First in the mystery series from the New York Times-bestselling author: “Anyone who loves novels that revolve around books will savor this tasty treat.”—Library Journal (starred review) A quirky club in small-town North Carolina holds the keys to health, happiness, friendship—and even solving a murder—all to be found within the pages of the right book… book…
Strangers flock to Miracle Springs hoping the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. If none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked “comfort” scone, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That’s Nora’s special talent—prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person’s deepest pain. So when a visiting businessman reaches out for guidance, Nora knows exactly how to help. But before he can keep their appointment, he’s found dead on the train tracks.
Stunned, Nora forms 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. Now, determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman’s demise, the women meet in Nora’s cozy bookstore. And as they untangle a web of corruption, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge—proving it’s never too late to turn the page and start over…
“Adams kicks off a new series featuring strong women, a touch of romance and mysticism, and both the cunning present-day mystery and the slowly revealed secrets of the intriguing heroines’ pasts.”—Kirkus Reviews
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The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams was a strong beginning to a new series. It was more than a cozy mystery as Ms. Adams combined very detailed descriptions of the four main women characters in the book. I thought of this book as a combination mystery and women’s fiction.
Nora, Hester, Estella and June are some of the strongest, determined and loneliest women I have ever met in a book. Their stories as they are revealed during the mystery had me tearing up and cheering them on as their friendships strengthened. The plot was smoothly paced, the suspects were corrupt and sadly realistic in this current time. There were plenty of twists to keep me turning the pages as I never did quite figure out what was behind the murders until the reveal. Ms. Adams detail of Miracle Springs, North Carolina makes me want to visit and enjoy the spa with June, get a makeover with Estella, eat one of Hester’s “special” scones, and visit Nora for a “bibliotherapist” session. The mystery was wrapped up; but I am so curious about Jed’s past and the young mystery woman who appeared at the end of the book. I’m am already anxious to read the next one in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own. Thank you Kensington for allowing me to read and review this remarkable book.
If you’ve ever read Alice Hoffman and loved her books, then I have a piece of fiction you will enjoy.
This book about four women, all with secrets, trying to just live their lives in this small town in Miracle Springs, North Carolina.
You’ll meet Nora, Estella, Hester and June.
Estella would love to escape the town she grew up in whereas the other women have all moved there hoping for something better. Three have left their pasts behind where as Estella tries her best to play up the past and be outrageous. You’ll meet the men and they play a part but the women pull you in.
It’s small place, quiet, safe and a place people come to relax and try the healing springs. But a murder or suicide has happened and it affects the women because it is brushed off as not mattering……but it matters to these four.
Nora has a quaint bookstore and recommends books according to a person’s needs. Hester bakes the best scones and fills each one with memories through the flavors. June works at the spa and and interacts with the guests as Estella does her part working in the salon making each person over. Until the death unites the four into risking everything to bring justice.
The community has a sheriff with his own agenda, a banker, and a group of investors all interested in keeping the death low priority. Meanwhile the town carries on with a new housing plan, tourists still visiting for the sprungs and beautiful vista.
The smells, flavors, scenery, and vibe of a small place pull you in and you imagine staying a while. And a secret bookclub with homemade pastries and quiet conversation and new friends……yes, I’ll move there!
And beyond the whimsy is a solid plot involving murders, greed, taking chances and love.
So find a cozy spot to sit and make sure you have a pastry or scone near by. Grab a blanket, light a candle and sink into this book.
I can’t wait to tead her next book!
A terrific start to a series built on an intriguing premise: 4 women, each marked by a traumatic past, work together to investigate crimes in their seemingly-idyllic NC community, using their individual skills as well as the power of the group, and healing themselves in the process. I love the “cozy mystery” for its emphasis on strong women and the power of the community; this series debut by an experienced author shows that the cozy leaves plenty of room to dig deeply into character, and to probe the depth of understanding that painful experiences can give. There are plenty of light moments, esp in the bookshop, as the women get to know each other. I’m eager for the next book!
This book is the first in a new mystery series and it is different from the author’s other series. I enjoyed the setting, the town of Miracle is a place where people travel to help heal from physical or mental scars. The four main characters all have hidden secrets and trust issues but become friends to try and solve the mystery. Since this is the first in the series much of the book deals with the background of the characters and the mystery is rather weak. The mystery was easy to solve but there were a few twists. It was not a who did but more of a why and how they did it. The background of the characters was interesting. I found the book to be darker than the usual cozies I read. It was a very quick read and since it ended with a cliff hanger I look for word to reading the next one. This is a series that should be read in order.
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.
There are so many things I want to say about this book. It’s hard to know where to begin. I read this book with a highlighter in hand. A novel. With a highlighter. That should tell you something about the insight that Ellery Adams’ words provide throughout these pages.
The Secret, Book, and Scone Society is the first installment in a new series. Nora Pennington is a broken soul who seeks a new start and a life of solitude in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. When a visiting businessman is murdered, Nora feels she must seek justice for this man. Along the way she finds a group of damaged justice seekers who walk along side her and become something she never thought she’d have again – friends.
You are missing out if you don’t pick up a copy of this book as soon as possible. Here are my top reasons to read it.
Ellery Adams Takes You Deep
Adams has a way of writing that takes you beyond where you go in a typical cozy mystery. She challenges the reader and invites you in on the incredible journey of Nora and her new found friends.
The Movie That Will Play in your Head While You Read
The imagery painted within these pages will have a movie playing in your head as you read along. The scenes come alive and the characters and words spring to life before you. Warning: This will make the book quite difficult to put down as you progress deeper in.
It is a perfect book to read with friends
Are you a part of a book club? Have you and your friends been waiting to find the right book to read together? This is the one. There are so many elements that would make for great discussion with others. And I bet they will not only have you talking about the issues in the book, but segwaying into issues in your own lives that you’ve been needing an outlet to discuss in. I’m an online book club girl, but this book seriously had me wondering who I knew locally who may be up for a book chat. It’s that good.Needing some “me time” to just relax?
One of those days where you get home, take a bubble bath, and crack open a glass of wine? This book would make the perfect addition to your festivities. This book is entertaining, witty, and sure to keep you captivated.
Review first published at:
https://cozyexperience.com/reasons-to-read-the-secret-book-and-scone-society/
This was a fabulous read, if I could give it more than five stars I would. I kept putting the book down while I was reading it, not because I couldn’t get into it but because I didn’t want it to end. It pulled me in and I wanted to stay there and get to know the characters more. I so wanted to visit Miracle Springs and have a custom made scone and then go to Miracle Books and have a session with Nora wondering what books she would choose to help me. In this first book of the series you’ll meet an array of characters who will touch your heart and have you wanting to be part of the secret society. I’ve always loved books and this one gave me a greater respect for the healing powers that they hold. The secrets told varied, but all were revealing moments and gave me a better grasp of who each character truly was not just who they portrayed themselves to be. I learned that true friendship offers a healing balm to those who trust and believe in it. This book wasn’t just a mystery but a beginning to some wonderful friendships. I so look forward to seeing what happens next with this group of women and how ready they are to step out of their comfort zones.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Okay. This book was magic. I have a book hangover.
*Note- There will be no spoilers. I don’t believe in writing reviews with spoilers.*
Good Lord. Not every author has the gift of bringing out emotions so thoroughly, but Ellery is definitly one of the best. She really just reaches into your soul and pulls everything out. Case in point, I had only hit page 7 and my tear ducts were at work.
There are several serious moments throughout the book but it makes it more realistic. Miracle Springs is a place where souls go to heal, and the book centers around four women who form the “society” and become friends in order to solve a strangers murder that the police department shove under the rug. Hester is the baker, Nora the bookstore owner, June the spa worker and Estella the hairdresser. Nora suggests that they all have to share their secrets in order to trust each other.
As each secret is revealed we understand more about the character and why they haven’t made friends in Miracle Springs.
I loved the character growths in the book. Not only the progression from almost strangers to great friends, but I felt like they each grew stronger throughout the book.
The names of the beverages that Nora offers at her bookshop are fantastic! The Wilkie Collins (cappuccino) and the Agatha ChrisTea (Earl Grey) to name a few.
Let’s talk about Jed. He’s delicious. He also happens to deliver my favorite quote in the book: Your scars make you different, yes. But they’re not all I see when I look at you. To me, they just add another dimension to your beauty. (I melted)
I love that Nora has the ability to talk to someone for a few minutes and put together a booklist for them. I think that’s the best superpower!
The descriptions of food throughout the book are mouthwatering. Hester’s comfort scones sound devine. If I had to choose my flavors for the best comfort scone for me, it would be a lemon scone with blueberry drizzle to bring forth memories of my late best friend.
When an author has the ability to pull you into the story so thoroughly that you forget what you’re doing(for example: cooking on the grill), that’s magic. I finished the book in one day, and it is on my “read again” shelf. There’s no other way to say it, the book was magic.
People flock to Miracle Springs, North Carolina seeking its healing powers. Often these people find their way to Miracle Books to ask Nora Pennington to recommend books to help with their problems. Nora often suggested they visited Gingerbread House to purchase a Comfort Scone to eat while they read the books she suggests. This is what happens when Nora meets visiting businessman, who wanted to discuss this need to correct his wrong doings. Before the gentleman could return to the bookstore something horrible happens. Feeling a strong desire to find out the truth about what really happened to the gentleman Nora and 3 other Miracle Springs residents start their own investigation. During their investigation, they not only find clues to what happened but they find friendship in one another, a friendship strong enough to help each one heal from their own emotional injuries.
Author Ellery Adams has created a place I’d love to visit. Being an avid cozy reader, this book was just right up my alley. I would love to visit Miracle Books, to pursue the shelves of books and vintage gifts. I could see myself sitting in one of the reading nooks to looking through the treasures I found. Along with the lovely setting, the book is well-written with flawed but strong female characters. There are enough red-herrings to keep you guessing who was behind to murders and all the other mysterious things going on in Miracle Springs. This book shows the importance of having someone in your life to confide in, someone who will listen without judgment.
I recommend this book to mystery lovers and look forward to the next book in the series.
**I was provided with an ARC of this book with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the first book in a new series by Ellery Adams . It was just as enchanting to read as is looking at the cover of the book.
We get to meet four powerful, and damaged women living in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. A town known where people travel to for healing.
When a man is found dead these four women decide to search for answers and the truth.
I have read Ellery Adams other series and love them, but this to me is her best.
A story how very different individuals can form friendships.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Fun read that kept me interested every minute.
A nice story to a new series! Sounds like a lovely town and bookstore to visit. Already interested in getting to the next story! I enjoyed it
One of the best books I’ve read this year! Well developed characters that by the end of the book you feel as if you’ve known them forever and a well though out murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. I highly recommend this book!
The Secret, Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams is the first book in Miracle Springs, North Carolina series. Nora Pennington owns Miracle Books in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. The town is known to be a place of healing and Nora is known locally as a bibliotherapist. A man in the park wishes Nora‘s help, so she suggests that he pick up a comfort scone from Gingerbread House and come to her shop. Before he can get to Nora for assistance, Neil Parrish is found dead on the train tracks. When the police rule it a suicide, Nora along with Estella, June and Hester form The Secret, Book and Scone Society. Their purpose is get the truth about the man’s demise. They delve into Neil’s life to uncover what could have gotten him killed. They knew he came to town ahead of his partner’s and he was wrestling with a problem. When the four ladies meet to discuss what they have uncovered, each member of the group reveals the secret that brought them to Miracle Springs. These four women band together to get justice for one man and find themselves embroiled in a corruption scandal. The best thing to come out of this is four lone woman find friendship, love and acceptance.
The Secret, Book and Scone Society is well-written and engaging. My attention was captured right away with Nora’s description. I found the four main characters to be personable yet flawed from life’s tragedy. They were fleshed out and given life—very realistic. Each one is unique. There are also some characters (namely Sheriff Todd Hendricks) that readers will really dislike and wish to maim. I did not like how the police treated women in this book (I know it was part of the story, but it was offensive). I liked the description of the town, the Gingerbread House, Nora’s home (it is in a red train caboose) and, most especially, Miracle Books. My rating for The Secret, Book and Scone Society is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The book contained more cozy elements than mystery. I was hoping for a more complex whodunit (like is Ms. Adams Murder in the Mystery Suite). I did like the authors use of misdirection in this book.
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.
This is the best book I’ve had the pleasure of reading all year. With wonderfully developed characters who feel like friends, a cozy small town you can’t wait to visit, and a page turning mystery to be solved, this book has all the necessary ingredients for a great read. I was sad to finish it and end my time with four great ladies for now. But it’s going back in my TBR pile for a second read.
When a visiting businessman turns up dead, four women who spend their lives as loners come together to learn the truth about his death. Their time together requires them to do something they haven’t done in a long time, trust. But by divulging their secrets to each other, they learn to trust again and build the foundation for a wonderful friendship. Together they become an unstoppable team fighting for justice.
The characters are so well written they feel like close, personal friends. My only regret is that Miracle Springs is not a real place where I can read books, eat scones, and get to know these ladies better.
Welcome to Miracle Springs! Right from the beginning I was taken to a place of cozy happiness. From the bakery to the bookstore (where I could almost smell the books on the shelves and the coffee in the air). I could picture myself strolling down the streets, seeing the sights and hearing the sounds of a quaint city.
With each turn of the book’s pages I was brought into the lives of 4 soon to be friends. Each woman was brought to the town for a different reason, but all sharing a common thread of a troubling secret. As the women open up to one another, they begin to form a bond. With the twists and turns throughout the book the “society” help one another while trying to help figure out how a businessman, suspected of committing suicide, really ended up dead.
This book really explained the characters by providing the reader with insight into each one’s “secret” past. The author has now laid a firm foundation for future books. I personally am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and hope that they are just as fulfilling as this one has been.
Really enjoyed this book because of the characters who are more than they appear to be on the surface, and look forward to reading the next in series.
Story Time Reviews with Oliver and Parker
3 1/2’s
The Secret, Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams
Oliver and I enjoyed this cozy mystery. There were many positives like the slight twist on a usual premise, the healing power of books and comfort food that provides happy memories. All 4 of the women in the “society” have faced trauma and obstacles in their life. The strength they find in overcoming the past helps them empathize with others and move them to be advocates for a man who can no longer speak for himself. Obviously, as in many cozy mysteries, there were elements that were difficult to believe. And Oliver found the male character, Jed’s, sudden love for Nora a bit unrealistic especially because both of them are supposedly damaged and find trust difficult.
But for an enjoyable Friday evening read, Oliver gives this book 3.5 ’s and we will be reading the next one in the series!
I loved this book, and bought the next two in the series. It’s beautifully written, believable story, with true to life characters. This is one author whose books you can read more than once!