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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I read the first three of this series back to back and then stopped. I really enjoyed the characters and their backstories. This first story was OK but slightly laboured. I wanted it to get back to the characters. The second two are better in this regard. However my main frustration was with inconsistencies. Whoever edited this book should be fired. So many things that weren’t caught. For instance the author makes a point of saying how the main character doesn’t have time to put her bicycle helmet on before riding. But then she gets in to an accident where the helmet “saved her life”. Things like this cropped up on several occasions and I must admit it did distract from my enjoyment. All in all a sweet series for passing away the time.
I’m not usually into old lady cozies, but hers was very well written. I bought the second in the series.
It was a light easy read. Definitely a cozy mystery but cute.
The people in this book were struggling in very different ways, and the story gathered them together to make each one stronger, and begin to heal the hurts each had to claim….it is a story of quiet heroes, and we all probably know, or are,
some of these people….
I loved this book! It was a fun read with quite interesting and unique characters. Can’t wait to read the next book!
Loved it.
Loved these characters and the setting for the story.
A great start for an entertaining series
The most important thing I could tell you is, read this book. It is a reader’s delight. There are quotes and book mentions that will have you taking a delightful stroll down memory lane. The story is awesome! I love books that really let me meet the characters and getting to know them, faults, warts and all. The books that become my comfort books always allow me to quickly become great friends with the characters. This is one of those. The mystery was intriguing but I’m not telling you anything else about it. Anything said could be a clue that might spoil your reading pleasure. The author includes book club discussion questions. I love those so much and tend to answer them even if I am reading solo.
Get a favorite beverage, get comfortable and settle in for a good time.
An entertaining cozy mystery, easy to read and fast.
I love how Ellery Adams ties so many other books into her writing.
I really enjoyed the almost mystical aspects of this book–not too much, but enough to give it depth. I also liked the “team” of women who come together to solve the mystery and become friends. It took me a while to get into the book, and I had a little trouble with the development of the relationship between Nora and Jed. But I was drawn to the setting and the characters. I will be back for more!
The Secret, Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams
This is the first book of A Secret, Book and Scone Society series and it was wonderful. I found it very hard to put down.
Nora, Hester, June and Estella all have secrets and have never spoken about what had broken them until they became friends. One by one, they grew to trust each other and slowly opened up about what was buried deep within them.
This is a cozy mystery but with a little dark side to it. I enjoyed reading how Nora is starting to feel a little something towards the handsome Jedediah as he does for her. I’m hoping that he will tell his story in the next book so their friendship takes the next step.
There is a lot of corruption with the Sheriff, Bank Manager and realtor to keep things going not to mention the investors.
This story has everything a cozy should have and more. The plot was well planned and written.
The Secret, Book& Scone Society is the first in a delightful series by Ellery Adams.
What a good read, it has wonderful characters, mysticism , and strong female friendships, set in the quirky town of Mystic Springs.
While this is a murder/mystery story, it emphasizes the growing relationship between the women who are committed to solving it. They are each hurting from their past and are gradually learning to trust again. If you enjoy reading about the characters’ background and the healing process as they each begin to “bloom” again, you will like this book. If you are more of a mystery reader, you may find this slows the pace. The main character is a former librarian who owns a bookstore. She practices “book therapy” where she selects books to meet needs/interests. Several lists of books that you might want to read sometime are found throughout the story.
I did not like the book at the beginning. The characters aren’t particularly likable or well developed, the dialog is stilted and seemed unnatural in the way the teens on Dawson’s Creek spoke. Then the paranormal element rolled in? What? Did I miss something in the blurb? I read A LOT of paranormal books and Urban Fantasy so it’s not an issue for me, but it could have been incorporated more clearly and explained more in depth. All four, apparently, just accept the gifts without question. The two with gifts don’t seem to question it or wonder how? why?
The secrets they had were rather mundane, but the one June had was ridiculous, especially her family’s reaction.
I stuck with it and finally got caught up in the mystery. I did like the sleuthing and them using the skills and talents each has to offer, though some of those skills seemed a little suspect.
I’m waiting for the second book to come in at the library to see if it is better right from the start.
A wonderfully magical mystery with creative twists that will make book lovers smile. I enjoyed the mysteries these four women had to solve as much as seeing them come to accept each other’s pasts and rely on each other. Women do have special friendships and it was lovely watching Nora come to that realization.
Great book and series!
Can’t wait for sequel, love books that share people’s stories with lots of group support.
Fun light read