The Secret, Book, & Scone Society by Ellery Adams is the first book in the NEW “Secret, Book & Scone Society” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, coming October 31, 2017

From New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams comes the first in an intriguing new series set within a quirky small-town club where the key to happiness, friendship—or solving a murder—can all be found within the pages of the right book . . .

Miracle Springs, North Carolina, is a place of healing. Strangers flock here 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 from the Gingerbread House bakery, 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 and lighten their heaviest burden.

When a visiting businessman reaches out to Nora for guidance, she knows exactly which novels will help. But before he can keep their appointment at Miracle Books, he’s found dead on the train tracks.

Stunned, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, a group of damaged souls yearning to gain trust and earn redemption by helping others. To join the society, members must divulge their darkest secret—the terrible truth that brought each of them to Miracle Springs in the first place.

Determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman’s demise, the women meet in Nora’s cramped and cozy bookstore to share stories and trade support. 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 . . .

This is another fine book by Ellery Adams. Taking place in Miracle Springs, North Carolina, the visually descriptive narrative immediately pulled me in as I had to know happens next. The plot dictated the coming together of the main characters whose secret created a bond when it was needed to spurn them into action upon learning of a man’s death. The author cast a spell on this reader with a mesmerizing tome where vulnerability is accepted and draws strength from camaraderie, like no other. The pacing and comfortable tone synchronized on an even keel with how effortless this story took hold of my being. The mystery kept me intrigued as the story moved forward and the author did a great job in setting the stage for the motive and the revelation of the killer’s identity, which had me shouting Bravo, well done. This is a wonderful book and I can’t wait to see where we go next with this group of friends.

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FTC Full Disclosure – I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the publisher.