When a new store moves into a vacant building Nora the owner of Miracle Books is hesitant when she meets the new tenant Celest Leopoldo and daughter Bren. The angel in question is an angel,saint, healer, conning woman. She’s had many titles. Her name is Juliana she devoted her life to healing and almost all her descendants followed in her footsteps. Some say she was chained to a devil others say it was a dragon. Why not get rid of the chain because once you’ve danced with a devil or been burned by dragon fire you don’t ever want to go near those things. The new boutique, Soothe, an eclectic mix of merchandise meant to reduce stress and take the sting out of chronic pain. It will also stock organic food and drinks in the form of CBD comfort muffins and anti-inflammatory teas. Nora felt angels were supposed to be symbols of light and protection. But there was another kind of angel, the fallen kind. The ones that become devils. Nora and her friends in the Secret, Book and Scone Society are doing their best to put an end to the strife-but then someone puts an end to a life. Though the death is declared an accident, the ruling can’t explain the strange symbols and disturbing drawings left under Nora’s doormat, a postcard from an anonymous stalker or multiple cases of vandalism. Can Nora become a heroine in a successful investigation before more bodies turn up and the secrets from Celeste’s past come back to haunt them all. Ellery Adams is another of my favorite authors her books are exciting and very well written.

This is the fourth in a series You could read this as a stand alone but reading the first three will give you more of the backstory and the relationships between the friends. The friendship aspect of this series is why it is so enjoyable. The descriptions of food and the inclusion of so many books adds to the books. This is a cozy mystery but Ellery Adams isn't afraid of controversial topics. Sometimes you read a book and wish it were about a real place. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for my ARC of this book.

This is the fourth book in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society series and it doesn't disappoint. It is very well written and the you get to know the characters more and more. I like to see the relationships grow between them. It is like reuniting with old friends. One thing that I like about this series is that because the characters have something in their past that they would rather forget, they are able to show empathy and compassion for others even strangers. A new store opens in town run by a mother daughter team. It is clear that the daughter has problems of some kind. The Secret, Book & Scone Society members want to help, but before they can, she dies. It seems to be an accident, but the group isn't so sure. Is is murder? If so, can they find the killer before he/she kills again?

Nora's bookstore becomes a target for former friends and customers when a family-values group disapproves of the theme of her store's window display and launches a modern-day witch hunt that also includes a new shopkeeper in town. When an unexpected death is declared an accident, Nora and the others in the Secret, Book and Scone Society decide to investigate on their own to find out how some apparent clues were overlooked by the authorities, and learn the truth about the death.

This is the fourth book in one of my favorite series by this author, and I enjoyed it as much as I'd hoped to. The more I read this series, the more I want to visit Nora's bookshop and have her choose a book for me. I'd love to stroll around Miracle Springs and browse some of the other shops in town as well. It's a nice change of pace to have a series that features a core group of strong and supportive women who don't need to compete with one another at every opportunity. The mystery in this book was good and well-written, with quite a few potential suspects to choose from, but I didn't figure out the culprit until just before the reveal in the story. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Ink and Shadows by Ellery Adams is the 4th book in Secret, Book & Scone Society mystery series, and it was great. This book was so gripping for a cozy mystery. Looking forward to the next book in the series. The secret, book and scone society is make up of several women who bonded together because of their difficult pasts. The town has a new family-values group which is causing trouble for some shops including Nora's bookstore, Miracle books . There are so many twists and turns in the book, I could not stop reading it. I strongly recommend this book/ series if you enjoy a well written suspenseful cozy mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A real treat for mystery-loving bibliophiles! End of book has list of most titles mentioned throughout story. Also liked quotes that started each chapter.
Ellery Adams has a real gift for creating empathetic characters within an intriguing storyline.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #InkAndShadows for advanced digital copy.

This is the fourth book in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series. Nora and her friends welcome a new business owner and her daughter into Miracle Springs. But shortly after, a local woman’s group begin a campaign to shut down local businesses that they feel are immoral, or bad influences on young women. Miracle Books is targeted because of her window display on powerful women in books. Also targeted is the new shop Sooth. But soon Nora and her friend are looking into a mystery.

I absolutely adore this story, and have come to love these characters in this series. All the women of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society are strong women that take care of others. Their friendship is one to envy. They all have made mistakes, but have came out as better people. And I didn’t see the ending coming. I look forward to more of these books, and recommend this series. You won’t regret it.

This is the fourth book in this series. It isn’t totally necessary to read them in order, but by starting at the beginning you see how the relationships between the characters began and you have the opportunity to travel along with them as they grow as individuals and as a group. I love that this series focuses on women’s strength and perseverance! This series isn’t quite as light and fluffy as many cozy mysteries are and Ellery Adams tackles some heavy and controversial topics. I have no issue with this because it actually adds more reality to the characters and the situations they deal with. The mystery is well done and as always comes to a satisfactory resolution. I’m hoping we’re not heading into the dreaded love triangle realm. Nora’s romance with Jed continues but her ‘friendship’ with Grant is deepening and seems to be veering toward romance. I’ll just have to wait and see where this story arc goes.

What I Loved:

The Secret, Book, and Scone Society. Nora has the group of friends that every woman wants: Supportive, willing to help out when times are rough, always good food and wine flowing, and filled with laughter. The women all support other women – as soon as they know Celeste is having problems, they all step in to help her with the shop and keep her fed. They are all creative and intelligent and bounce off of each others’ strengths. While in some of the prior books, I was annoyed by Hester’s moodiness, or Nora’s secretiveness, most of the problems have gone away as the women have all grown and became more trusting. Ink and Shadows brought the best out in all four of them. Also, who can’t love new characters librarian Bobbie and sassy shopkeeper Sheldon!

Attention to “Banning Books” Culture. I loved that Adams brought in a group of puritanical, preachy people that have it out for books on witchcraft, spiritual shops, and non-Christian beliefs, because Miracle Springs was getting to be a little *too* perfect. Sadly, people like that exist, and I liked that Adams faced it head-on and kept most of the town levelheaded about it. Nora’s shop display with all of the strong witchy women really spoke to me – I would live in a bookstore like that! And it really speaks of a safe space for all members of the community. I am a huge supporter in all literature being available and ready to be read, regardless of opinion, and loved seeing Nora champion the cause with her combination of class and secret sass. It was also awesome seeing “young readers” and I loved how Adams peppered Ink and Shadows with great YA recommendations.

(Semi-related) The Witchery. Magic permeates Ink and Shadows, from the angel Juliana that guards Celeste, to the spooky grimoire, to the witchy women in the window (say that three times fast) at Miracle Books. The Secret, Book, and Scone Society series has always had a hint of magical realism in Nora’s bibliotherapy abilities and Hester’s comfort scone creations, but this is the first book in the series the bring in more overtly magical elements. I loved every minute of it!

What Didn’t Work as Well (for me):

The Murder Mysteries. I often have a hard time when books kill people I like, no matter long long I have known the character or predicted the murder. Ink and Shadows was no exception, so you can probably take this with a grain of salt. Furthermore, I thought the method of murders to be creative and interesting, and I learned something new while reading this, so no issue there. However, I disliked the big reveal and felt like the actual mystery was too nebulous to the plot itself – this felt more like a great women’s literature book with some murders thrown in. This wasn’t a deal breaker for me, but it may be for some diehard cozy fans.

Nora/Jed/ the Sheriff. Okay, I think we can *all* agree Jed was an unmitigated ass in this book. He puts unnecessary demands on Nora, and is largely absent from Ink and Shadows. While his absence was completely understandable given the circumstances (taking care of his ill mother), his attitude and behavior was completely unjustified. Nora as a heroine is very likable, and it is frustrating seeing her stressed over “a boy.” On the contrary, the sheriff is solicitous, there for Nora, and keeps her company. Nora experiences a minor twinge of feelings for the Sheriff before Jed comes to his senses, and I am very concerned that this is going to lead to a love triangle. No thank you. I hope that Adams either fixes Jed, or brings Nora and the Sheriff together officially.

I loved the newest in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society series! Ellery hits on some really hard topics in a mindful manner, which I appreciate greatly. And as always, so much bookish goodness!

"Ink and Shadows " the 5th instalment in the "The Secret, Book & Scone Society" Mystery series by Ellery Adams. This book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you read in order to get the full background.

I really enjoy this series, I like how each of the four women have their own unique quality that they bring to the table as well as how they are right there to help each other out as well as a new comer to their community. As a fellow chronic pain suffer I also like how Ms. Adams portrays Sheldon with respect and dignity.

The setting of Miracle Springs sounds beautiful and I would love to visit somewhere like it on vacation and wander into a bookstore like Nora’s. Who wouldn’t want to sit look at all the books, just relax in the peaceful atmosphere.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, with two murders to solve. I liked that herbalism, and other natural remedies took part in the story, I also found the symbolism of the statue empowering as Cecilia says broken things are still beautiful.

I highly recommend this series to all my mystery loving friends.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It's Halloween time in Miracle Springs, NC. A time for festivals, pumpkins, and trick-or-treating. Although it appears there are more tricks than treats happening. A local mom group has made it their passion to target all shops that do not meet their strong moral code. Unfortunately, Nora's bookstore has made that list along with a new shop specializing in CBD oil. Before the CBD shop can celebrate its opening both the owner and her daughter have been murdered. Can Nora book the murder into the local jail before becoming the next victim?

Please tell me I am not the only reader who purposely slowed their reading pace down in order to stay in Miracle Springs longer. This series has been a joy to read even though it tackles some very tough and series issues. Nora feels like a friend and I really want to meet her.

Ink and Shadows made me cry and leap for joy before the end of Chapter 3. I suffer from fibromyalgia and very few people get it. They like to shake their head and murmur what they think is the correct murmurs but you can look in their face and see the scorn of disbelief. EA got it! She made me feel seen and understood. She got the days where getting out of bed and putting one foot in front of the other is all you can do. She got the days that even someone breathing on you brings you to your knees. Thank you, EA for Sheldon's character.

I would think you could pick up this series at any point and fall right into the story but you really should read from the beginning. I suggest this series to anyone I can get to listen to me. It is one I can re-read and never get tired of reading.

Another top ten for me!

Warnings: witchcraft, murder, out of wedlock pregnancy, slight cursing, a hint of sex

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington Books, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

Oh, how I love this series. From page one of Ink and Shadows, I felt as though I had never left Miracle Springs. The richness of its setting, businesses, and, most of all, people instantly enveloped me. The new arrivals of a mother and daughter opening a shop aptly named Soothe and an assistant pastor and his family drive a plot line of spiritual, moral, and social danger.

The familiar characters also wrestle with their own lingering challenges and relationships, always drawing strength from one another. I want to live in this village and spend hours on end with these people. I am saddened at how much I will miss them as I wait for the next installment in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series. May it continue for many more volumes.

Thank you to Ellery Adams, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

I had issues with the latest in Ellery Adam's A Secret, Book and Scone Society Novel series. I think it is trite and easy to characterize 'religion' in a negative way as she did in 'Ink and Shadows'. Fortunately there is softer resolution which (only slightly) mitigated my objections. I also have issues with Nora's relationships with Jed and the Sherriff. They are in no way comfortable, in fact nothing about the series is comfortable or 'cozy'. There are harsh murders and difficult characters. I am invested in finding out what happens to them, but it is emotionally hard to be along for the ride. I will stick with it, however, as I adore Ellery Adam's and her other series offerings.

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

First off thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to preview this book. I had not read an Ellery Adams tale in some time and have found it hard to concentrate on a book very long since the COVID mess started. This one was an exception to that! I enjoyed the characters and the locale. I will be looking for more in this series in the future.

Another winner from Ellery Adams! I adore this series. While it may fall into the cozy category, the strong women within are nothing but! I highly recommend a "trip" to Miracle Springs, NC for any reader!

There is something so comforting about this series. Sure, it's a cozy mystery and has all the criteria covered - amateur sleuth, small town, no gore - but what really makes this series so unique is the relationships that are built between the characters within the story and how Ellery Adams draws you into their world. She takes a controversial topic - empowerment vs. witchcraft - and helps you see that there are two sides to every story. The mystery was not center stage in this book but there is a fair amount of sleuthing involved. It's just cushioned between a heartwarming story about friendship and dealing with grief.

I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#InkandShadows #NetGalley

A another good mystery suspense story with the Secret ,,Books and Scone Society.
Like the intrigue and all the characters that make the story.
I enjoy reading.
Voluntarily reviewed.

I was so fortunate to have been able to read this book in advance through NetGalley!
Ellery Adams's series has been a delight to read since the beginning, and, once again, the adventure felt like it was over too soon! I love visiting these characters and their worlds. Miracle Springs and its inhabitants feel like family, and I can't stop thinking about how I would just love some bibliotherapy and a visit to Hester's bakery.
In Ink and Shadows, secrets, books, and scones once again abound as Nora and her friends discover yet again that secrets can be harmful to both the mind and body. These women came to trust each other with the secrets they thought they'd never share, and desire to share the resulting relief and comfort with others. When a new business owner and her daughter move to town and are subject to suspicion, The Secret, Book, and Scone Society try to make the pair feel welcome, and of course, stumble upon strange occurrences that will keep you guessing the whole way.
Books are just as vivid of a character as any of flesh and blood, and Ellery Adams once again does a phenomenal job at showing all the ways they can impact a person's life. Staying true to chat you believe and standing by your friends is important for Nora and her companions. This mindset allows a person to endure and overcome even the most confusing, heartbreaking, and frustrating moments in life.
Every time I return to this series, it feels like a bibliotherapy session and a comfort scone, and I hope ore adventures await our beloved society!

Ink and Shadows is the fourth book in the Secret, Book & Scone series. While I haven’t read the previous books, it was easy to be brought up to speed regarding the characters’ pasts.

The story of Nora meeting newcomers and local storeowner Celeste and her troubled daughter, Bren was well written. You really got to experience the Nora’s emotions and learn her thought process throughout the story and how her past affected and made her who she was now.

Although this is a cozy mystery, it was a lot darker than any others I have ever read. And because of that, I didn’t enjoy it as much from a personal preference as there were cult references that made me uncomfortable. Additionally, there were deep issues brought up such as racism and emotional abuse.

With that being said, the banter from Nora’s friend and employee at the book store elevated the darker tone and the mystery and intent behind who was the killer kept be engaged.