The Secret, Book & Scone Society Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams is a cozy mystery set in the small town of Miracle Springs, North Carolina. The story follows Nora Pennington, a former librarian who now owns a bookstore called Miracle Books. Nora has a gift for recommending books that help people heal, but she carries painful secrets of her own. When a visiting businessman is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Nora and three other women—June, Hester, and Estella—form the Secret, Book & Scone Society. Each of them has scars, both emotional and physical, and they bond by sharing their secrets while working together to uncover the truth behind the man’s death. The novel blends elements of friendship, personal healing, and mystery, all wrapped in a charming small-town setting where books and food hold special meaning.
Why I Love This Book
I love how this book feels both comforting and suspenseful at the same time. The town of Miracle Springs has that warm, small-town atmosphere I enjoy, with cozy bookstores, friendly cafés, and a sense of community that makes me wish I could visit in real life. At the same time, the mystery is engaging, and I never felt like the story dragged. I cared about what happened to the characters, and I found myself turning pages quickly to see how it all played out.
I also love how the main characters are written with depth and vulnerability. Nora’s past makes her cautious, but it also makes her empathetic in ways that feel real and moving. The other women in the society—each with their own struggles—felt like fully developed people rather than just side characters. The bond they form through honesty and shared pain is one of my favorite parts of the book. It reminded me how healing true friendship can be, even when life feels heavy.
The book recommendations woven into the story were another highlight for me. I liked how Nora’s gift of finding the right book for someone wasn’t just a gimmick, but an important part of her character and of the plot. As someone who loves reading, I appreciated how books were shown as tools for comfort, growth, and even survival.
What surprised me most was how emotional this cozy mystery could be. I went in expecting a light, charming read, but I ended up connecting to the characters on a much deeper level. The mystery itself was satisfying, but it was the relationships and healing journeys that truly stayed with me after finishing the book.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with heart, strong female friendships, and a touch of emotional depth, you’ll love this story. It’s a perfect read for fans of small-town settings, character-driven plots, and mysteries that don’t rely on gore or graphic violence. If you like books that highlight the power of healing and second chances, this one will resonate with you.
⚠️ Trigger warning: This book touches on themes of trauma, grief, and abuse. While these elements are handled with sensitivity, I think it’s important to know they’re present before starting.
Tagged As
cozy mystery, small town, book club, women’s fiction, friendship, healing, bookstore setting, found family, series, character-driven, inspirational, slow burn, sweet romance, quick read, indie romance
Steam Level
This book is clean and focused on emotional connection, friendship, and mystery. Romance is present but light, with no explicit scenes. The warmth comes from relationships and healing, not from spice.
