In the new Secret, Book, and Scone Society novel from New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams, the rain in Miracle Springs, North Carolina, has been relentless—and a flood of trouble is about to be unleashed . . . As the owner of Miracle Books, Nora Pennington figures all the wet weather this spring is at least good for business. The local inns are packed with stranded travelers, and … with stranded travelers, and among them Nora finds both new customers and a new friend, the sixtysomething Sheldon, who starts helping out at the store.
Since a little rain never hurt anyone, Nora rides her bike over to the flea market one sodden day and buys a bowl from Danny, a Cherokee potter. It’ll make a great present for Nora’s EMT boyfriend, but the next day, a little rain turns into a lot of rain, and the Miracle River overflows it banks. Amid the wreckage of a collapsed footbridge, a body lies within the churning water.
Nora and the sheriff both doubt the ruling of accidental drowning, and Nora decides it’s time for the Secret, Book, and Scone Society to spring into action. When another body turns up, it becomes clearer that Danny’s death can’t be blamed on a natural disaster. A crucial clue may lie within the stone walls of the Inn of Mist and Roses: a diary, over a century old and spattered with candle wax, that leads Nora and her friends through a maze of intrigue—and onto the trail of a murderer . . .
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Dollycas’s Thoughts
Secret, Book, and Scone Society Members
Nora, the owner of Miracle Books, tries to heal people woes with a unique set of books she personally selects 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”.
June works at the hot springs spa where people come to rejuvenate themselves.
Estella is a beautician who tries to help her clients find their true selves.
The rain keeps falling in Miracle Springs and it is putting a damper on everything, but customers are searching for refuge in the shops, like Miracle Books.
Nora tries to keep up with her errands but the weather sure isn’t conducive to someone with only a bicycle to get her around. I really have to give Nora props through. She dons her rain gear and heads to the local flea market to purchase shelf enhancers. The current crush of buyers is clearing them as well as books from her shelves. There she meets Cherokee Danny, a phenomenal potter and snaps up a bowl that will make a fine present for her boyfriend. She also fills her backpack with a few shelf enhancers too. Sadly she takes a tumble on the way home and the bowl gets chipped. She heads back to the flea market the next day but the potter is absent. On her way home, she travels near a footbridge that has collapsed due to the heavy rains. She peers over the side and finds the missing potter among the footbridge wreckage.
Accident or murder? The Secret, Book, and Scone Society decides to find out. When another body is found there is no doubt the deaths are connected and definitely not accidental. Then an interesting clue is found in a surprising place and the Society steps up their game to solve the mystery before any more bodies spring up.
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The woman of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society all have their own strengths and come together not only to support each other but to help others too. Ms. Adams has given these women so much depth while allowing the room to grow not only within the book but over the series. They are flawed and realistic. Their friendship and compassion are things to envy. Readers, like me, quickly get invested in their lives and cheer and hope their trials can be conquered. The way they take on trying to find a killer at that same time just shows all the strengths.
I do have to mention a new character, Sheldon Silverstein Vega. He just kinda popped up in this story and stole my heart. He has his own trials, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, but he is a jovial man and a perfect addition to this series. I hope we see much more of him in future stories.
In The Book of Candlelight, Native American lore plays a huge part and part of that folklore has become part of my everyday life not knowing where it originated. Cardinals have always been my favorite bird and that is quite evident to anyone looking around our home. I have collected prints, plates, figurines, magnets, etc. my entire adult life. We even had a live pair nest in a tree in the backyard of one of our homes and we have always put out seed to welcome them to our yard wherever that may be. When my son died I was told that the red cardinal is believed to bring messages from our loved one in the spirit world, so I always watch for them. Now I know that belief came from Native American folklore.
The red bird is very important to potter, Cherokee Danny and it plays a significant part in finding his killer. The clues are placed liberally throughout the book but there are also many red herrings too. Like Nora and her friends, I was spinning my wheels for most of the story. There are many events that need to fit into a theory and it wasn’t until an important clue is revealed that things started to fall into place. I really enjoyed the way the author plotted this story in a way that kept me guessing until the very end. Her vivid descriptions really brought the people, times, and places to life.
I loved everything about The Book of Candlelight. Engaging characters and a marvelous mystery. I was anxious to get to the end to find out the guilty party but at the same time didn’t want the story to end. Even with the rain Miracle Springs, North Carolina is a fantastic place to visit.
This is the first book of 2020 to receive my Paradise Rating because I think it deserves more than 5 stars!
Have you ever read a book that you immediately connected with on so many levels that it made you cry with happiness? The Book of Candlelight was that book for me. I felt so connected to it that I inhaled the book in less than 24 hours and already plan to re-read it many times.
This book gave me hope that a particular family member will find his way back on the path he should be leading. This book gave me comfort that there are people out there who do sympathize and understand what living with a chronic illness that is not visible to the naked eye is like. This book gave me happiness in that friendships can be made from the smallest connection and treasured.
If you find yourself going through a rough patch or need comfort I highly suggest The Secret Book and Scone Society series by Ellery Adams. You may find Nora is able to give you some bibliotherapy. The entire series is one of the best out there but The Book of Candlelight has become my absolute favorite and will make the top of my top ten books for 2020.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
The Book of Candlelight by Ellery Adams is the third A Secret, Book and Scone Society Novel. It can easily be read on its own for those new to this charming cozy mystery series. Nora Pennington started life over in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. Nora owns Miracle Books, lives in a cute caboose, has four close friends and a handsome EMT boyfriend. The continual rain has tourists hitting the shops. Nora is run off her feet with customers. While she is enjoying the increased revenue, Nora is worn out plus her shelves are barren. Nora discovers the body of Cherokee Danny in the Miracle River among the footbridge wreckage. She is baffled as to why anyone would kill the kindly potter. Nora along with June, Hester and Estella make up the Secret, Book and Scone Society. They meet each week to chat, discuss books and solve the occasional crime. I like the diverse cast of characters in The Book of Candlelight. Each of the four women have issues from their past that trouble them. I like how close these women have become and that they are there for each other. They help each other out, are supportive of one other and how they help others. The mystery was intriguing with two murders for the ladies to solve. Native American folklore played into the mystery especially the symbolism of the red bird. I like that the mystery tied into the past. The author created an interesting whodunit with an abundance of clues to help readers identify the guilty party. There were additional mysterious elements in The Book of Candlelight with the cagey man in the white t-shirt and someone who was committing outrageous crimes (hate crimes). Sheldon Silverstein Vega is a new character and he is absolutely delightful. He is over-the-top with a friendly demeanor. The poor man suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia which causes him untold pain at times. I like Sheldon and understood his pain as I have the same conditions. I am glad that Sheldon will be staying in Miracle Springs because I want to see more of this extrovert. I loved the clever banned book display Sheldon created. It was unique and brings attention to the various (sometimes idiotic) reasons a book may be banned. The Book of Candlelight is an emotional and realistic story that was over far too soon. There is about a dozen bad words (aka foul language) in this book which surprised me. I am not used to finding foul language in books written by this author. I loved the literary references in the story. Book lover will find them appealing. The Book of Candlelight is a charming whodunit with banned books, a gregarious gentleman, a discovered diary, an ingenious exhibition, spooky symbolism, and four familiar friends.
Rain, rain, go away. Springtime in Miracle Springs, North Carolina brings flooding rains and a death to solve for the four spirited amateur sleuths who call themselves the Secret, Book, and Scone Society. Author Ellery Adams expertly pens the third story of this series, and I was enthralled from beginning to end.
Protagonist, Nora Pennington, bookshop owner and bibliotherapist has gathered a close group of women around her—June, Hester, and Estella. Each woman shares their special gift of service to others and are inspiring to each other.
Native American folklore plays an intricate role in this plot, especially the red cardinal believed to bring messages from the spirit world. Clues are tucked into practically every chapter keeping the pace lively and the characters busy trying to solve not one, but two murders.
The history mentioned is interesting and blends seamlessly with the murder mystery. New character, Sheldon, is sure to become a favorite for fans of this series. There are shocking scenes, tender scenes, sad scenes, happy scenes, and humor appears in the dialogue. I realized who the murderer was shortly before the author reveal and explanation of motive. The Book of Candlelight is everything this book lover hopes for in a cozy mystery. I highly recommend the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series to mystery fans! NOTE: Contains a bit of bad language.
I honestly reviewed a galley arc provided by Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
This is not your average cozy mystery. Ellery Adams has a gift for creating unique and magical worlds and Miracle Springs is no exception. The characters and their worlds are flawed and broken. They come with a vulnerability that draws you in. The book challenges you and makes you think about the world around you in a different way.
This is the third book in the series and I am completely hooked. Author Ellery Adams has penned what I consider to be more of a women’s fiction series than a cozy mystery series. No matter what genre you consider the series, the story is a terrific read that will transport readers to Miracle Springs, and continue the journey of four amazing women as they pick up the pieces of their lives and build strong relationships and new beginnings. Nora, June, Estella, and Hester are all different women but their strong connection and friendship are at the heart of this series and these stories. Their stories seamlessly intertwine and their connection makes the story engaging, inviting the reader to sit and get to know each of them as they blossom in their new lives. There are some new characters that I hope to stay around for more books in the series because I think they add to the overall richness of the secondary cast of characters.
Unfortunately, Nora is once again pulled into a murder mystery after finding the body of a local artist whom she recently met. I love Nora’s character; she has a strong sense of self and in this case a strong sense of gaining justice for this victim. There are several instances, including some vandalism and another murder and Nora tries to figure out if or how they are connected. The mystery is well done and has its roots steeped in the genealogy of a local family and an inn located in Miracle Springs. I was surprised and the identity of the suspects and like how the author tied up the murders and acts of vandalism.
This is a terrific series and if I didn’t have a day job it probably would have been a one day read for me. Whenever I pick up a book in this series I become emersed in the story and lost in the characters. Definitely a sign of a series and author I want to read. I will be back for as many more books and this author writes about these women and this town.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
I have book hangover.
This is, hands down, my favorite “new” series. I knew from the first book that this was going to be a special series and that feeling grew with book 2, but this book has cemented just how amazing and special this series truly is. While classified a cozy mystery, this for me, is what I call a “borderline cozy” or a more “adult” cozy – it delves into adult themes, adult issues, secrets [and the damage they can and do cause] and more. The books do not shy away from anything and at times, what is going on around the 4 women in these books is almost as, if not more than, important than the murders itself. And these books do what few books have done for me as of late – it makes me want to have a circle of friends like Nora has. What these women have in this book is what many of us dream of – women who love and support and care for us [and vice versa] with no questions [or very few] asked and with so much caring and tenderness. Even a snarky old introvert such as myself craves this. I don’t need a huge circle [which is good because I am down to 1 and should she ever take a hike I will be lost], but to have several good, caring people? That is the dream. And that is also what makes these books so appealing – the idea that people ARE caring, WILL work together, DO love each other in spite of the spots, warts and bad tempers. These books give us hope.
I like the respect that these women have for each other, for those they know, and for the local police. They truly don’t try to solve mysteries – stuff just happens. And Nora is quick to pass the info on to the police chief [and who doesn’t hope that they get together? Don’t get me wrong, I like Jed. Think he’s a great guy. But he is not for Nora. At all. ] and she does try to walk away.
I like Sheldon. A lot. I was a bit discomfited at how quickly Nora trusted him and brought him into the circle [and still am to be honest. I like Sheldon a lot and think he is a great character, but it was just so uncharacteristic of Nora, that that part felt so off-centering. I am just not 100% sure about that part], but I do like the addition of him and I L O V E that the author is delving into someone who has a chronic pain issue and how that makes it nearly impossible to work a job that doesn’t have some leeway. I love how Sheldon is very real about his illness and how cranky he is when he is “down” [and that all felt so very familiar]. It went on to reinforce just how real these books feel – much more than most cozies. To quote my Mom; “It is nice to have a cozy that isn’t just so silly”. And that is it exactly.
This was a good [and very sad] mystery. I had the “who” figured out before the end, but not the total “why” and so the reveal was very good. And sad. Geesh. The history of this country continues to haunt us and we MUST learn from our past. That is absolutely shown there.
I certainly hope that there are more of these books – I just love the time I spend with these women.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“The Book of Candlelight” by Ellery Adams is the eagerly-awaited third book in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society series, and it is perfect! The series is centered upon Nora, a woman with scars both physical and emotional. Nora runs a bookshop and often helps customers heal from emotional trauma by suggesting just the right mix of books. In addition to running her business, she encounters multiple mysterious situations in this installment: murder, a strange man who seems to be stalking her, a long-hidden object, and a missing personal item.
Many cozy series tend to bog down at around this point, but Ms. Adams’ series just keeps getting stronger and better. This is primarily due to the impressive depth of her character development. In addition to the main character, each of her group of close friends (and even some more secondary characters) are given fully-fledged personalities that grow and change from book to book. I look forward to learning more about each person as the series moves forward.
The mysteries (there are multiples in this story) are well-plotted, with enough clues and information provided to the reader to keep things interesting, but never enough to make the answer obvious. The more serious crimes may or may not be intertwined, and there’s also the mysterious stranger that has been spotted around town. In addition, Nora makes some new friends and takes an interest in a local inn that is being renovated. As part of this storyline, we unravel a mystery from the past along with Nora, which adds an interesting element to the book.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a couple of other great things!
1. Sheldon, a new character in town, with an intriguing personality. He also enjoys naming cats, which I think will be relevant in future books.
2. Nora and Jed’s evolving relationship. Nora is giving serious thought to the nature of this relationship, and sees something that makes her ask some questions. Kudos to the author for the way she lets Nora handle this situation!
3. The dogs. Pets don’t play a huge role in this series, but I was happy to see what is happening with Henry Higgins (Jed’s dog) and another dog taken in by a member of the police force.
Honestly, I can’t offer high enough praise for “The Book of Candlelight”. It includes everything a cozy is expected to have, but brings so much more to the table. This is one of those rare cozy series that I would happily read without the mystery. I would enjoy simply reading more about the lives of the characters, and the daily non-murder-related happenings in Nora’s business and town.
Overall, five out of five chunks of perfect Gouda!
I received a free physical copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
Book Hangover. That’s probably descriptive enough. This is the third book in the Secret, Book and Scone Society series and it’s easily the best. The characters have all developed beautifully and I love the addition of Sheldon, the grandfatherly figure. He adds such a great dynamic to the story and I do hope he becomes a permanent fixture.
Miracle Springs sounds like such a beautiful place. I can’t wait to catch up again with the Society in the next installment.
Ellery Adams is easily my favorite author and her books never disappoint. This book definitely runs the gamut of emotions and I think that’s why it’s so phenomenal. To have a story bring you in and hold you captive is truly remarkable. I don’t think any review can do justice to this story.
I could NOT put this book down. This series keeps getting better and better. You can read this one alone and totally love it, but I also recommend reading books 1 and 2 because they are so good. As you read this book, you realize that these are the characters that have been missing from so many other stories. The Book of Candlelight has everything going for it — Many characters (more than just a few), suspense, secrets, history, twists & turns, excitement & sadness, growth & friendship. I am going to read it a second time right away,partly because I don’t want it to end, but also because there is so much that I know I will realize and experience the second time around.
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my fair and honest review.
The 3rd book in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series, The Book of Candlelight was an awesome addition to the second book in the series I still eed to read the first book. I hope there are many more books coming in this series, I absolutely love Nora and her friends. I found it hard to put this book down, this author is able to pull you in and not let go. I certainly would recommend this series to those that enjoy cozy mysteries.
The Book of Candlelight is the third installment in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society cozy mystery series by Ellery Adams and like a fine wine, this series is getting better with age. Each book shows the characters growing into better friends, lets readers learn more about the four ladies, and introduces more of the town Miracle Springs.
In this third installment, a local artist is murdered and Nora and her friends are determined to find answers. Between a week of rain, the Inn of Mist and Roses, hidden books, and the inn’s history, I got very gothic vibes from this installment. While Nora and her friends try to help find out who the murderer is, they, too, become victims of acts of vandalism. Are the murders and vandalism connected? You’ll have to read to find out!
There is not much I have not liked about this series. There was one character who had a problem that I thought was resolved a bit too quickly in this third book, but other than that I enjoyed the mystery and being able to spend more time with the females who remind me of myself and my friends. Adams has a way of writing that pulls the reader in, making them forget they are just looking at words on a page and instead making them feel like they are hanging out with their friends. I enjoyed the addition of Sheldon who I hope sticks around for more books.
Unfortunately, I finished this book in about three sittings (it would have been less if I didn’t have a job). It was that good. I just had to learn what happened next. I say “unfortunately” because I was given an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review which means that I am now done with the book before it is even officially available and now I have to wait even longer until the next installment.
Of the three, so far, in this wonderful series, this is my new favorite. First off, this series is best read in order so the reader gets to know the ladies of the secret, book and scone society. Each carries a deep secret inside, one they don’t ever want to share. That is, until they meet each other thanks to Nora and her bookstore, Miracle Books, housed in a converted train station. As the women – June, Estella and Hester. Each woman has a gift and Nora’s gift is bibliotherapy, her ability to match books with people in need of healing. Each has shared their secret with the others and their bond is strong. They have each others backs. They support each other any way possible and this time it’s a really rough go for one of them.
Helping others has stretched Nora a bit thin but help turns up in the form of Sheldon, my new favorite character. I hereby declare that he must be in every future book. He’s a real keeper. Not only is he a very comforting person, the thought of his Cuban coffee and Cuban sandwiches make my mouth water. He comes to work part time for Nora and they make an awesome team.
There is much sadness when two very likable young men are murdered, one leaving his young widow just as they find out she is pregnant. What do the two men have in common? Who is targeting Nora, June, Estella and Hester with acts of vandalism and why? Most importantly, what ties all of these current events to Rose, a beautiful woman from the Civil War? It will take the combined efforts of these clever ladies to untangle the various threads that will lead them to a killer. As for the ending – I won’t give anything away but I turned the last page with a sigh of satisfaction. I can’t wait to read book #4.
The latest addition to what is a book lover cozy series “Secret, Book & Scone Society” by Ellery Adams and published by Kensington Books will thrill readers with its intricate design and flawless writing, and a mystery that will have them reeling.
At first, it seems like a tragic accident, but after looking at it again, Nora knows it’s murder. The question of who, and why, need to be answered. These are questions that book three in this book lover cozy needs resolved, and they are, with skill, intrigue, and excitement. Many answers to these questions reside in the past. The murder of Danny finds Nora and company drawn into a past fraught with secrets and love.
Characters in this story are lovely in mind and spirit, compassionate and honest. They draw a reader in and make us want to have them as friends and neighbors. Nora is intelligent and sensitive; she is the kind of friend we all want and need. The addition of Sheldon to the series is marvelous. He is a fantastic worker and keeps Nora on the straight and narrow. He adds humor and depth to an already impressive series. This book is a book lover cozy, meaning Nora’s book shop features prominently throughout.
The suspects are intriguing, and none seem to be overly harsh or hateful. The interactions between the female characters are heartwarming in a world where women are pitted against each other for no apparent reason. Their friendship becomes more profound and more loving. They are more like a family who truly cares about each other than just friends and neighbors.
The Book Of Candlelight is a wonderful story, and readers who enjoy cozies set mainly in a bookstore will love this new addition to the series. Even if they haven’t read any of the other books, readers will have a difficult time putting this one down.
I love this series! I started this book and spent a wonderful afternoon in the mountains of North Carolina with Nora, June, Estella and Hester along with some new characters. Sheldon, a man visiting town, volunteers to help Nora in Miracle Books one afternoon and is a great addition; as well as Lou and Patty, the new owners of the Inn of Mist and Roses. This story had a current story line and also a secret from the past that comes to light throughout the story. It was interesting to see how the two would tie together. I am a big fan of this author and this series and I hope that there will be many more books.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
WOW!! The Book Of Candlelight is the third book in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society by Ellery Adams. I love this series and this book is her best work. Nora and her friends are strong, flawed and relatable. They support each other. I would love to be part of their group, spend time in the town of Miracle Springs and be able to stroll through Miracle Books.
A local artist is found dead and the diary found at the Inn of Mist and Roses is needed to help Nora and her friends find the guilty person or persons.
Love Sheldon and hope he continues to be part of Miracle Springs.
A wonderful read that will not disappoint.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions expressed are my own.
contemporary, women-s-fiction, support-system, suspense, friendship, small-business, small-town
Devastating rains and flooding impact the lives of the four women who have survived their own personal trials and tribulations and now help others in uncanny ways. There is a new member of their group, and he is as reticent to share his problems as are the others. Things seem difficult enough, but then there is the first body. Misadventure or worse? Very interesting sleuthing and results!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley.
This is the *best* book so far in this series! While I love the original characters of the Secret, Book, & Scone Society, I find the addition of Sheldon (think KFC’s Colonel) to add an interesting element. Ellery’s characters are so real, with their real-life problems. Day after day of rain makes this story even more real to me, living in an area where it can rain for days on end. The genealogical / history element and how it all converges at the end is really intriguing to me. I’m forgetting more than I remember to write here – but I must say, this book had me captivated, one that I couldn’t wait to read every night. I cannot WAIT for the next book to see how the new characters all play out. I think you will love this book as much as I did!
The Book Of Candlelight by Ellery Adams is by far the best one yet. You have the same main characters and then you are introduced to new delightful people and pray they are not involved in the crazy. I literally lost time reading this book both evenings that I sat down to read. The story Miss Adams weaves will take you away from your life while the book is in your hands. As always The Book of Candlelight may be read as a stand-alone as there is enough backstory to get you through but why miss the whole lovely series?? Highly recommend to anyone new or old to Miss Adams books.
I love Ellery Adams’ writing and this book is no different. It’s just a good book. I couldn’t put it down.