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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This is an excellent whodunnit with wonderful, heartwarming insights on the healing power of friendship and books. Yes, books can help heal! Highly recommended for all, especially the bibliophiles!
Endearing characters and fun storyline.
I instantly fell in love with the characters in this book. I couldn’t wait to hear each of their truths. I wish I could have a comfort scone from Hester and a bibliotherapy session with Nora.
I found this book to be very thought provoking. I could relate to all the characters in the club. This book reminded me that we need to stop judging others by appearances because we all have a story to tell and it affects the way we act
Such a fun read that includes all the elements I love: rich friendships, women who are strong but imperfect, and a charming small town. I loved that Nora, the main character, is real and honest and that she might seem a bit brusque to some people. Plus, I want to live in her house and shop at her bookstore. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
This book was so much fun! I read/listened to it a day and was just so entranced with the entire story, that I didn’t get any work done.
The world building and the character development was phenomenal and I am still thinking about them.
Story follows a group of women who have secrets (don’t we all?) and the little North Carolina town they live in, Miracle Springs. With a property development company trying to build new homes, there are all kinds of things going on. Murder, fraud, friendships and maybe a little bit of romance.
I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens!
This was a beautifully written book. It was also much more serious than other cozies I’ve read. I look forward to learning more about the characters and seeing them grow.
A very enjoyable read. I like when friiends are there for one another and how people rallied around a stranger who was disillusioned. I really think the book had many points and showed how people could start again.
Loved it. Great characters each with a mystery. Great story you feel like you are there with the characters in the town. Makes you to go there to live and get to know each other the people. Teaches you about the importance of friendship and that even if we think we are not deserving of friends that there is nothing so horrible that we have done to make us unlovable. Also that we all need a friend/friends we can trust who accept us for who we are and love us no matter what. Add in books, good food, a spa, good hairstylist and righting some horrible wrongs you have an awesome story. Cant wait to read more in series
I have read a lot of Ellery Adams” books and this one was a new series for me. It was as good as the others. She has wonderful characters
i love all the references to other authors and books.
Interesting theme and characters. However, I felt that the it dragged on a bit, but it did make me finish just to find out the “truth” about main characters
This is a first in this series, and I will be continuing with the next book. Entertaining, characters have unique personalities, and an easy fun read.
I loved this book. After reading the description, I thought it would be an easy to read book. This book is so much more. The main four female characters were well developed and interesting. Nora, who I consider the protagonist, is scarred, both physically and emotionally. I thought it was a good decision to reveal her backstory at the end. I was so emotionally invested in her that the reveal, what she had done in her past, didn’t change my feelings about her. The back story of the other main characters was also well done. None of these women were typical. Even one of the murderers had a back story and was three dimensional. The addition of sample questions for a book club discussion added to my enjoyment of this book. Read it!!
Has all the ingredients of a cozy mystery except the coziness. Once we get past the first chapter, Nora and her friends are in imminent danger for the entire book. Some people will like that – it doesn’t suit my taste.
I loved this book, and I am excited to read the rest of the series. The characters are polite and well spoken. I love it!
Preachy
Can’t wait to see what’s next for these characters!! Such a fun read!
I know the year is new [2019], but I believe I have found my favorite book of the year.
Just when I think I have a favorite Ellery Adams series, a treasure like this book comes out. I was immediately entranced. And there is plenty to love here, even more than the mystery that is wonderfully written. Nora is the main character, she lives in a remodeled train car [a dream of mine], she owns a bookstore [a dream of mine], she is living what she terms her second life.
Nora has moved to a town, established a business and home for herself. She still feels fragile, she has burn scars that she feels that is all anyone sees when they see her. For some that is true, but there are many others who see the whole Nora. Three women become her friends and there is a potential love interest that has Nora a bit skittish.
The bookstore is wonderful and pretty much exactly how I would like mine to be. Excellent choices of books and shelf enhancers as she calls the odds and ends that speak to her she finds at flea markets and estate sales.
She calls herself a bibliotherapist. She listens to her customers and finds the books that might help them heal.
She has found a lovely trio of friends who I would love to know as well.
This is a perfect-to-me book. The characters, the setting, the premise, the mystery.
I absolutely can recommend this book, this series and definitely this author.
I don’t understand the purpose of this book. The story centers around a book club of damaged women, physically and emotionally damaged, in a town where tourists visit to be healed by the hot springs. A few of the residents, like the main character Nora, believe they can emotionally heal people with books or pastries.
A visitor is killed. Nora and her friends decide to investigate on their own. They believe the man’s murder is being covered up. They don’t trust the Sheriff. The man came to meet his business partners for new housing in the town. Nora counseled him for a few moments on a bench and concluded he felt guilty over the real estate development and so, his partners pushed under the train.
The women put themselves in danger. They know which people are involved. They try to devise a plan to catch them, but they fail and almost get killed.
This story isn’t a murder mystery like one written by Agatha Christie with clues and twists that are unpredictable. This book offers a disjointed tale of women who don’t know what they’re doing and lack any defined plans.
I forced myself to read to the end. And then there was no end. After the bad guys are arrested, the story stops, and someone new is introduced.