What a great cozy series!  I felt kindred spirits with the members of the Secret, Book  and Scone Society members. Each member has her secrets, yet each member is there for each other to help and aid as needed. It makes a visit to Miracle Springs a pleasure. 

When book store owner Nora Pennington finds herself helping a young woman who seems to be running from her own secrets, the other members of the society step up and take her under their wing. With three murders in the small town, Nora has to wonder if the young girl’s secrets are worth killing over. But is it Abilene or someone else that is guilty of murder?  The society ladies will find out and protect their newest young member, keeping her secrets and taking care of her as best they can. 

I truly enjoyed this book and have added this series to my favorites.  Of course the author is a favorite of mine as well.

In this second book in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society, Nora and her friend find a frail, bruised young woman in Nora’s bookstore. Because of their backstories, they all do everything they can to help her. Nora continues to use her skills as a “biblio therapist” to help people. The women in the group each has her secrets, but has learned that sharing them can be helpful. As they help their new young friend, they must deal with their own pain as they become involved in solving murders and mysteries. I love this series. It is much more than a cozy mystery; it’s also a story of the strong bond these women have formed.

“The right book can change your life. The right book, at the right time, can be your miracle.” Books can also heal. . Nora, the owner of a small bookstore in Miracle Springs NC, knows this first hand and generously helps others by recommending books that heal their personal sorrows. Nora has learned much from her dark past and teams with other fractured women by forming The Secret, Book, and Scone Society. The “Society” reaches out to a desperate young woman who shows up at the bookstore in little more than an oversized house dress and flip flops. In addition, while secreatly delivering secret kindness tote bags to deserving women in the community they stubble upon the body of a bookstore patron. I so enjoyed the quotes from famous authors preceding each chapter and creative names for the coffee and treats the bookstore offers. This book has incredible heart. I often had the urge to visit this wonderful reading sanctuary! Recommended to book lovers who have experienced healing by a special book. This is the second book in The Secret, Book, and Scone Society series. Thank you to Net galley for introducing me to this wonderful author.

The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams is Book 2 in the Secret, Book & Scone Society series.

I am new to author Ellery Adams and came across her accidently last Christmas when I read Secret, Book & Scone Society.  She is also the author of a few other series books which when time permits I would love to delve into.  I enjoyed both books as well as her writing style and how she is able to combine a good cozy mystery with an uplifting feel good story.

The series is about Nora Pennington who arrived in Miracle Springs, North Carolina after fleeing her old life after a tragic accident occurred which not only changed who she is on inside, but she also carries the scars of her old life on the outside.

She opened a bookstore called Miracle Books and became friends with a group on women who each had their own sad or tragic past.  They named themselves the Secret, Book & Scone Society.

In The Whispered Word, Nora finds a girl named Abilene hiding in her bookshop.  Frightened and physically abused, she and her friends in the Society take her in and try to heal her.  They get her a job and find her a place to live.  The story of how she came to be in Miracle Springs is a mystery in itself.

In the meantime, one of Nora's customers is found dead by suicide just as an antique dealership arrives in town. Residents, who just had a massive economic downfall are eager to sell their wares at the on-line store. Then another death occurs.  Who is Abilene? Was the first death really suicide? Could they possibly be connected? We begin to see the pieces of a very complex puzzle begin to fit together.

The Whispered Word does not disappoint.  It is a terrific mystery with lots of heart.  Each of the women in the Society have had pasts which they are still running from. 

I would recommend reading the first book of the series first, although the second book does relay some of the details from the first.  

Look for the book on November 27.  Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
#NetGalley #The Whispered Word.

I had read the first book in this series thanks to the author sending me a signed copy,  and I loved it.  I anxiously watched NetGalley for the next in the series, so when they offered it, I requested it.  This next book in the series brings back all the ladies of the Secret Book and Scone Society and continues to develop their back stories as well.    Nora, Hester, Estella, and June are faced with a young, traumatized girl and how to help her.  After she arrives, there are three murders which seemed to be linked to her, and the ladies set out to figure out how they are connected.    This author's writing is excellent and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.  I highly recommend it.

I didn't care for this series as much as others by Adams.  While the mystery itself was fun, there were lots of dark and really depressing aspects to pretty much every single character that she introduces.  I prefer these mysteries to be a little more light-hearted.  I did love all the literary references throughout and will continue to enjoy other books that she writes, but not sure I'll continue on too much with this series.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

A true bibliophile’s book. A wonderful warm story of friendship, trials, change, new beginnings, and the therapeutic way books, and their words, weave magic and meaning into our lives.

The Whispered Word is another winner in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society series. Readers are reintroduced with a set of characters who easily worm their ways into your heart. Packed with emotion and a lot of fun, this is a must read cozy for the fall and winter! I wish I was part of their little group.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an advance copy of this book.  I was so excited to receive it since I enjoyed the first book in the series very much. This did not disappoint.  The Secret, Book and Scone Society is a series that I will continue to read and already am looking forward to the next book.

Nora and friends of the SBSS encounter a mysterious young woman who reveals nothing from her past but who obviously needs their help. Like a true sisterhood they take her under their wings and start to get her back on her feet. That progress is hindered by characters from her past and the mystery ensues.

I found the characters to be believable and relatable. I'm a fan of cozy mysteries but sometimes the characters are more like caricatures.  Not in this case.  I was particularly drawn to Nora and her gift of bibliotherapy.  What a great way to deal with the stressors in our lives.  The power of books! 

I will, in fact already  have, recommend this book to friends.

I really enjoyed this book. Nora owns a small book store, Miracle Books, in a place called Miracle Springs. She can pick any book for you and loves doing so. One night, a mysterious woman shows up at her store, and calls herself Abilene. Nobody knows where she is from, nor will she say. Nora, though trying to help her, starts to suspect something is off with her.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked how it was centered around the bookstore and the owner. Nora has emotional baggage, and scars, but she doesn't let that stop her from having the life she deserves - with a little live murder mystery.

I hadn't realized this was a second to a series, but that's okay. I adored Nora's friends and their different quirky personalities. I am curious about that book pocket pastry...I wonder if those really exist..and if so, I want some!

This is the first time reading a novel by this author. I really enjoyed how she wrote this story. It was a steady pace, not too slow to where it starts to lag, so you really know more about Nora and her past. Not to mention the history of the town and what had happened to cause such abrupt changes - like the sudden new business called Virtual Genie comes to town after a massive lay off from a bank, and a murder.

The book was entertaining and I liked the bookstore theme and setting behind it. Definitely enjoyed it.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for a review.   This is the 2nd book in the Secret, Book & Scone Society series by Ellery Adams and I loved this one more than the first one.  This time Nora, Hester, June and Estella are determined to unravel the mystery and help Abilene who is hiding out in the bookstore. Along the way, we see more of Nora’s book therapy, her relationship with Jed, and what the women are doing sneaking around town! Definitely a must-read for book-lovers!

Ever since I read the first book in this series, The Secret, Book and Scone Society, I have been waiting for the sequel and when I saw this on Netgalley, I was ecstatic. Also, please do look at that gorgeous cover... it's so beautiful and yummy. And the book totally lived up to my expectations.

Nora, our wonderful owner of Miracle Books is as excited as ever trying to help her customers with the healing that they need. However, she finds it difficult to completely trust Abilene or have her stay at her home because she has become used to living on her own. However, all her friends pitch in help Abilene, letting her bake in Hester's Gingerbread House, find her living accomodations and help her be more independent. It was absolutely endearing to see none of the women really push Abilene to divulge her secrets because they all have had their fair share of trauma in life and really just want the best for her. It's the strength and friendship of these women that forms the backbone of this story.

The murder mystery in this novel is quite interesting and I couldn't really figure out how the murders were connected or who might have the motive. Nora obviously suspects that not everything is as it seems and does some investigating on her own, but what I really liked was that she never put herself in unnecessary danger and was always ready to share her concerns with the police. I also really enjoy the community aspect of Miracle Springs, and how everyone is very supportive and friendly, especially in trying times.

I love the writing in this book. It's a murder mystery, so we tend to expect something darker but this book never stops being heartwarming and full of charm. The emotional content, especially the traumatic backstories of Abilene and Nora's love interest Jed are described with so much feeling that we can't stop being sad too and just wanting everything to be okay for them. It's this instant connect that we feel for all the characters that's the author's best skill and I didn't want the book to end. And I obviously have to mention Nora's bookstore - it's probably my favorite bookstore ever and I really wish it were real and I could spend days on end over there. Every single description of the store, the books, her book themed coffees and pastries, the shelf enhancers; they all make me so so happy. And Hester's baked goodies are too yummy to even read about and I was craving a dessert all while reading the book. Kudos to Ellery for bringing this charming little tourist town to life.

If you love mysteries but like them on the cozier side, with wonderful endearing characters, then this book is perfect for you. And be prepared for the abundance of book recommendations and quotes that you are going to find inside this gem.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.  

I will start by saying that the Secret, Book and Scone Society was probably one of, if not my favorite books that I read this year.  Every time I went into the book store, it beckoned me and when I finally broke down and read it, it seriously moved me.  
The Whispered Word was my most anticipated new releases this year.  I was thrilled to get an ARC of it.

I truly thought I knew how this book was going to play out and I was completely wrong.  

The novel starts out with learning who the strange girl that shows up in Nora's bookshop is and why she is there.  There is a new business that popped up in Miracle Springs, almost like Antique Roadshow, but are they on the up and up.  Oh and did I mention multiple deaths?? Is this all a coincidence or somehow all connected? Can Nora and the Society figure it all out before its too late?

I will say that I really enjoyed this book, but I loved SBSS so much more.  While I enjoy this angle and how it explores each of the ladies' lives a little more, I loved the bonding of the 4 in book one.  

I am very interested if there will be a book 3 and what route it will take.  They all have pasts and I have to believe their pasts will have a way of showing back up in their present lives.

The Whispered Word is the second title in Adams' newest series about a small town in North Carolina. Returning to Miracle Springs is ethereal and mystical. This installment picks up with the battered girl found in Nora's stacks. Why she is in town and who she really is is gradually revealed as Nora and her friends work on that mystery plus find a couple of bodies and investigate a  brand new consignment business.  Nora and the new sheriff have a rapport and Jed helps Nora heal her scarred past while revealing some of his own secrets. 
I love that the series is centrally focused on books and the comfort they bring. It warms this bibliophile's heart immensely.

This is the second book in the Secret, Book & Scone series and it picks up right where the first one ends. I did enjoy the first book more than this one - I felt like this story dragged on a bit. Nora is a book shop owner who discovers a mysterious young woman looking for work in her shop. This leads Nora and her new friends to a dead body, suspicious new business and an impressive book collection. I love Ellery Adams' books and thought this was a decent cozy mystery.

The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams is the second book in this series.
I was blown away with this story. I could feel the pain of each character, whether it was mental anguish or physical pain, the author described the emotions in such detail, that it was easy to get caught up in each of their stories.
Nora Pennington is a wonderful character. Her story is tragic, but teaches her the lessons of life and she experiences each new day with courage.
Her friends, Estella, June and Hester are special in their own way, and the ladies all meld and work well together.

In this story, we are introduced to Abilene, a young girl who has lived with neglect, torture and pain.
Her story is so touching, you will find yourself wanting to reach out and help her as well.

Even after I was finished with the book, I found my mind wandering back to the story, to the characters and the ending.
This book touched my heart and even though this is a cozy mystery, it brings out many emotions that will leave you with a good feeling.

Ellery Adams weaves a tale so realistic, you will feel like you are in Miracle Springs, visiting Hester and June, stopping in to see Estella for a wash and cut, and of course browsing the books in Nora's shop. I would definitely order a drink and a book pocket.

I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

When I read The Secret, Book, and Scone Society, I wasn't sure how the author was going to top the complexity of the story, but this was amazing and impossible to put down. I adore this series! I don't know how I'll be able to wait for the next book in the series. I hope this series lives a long time, cause it's a treasure!

Nora owns a bookstore in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. She's part of the Secret, Book and Scone Society, along with Hester, June and Estella.  

I read the first book in this series and enjoyed it, but for some reason, I wasn't expecting the emotional ride this one would take me on.  I was expecting a solid mystery intertwined with a good story.  This book had that, and more.  

For one, Abilene's story really moved me, from before and after Nora finds her hiding in her bookstore.  But it was the various relationships and what they go through in this book that really got to me.  Such as the depth the ladies in the Society share their lives with each other and have each other's backs, learning more about Nora's boyfriend Jedediah's past, and the stories about the people Nora helps with her bibliotherapy "magic", too.  

I have plenty of nice things to say about this one, but I'm afraid I'd give too much away if I continue on.  This one made me wish I was part of a book club, so I could talk to them about it with them.  I'd definitely recommend it as a book club read.

I am very much looking forward to book number three.  

I received an advanced digital copy of The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams from NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.

I received a free copy of THE WHISPERED WORD (Book 2 of the Secret, Book, & Scone Society) in exchange for an honest review.  Nora Pennington and her friends have not gone anywhere; they don’t have to because the adventures come to them.  Miracle Springs is financially reeling from the events of the first book.  A lot of residents are out of work or soon will be.  When the SBS Society meets to plan a way to help some of those citizens, a mystery waif shows up.  They decide to keep her.  Shortly thereafter, the SBS Society finds a body, and the mystery girl becomes suspect because she’s determined to keep her secrets.  Certainly, the girl seems to be connected to the death, but is she the killer or is she a potential victim?  The SBS Society members’ relationships are put to the test as the investigation forces them to confront the heartbreak of their pasts.

I liked this book.  I respect how the author kept to the theme of secrets.  If you liked THE SECRET, BOOK, & SCONE SOCIETY, you will definitely enjoy this sequel.

I enjoy all of Ellery Adams series, especially the ones centered around books. This one features a magical town where the group of four women all have secrets and help others with their pain. A young stranger comes to town and they all gather to help her become stronger while murders are happening in town.
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