In this cozy mystery by a New York Times–bestselling author, a gifted bookstore owner can find the right book for any patron, but can she find a killer?The proprietor of Miracle Books in Miracle Springs, North Carolina, Nora Pennington believes that a well-chosen novel can bring healing and hope. But she and the other members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society know that sometimes practical … that sometimes practical help is needed too. Such is the case with the reed-thin girl hiding in the fiction section of Nora’s store, wearing a hospital ID and a patchwork of faded bruises. She calls herself Abilene but won’t reveal much else. And when a customer is found dead in an assumed suicide, Nora uncovers a connection that points to Abilene as either a suspect—or another target. After a second death hits town, Nora and her intrepid friends must help the new, greenhorn sheriff discern fact from fiction—and stop a killer intent on bringing another victim’s story to a close…
“A love letter to reading, with sharp characterizations and a smart central mystery.”—Entertainment Weekly
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Loved this second installment in the Secret, Book & Scone mystery series. You’ll love it, too.
The only cozy mystery series I read with a highlighter. Feels like therapy every time I pick it up.
If you love cozies but are looking for one that has a little extra depth and richness to it, then this book is for you. Ellery Adams takes you side-by-side on a journey with a broken yet growing protagonist that I think we can all find a little bit of ourselves in. This continues to be one of my favorite series.
For complete review, visit: https://cozyexperience.com/the-whispered-word-book-review/
In the beginning of this second book of the series it is brought to Nora’s attention that she has a young woman hiding away in her shop, her first instinct is that she doesn’t have it in her to help anyone but in the end she can’t just throw the girl out. She doesn’t know much about the girl, she doesn’t seem to want to tell her story but Nora takes away a few clues from what she is wearing and also from her skittish actions. In the end Nora is willing to give the girl some time to tell her story and hopes that the secret society will be able to help. When Nora finds one of her customers dead of an apparent suicide she takes in clues that lead her to believe that something else may have happened to the woman. While looking into the woman’s death Nora realizes that Abilene, the young woman they are trying to help, might know something about the death. Things heat up a bit between the ladies when they have a difference of opinion on how to deal with Abilene and what she may know. Follow the ladies as they search for answers and hope to help a young woman in the process. I love this series so much!!! Nora is such a wonderful character who knows and sees her own flaws and has learned how to live with them peacefully. As much as she would like to hide from the world life has a way of pushing her out of that comfort zone which shows the strength that she carries inside. I’ve always looked to books for comfort even at a young age so it’s a great feeling to see a part of yourself played out in such a wonderfully strong character. I think most people will be able to relate with one of the women in some form or another. That’s the great thing about a book, it can show you a part of yourself you may have never seen before or just didn’t recognize until that moment, reading those words. This is such a beautiful series that brings a variety of emotions out if its reader leaving them fulfilled in the end and excited for what is to come. The interaction between the women brings to mind those moments that make life worth living, we could all use friendships like theirs. This book wasn’t just a mystery for me, it was also a guide to a better way of living, a teacher on what real friendships look like and a library of healing. I look forward to seeing what direction the characters lead the author to in the next book.
I love Ellery Adams’ writing. As an author, she excels at plumbing the emotional depths of her characters, who often are flawed. That’s where she gets me. I may not have experienced the same trials and traumas of her characters, but I find common ground with them in relating to their struggles. Not only do I relate to their struggles, but I also end up cheering them on.
This was true in “The Whispered Word,” Adams’ newest offering from the Secret, Book, & Scone Society series. In the town of Miracle Springs, four women — Nora, Estella, Hester, and June — find their way to each other as friends, each of them carrying struggles, some more obvious than others.
In this book, a young woman named, “Abilene,” is found in Nora’s bookstore. It is clear Abilene is on the run. The women are determined to help her.
Not long after Abilene comes to town, one of Nora’s customers is found dead in a pond on her property. Nora begins to wonder if Abilene is somehow connected to this murder. Two other murders happen, further implicating Abilene.
Which brings me to another thing I love about Adams’ writing — her plots and the twists and turns she leads the reader on. Not only do I become vested in the characters, but I also pull some late nights as Adams’ plots keep me turning the pages.
Read “The Whispered Word,” along with other books by Adams. You’ll be glad you did.
The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams is the second A Secret, Book and Scone Society Novel. Nora Pennington owns Miracle Books in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. A thin young woman with a hospital bracelet on her wrist, bruises on her body and in ill-fitting clothes was found hiding in the store after closing, and she later falls asleep on a mound of bubble wrap in the back room. Abilene (doubt it is her real name) is keeping her secrets to herself. Nora, Hester, Estella and June offer Abilene a place to live, work and assure her that they are willing to listen. The four women are making and delivering kindness tote bags to those in need and their first stop is Amanda Frye. Unfortunately, Amanda is no longer in need because they find her floating in the algae filled pond near her home. It appears to be a suicide, but Nora has her doubts. Virtual Genie is the new shop in town run by Griffin Kinsley and his associate, Tamara Beacham. They buy peoples belongings for cash which is just what some people need during the current economic downturn. When rumors begin to circulate about Virtual Genie, Nora finds herself looking into their business practices. Nora soon finds clues that link her three mysteries. Nora needs Abilene to open up so she can fill in the missing blanks. When a second person is found dead, Nora and her friends must work quickly to identify the killer before he strikes again.
The Whispered Word can be read as a standalone if you have not picked up The Secret, Book and Scone Society. Everything a reader needs to know about Nora and her friends is included (but you are missing out on a good cozy mystery). I thought The Whispered Word was well-written. My attention was captured right away and was held throughout the book. The pacing is gentle as the story unfolds and picks up near the ends. The story is rich in details that allowed me to visualize the scenes. I like Nora who operates Miracle Books in an old train station and lives in a tiny home constructed from a train caboose. I like how the four women have grown since The Secret, Book and Scone Society. They have shared their secrets and it has drawn them closer together. Their friendship will be tested, though, in The Whispered Word when Nora pressures Abilene for answers and one of the ladies feels protective. The mystery is complex and multilayered. It is woven masterfully throughout the story with twists that will surprise readers (I always love a good twist). I like how Nora’s one finger tingles at just the right moment. The Whispered Word is not a light cozy mystery. It deals with some disturbing issues, but the author addresses them carefully and respectfully. I was surprised at how Nora approached Abilene with her questions. Knowing that Abilene has suffered, I thought she could have handled it differently (a gentler approach). There is also some foul language. Nora’s romance with Jedediah Craig is progressing nicely. He cares for her and wants to protect her. While I do not feel that Jedediah is the right man for Nora, it is a step forward for her. I would like to see Nora end up with Sheriff Grant McCabe. I am giving The Whispered Word 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The Whispered Word contains humor, romance, secrets, good characters, a charming small town, mysteries, book recommendations, and delectable baked goods.
Such an intriguing story! I love how the core group of women continue to grow and share with each other and the reader throughout this entire book. This series is more serious than a typical cozy mystery but it’s so perfectly written that I didn’t mind one bit. I feel like Miracle Springs is a real place I could go visit.
Specifically about this book, the mysteries (yes, plural) kept you turning the pages trying to figure it out right until the reveal. The budding romance throughout the book is written in a way that is real and raw. It gives a little love and hope among the murder and mystery. It’s a great balance. I really appreciate how Ellery ties up lose ends at the end of the book while leaving you still wanting more, hoping for the next in the series.
I love everything Ellery Adams writes. You’ll love The Whispered Words, too!
The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams is the second in the Secret, Book and Scone Society. It is a story about four women: Nora, Hester, June, and Estella, who live in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. Nora is a book store owns who doubles as the local bibliotherapist; Hester is a baker who owns her own bakery/coffee shop; Estella is a beautician who owns her own salon; and June works at a local spa. They have discovered their friendship through shared, but different life experiences and have given one another strength and support during their friendship. One day Nora discovers a young woman sleeping in her shop and there our story begins.
This is a gently written book with good characters that continue to reveal themselves to the reader. The plot is unexpected and there are plenty of twists and turns and red herrings, all the while dealing with different personal problems. More importantly, the characters show growth. Adams treats real life issues with kindness and understanding and there will be more as this series progresses. I highly recommend The Whispered Word, it ends well.
I received a free ARCC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. #netgalley #thewhisperedword
The 2nd book in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society does not disappoint. The Whispered Word takes place in the small, quaint town of Miracle Spring, that has had it’s share of hardships, along with the people who live there. Nora is the owner of the local book store and part of the Secret, Book & Scone Society, along with Estella, Hester & June. These 4 women have seen their share of hard times in their lives and have found solice in sharing with each other. This tight bond helps then to reach out to a new girl in town who also has a traffic past. Will the ladies be able to figure out what is going on??
This 2nd installment is better than the first. Be sure to give yourself enough time when you pick this book up because you will not be able to put it down. I highly recommend it. You will find suspense, love, fun, laughter & even murder.
There’s something so comfortable about this new series from author Ellery Adams (this is the second Secret, Book, and Scone Society book) that it made me want to savor and prolong the reading of the book as long as I could at the same time I was rapidly flipping pages because the story kept me on the edge of my seat.
Another lost soul has found her way to Miracle Springs, and Nora believes she is somehow connected to one of her customers who was found dead by presumed suicide, but which Nora believes was actually murder. Newcomer Abilene is skittish, scared, and very mum about her past, and the ladies take her under their collective wing and allow her to heal and encourage her to share her secrets when the time is right. The Whispered Word is a wonderful story, expertly told, and I’m so very glad that I read it. A+
The ladies of the Secret, Book, & Scone Society are settling into life in Miracle Springs after the closure of the bank. They are putting together baskets for their less fortunate neighbors, who have lost their jobs and are struggling. But on their first night out they find a body, that of Amanda Frye, one of Nora Pennington’s customers at Miracle Books.
The ladies find Amanda floating in a pond near her house. Some think it’s a suicide of a woman who had nothing to live for, but Nora and her friends do not. Nora knows things need to be investigated, and she and her friends are very good at finding out secrets.
This is the second book in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society, and it is just as good as the first one. I have to admit though, that the fact the murder victim had my last name was a bit disconcerting at first, but then it made me laugh.
I love the way Ellery Adams weaves a story. She has a way with words that ensnares the readers’ senses and draws them in for a tale that leaves them turning the pages far into the night.
In this second installment, the ladies find a bruised and starving woman hiding in the bookshop. She says her name is Abilene, but Nora knows better. Still, Nora and her friends take the young girl under their wing, and she starts to work at Hester’s bakery. But Nora soon begins to think Abilene is somehow involved in Amanda’s death.
I love how Ms. Adams wove the bank failure into this book. It made way for entrepreneur Griffin Kingsley to come to town and open Virtual Genie, a cyber business that unloads people’s treasures for cash. But is Kingsley helping residents who are in need of money, or taking advantage of the situation? There is also the arrival of the interim sheriff, Grant McCabe. Will he be willing to accept Nora’s help in solving the mystery? And, there is the relationship growing between Nora and paramedic Jed Craig. I loved watching the two of them interact.
One of my favorite parts of this series is the fact that the characters are flawed and realistic. They don’t see things through rose-colored glasses, but they work to support each other, even if they don’t always see eye-to-eye. They have relationships that I can relate to, and it makes me feel for the characters even more.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Within the pages of The Secret, Book, and Scone Society, Ellery Adams took her readers to Miracle Springs, North Carolina, a small town possessing the special ability to heal those who are hurting. Many seek the healing magic offered by this community, whether from the healing waters of the natural hot springs, eating one of Hester’s specially-baked comfort scones, getting a pampered makeover from Estelle, or allowing Nora Pennington, owner of Miracle Books, to heal their soul through her carefully chosen books.
To heal their own pain and anguish, as well as others in their community, these four richly-written characters of depth and understanding, who are damaged in body and in spirit, form The Secret, Book, and Scone Society.
In The Whispered Word, we return to this wonderful place of healing and are quickly introduced to a new character, a waifish young girl hiding deep hurt and a mysterious history. Seeking asylum inside Miracle Books, Abilene displays an infectious love of books and a strong propensity for baking which endears her to the four members of The Secret, Book, and Scone Society.
Coinciding with Abilene’s arrival to Miracle Springs, is the establishment of a new business, Virtual Genie, which attempts to help the community’s residents sell their treasured possessions via online auctions. In response to the recent failure of their community bank, Miracle Springs’ community members see this new business as a means of alleviating some of their financial woes.
Seeking to help heal their friends and neighbors from their financial losses, The Secret, Book, and Scone Society set out to deliver their inaugural Secret Kindness tote bags which are filled with gifts to lighten the hearts of those touched deeply by the bank failure. When they arrive at the home of Amanda Frye to deliver their first Secret Kindness tote, they are horrified to discover that Amanda is floating face down in her scum-covered pond.
Within its adroitly written prose, The Whispered Word lays out four distinct, yet interconnected mysteries, for which all lovers of mystery and suspense will salivate.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
I can honestly say that it never gets old or tiring to pick up a new book from this author. Each book is new and exciting and I want to read them over and over again!
This book was magic, just like the first in the series. This definitely isn’t your typical cozy series. There is so much heartfelt emotion in this book, prepare yourself with tissues. I love the relationship the four women have and how they band together to help heal the newest addition to the town.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in the town of Miracle Springs!
The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams is as always an amazing read.
A scared and frail stranger that needs help, a new business in town and 3 murders, are they all connected? The Secret, Book, and Scone Society plans on finding out.
This book is a complete page turner that you want, want to put down.
2nd in the series, this book is another winner. I love the setting and the realness of the characters and the ladies of the society. And what an amazing surprise ending! Even though there are murders and scary parts, it is a feel good book that I highly recommend.
4.5 stars
The Secret, Book, and Scone Society books are real treasures, and THE WHISPERED WORD, in a seemingly impossible feat, is even better than the first book in the series. Equal parts cozy mystery and women’s fiction, it is a smart, emotional roller coaster with plenty of twists and surprising revelations.
In THE WHISPERED WORD, author Ellery Adams takes readers back to Miracle Springs, North Carolina, where people come looking for healing, both physical and emotional. Bookstore proprietor Nora offers her own brand of healing as a bibliotherapist of sorts where she picks just the right books for whatever customers need to heal. Nora and her friends Hester, June, and Estella have formed a bond that goes beyond friendship, and they feel compelled to help when a mysterious young woman comes to town. When one of Nora’s customers dies of an apparent suicide, Nora cannot help but think that things do not add up, and the four friends investigate. This leads them down a complicated path full of pain and neglect as the body count rises.
Mysteries are my favorite genre of books to read, and THE WHISPERED WORD provides a quite satisfying tale when past and present collide, but it is the complex characters that keep me coming back for more. These women are flawed, resilient, and scarred, but they are also loving and courageous, able to face each day as it comes. Their relationships are real, disagreements and all. Nora’s love interest Jed and the new police chief are also enjoyable additions to the cast of characters. Abilene, the aforementioned young woman, is tragic and her story heartbreaking. I felt invested in her from the very first page. There are several threads within the book, and they all tie together nicely in the end without it feeling contrived.
THE WHISPERED WORD is one of my best reads of 2018. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this title from the author/publisher and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
The Whispered Word is the second book in the Secret, Book & Scone Society series. As with the first book you will be drawn in and unable to put the book down! Nora Pennington owns the Miracle Books bookstore in the small town of Miracle Springs. This is a story of friendship and hope. When Nora finds a scared young girl hiding in her bookstore she and her friends do all they can to help her. Between a new shop opening and two murders Nora and her friends do their own investigating. With strong characters, a good mystery, and a very well written story this is one of those books you will read in one sitting! I highly recommend it!
Nora Pennington and her friends in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society are back with a new mystery. A young woman shows up in Nora’s bookstore wearing clothes that are several sizes too big for her and a hospital bracelet. The girl is too thin, covered in bruises, and very shy. The ladies decide to help the girl by giving her shelter and food. Later the Ladies of the SBS Society find the body of a local woman. Is this death connected to the mysterious young lady or another newcomer to Miracle Springs, NC or is everything as it appears and this a suicide by a very unhappy woman who felt she couldn’t go on?
I was so excited to read this book. At the end of book one Nora finds a mysterious young woman in her bookstore, I looked forward to finding out more about this young woman. Author Ellery Adams did not disappoint. I liked the first book but the book was so much more, from the first page I was drawn into the story and did not want to put the book down. The characters are captivating and realistic, as friends go everything is not always perfect and there is going to be disagreements between friends. The setting of Miracle Springs adds to the story of people seeking out help and wanting to be healed. The town of Miracle Springs is in need of healing right now too and we see the ladies doing their best to help locals as much as the strangers who come to town for help. The mystery has a wonderful plot, great pace, and several red herrings along the way to keep the reader entertained and guessing until the big reveal.
This book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery but for a better understanding of character backstories reading Book 1 is recommended. I absolutely recommend this to fans of the first book, fans of Ellery Adams, and mystery buffs. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I was given an ARC of this book in hopes I would provide a review. All thought and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
The Whispered Word is the second book in this series by Ellery Adams. Once I opened the book and started reading I couldn’t put this book down. I was drawn back into Miracle Springs, North Carolina and the society of the four women.
Nora, June, Hester and Estella discover a young traumatized girl. The friendship and trust that has developed between these women help them to reach out to this girl with a dark secret.
Suspense, humor, romance, twists and turns all in this well written story. These characters have touched my heart and after finishing the book I keep thinking of them.
I love this series and so look forward to the next book.
I started reading Ellery Adams’ books a year or so ago and still do so. I was excited when I learned there would be a more to the Secret, Book, & Scone Society. The Whispered Word did not disappoint. I was as involved with the characters in this second story as I was with the first book. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the ladies.