The secret book and scone society never fails! I loved this newest addition to the series - the characters only get richer and the throw-back family connections in this book really added a new element to this always-charming cozy mystery series

Reading this series feels like spending time with close friends. I adore the friendship between Nora, June, Estella and Hester. Their support of each other and their loyalty is what everyone wants in friendship.

This is book 6 in the Secret, Book & Scone Society series. the past comes back to haunt Nora. One of her ex-husband's ex-wives moves to Miracle Springs and is very sick with a terminal illness and she wants Nora's forgiveness. Then she becomes a murder victim and people are looking at Nora as the most likely suspect. Could Nora have done this? Other things are happening too - Estella's father just got out of prison after 21 years and has moved in with Estella. There's an issue with land for a Casino between the Cherokee who want to own it and a developer who thinks he should have it. What is really happening in Miracle Springs, North Carolina?

I love this series and have been following it and another by Ellery Adams. Her cozy myteries are for curling up and geting lost in time - and that's just what I did. This was a really good one and I stayed totally engrossed in the story.

Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on April 25, 2023.

I love the "Secret, Book, & Scone Society" series because it has a bit more depth than a lot of cozy mysteries. The group of four strong women in this series have each overcome tragedy in their lives and are committed to comforting and encouraging others in similar situations. Each has a special talent to add to the group. In this episode, Nora (the bookseller) comes face to face with her past in the form of her ex-husband's son and his mother, who is dying. As she learns more about them, she comes to realize that they are victims, too. In particular, the young boy, who has Asberger syndrome, has to deal with losing his mother.

The book has a solid mystery story line, but the addition of the neurodiversity story makes it even more special because it gives the reader a better understanding of the unique behavior of this young boy. As always, the recurring characters are unique and strong, but this time I also appreciated the depth in the new characters. I've already recommended this book to several people. A great read!

After fleeing from a troubled marriage and a horrible accident, Nora Pennington is finally enjoying life in the small town of Miracle Springs. She has a thriving business, a loving partner, and a group of supportive friends. Her troubled past is behind her...or is it?

In the sixth installment of the Secret, Book and Scone Society series, Nora's previous life collides with the present and finds her at the center of a murder investigation involving the "other woman" who broke up her marriage.

Nora Pennington escaped her past a decade ago. So it feels like a visit from another world when Kelly Walsh—the woman her ex-husband left her for—walks through the door of Miracle Books along with her son, a sweet, serious boy with a talent for origami. Kelly hasn’t come to gloat, though. As she been dumped too. She’s also terribly ill, and all she wants from Nora is forgiveness. Shockingly, however, this woman who’s been the victim of so much misfortune is about to become a murder victim. Who would do such a thing? Certainly not Nora, but that doesn’t stop the gossip and suspicion—especially after Kelly’s brother claims that he saw the two women arguing. The Secret, Book, and Scone Society joins forces with the sheriff’s department to find Kelly's murderer, but they’ve barely begun their probe when life throws another wrench. After serving a twenty-year sentence, Estella’s father returns to Miracle Springs. And when his past comes back to haunt him, it might be more than the four friends can handle.

I have read all the books in this series and each one is better than the last. The author continues to develop the characters with each book. I love the other series that the author has written and have read all of the Books by the Bay series and the Book Retreat series, all very different and excellently written. I highly recommend this series along with just about anything this author has written. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for granting my request to read this book.

Nora Pennington is a bibliotherapist in quaint Miracle Springs, NC, where people come to partake of the healing hot springs. Nora has escaped her past and built a new life there, and she has a bookstore and loving, supportive friends. However, the woman Nora's husband left her for is about to walk into her store. Kelly is seriously ill and wants to apologize to Nora; their mutual ex has left Kelly and their son. Nora is rocked to her core, and the two have a public scene due to Nora's shock. When Kelly is murdered, suspicion turns to Nora, who must prove her innocence.  

Cozy mystery readers are going to love this! I did! It's a very well-written, well-paced, and well-plotted whodunnit, with danger and some mild suspense. Adams always delivers a solid mystery!

And anyone thinking about trying a cozy should pick this one up, too, as it has lots of cross-over appeal. Adams writes inclusive stories with well-rounded characters, and her books touch on weightier topics. For example, one of the characters in this one is re-entering society after serving time in prison. The core friend group's lives, secrets, relationships, and emotional journeys are at the heart of the series and as big a part of the books as the investigations. A few of the scenes were so moving that I teared up, which I was not expecting in a murder mystery, but I am that invested in the characters. Highly recommended and an excellent addition to the series! 

Thank you to NetGalley, Ellery Adams and Kensington Press for the gifted ARC!

Book Title: Paper Cuts
Author: Ellery Adams
Series: Secret Books and Scone Society #6
Publisher: Kensington Books -Kensington Cozies
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: April 25, 2023
My Rating: 3.7 rounded up

This is #6 in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society series. I read #4 "Ink and Shadows" and loved it!
Nora Pennington is a local bookstore owner of Miracle Books in in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. Love that name had to look it up! (No Miracle Springs, NC but there is a Miracle Springs Resort here in California!)

She moved to Miracle Springs, NC a few years ago and opened a bookstore in an old train depot that is has always been a favorite spot in the community. The bookstore serves tea and coffee with names such as "Agatha Christie Tea." As well as "book pastries" that every bibliophile wants. Additionally is known for her awesome window displays.

Nora Pennington s a Biblotherapist (one who treatment that uses substances from living organism to treat disease.); she knows instinctively what books people need. It is her special gift and how she secretly is able to help.

Nora has a wonderful employee who has’ Fibromyalgia’ (Fibromyalgia is a chronic rheumatic condition that affects various muscles and other soft tissue).

Although I enjoyed this I was doing some ‘catch up since I only read one other in this series.
.
Love the characters and trust me the end of the book is GREAT!

There is: -
Paper Cuts: A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Mystery Reader’s Guide”!
Even if you aren’t a book group you will enjoy the thoughtful questions.
Next are the pages of
‘Bibliotherapy& Book Lists from Paper Cuts
Aa list of the books such as -
• Books for Young Origami Lovers
• Novels Featuring Chronic Illness
• Books for Job Seekers
• Select Novels in Virginia Lover’s Collection
• Second Chance/Alpha Male Romance
• Novels in Bees Display


Want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 25, 2023

Unlike the other books in this series, I felt that Paper Cuts was a little slow starting. We meet the newest residents in Miracle Springs: Val and Kirk; and Kelly and her son Tucker. Shortly after we meet these four individuals, one of them is found murdered and that's when the story takes off. Nora becomes a "person of interest" to the police after witness statements identify her as a suspect. Determined to discover the true identity and motive of the murderer, Nora, Estella, Hester, and June start their own investigation. However, they are stymied when a second murder takes place. What's going on? Eventually, all is revealed and it is a rather convoluted plot involving more deaths, a proposed casino, money, and an inheritance.

Of note, there are several characters who had previously been briefly mentioned in earlier novels in this series and they are now presented in more detail. It is clear that some of them will become regulars.

I enjoyed getting to learn more backstory of those characters who have carried over from book to book in this series and also seeing Nora continue to grow as a strong character. As an avid reader myself, I was thrilled to see how many of the books Nora promotes at Miracle Books that I personally have read.

While Paper Cuts can be read as a standalone novel, it is much more meaningful to have read the previous books. This is a mystery series with a human touch and I look forward to reading more about Nora, Estella, Hester, June, and the community of Miracle Springs.

Things I loved:

Secret, Book, and Scone Society always has a drink and food that goes with their book pick of the month

The festivals in the town

Nora’s tiny home and bookstore

McCabe

Tucker

Origami flowers and bees

The friendship between the ladies extends to Estella’s dad fresh out of prison

Karma came back for Lawrence. It was superb.



Things I hated:

Hollowell

Lawrence

Umm….that’s it

I love this cozy mystery series! It feels like coming home and reading about all your friends. I love Nora and all her quirky friends. This is sixth in the series but could be stand alone. It feels like an escape when you read about this quant town.

Nora is blessed with amazing friends who have her back. She may be accused of murder but her and her friends are bound and determined to find out who the real killer is.

I love all of the very diverse people in this book. This book would be great for book group opening the door to many interesting discussions. I loved the book and now the hardest part will be waiting for next in series to come out.

The whole series is fantastic!

Once again, the Secret, Book, and Scone Society has an adventure that I didn’t want to miss! After a new family moves to town, Nora is suspect number 1 in a murder. The gang gets together to solve it—and wrap up a lot of loose personal ends on the way.

I just adore this group of women and their friendship. I can imagine Miracle Springs, having spent a TON of time in Western NC with work a few years ago (including spending time at the casino and other places in Cherokee)—so these books are like reading about a good friend at this point. I love the new shop in town—flowers and tea are my things. And I love the new residents—Tucker especially. His reading interests very much align with my 11-year old’s, and we always love to see Origami Yoda get more recognition!

All in, another highly recommended Ellery book!

Nora and the Secret Book and Scone society get involved when a young woman, new to town, is murdered and Nora is arrested. Why does the new police sergeant seem to have it in for Nora? Will anyone figure out the real murderer before anyone else gets hurt? Another great addition to the series.

These books are a book lover's dream. Not only do you get an intriguing mystery with a depth of character throughout, but you get a bibliography and book list, all of which are mentioned in the story, not to mention a reader's guide. And, oh, yes, romance and deep friendships, too. Heck, we even learn a bit about the meaning behind different flowers often gifted.

Ironically, considering that I was slow to warm up to the series, it has become a regular on my "must read" list. The mysteries, and there are frequently more than one, are intriguing, but it's the depth of character that draws me back. No cookie-cutter types here, ie the always happy, bubbly best friend, the always grumpy relative, the....well, you get my drift. These characters are real people with lives, problems, issues, and emotional triggers. I felt like I could almost reach out through virtual space and feel the air vibrating erratically as Nora melts down when past meets present, so to speak. We feel her panic, sense her need to escape, leading to behavior that has ended is disaster before but, phew, not this time. Even as her friends circle about her, you can sense Nora's heaviness, then feel hope as she eventually grabs control back from her angst and fears. It isn't easy, and though I won't detail the plot, we go through several highs and lows with her.

Another plus for the book is its inclusion of a neurodivergent child. Like many who are "different", he has a wonderful talent for origami, which Nora helps nurture. Relationships are complicated but I will note that he seems to have landed safely at the end. Hopefully we'll hear more about him as the series goes on. Another intriguing, albeit somewhat distant character is Deputy Hollowell. We don't know much about her yet but I'm sure more is coming given that she works closely with Nora's cop boyfriend, Grant.

Finally, and I've just touched the surface of this book, one of the quotes at the beginning of each chapter stayed with me. To paraphrase, it reminds us that anger is more damaging to those who harbor it than to those who receive it. It's a Mark Twain quote. Another comment, this time within the story from Grant, notes that justice isn't always complete. Something to ponder as we read and go through life, I'd say.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPress - #KensingtonCozies for simply allowing me to have Nora and her family of friends in my life. This series makes me think. True, not always pleasant thoughts, but thinking is important.

There is much to enjoy about Miracle Springs and the latest addition to Ellery Adam's Secret Book & Scone Society series. I would not, however, classify this as a true cozy. There is too much darkness with no examples of humor that stick out to me. That being said it was wonderful to get some more background on Nora and some closure as she establishes herself in a kind and close-knit community. Most satisfying was the continuing and devoted relationship with Sherriff McCabe and a new life soon to be brought into the circle of the Society. I can't imagine where Ellery Adams can go after 'Paper Cuts', but I sincerely hope she continues.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I've become a fan of this series, after reading the previous book The Vanishing Type. So when I heard about this book, Paper Cuts I just had to request this book.

Ellery Adams did a wonderful job with this book! I really enjoyed this book. The setting, characters, and a mystery made this book a charming, fun, and cozy read. I also enjoy reading, as well as books. Nora (the protagonist) does though a lot in this book, when her past comes calling. Readers will definitely want to cheer for Nora.

What makes this book, along with this series enjoyable is the cast of characters. I felt like I wanted to enjoy a good book, have a pastry, and hang out with these characters. The characters felt like old friends to me, welcoming me back to their town and bookstore.

Included within this book are recommendations from the story for readers to check out

My thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGallery for a digital copy of this book. Here's to the next book in this wonderful series!

This is the 6th book in the secret book and scone society series and I can say with 100% certainty that I love this and it is one of my absolute favorites in the whole series. Her characters and the setting makes me want to live in North Carolina. She describes it so beautifully. I will have to own this one for sure.

This was another cozy mystery that I started about 6 books in but it was a good read and I loved the ensemble aspect of the story. There was the main character Nora Pennington bookstore owner and bibliotherapist and her group of friends June, Estelle and Hester who make up the Secret, Book and Scone Society who help solve local crimes as well as do good works in the community. Nora’s past is catching up to her because who walks through her door Kelly Walsh the woman her ex-husband left her for and her son and what she is wants is not to gloat but to ask for forgiveness since she was dumped as well and is dying of cancer. When she turns up murdered after an argument with Nora well she becomes the prime suspect which puts a hold on her relationship with the Sheriff. Nora and her friends band together to figure out what happened and to exonerate Nora and in the midst of this Estelle’s father is getting out of prison after 20 years and returning to Miracle Springs and his past ends up colliding with the ongoing case. This was a good read and I really enjoyed all the characters and how the mystery was resolved.

Thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.

After reading the first book in this series a few years ago and not reading any further, I decided to give it another chance last year. I'm so glad I did! I have enjoyed all the books, and this 6th one is no exception. Paper Cuts is like a warm hug on a cold night, with a dash of murder thrown in. I've also enjoyed learning more about Nora's backstory over the years, and that really plays a part in this book. As always, the main cast of characters are a delight, esp the relatively recent inclusion Sheldon.

I love this series so much, and this latest installment is definitely my new favorite. It's a treat to dive back into this world with these characters, and I already can't wait for the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-copy.

I loved this 6th installment in the Secret, Book & Scone Society series. These cozy mysteries take place in a wonderful, healing town in NC, and encompass the stories of a group of women that I'd love to be friends with. They are portrayed as real people with real histories and problems and day to day highs and lows. I especially liked the story in this book, as we encounter more of Nora's past, and really experience how her friends rally around her when they are needed. I also loved the inclusion of a neurodivergent child, and all of the information included about relating to him. This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series! Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the advance digital copy!