Occupation: Proprietress of Miracle Books
I know what you’re expecting.
You’re expecting a heroine who has relocated to a quaint small-town following a messy divorce, a cheating lover, a failed business venture, or another relatable tragedy.
But I’m no heroine.
I recognize these kinds of tragedies, though. I’ve seen countless people wounded by divorce, infidelity, and failed ventures. I’ve met them, spoken with them, and tried to help them.
They come to this town—to Miracle Springs—in search of healing. They’re in the minority. Most of the people who come here have physical illnesses. They’re battling cancer or suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, or another terrible disease.
Others suffer from injuries dwelling deep in their hearts.
Emotional pains.
Secret pains.
These people enter my bookshop. It’s located in the old train station. They order a cup of cappuccino or an herbal tea and I serve it to them through the old ticket agent’s window. They browse for a spell, moving among the maze of bookshelves. There are new books, old books, and collectible books. There are cushy chairs, plump cushions, and plenty of reading lamps. There are shelf enchancers for sale: wonderful vintage items like a silverplate hand mirror with roses, a bamboo birdcage, a wind-up racecar, a child’s tea set, or a pair cast iron castle bookends.
When the newcomers have finished wandering and are ready to talk, they come to me for help, and I find them the books they need.
The locals call me a bibliotherapist. Though I have no formal training, I’ve read thousands of books. And I know pain. I’ve walked through fire. Literally. The burn scars bloom along the length of my arm and the right side of my neck and cheek like jellyfish. They’re a permanent reminder of my past. Of my other life. Of my secret.
You have one too. We all do. Our secret is our story. It is only when we share our stories that we become free.
I can put the right set of stories into a person’s hands. So if you need help and no one else has been able to understand you, to get you the way you need them to—there’s a perfect set of stories just waiting for you. I’m waiting for you. Here, inside Miracle Books. I can’t guarantee you’ll be healed, but I’ll do whatever one broken and scarred human being can do for another. I’ll listen for the sleigh bells banging against the front door. That’s how I’ll know you’ve come to find me. I’ll put the coffee on. And we’ll talk.
You can read more about Nora in The Secret, Book & Scone Society, the firist book in the NEW “Secret, Book & Scone Society” mystery series.
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 . . .
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Giveaway: To enter to win a Secret, Book & Scone Society tote bag as well as a scone mix (flavor to be determined), share the title of a book that helped you through a tough time. U.S. entries only, please. The giveaway ends November 2, 2017. Good luck everyone!
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About the author
New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams grew up on a beach near the Long Island Sound. Having spent her adult life in a series of landlocked towns, she cherishes her memories of open water, violent storms, and the smell of the sea. She now writes full-time from her home in North Carolina, which she shares with her husband, two trolls, and three keyboard-hogging felines. Adams loves coffee, champagne, kickboxing, 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles, Pinterest, and black jelly beans.
Her traditionally published series include The Secret, Book, and Scone Society Mysteries, The Book Retreat Mysteries, The Books By the Bay Mysteries, and The Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries.
Her Indie series, available as ebooks only, include The Supper Club Series, The Hope Street Series, and The Molly Appleby Collectible Series.
For more killer mysteries, visit elleryadamsmysteries.com.
All comments are welcomed.
I guess it would have been Of Books and Bagpipes by Paige Shelton. I was my FIL’s backup caretaker. That means while Joan was with him at home I took care of paying his bills, getting him to doctor appointments and such. The book is about starting over and changes in your life.
I leave my apartment and look down the hall towards his and realize that he’s not there anymore and that hopefully soon we’ll be closing on it and a new family will be living there.
Any Funny book that I have read like Never The Bride by Charlotte Fallowfield Made me Laugh so much I didn’t want it to end and they put me in a good (or at least better mood)
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For me, it would be Our lady of the Lost and Found by Diane Schoemperlen. I was drawn to the stories within the story. It was a time that I needed a boost in my faith and I got it through this book.
I just put this one on my library list. Sherlock Holmes always helped me through tough times as those books took me way out of my life.
I can’t win the tote (shucks! and good luck to whoever does) but the book that helped me and is my go to comfort read is The Lord of the Rings 😀
Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters. My father was terminally ill and I was wondering if I would be able to find a way to be able to smile or laugh at anything. This is the book that first made me chuckle and fortunately, since it was the initial installment of a series, I could continue to find doses of humor through my distress.
This sounds like a wonderful book, and I believe Ellery is going to have another hit series! I am anxious to read it.
The question about a book helping you through a tough time is hard to verbalize. So many things have happened that dimmed my sunshine, and throughout them all I always turn to books. When my father died, my world was shattered and I re-read the L.Frank Baum Oz series because he had read them to me when I was a tiny tot. By the time I finished the second book I was able to remember him and our good times instead of only sorrow. I think books always provide an escape that helps me refocus on problems when I am finished reading.
I love the idea of someone who can prescribe the perfect book. Sometimes, books are just like medicine–great to take when you’re feeling down. The book that helped me out was Pride and Prejudice–the lively conversation was really a pick me up.
A novel which helped me through life threatening medical issues these past few years and gave me hope was Lost Among The Living. I did get lost which is what I needed and still do.
During trials and tribulations when life was tough in many ways, health and family difficulties I could always rely on a book escape which was important and allowed me to dream of other realms and eras. My favorite book was Rebecca.
When I’m stressed or unable to sleep because of worrying, I turn to a childhood favorite – The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White. Thanks for the giveaway!
When I was going through chemo, my sister sent me a wonderful book, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, which really lifted my spirits ~
I n troubled times any of Jan Karons Mitford books always stuff a hole in my heart..
What a great premise! I would have to list several books but the latest is William Kent Kreuger’s Ordinary Grace. I loved it, and it truly made me think and relax when I needed it most. Best wishes on many sales!
What a marvelous idea for a book!
I’d love to find that bookstore owner.
McMaster the Disaster series. It starts with the Bridesmaid Lotto. My Mother was in the hospital with some very serious problems that seemed to multiply. My brothers and I had to make some very serious decisions. This series is humorous and starts with the interference of Rachel’s Mother. While funny and frustrated with her mother it gave me a lift when my Mother was sleeping. I recommend it for anyone who needs laugh. Be thankful for your mother.
Ellery Adams/Jennifer Stanley is my absolute favorite Cozy mystery author. I love every one of her series.
The book/books that helped me overcome a tough time was the Harry Potter series. This series taught me that Good will always overcome Evil.
On my, how to pick a book for this category…..I have to say it would be any book that I was reading as they all take my mind off my troubles when I have any. Thank you for the chance to get another great book from Ellery.
Reading books like the series by Janet Evanovich is what I do!
I think it would be the Jan Karon Mitfors series. Or the Harry Potter series. They both have gotten me through some tough times.
Thank you for the opportunity to win this book. I hope I win!
It’s hard to mention just one book, but Ladies’ Night by Mary Kay Andrews shows that there is happiness after divorce.
I wish my mind was as sharp as it used to be, because I remember so many times a book has lingered in my thoughts but I just can’t remember titles. One does come to mind because of the laughter, smiles and tears it created is Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. I’d love to win.
i have to say the old Trixie Belden books i have from my late grandmother’s house….i can’t remember specific titles….they just make me think of her and when life was so carefree
I’m intrigued! Love a good mystery and Dru Ann has never steered me wrong!
Looking forward to reading the first book in a new series by Ellery!
Forever With You by Robin Jones Gunn. Not a mystery, but a good book about how life can change in an instant and things end up working out for the better.
Louise Penny’s books are my comfort reads. This book looks very interesting.
“Lord Peter” by Dorothy Sayers, because I read a bit of it every day before I skedaddled off to high school, and in those short nuggets of time it was a bit of complete escapism.
Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh was brought to my attention some twenty years ago at a time when I really needed the wisdom it offers. I’ve read it or referred to it every year since that first reading. Just now popped over from A Cozy Experience on facebook during the launch of Ellery Adams’s Secret, Book & Scone Society. I got my copy this afternoon & have only read five pages but it’s one of those books from which I’ll learn a great deal of compassion. It’s already a page turner! 🙂
I like comforting books when I’m feeling down. I re-read the Little House series when I need some comfort.
I do not have any one title that helped me through a tough time. I have a whole genre – Cozy Mysteries. I had some serious issues with cognitive function due to m/s. My intelligence and basically my brain were the things I could always count on, I relied on. Then they were not there. I have always been an avid reader. I loved non fiction most as I loved to gain more knowledge. I enjoyed gardening books, books about animals, books about people and times in history. Then all of a sudden I could not read them. I could not understand them. I thought one of my favorite past times were gone. A friend kept telling me about these books she loved. She would say they were cooking/baking mysteries. I just could not understand. Finally I got the idea and checked some out of the library. I could actually understand them, I could enjoy them, I could follow them. The more of them I read the more I was able to read and understand. To me they saved me. They are now and will always be my favorite books to read.
I am excited to read this new series….
Thank you for the giveaway….
Ellis Peters’ Brother Cadfael book The Summer of the Danes. I discovered it over 2 decades ago in a dollar store & it helped me relax & unwind at the end of a long day taking care of my very large family (I have 8 children!) I delved into his world & devoured all 20+ books! I could always count on his wisdom & sincerity to help me <3
Cheers~
Kelly Braun
Gaelicark(at)yahoo(dot)com
The Mrs. Pollifax books helped both of us thru my mom’s diagnosis. Good post, I was wondering what it was all about! Thanks for the chance to win!
This is a hard one for me. I would say Lord Heal My Hurts by Kay Arthus. Thank you ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT bt Elswyth Thane is the book I turn to when I need to calm down. I’m sure I’ve read it dozens of times over the past 70 years.
The Listener by Taylor Caldwell. I have had my copy for over 30 years and keep it in a special quilted book cover my mom gave me. It has been helping me get through many trying times and always will.
No book in particular, but Elizabeth Peters, Agatha Christie, Harry Potter, and Sherlock Holmes would all fit the bill.
Bibliotherapist – love this idea. No particular book or author but I love books by Dick/Felix Francis, Rhys Bowen, Susan Elia MacNeal, Jen McKinley, Jacqueline Winspear.
**** WINNER ****
The Secret, Book, & Scone Society tote bag and scone mix is Judy Bobalik
Congratulations!
Congratulations!