the reader. What a treasure this book is. My apologies for the brevity of this review, but my choice is for the reader to have their own personal bond with this book as they put together their own answers to the puzzle of whodunit

I love the four amazing ladies introduced in this first book of a very promising series that I'm excited about. Not often do I consider reading a book twice, but this is one at the top of my list to read again. You, too, will fall in love with these ladies, and how they solve the mystery of businessman. It made me want to whip up a batch of scones! I'm looking forward to the next book in this series already!

Ellery Adams sets the standards for a good cozy. This book is the first in a new series set in a fictional small town near Asheville. Miracle Springs is home to Nora, our amateur detective. The first book in a series is always challenging because the author must establish the continuing characters; hint at complications, motivations, and backstories; plus tell a story that is entertaining enough to make readers want to read the next book. Our author is experienced, and she was very successful in this mission. Nora runs a second-hand bookstore where she is known for her therapeutic book recommendations. She came to Miracle Springs after a personal crisis and betrayal that left her with literal and emotional scars. The quotes and book “prescriptions” are part of the charm of this book. Our story begins with the murder of a stranger. He dies after expressing guilt and a desire to make things right to Nora but before he gets to her bookstore for his healing books. Nora, Hester (the baker), Estella (the beautician), and June (an employee at the thermal springs) soon begin to forge a tentative team and friendship to find justice. They are bonded by their secrets, their love of books, and the semi-magical comfort scones made by Hester. There are only hints of magic and the supernatural, so this is not as magical as her Charmed Pie Shoppe series. The book does not push the boundaries of a cozy. The violence is not graphic, and there is no graphic sex. The pacing is good, and there are twists and turns along the way. There are hints at a possible romance for the books ahead in the series. The characters’ secrets are not trivial, and they should provide interest as well. A Reading Guide is provided at the end of the book. This book would not be a selection for our book group, but not all book groups are the same.

Nora Pennington knows about secrets. Although her burn scars keep her from hiding away all of her secrets, she still has plenty packed away where no one can get to them. And while she is now the owner of Miracle Books in Miracle Springs, North Carolina, she can never forget what happened before, what brought her to a whole new life in a new place. 

Miracle Springs is known as a place of healing. There are hot springs that bring people seeking comfort and restoration through their warmth. But there is more healing taking place in town than just what the springs offer. Hester Winthrop, owner of the Gingerbread House has a way of meeting a person and then baking them a custom "comfort scone." Often, this is accompanied by a dose of Nora's bibliotherapy. After sitting and talking with someone for a bit, Nora, a former librarian and constant reader, comes up with a reading list that can take someone through their pain to a point of healing. 

So when a businessman seemed troubled and was looking for peace, Nora encouraged him to go to the Gingerbread House and then to visit her at Miracle Books, so that she and Hester could try to help him find some comfort and respite in his suffering. But he never shows up in the bookstore, and Nora finds out later that he was killed by the incoming train. Did he jump? Was he pushed? And if so, by whom? 

Nora and Hester are joined by June from the Thermal Pools and Estelle, who owns the local beauty salon, as they search for answers. And as they put their heads together to try to figure out the mystery, they realized that they all held secrets and put walls up around themselves to keep those secrets to themselves. As the secrets come out--the secrets of the women as well as the secrets of the man killed by the train--the women get closer to each other, and closer to danger. Ellery Adams' The Secret, Book, and Scone Society is formed and quickly became the target of a group of conspirators working hard to keep their secrets--and their illegal activities--private. 

I picked this up thinking it was a cozy mystery, but it went far deeper into the human condition than most cozies do. There is a depth of understanding of loneliness, isolation, grief, and healing that elevates this from a cozy to a literary mystery, and the crime is more complex than simple greed or revenge. The Secret, Book, and Scone Society is a murder mystery with powerful emotions and complicated relationships, and the only thing missing from the experience of reading it is the fact that I have no comfort scones of my own. 

I snagged the audio version of this, and I thought narrator Cris Dukehart did a stellar job with the narration. 

One word of warning though: while the businessman never made it to Miracle Books for his stack of therapy books, several other customers do. Prepare yourself for a list of amazing book titles that will make your TBR beg for mercy. 

Nora Pennington moved to Miracle Springs after a terrible personal tragedy, and opened a bookstore, Miracle Books. She sells books, and coffee, and for those customers who need it, over a "comfort scone" from the neighboring Gingerbread House bakery, she'll listen to their troubles, and recommend well-chosen books to start them on the path to healing.

It's a peaceful, quiet life, until one day, the customer in need of healing is Neil Parrish. He makes an appointment to see her the next day, but is killed by a train before he can keep that appointment. It's not long before the clumsy official investigation into the death connects Nora with three other women who moved to Miracle Springs for their own healing. They form the Secret, Book, & Scone Society. They share their secrets, and launch their own investigation of Neil Parrish's death.

They're all compromised individuals, but they also all prove to be strong and smart women in their own ways. Miracle Springs also proves to have more than just their secrets, and much more dangerous ones, but it also has other strong, good characters along with its venal and corrupt ones. The plot avoids the lazy and the silly, and we see the women discover their strength, learn to trust their new friendship, and also start to make more friends beyond their own immediate circle.

The book reads to me like a well-thought-out, and very promising start to a new mystery series, centered around character.

Recommended.

I bought this audiobook.

The Secret, Book and Scone Society is the first in a brand new cozy mystery series from Ellery Adams. We were introduced to the beautiful setting of Miracle Springs, a charming small town as well as a group of four women who become friends while trying to solve a murder. When a newcomer to town is pushed in front of a train, the women all want to see justice served, thus The Secret Book and Scone Society is born.

Nora Pennington was badly injured with extensive burns, She never tells anyone what happened and prefers to be left alone. She came to Miracle Springs for healing of her spirit more than anything. She opens a bookstore and uses what she learned from a nurse in the hospital to become a "book psychologist". When she meets three other women in this small town who also have their own secrets, they begin to trust and depend on one another. Nora, Estella, June and Hester start out as unlikely friends but they soon become a strong group and a force to reckon with. The mystery involves real estate fraud, infidelity and murder to prevent discovery. It moved quickly yet there was a lot of detail to get to know the woman in this first book in the series. I loved the characters of the women and the EMS personnel that begins to develop feelings for Nora. Maybe she will heal after all. A different type of cozy, but enjoyable nonetheless. I will definitely read the next one in this series.

Once you start reading this intriguing new series, you’ll immediately be pulled into the characters’ lives and find it difficult to put the book down. Visitors flock to Miracle Springs, North Carolina, to heal physically and emotionally in the natural hot springs. After the unexpected death of a visiting businessman, four local women join together to bring peace to his abruptly terminated quest for healing and forgiveness. Nora: Bookstore owner and sometimes bibliotherapist. Hester: Extraordinary baker known for her personalized “comfort” scones. Estella: Proprietor of the local beauty salon. June: Employee of the thermal pools. In the process of giving “voice” to the silenced victim, the four women are challenged to trust each other through the sharing of their own deeply held secrets. They struggle to put aside their own fears of close friendships as they race to expose an unscrupulous business scheme that is tied to the man’s death. Can they learn to trust each other as they pursue a killer before one of their own loses her life? Catch the next train to Miracle Springs. Stop by Hester’s bakery for a personalized comfort scone (mine would include sugar, cinnamon and plenty of dark chocolate). Bring it with you down the street to enjoy while you browse Nora’s bookstore (Look for me in the mystery section). Pull up a chair to join the circle of friends as they unravel this intricately plotted suspenseful mystery. The first book in Ellery Adams’ new series will leave you hungry for more.

"The Secret, Book & Scone Society" is a book that, while I ended up throughly enjoyng it, was also one that I was sorely tempted to put down after the first few pages.It is also the first book in a new series by Ellery Adams. The four primary characters (Nora, Estella, June and Hazel) are extremely wounded people (as are several of the other charactrs in this book). They live in a small town in North Carolina called Miracle springs, that is well know for its healing properties. One of the things that I loved about this book was that it blended real life, magic, and healing into what was, in hte end, a very believable story.

Nora is a "bibliothrapist", who heals through recommending books for her customers. Estella is a beautician who heals women through her work as a hairdresser. June heals others through her work at the healing waters spa. Hazel heals through her work at her bakery, where she bakes individual scones for her customers, based on what she feels that they need in their life.

The ladies come together to solve what they feel is the murder of a tourist, someone Nora had talked to, and sent on to Hazel's bakery for a healing scone. The sheriff is calling it an accident, but the ladies feel he was pushed in front of a train. Together, they form the Secret, Book & Scone Society. In sharing information about the death of the tourist, and in sharing their closely held secrets with each other, they solve the crime, and begin their own journey of personal healing. Not before Estella is is charged with the murder of another tourist that is involved with a local building project, and not before Nora, Hazel, and June face death by fire.

The characters are well developed, and once the story starts to unfold, the plot moves forward smoothly. Small towns hold secrets, and Miracle Springs holds many secrets of its own. It is interesting to see how individual characters evolve, and how the truth finally sets them free!

The ending was, IMHO, a bit botched, as one story that opened up did not have closure. But, all in all, it was a tremendous read.

The synopsis: Miracle Springs, NC, lives up to its name. People go there expecting that the local Spa with its spring water will ease aches and pains and that relaxing in those thermal pools where June Dixon works will bring them peace. There is something unusual at Hester Winthrop's Gingerbread House where special scones are baked to help customers bite into a treat that brings them comfort and nourishment. Estella Sadler owns the Magnolia Salon and spa where people come to perk up and feel beautiful. Nora Pennington own the local bookstore, Miracle Books, where she listens to customer's tales then 'prescribes' them books that will help them deal with their problems. These ladies all have secrets and no friends in town, and when a visiting businessman comes to town and is murdered, the ladies come together and former The Secret, Book, and Scone Society to share their deep secrets and investigate the murder.

My Opinion: This is a cozy mystery that is true treat. The murder, actually two, that the ladies work to solve is not seen or described, the ladies all live in the sleepy little town, and the problessing encountered are dealt with throughout the tale. The setting frames the story well, and the mystery is driven by the plot. The revealed secrets are unveiled one at a time and provide a solid reason for them to hang out together. The mystery is quite topical as it deals with mortgage banking fraud and consumers being approved for loans they cannot truly afford. This is the first Ellery Adams book I have read, but I will look for more by her since I enjoyed this one quite a bit.

This is an interesting concept for a story. People come to Miracle Springs for the spas, food, and hot springs to help them with their illnesses. If that doesn't do it, there is Miracle Book and a "comfort" scone and talk with Nora Pennington, the owner, will carefully chose a book just for them. Then a visiting businessman doesn't make his appointment with Nora and it found dead on the train tracks. This really upsets Nora, and that is when she comes up with the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, a group of damaged souls yearning to earn redemption by helping others. To join, members must divulge their darkest secret—the terrible truth that brought each of them to Miracle Springs in the first place. This society is on a mission to find out exactly what was the businessman doing there and why and who killed him. There is much more that goes on in this book, that I won't go into here. You need to read it. Very interesting and well written. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

Thanks NetGalley for the chance to read THE SECRET, BOOK & SCONE SOCIETY free for an unbiased review.

This was my first Ellery Adams book, though I'm a fan of cozy mysteries and have been looking forward to reading her work for quite some time. When the chance to read the first book in her newest series came up, I thought it'd be a great introduction to her writing (and I was right). It did take me about 30 pages to really get into it, though. Once I got past that initial hump, I was all in.

The book takes us to Miracle Springs, NC, a somewhat magical town where tourists come for healing of all sorts. The main character, Nora, provides bibliotherapy to her customers, offering book suggestions that will allow them to process the experiences of their past so they can move forward. There's also a bakery called The Gingerbread House that makes comfort scones specific to each customers favorite or most needed memories.

The book opens with a Nora meeting a visiting business man who asks her for her help. She sends him over to the Gingerbread House and tells him to meet her at her bookshop afterward; he never makes it to his second stop, though. Instead, he is found dead on the train tracks in town. While the local police, and his business associates, are quick to claim it was suicide, Nora isn't so sure that's the case. She and three other local women, all of whom have stayed loners along the way, find themselves coming together to figure out what really happened to the business man.

They form the "Secret, Book and Scone Society", each one sharing their dark secret that brought them to Miracle Springs as a way of sharing their trust with the other women.

Cozy Mystery Series basic questions:
Yes, there's a love interest for the main character that we don't really see reach it's full potential, but we know will in future books. The same goes for at least one of her friends.
Yes, the book ends with a believable outline of how/why the murders took place.
Yes, it also ends with a very clear indication that there will be another book (which I cannot wait to read).

My only annoyance, which I'm sure is ridiculous and only an issue to me, is the overuse of the term "shelf enhancers". You didn't notice it before reading this review, but now that it's been pointed out, you'll see it every single time they are in the bookshop. I promise.

Miracle Springs, North Carolina, is supposed to be a place of healing. People flock to the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and a renowned spa. But when none of the usual treatments help they land at Miracle Books. With a fresh-baked “comfort” scone from the Gingerbread House, they tell Nora Pennington their troubles. Nora can always find the perfect book to help them in ways other treatments can’t.

When a visiting businessman speaks with to Nora while sitting on a park bench, she knows exactly which novels will help him. Unfortunately, before he can keep the appointment at Miracle Books, he’s found dead on the train tracks.

Nora doesn’t believe it was an accident, so she forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society to prove it. Four women with issues of their own gain trust and confidence in each other by helping others. To join the society, members must divulge their darkest secret—the truth that brought them to Miracle Springs in the first place.

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Series: Book 1
Author: Ellery Adams
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Kensington

The Secret, Book & Scone Society is a story of women determined to uncover the truth. What's behind a murder of a stranger. Perhaps the answer can bring a form of redemption or salvation to the women’s lives. Ellery Adams writes as though she fully understands what the women have gone through, and how they each hide what they feel from the world. The story is realistic on many levels. All people have something they do not tell others, and most will do their best to hide the things that hurt them the most.

Nora is not a perfect person; she is scarred physically and emotionally. She moved to Miracle Springs to start over. To bury the past and prevent her heart from ever being broken again. The character is a study in the human condition. Unwilling to get involved with others, afraid to let them in on her secrets Nora nonetheless cares about people and tries to help in the only way she thinks she can.

The other characters, Estella, Hester, and June, are unique in their own way. They have secrets of their own and do not judge each other based on their past. It is interesting to read each chapter and watch as the characters develop into mostly happy people who have taken responsibility for their own wellbeing. Having friends is something they did not anticipate or ever consider but becomes something they don’t want to give up. They are willing to risk their secrets in order to have friends and help when a friend is in trouble.

The other characters in this book are well-rounded and believable. They enhance the story and make it a challenge to figure out who the killer is. Even the “bad” characters make the story a bit more interesting. The reader cheers for revenge and justice, hoping that the killer will pay the ultimate price for their crimes.

Miracle Springs, North Carolina does not exist, but wouldn’t it be great if it did? To know there is a place where a person can go to help ease their worries or heal their pain is a place everyone would visit. More description of the town and the shops, and their owners would be interesting. Hopefully, this will evolve as the series progresses.

Overall The Secret, Book & Scone Society is a well-written book with memorable characters and a plot that although somewhat convoluted, plays well in today’s society. This book is highly recommended for those that love intricate plots and character story-lines that will keep them guessing and turning the page.

The story is set in Miracle Springs, North Carolina which is a place to heal. With natural hot springs, luxurious spa, soul stirring scones and a miracle bibliotherapy, this town attracts people from around the country. People come, relax and heal themselves before heading back to their lives. Nora owns a bookshop in the town where she ‘prescribes’ books to her clients based on their experiences and needs. When an out-of-town businessman fails to keep his appointment with Nora and then turns up dead, Nora smells something fishy. She enlists the help of her friends to look into the matter.

Nora and her friends are a lovely group of people who help people while each of them try to overcome their past. Being a bookworm, I loved the fact that the protagonist was a bookshop owner which lead to the inclusion of quite a few literary references in the book. It took me a while to actually warm up to Nora, but eventually she did live up to my expectations. I think the way the author has built up her character is quite commendable and her back story helped me sympathize with her. Nora’s friends each have their own back stories (which I am hoping will be explored more in the coming installments) and unique sets of personalities. But what they all have in common is their helping nature. I loved the relationship dynamics portrayed between them. The plot of the book turned out to be more interesting than my initial expectations. For a mystery buff, there were very few surprises for me in the book, but the author has certainly tried to put in quite a few twists and turns.

A good first impression of the first book in the series and I would certainly love to continue reading them as and when they release.

I loved the characters and the setting of this new series from Ellery Adams. I love that each character is flawed and yet is strong. And that they are still open to others and willing to help right a wrong. The setting of Miracle Springs sounds like a place that I would like to visit with its unique shops and mountain setting. I loved hearing about the Caboose Cottage where Nora lives and about Miracle Books, her bookstore. I loved all of the book references and how Nora suggests books to help people that come into the store with a problem that they are dealing with. I loved hearing about Hester and the Gingerbread House Bakery and her unique scones. And Estella and June, the other main characters. Their backstories are interesting and shape who they are and how they relate to people and why they shy away from people, until they get together and realize that they all have something in common. This book held my interest with the unfolding mystery and kept me guessing about who was behind the murder and the reason why it happened. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!!

I was definitely impressed by The Secret Book and Scone Society.  Its central characters are genuine and the development of their friendship is believable - particularly as its first test comes when Nora and the others (Hester, Estella and June) begin their investigation of a suicide they are certain is murder.  I loved the idea of bibliotherapy - healing your issues through books, both fiction and non.  Any reader can tell you that books possess the power to touch and to transform.  That along with Hester’s ability to create personalized scones that bring back pleasant memories give the mystery a touch of magic.  I believe it is the characters and their personal backgrounds and interactions that make this novel stand apart from other cozies.  The villains on the other hand are roughly sketched and obvious from the get go.  It’s less of a whodunnit focusing more on the why and the how - and how to get the proof needed to clear Estella’s name.  I'm very curious to see where Ellery Adams goes from here

The Secret Book and Scone Society is an excellent cosy with an unforgettable set of leads.  As a series debut it shows great promise. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next novel in Ellery Adam’s newest series.

5 / 5

I received a copy of The Secret Book and Scone Society from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom

This book was definitely not your average “cozy” mystery. The characters were very well written, the book moved along really well, and I was sad to find out that #2 in the series isn’t out yet (but is coming!). It wasn’t light and fluffy like the typical cozy mystery though. The darkness of these women’s pasts comes out strongly, and Ellery Adams’ beautiful writing about the power of stories and books and the importance of understanding one another shines through. One of the primary themes in this book is books and stories can heal, and I think anyone who has ever loved a book or gone through something hard can relate to pieces of this book.

8 out of 10 for enjoyment, and 3.5 out of 5 for readability. While I loved this book and wish #2 was already out, it was a tough read emotionally at times because of some of the dark stories that come out. It was pretty intense at times with the weight of these stories. However, a beautifully written story that I’m not sure this review gives proper credit to, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves to read.

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The Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams is a fun and interesting murder mystery. The characters were charming. I loved Nora. She is the lady to go to for a book recommendation. Her personality made her perfect for this novel. I also enjoyed her group members. The ladies were all supportive of each other. Nora was supposed to meet a man only for him to turn up dead. That's when Nora took lead into investigating the murder. She ended up placing herself into grave danger and took high risks. Then, there was Jed. I really liked him. I want to read more about him and Nora. They scenes made me blush and sigh with content. Overall, Ellery Adams sure knew how to charm me into loving her new book. I would recommend this to all to fans of Agatha Frost and Angie Fox. 

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ellery Adams has crafted a wonderful story of four women, each with their own secret, coming together after a mysterious man is murdered to uncover the truth surrounding his death. Wounded and a bit battered by their pasts, each is courageous in their pursuit to find a new life and must learn to trust each other with their deepest secrets and regrets. Whip together a little murder, a few conniving criminals, a healthy dose of friendship and toss in a handsome paramedic and you will want to take a trip to Miracle Springs, NC yourself to visit Hester’s Bakery for a specialized scone, chat it up with Estelle in her salon, take a swim in the miracle pools with June and peruse the shelves of Nora’s Bookstore! I absolutely adored this book! It was the first of what will be many more Ellery Adams books on my shelf! If you are a fan of Hallmark Mysteries and Movies you will LOVE The Secret Book & Scone Society!

Nora, Estella, Hester and June are four flawed women with secrets of their own who live in Miracle Springs, a town that has a promise of new beginnings, if not a miracle for each each of them.
These four unlikely friends come together and form a secret society to right the wrong of a death they suspect is really a murder. But this death is really just a small part of a bigger problem and they are drawn into a deeper conspiracy that almost
ends their lives.
Author, Ellery Adams, has written several other series and I have enjoyed them all. This series is one of her best. It has a bit of mystical hope, mystery and the building of a friendship built on trust. I look forward to reading much more about their journeys and renewed strength.
I received a copy of this book from the Author.

Well, I finished this book AGES ago and kept holding off on a review to get a proper post for it up since I loved it so much.... then other books kept getting in the way. I don't want to hold off on writing this so long that I can't remember why I loved it so much... Plus, I want to read book 2!
This was such a sweet cozy mystery! The characters are all so endearing! A group of misfit women who all find each other in a small town, brought together by the death of a visiting businessman.
They all have their secrets, and as they learn to bond and open up to each other some of those secrets begin to come to light.
I loved the relationships between these women, I loved the cheap wine and delicious scones, I honestly just wanted to crawl into this book and be friends with all of them! ...And I DEFINITELY wanted to steal Jed from Nora!!

I really love this author and this book is another great one to add to the list. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like it because how the lead character saw herself rubbed me the wrong way, but at the same time I understood why she felt the way she did. There was great character development for all of the characters and the author kept you wanting more which to me is the mark of a fantastic writer.

Bits of the story had elements of the charmed pie shoppe mysteries such as the gingerbread house owner Hester and her wonderful custom made comfort scones. There was no magic in this book however what Hester and even the main character Nora do with their talents reminded me a lot of that series. I loved the mystery and how each of the four ladies back stories unfolded throughout the story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of this author or of mysteries in general.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Nora Pennington has come to Miracle Springs, North Carolina to escape a terrible tragedy. She feels safe in her bookstore helping her customers find their own healing in the books she chooses for them. Hester runs the Gingerbread House bakery. Customers tell her a little bit about their lives and what brought them to Miracle Springs. Then she bakes them up a “comfort scone”. She and Nora work together by sending their customers to each other’s stores. June works at the hot springs spa where people come to rejuvenate themselves and Estella is a beautician who tries to help her clients find their true selves. These 4 women were very introverted, had no friends, and barely knew each other until a man left Hester’s bakery on his way to Nora’s bookstore and never arrived. Soon after, he is found dead on the railroad tracks. The local police quickly rule the death a suicide but these ladies can’t believe that is true. Together they form the Secret, Book & Scone Society and decide that together they can find the truth and get justice for a man they didn’t even know.

This is such a special story, so much more than a cozy mystery, but a story where the characters bring hope to others while examining their own lives. They are each in places of needing healing themselves and over the course of this story a heartwarming bond is formed. These characters are written with a loving hand as we learn throughout the book the traumas they have endured to become the woman they are today. At first they read as timid characters but their strength grows with the turn of each page. Ellery Adams is known for creating characters that readers want to know better. These character are absolutely wonderful. They are compassionate, engaging and relatable and believable. Characters you would want to be friends with if you could jump into the book. I want to join their society.

The mystery itself was a curious one. Neil Parrish was a business man clearly at a crosswords that he was unsure how to handle. Knowing nothing of the man Nora and the rest of Secret, Book & Scone Society had to do some research and legwork including sneaking around in places that put them in danger. For me it was like a huge puzzle with too many pieces. Some information moved their investigation forward, some sent them in circles, or was just interesting but may not have anything to do with Parrish’s death. I was intrigued and entertained following along for each new discovery. I was holding my breath for the climatic scenes. Wow!

Miracle Springs is a very interesting place and a fantastic setting for this series. I think we have barely scratched the surface of the potential stories that can be gleaned from the town and its residents. As someone trying to heal myself from a variety of things in my life I wish I could actually travel there for my “comfort” scone and my bag of books that would set my healing on a clear course.

I have loved everything I have read by this author. She is such a talented writer and she has created something truly magical in this story. I am excited to see where she takes this series. This amazing story was a true trip to PARADISE. What a extraordinary escape!

Without a doubt, Ellery Adams is one of the finest literary cozy mystery writers on the planet. This new series is a powerful illustration of her deft hand at plot, characterization and color. I am also delighted that she has introduced a main woman of color, one the "Society" members, providing some long overdue diversity to the genre. I listen to this book rather than read it, and found on many occasions having to rewind because word mastery is so evocative and breathtaking. I really love Ms. Adam's Book by the Bay series and hope there are still some "legs & publisher backing" on that work. If not, I will be happy to switch my allegiance to Nora, Hester, Estrella and June! Good stuff! Highly, highly recommend.

I was unfamiliar with this author but the title caught my eye and the picture sealed it. What a treat! While I felt it started a little slow compared to what I was used to, I was drawn in to the story and completely hooked a few chapters in. The individual stories of Nora, June, Hester and Estella are compelling and the circumstances that draw them together, binding them as a secret society kept the story moving forward. The end of the mystery was a nice twist - the villian is so often revealed early in the books I read so I was slow to realize what the characters were also slow to grasp. Really hope this book is the start of a long series!

Ellery Adams has delivered another well-crafted page turner that literally kept me up all night and left me impatiently awaiting book two in this new series.
Miracle Springs is a small town known for its healing hot springs and spa. But if visitors need even more assistance they need look no further the Gingerbread House’s “comfort” scones and a visit to Miracle Books.
Nora Pennington, the owner of Miracle Books, is a book therapist who chooses the books a person needs to help the healing process after listening to their story.
When one such visitor asks for recommendations but is killed in an apparent suicide before returning to Nora’s shop, she and the other members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society find themselves in the middle of a mystery and in a lot of danger.
This is everything I look for in a mystery- a picturesque location you’d love to visit, people you’d love to spend more time with, and a mystery that keeps you guessing (and staying awake well past your bedtime).
I love how the characters slowly reveal themselves throughout the pages and how you witness their bonds form. I can’t wait to get to know them better and see what the future holds for them.

This book has everything a book lover could wish for. Along with a great setting, plot, and characters, it is full of amazing book titles and book quotes which left me wanting to move to Miracles Springs, just to sit in Miracle Books and be part of the Society. I enjoyed how the plot developed with a bit of a surprise at the end. I love when a book pulls me into the story and I become invested in the character's lives and the outcome of the story. This book did that and much more. For me, I feel that Ellery Adams delivers the "bibliotherapy" she ascribes to Nora Pennington. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

The Secret, Book, & Scone Society is the first in a new mystery series by author Ellery Adams. Set in a small town in North Carolina , The Secret, Book, & Scone Society is more than just a riveting mystery novel. It is also a novel, about friendship, and trust. I started reading it this morning and finished it a few minutes ago. I just couldn't put it down ! Nora, Hester, June, and Estella are wonderful characters who come together to find out who killed a businessman visiting their town. Each one of them ha s a secret, and while working together to solve the mystery and free Estella from jail, they slowly learn to trust each other enough to share those secrets with each other, forming friendships that wil last forever. Sometimes secrets aren't meant to be kept, and by sharing their secrets not only do they learn about each other, but also the truth about themselves. If you're in the mood for a good mystery, love books, and scones, then The Secret, Book, & Scone Society is the book for you.

I would love to visit Miracle Springs and meet the women of The Secret, Book & Scone Society. I want to visit the book store, eat a special scone, get a beauty treatment and soak away my troubles in the springs. The ladies are not perfect which I find very refreshing. They all came together to solve the mysterious death of a stranger who came to town with not the best intentions. As the story unfolds, each character reveals a part of herself: a Secret, and that makes them more endearing to me. I cannot wait to read the next adventure these lovely and brave women go on.

What a great book. I loved it from the beginning. The flawed main characters who form a bond over books, scones and murder.
The small town with good and evil in it. The outsiders who bring murder and mayhem. The visitors who come seeking peace and healing. I loved all the book references, the coffee and tea drink names, the sayings on the coffee mugs. I love the twist and turns of the murder investigation and the way you were compelled to keep turning to the next page. I love that there is closure to our story and yet your are propelled into wanting to read the next book to see what happens next to our wonderful cast of characters. I can't wait to read the next in the series. This book will find its place on my shelf of favorites. Thank you Ellery for a wonderful story. Please keep them coming.

The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams is set in Miracle Springs, North Carolina which is considered a place of healing. A group of misfits form a tight bond of friendship, two murders and corrupt officials all join together to bring a wonderful story that keeps you going and guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book to anyone that has or hasn’t read anything by this author.

This story takes place in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. In this little town, we get to meet a group of women Nora, Hester, June and Estella. These ladies form a group "Secret, Book and Scone Society". This group gives the ladies companionship, trust, and friendship and maybe solve a crime. I am excited to read the remainder of the series. This is a book that you can see yourself fitting in with. It is a must read and would be a good book to read and review with your closest friends.

I was unfamiliar with this author but the title caught my eye and the picture sealed it. What a treat! While I felt it started a little slow compared to what I was used to, I was drawn in to the story and completely hooked a few chapters in. The individual stories of Nora, June, Hester and Estella are compelling and the circumstances that draw them together, binding them as a secret society kept the story moving forward. The end of the mystery was a nice twist - the villian is so often revealed early in the books I read so I was slow to realize what the characters were also slow to grasp. Really hope this book is the start of a long series!

Ellery Adams has delivered another well-crafted page turner that literally kept me up all night and left me impatiently awaiting book two in this new series.
Miracle Springs is a small town known for its healing hot springs and spa. But if visitors need even more assistance they need look no further the Gingerbread House’s “comfort” scones and a visit to Miracle Books.
Nora Pennington, the owner of Miracle Books, is a book therapist who chooses the books a person needs to help the healing process after listening to their story.
When one such visitor asks for recommendations but is killed in an apparent suicide before returning to Nora’s shop, she and the other members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society find themselves in the middle of a mystery and in a lot of danger.
This is everything I look for in a mystery- a picturesque location you’d love to visit, people you’d love to spend more time with, and a mystery that keeps you guessing (and staying awake well past your bedtime).
I love how the characters slowly reveal themselves throughout the pages and how you witness their bonds form. I can’t wait to get to know them better and see what the future holds for them.

This book has everything a book lover could wish for. Along with a great setting, plot, and characters, it is full of amazing book titles and book quotes which left me wanting to move to Miracles Springs, just to sit in Miracle Books and be part of the Society. I enjoyed how the plot developed with a bit of a surprise at the end. I love when a book pulls me into the story and I become invested in the character's lives and the outcome of the story. This book did that and much more. For me, I feel that Ellery Adams delivers the "bibliotherapy" she ascribes to Nora Pennington. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

The Secret, Book, & Scone Society is the first in a new mystery series by author Ellery Adams. Set in a small town in North Carolina , The Secret, Book, & Scone Society is more than just a riveting mystery novel. It is also a novel, about friendship, and trust. I started reading it this morning and finished it a few minutes ago. I just couldn't put it down ! Nora, Hester, June, and Estella are wonderful characters who come together to find out who killed a businessman visiting their town. Each one of them ha s a secret, and while working together to solve the mystery and free Estella from jail, they slowly learn to trust each other enough to share those secrets with each other, forming friendships that wil last forever. Sometimes secrets aren't meant to be kept, and by sharing their secrets not only do they learn about each other, but also the truth about themselves. If you're in the mood for a good mystery, love books, and scones, then The Secret, Book, & Scone Society is the book for you.

I would love to visit Miracle Springs and meet the women of The Secret, Book & Scone Society. I want to visit the book store, eat a special scone, get a beauty treatment and soak away my troubles in the springs. The ladies are not perfect which I find very refreshing. They all came together to solve the mysterious death of a stranger who came to town with not the best intentions. As the story unfolds, each character reveals a part of herself: a Secret, and that makes them more endearing to me. I cannot wait to read the next adventure these lovely and brave women go on.

What a great book. I loved it from the beginning. The flawed main characters who form a bond over books, scones and murder.
The small town with good and evil in it. The outsiders who bring murder and mayhem. The visitors who come seeking peace and healing. I loved all the book references, the coffee and tea drink names, the sayings on the coffee mugs. I love the twist and turns of the murder investigation and the way you were compelled to keep turning to the next page. I love that there is closure to our story and yet your are propelled into wanting to read the next book to see what happens next to our wonderful cast of characters. I can't wait to read the next in the series. This book will find its place on my shelf of favorites. Thank you Ellery for a wonderful story. Please keep them coming.

The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams is set in Miracle Springs, North Carolina which is considered a place of healing. A group of misfits form a tight bond of friendship, two murders and corrupt officials all join together to bring a wonderful story that keeps you going and guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book to anyone that has or hasn’t read anything by this author.

This story takes place in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. In this little town, we get to meet a group of women Nora, Hester, June and Estella. These ladies form a group "Secret, Book and Scone Society". This group gives the ladies companionship, trust, and friendship and maybe solve a crime. I am excited to read the remainder of the series. This is a book that you can see yourself fitting in with. It is a must read and would be a good book to read and review with your closest friends.

Nora comes to Miracle Springs to try to rebuild her shattered life. She has always loved books and believes that they can heal a person's body and soul. This is a journey of 4 women who come to depend on each other for strength and a safe place to bear their secrets on the road to healing. Along their journey they become entangled with a crime they set out to solve . I look forward to more time with this group. Another great one by Ellery.

This was a little different of a cozy. The author said in a book club she likes to think of it as a "mutt". This has different elements than most cozies. There were deep issues each of the women were dealing with that was their secrets. These women connect over that. I loved the different references to different genre authors and books she used. Wasn't expecting that.

A story about female friendship, secrets, being hurted and healing. And a mystery as well. This is not the typical cozy mystery, it's darker and sometimes the mystery plot takes the backseat.
Friendship and healing matters as much as finding the culprit. It made me cry sometimes as I was able to recognize myself in some small details.
It is strongly advised if you want a mystery with some food for thought.