The Book of Candlelight is the third entry in this mystery series by Ellery Adams.  I have enjoyed all three books.  In this one, readers again spend time with the four main female characters, each of whom has a significant secret in their past.  They have bonded together to provide support to each other and to their community.  Chief among the protagonists is Nora who owns a bookstore.  She is a bibliotherapist and readers enjoy the added bonus of learning some of her book picks.


Series do not stay stagnant, so new characters are introduced.  I hope that some will reappear in the next entry.  The arrival of Sheldon adds a bit of magic to life at Nora's bookstore and in the community.  There are also the new owners of an inn. 

There are two murders in the novel, one of a local Cherokee potter and the other of a young man who was seeking adventure and experience in the North Carolina region where the books are set. The mystery itself has connections with the past and is well developed.  However, the main delight of this series is the characters and their world.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

I have book hangover.

This is, hands down, my favorite "new" series. I knew from the first book that this was going to be a special series and that feeling grew with book 2, but this book has cemented just how amazing and special this series truly is. While classified a cozy mystery, this for me, is what I call a "borderline cozy" or a more "adult" cozy - it delves into adult themes, adult issues, secrets [and the damage they can and do cause] and more. The books do not shy away from anything and at times, what is going on around the 4 women in these books is almost as, if not more than, important than the murders itself. And these books do what few books have done for me as of late - it makes me want to have a circle of friends like Nora has. What these women have in this book is what many of us dream of - women who love and support and care for us [and vice versa] with no questions [or very few] asked and with so much caring and tenderness. Even a snarky old introvert such as myself craves this. I don't need a huge circle [which is good because I am down to 1 and should she ever take a hike I will be lost], but to have several good, caring people? That is the dream. And that is also what makes these books so appealing - the idea that people ARE caring, WILL work together, DO love each other in spite of the spots, warts and bad tempers. These books give us hope.

I like the respect that these women have for each other, for those they know, and for the local police. They truly don't try to solve mysteries - stuff just happens. And Nora is quick to pass the info on to the police chief [and who doesn't hope that they get together? Don't get me wrong, I like Jed. Think he's a great guy. But he is not for Nora. At all. ] and she does try to walk away.

I like Sheldon. A lot. I was a bit discomfited at how quickly Nora trusted him and brought him into the circle [and still am to be honest. I like Sheldon a lot and think he is a great character, but it was just so uncharacteristic of Nora, that that part felt so off-centering. I am just not 100% sure about that part], but I do like the addition of him and I L O V E that the author is delving into someone who has a chronic pain issue and how that makes it nearly impossible to work a job that doesn't have some leeway. I love how Sheldon is very real about his illness and how cranky he is when he is "down" [and that all felt so very familiar]. It went on to reinforce just how real these books feel - much more than most cozies. To quote my Mom; "It is nice to have a cozy that isn't just so silly". And that is it exactly.

This was a good [and very sad] mystery. I had the "who" figured out before the end, but not the total "why" and so the reveal was very good. And sad. Geesh. The history of this country continues to haunt us and we MUST learn from our past. That is absolutely shown there.

I certainly hope that there are more of these books - I just love the time I spend with these women.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I always enjoy Adam's characters. Her flawed heroines and supporting cast, are characters you want to know more about; they are neither syrupy sweet or dark and unlikable. The newest installment of this series does not disappoint with the character development or plot. The town of Miracle Springs, is the perfect setting introduce new characters as the series progresses. Nora, and her friends become involved in another suspicious death and try to figure out if other sinister events in the town are also connected. The book keeps an even pace that doesn't sacrifice the plot for character development or vice versa. I'm glad the series is still going strong!

contemporary, women-s-fiction, support-system, suspense, friendship, small-business, small-town

Devastating rains and flooding impact the lives of the four women who have survived their own personal trials and tribulations and now help others in uncanny ways. There is a new member of their group, and he is as reticent to share his problems as are the others. Things seem difficult enough, but then there is the first body. Misadventure or worse? Very interesting sleuthing and results!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley.

Everyone should have a group of frIends like the women in the Secret, Book and Scone Society. Nora and friends are always there to help each other and try to be a positive note in others who are down. This time they are involved in a local artist’s death and trying to help is pregnant wife find her way.
Goodreads

This is the *best* book so far in this series! While I love the original characters of the Secret, Book, & Scone Society, I find the addition of Sheldon (think KFC's Colonel) to add an interesting element. Ellery's characters are so real, with their real-life problems. Day after day of rain makes this story even more real to me, living in an area where it can rain for days on end. The genealogical / history element and how it all converges at the end is really intriguing to me. I'm forgetting more than I remember to write here - but I must say, this book had me captivated, one that I couldn't wait to read every night. I cannot WAIT for the next book to see how the new characters all play out. I think you will love this book as much as I did!

The Secret, Book, and Scone Society series continues to improve with each entry. Nora's bookstore, Miracle Books, continues to delight (I would love to shop there), and there was an introduction of a wonderful new character that I hope to see more of in the series. Nora's friendships with the other members of the society continued to develop, and is given a new challenge towards the end that they all grow from. I absolutely thought that I had the story pinned down, and Ellery Adams gave an it an interesting twist (though I think there was one far too obvious clue planted). The touch of melancholy that has drifted over this series is still present, and I appreciate it as it sets it apart from the rest of the cozies. Looking forward to more!

A great addition to the series. Well written, great characters and a spectacular setting. Mystery fans will love this book. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

The Book of Candlelight is another excellent addition to the Secret, Book, & Scone Society series. Ellery Adams does a phenomenal job at bringing each and every character to life and it's always fun to be on the case with them. While there are moments that make me feel this book is a bit darker than other cozies, it's hard not to be completely engrossed in the story. I certainly recommend it to cozy readers everywhere.

The Book of Candlelight is a delight! It is the third book in the Secret, Book and Scone Society series by Ellery Adams and the series just keeps getting better. I loved losing myself in this little North Carolina town and following the characters who are starting to feel like old friends. I look forward to book four so I can see what's happening with everyone.
This is a cozy mystery, with a nice bookish twist. Each chapter begins with a literary quote. Nora owns a bookstore and has the gift of bibliotherapy. It is interesting to see which books she selects for people based on their emotional needs. I've added a few titles to my own list after seeing some of her suggestions.
The plot is fairly predictable, but the characters are lovely and not silly like you might find in a cozy mystery. This is a quick read and was perfect for me after reading a more intense book. I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC.

I love this series and this newest book didn't disappoint. This book has a strong group of women and a setting I enjoy. The story is well written and I loved the addition of Sheldon. The mystery was clever and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

A good read, and I really like the characters. I like the addition of Sheldon. The town is interesting and the mystery kept me guessing. I like how everyone works together to solve the mystery. Although, the sheriff does get irritated with Nora for putting herself and others in danger. Which is a perfectly reasonable reaction.

Thank you to the publisher, the author and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review. - I really enjoy this author.

The Book of Candlelight
(Secret, Book, & Scone Society #3)
by Ellery Adams 

Hardcover, 224 pages
Expected publication: January 28th 2020 by Kensington



Goodreads synopsis:
In the new Secret, Book, and Scone Society novel from New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams, the rain in Miracle Springs, North Carolina, has been relentless—and a flood of trouble is about to be unleashed . . .

As the owner of Miracle Books, Nora Pennington figures all the wet weather this spring is at least good for business. The local inns are packed with stranded travelers, and among them Nora finds both new customers and a new friend, the sixty-something Sheldon, who starts helping out at the store.

Since a little rain never hurt anyone, Nora rides her bike over to the flea market one sodden day and buys a bowl from Danny, a Cherokee potter. It’ll make a great present for Nora’s EMT boyfriend, but the next day, a little rain turns into a lot of rain, and the Miracle River overflows it banks. Amid the wreckage of a collapsed footbridge, a body lies within the churning water.

Nora and the sheriff both doubt the ruling of accidental drowning, and Nora decides it’s time for the Secret, Book, and Scone Society to spring into action. When another body turns up, it becomes clearer that Danny’s death can’t be blamed on a natural disaster. A crucial clue may lie within the stone walls of the Inn of Mist and Roses: a diary, over a century old and spattered with candle wax, that leads Nora and her friends through a maze of intrigue—and onto the trail of a murderer . . .

***

4.5 Stars

This is the third book in the Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams.

At first, this didn’t even seem like a murder. The body of a local artisan was found after a huge flood and relentless storm of days earlier. As they begin talking to everyone trying to figure out the circumstances it seems less and less like an accident and more like murder.

The entire whodunit is surrounded by a found diary from the Inn of Mist and Roses. The story of Rose becomes a critical stepping stone into finding out why Danny was killed and what the motive might be. I felt like a lot of this was just coincidental. Nora would stumble upon things that were important and then chapters later would understand its significance. I liked being able to see the clues unfold. A lot of books sort of try to do a bit of a magical trick and make you not notice one thing while noticing something else that isn’t truly important. I like to be part of the figuring out process and not just have it all revealed to me at the end. Here I got to try and figure things out on my own and test my theories.

I thought the entire concept was great and the fact that they uncovered this unusual plot almost accidentally made it even better. As she investigates, Nora’s and her boyfriend’s relationship is tested which puts even more angst into the storyline. I loved the addition of Sheldon to the staff. He is just a hoot and a half. a keeper for sure.

Overall it was a great read and I plan to read the previous two books in 2020.

If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Another winner from Ellery Adams, the third in the Secret, Book, & and Scone series. Nora Pennington runs Miracle Books and always finds the right book to help her customers and friends. But the rain, a constant rain finds her store benefits the bottom line for her bookstore, but leaves her worn out and the shelves at Miracle Books sadly depleted. While investigating the death of a potter she met at a flea market, new folks and new problems add to the confusion. You will leave this book wanting more as the joys of friendship and trust are integral to the plot, and the many books cited will balloon your TBR. I'm already waiting for the next book, I hated for it to be over. Highly recommended!

Love love this series! Thank you Netgalley for the arc. This is a series about Nora who owns a bookstore in a small town and shares her life story with three friends. They all have a past that made them wary of friendships, but they have found each other and formed the Secret, Book and Scone Society. Ellery Adams has taken a cozy one step better. Cannot wait for book 4!!

Another edition of the Secret, Book and Scone Society series.
Nora rides out to flea market to see about getting an item she bought fixed. She then ends up finding the body of the man she went to see.
A few twist and turns, great cast of characters.
Enjoy reading this series.

A solid mystery but for some reason this series doesn't quite grab me the way Adams' others have. Through multiple murders we meet quite a few new characters and the killer was unexpected, which is a bonus. I just haven't really felt a good connection with any of the main characters to feel all that strongly about them. I'm not sure if missing the first in this series has left me without a full back story or if they just don't jive with me. Bottom line, if you like Adams' work, especially the first two in this series, I'd think you'll like this one as well.

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

s the owner of Miracle Books, Nora Pennington figures all the wet weather this spring is at least good for business. The local inns are packed with stranded travelers, and among them Nora finds both new customers and a new friend, the sixty-something Sheldon, who starts helping out at the store. Since a little rain never hurt anyone, Nora rides her bike over to the flea market one sodden day and buys a bowl from Danny, a Cherokee potter. It’ll make a great present for Nora’s EMT boyfriend, but the next day, a little rain turns into a lot of rain, and the Miracle River overflows it banks. Amid the wreckage of a collapsed footbridge, a body lies within the churning water. Nora and the sheriff both doubt the ruling of accidental drowning, and Nora decides it’s time for the Secret, Book, and Scone Society to investigate. When another body turns up, it becomes clearer that Danny’s death and the new death are somehow related. A crucial clue may lie within the stone walls of the Inn of Mist and Roses: a diary, over a century old and spattered with candle wax, that leads Nora and her friends on the trail of a murderer.

I am a huge fan of Ellery Adams. I have read her Books by the Bay series and her Book Retreat series and have read the first two in this series. When I saw this newest book on NetGalley, I immediately requested it. I like how the author develops her characters over the course of her series. In this series Nora and her friends continue to grow in their friendship and depend on each other for help and support.

This series grabbed my attention from the beginning and still hasn't let go and is impossible to put down until the end. Very touching and interesting story line.

Wow! Read this in one day. Impossible to put down. Loved, loved, loved this story! I loved all the aspects of racism and drug addiction that were woven into the story. Made for a very interesting book.