I was given a chance to read this book for an honest review, thank you! This is the fourth book in the series, I was unable to read books 2 and 3 but found it easy to follow along. It is Halloween and the book store has decided to feature women of power, stirring a kettle with designated books coming out of it. A group of mothers are protesting the material and things are getting mean, with them causing boycotts and vandalism. Newcomers to the town are also involved, as they sell CBD products and two murders occur. This book shows what can happen when a community is divided by political on goings. Several families in the story were divided in their feelings about what was right and wrong, including a ministers family.

This series is an inspiring series. It is about women who are inspirations to each other and their community. It is about books that inspire people's lives in various ways. Its themes are love, comfort, safety, community, help, inspiration, and care. I always feel a gentleness emanating from the words of these books as I read them. I love that at the end of the books, there is a list of books mentioned to read under topics that they cover.
This book is about accepting differences in people and their ideas. It's about family and friendships and togetherness. It's a good mystery, but also a good balm for the soul. I feel soothed from reading this book, and I look forward to the next one in this series.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I have read a lot of reviews on this book, and have seen that many have really enjoyed it. It was not one of my favorite books, mostly because it got into a darkness that just really affected my ability to fully get into it. I do enjoy a wide variety of books, and have read a lot of different genre's. However, I struggle with books that get too much into what feels like satanism. Therefore, I just couldn't give this book a very high review, and will not post it on my personal blog. I gave it a 3 star, because the writing style truly was very good. The author had good imagination, did a great job of giving character depth, and did make me feel like I could enter the pages. My only complaint is truly personal choice. It just had a very negative vibe for me to truly be able to enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoy Ellery Adams' books and especially her Secret, Book, and Scone Society series. This book was as wonderful as the rest of the series, and I loved the Halloween-ish atmosphere. Plus, it's wonderful to find a cozy series that focuses as much on friendship as it does romance.

Ink and Shadows by Ellery Adams
Book #4: Secret, Book, and Scone Society Series
Source: NetGalley and Kensington
Rating: 4½/5 stars

**MINI REVIEW**

The Bottom Line: I could go on and on about the plot and the characters and all the traditional stuff one finds in a book review, but that isn’t what stuck with and truly resonated with me in this read. The thing that struck the loudest chord for me is Nora’s absolute belief and insistence on protecting her books and the rights of individuals to read what they want. There have been too many times in history when books have been banned, labelled immoral, or just burned for their content and that chaps my ass much as it does Nora’s. I was particularly struck by Nora’s continued commitment to helping her customers find the books that will allow them to heal or just providing a safe haven for a young girl whose family doesn’t approve of her reading choices. Nora in no way does these things to turn a profit but to encourage reading and provide a safe and respectful place for readers of all ages, denomination, creeds, ethnicities, etc. Nora is simply a book lover with a passion for getting her wares into the hands of those who both want and need them. I admire and greatly respect this commitment, even in the face of adversity. From beginning to end, I am going to recommend this series to all lovers of books, but particularly those who have often felt shy about the books they love to read or shamed by others for their reading choices. Writing and reading are an art form and all who participate on any level are rewarded for their efforts.

"To me, getting lucky is reading something so magical that I'm put under that book's spell." That is a quote from June, one of the members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society - but it pretty well sums up my feelings, too. I love a book that pulls me in and makes me forget about the world around me.
This is the fourth book in the series and we have learned the back stories of all the members of the society. And beginning with the third book, figures from the past have begun to reconnect with the women. (Last time it was someone June knew. This time it is Nora who meets a former colleague.) We also are beginning to see them branch out into other relationships with members of the town of Miracle Springs, so those who like a little romance mixed into their cozy mysteries will be pleased. But we continue to see how the women support each other and their friends in town when difficulties arise. Whether it is vandalism, protesters, or murder, they do their best to help.

I especially liked the subplot of a group deciding that they didn't approve of the bookstore because it had a window display about books being magical. The response of Nora (who owns the shop) and her loyal friends and customers is heartening to read, and I may have done a few quiet cheers to spur them on. The setting also appeals to me; western North Carolina is just over the mountains from my home in Tennessee, so it feels very familiar. And book lovers will enjoy reading how Nora matches books to customers and offers bibliotherapy and reader's advisory services to anyone who needs it.

I initially discovered this series because I am always looking for books that feature librarians or others in book-related careers. Fans of series like Jenn McKinlay's Library Lover's Mysteries or Kate Carlisle's Bibliophile Mysteries will probably be adding Ellery Adams to their TBR piles, if they haven't already.

In Ink and Shadows I enjoyed once again getting to spend time with “old friends,” those characters who have carried over from book to book in this series. There are also quite a few new characters introduced.

I feel I barely got to know two of the newest residents of Miracle Springs, Celeste and her daughter Bren. In addition, there are a lot of subplots going on in the background. There’s Connie and her family values group; there’s Morris Knapp and his surprising revelation; there’s Lazarus Harper who is presented as an angry old man; and there are hints of a new love interest. Somehow, I didn’t feel myself quite as invested in the mysterious deaths as I have in the previous novels in this series; I found this to be the weakest of the four books in this series to date.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed seeing how Nora continues to grow as a strong character while taking the lead in the current investigation. It was fun recognizing how many of the books Nora promotes at Miracle Books that I myself have read. This is a mystery series that I plan to continue reading.

Nora Pennington has her dream job, she owns and runs a book shop. In a place like Miracle Springs it could only be called Miracle Books and it is her happy place, her sanctuary and second home. With her friends she also runs the Secret, Book and Scone Society which rounds out her life and those of her fellow members. Together they have been known to solve the occasional murder alongside the local police department!

Disliking her latest spectacular window display a local family values group targets the bookstore along with that of a newcomer to the area and she is up in arms almost immediately. Books are Nora's salvation; her aim to recommend the perfect ones to both strangers and friends, how dare anyone jeopardise that or make Celeste and her daughter in the new therapy shop feel unwelcome. So when a body is discovered behind Nora's home she fears it is linked to what is happening. Even if her own secrets are revealed and life put in danger, nothing will stop Nora getting to the bottom of things so the town can return to its normal friendly self.

Although the fourth book in this series this the first I have had the pleasure of reading. I enjoyed every word and as it easily works as a standalone didn't feel I was missing anything. Whilst not what I would describe as a cosy crime it is not a psychological mystery or thriller either but would satisfy lovers of either genre for a change of reading matter I think.

It is obvious from almost the first page that Ellery Adams loves books, bookstores, and anything to do with either. There are mentions of other authors and their works throughout which adds to the atmosphere as well as the personality of Nora herself. I will definitely be reading the other books and looking out for more to come in this lovely series.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this highly.

An entertaining and well written cozy murder mystery. Good plot and character dynamics and a nice setting. Mystery fans will not be disappointed. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

The words Ink and Shadows are the perfect description for this Secret, Book, and Scone Society mystery. Ink for the tattoos and ink for the books, shadows from the past and shadows in the present. A strong story featuring a strong group of friends who show that they will not be intimidated by the shadowy thoughts of the Women of Lasting Values as Nora and Sheldon create a jaw dropping window display featuring powerful women, fierce females as Sheldon calls them. This story shows the power of community when used for good as the Society shows to young Bren, and her mother, Celeste as well as the power of community used to intimated as we learn from Celeste's past and the WOLV of the present. We get a nice glimpse into Nora's past with the introduction of an old friend who would make a wonderful addition to the crew on occasion. Nora has a lot to deal within addition to the murder and standing up to the unreasonable prejudice against her window display, the pleading in Jed's voice is heart wrenching. Great story about support, the support you give and the support you receive.

This series is perfectly cozy with just enough mystery and PERFECT for book lovers! This 4th installment is just as good as the previous three. And with a release date in January, that gives you plenty of time to catch up on their earlier hijinks.

This time, Nora and the gals of the Secret, Book & Scone society have a face off with a family-values group that takes offense to Nora's latest beautiful window display. In addition to targeting Nora's bookstore, they also target the new CBD product store and a store run by a Native American. So they're basically classy people (she says sarcastically).

Nora knows how hard it is to start over and offers the new shop owner's daughter a helping hand. Then, the girl is found dead near Nora's house, there's a mysterious paper left under Nora's mat and once again, Nora is thrust into the middle of an investigation.

Another deeply satisfying book in this series.
Contemporary topics and a well written whodunit.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

3.5 stars, rounded up.

Adams wrote another fine installment in this series. While it isn’t my favorite of her series, I love the setting of a bookstore and all the bookish details throughout the novel. I am not sure I would recommend jumping into the series here, but you wouldn’t be totally lost if you haven’t read any others. I missed the inclusion of Nora and Jed’s relationship in this book, but did appreciate all the female friendship as the structure of the story.

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

Ink and Shadows by Ellery Adams is a book lover’s dream. Adams incorporates so many book titles into the story and her window/table displays that I was constantly smiling with nostalgia for having read the books or stopping to look up a title and often add it to my TBR. I was so happy to see that Adams had included a list of the titles at the end of the book, in case I had missed any. And the quotes at the beginning of each chapter added another layer that bibliophiles are sure to enjoy.

Halloween is my favorite holiday so all the nods to it, along with the festivals, decorating, and books were wonderful to read about. If I owned a bookshop or still worked at the library I would copy many ideas from her Strong Women window display for next Halloween. There was an occult aspect that went with the story, but I never felt like it was scary, instead adding to the enjoyment of learning about a new topic… and it does take place around Halloween after all! Adams really does follow the theme of strong women through every aspect of the story and I really, really loved it.

This is the first book that I’ve read in the Secret, Book, and Scone mysteries but I was able to quickly get a feel for the characters and Adams added the perfect amount of background information from previous books that I never felt lost. After enjoying this one so much I’m glad I received the first book in the series, so I can read the first three and catch up.

Another excellent edition to a wonderful series! Full of twists and turns that leaves you wanting more and enjoying each moment until the end when the killer is caught!

I absolutely loved this book. It was like reading a well-crafted, beautifully plotted mystery that is swirled through both a love of books and an appreciation for what kindness and caring toward others, particularly those who are lonely or in pain, can accomplish. This is an excellent continuation of a series that stands out in the cozy genre.
In this book, the primary mystery has to do with two newcomers to the town of Miracle Springs, Celeste and her daughter, Bren. Celeste has opened a new store that features products designed to aid in relaxation. Nora,, the proprietor of the local bookshop and creator of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society pays a visit to the shop and happily welcomes them to town. She and the other women of the society plan a more in-depth welcome, however before are able to really make their welcome known, Celeste’s and Nora’s shop are targeted by a group of women who object to them as threatening family values. As things escalate, Brin is murdered and Nora becomes determined to learn if it is related to this new protest group or something from Brin and Celeste’s past.
Things get much worse before they get better. There is a second murder, Nora and her steady beau hit a rough patch, and Nora feels the awakening of an interest in the sheriff. The investigation also has the sheriff involving a book expert from out of town who turns out to be a close friend from Nora’s former life, a life Nora left without warning when she suffered her own tragedy. Where would having this old and dear friend suddenly re-enter Nora’s life lead and would she understand why Nora ran away, would she be able to forgive Nora for all her perceived sins?
For a more in-depth review of this book follow the link below. My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for making this advance copy available for review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

In the fourth book in the Secret, Book and Scone Society mystery series, bookseller Nora Pennington and her friends become involved in a double murder and a nasty protest that threatens all their businesses. Forged ancient manuscripts, a reunion with an old friend and a slight shakeup in her relationship also impact Nora's life and well being.
Well written, likable characters and easy to read. I was given this book by Net Galley and Kensington in exchange for an honest review.

Aww this book had me with the cover!
This is #4 in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society series. I have not read the other three but may.
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 is known for her awesome window displays. So yes! I just loved her display of plush toys inspired by children’s book characters: Curious George, Babar the Elephant (my favorite) Paddington the Bear, Clifford the Bid Red dog etc.
``Although a couple of my most favorites were missing: Corduroy the Bear and the little bunny
from “Goodnight Moon”!

Totally need to save the three pages of the Bibliotherapy at the end with a list of the books featuring ‘Powerful Women’. Also just loved the “A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Mystery Reader’s Guide”!!!!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for this early release granted to me in exchange for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 26, 2021

Probably more of a 3.5.

This series has become a source of comfort for the past couple of years, so it felt nice to be back in this world, especially at a time when I wasn’t feeling that good.

Along with the lovely ladies of the Secret, Book and Scone society, we get to briefly meet some new additions to the town of Miracle Springs - ladies who manage to bring some intrigue as well as conflict to the proceedings. While I enjoyed the depiction of fall season and the various festivals that happen in a small town to attract tourists, I sometimes felt that the mystery itself was a bit far fetched. The addition of the conflict with the family values group also felt a bit too much to this story, though it’s not really an uncommon occurrence in many places. But it did make for some interesting conversations about powerful women and the importance of books in giving us access to new worlds. The pacing of the book was as always very fast and I finished it in a single sitting. I also liked the talk about YA fantasy as part of the book recommendations, but it was woefully white which is a disappointment, particularly considering the amount of popular diverse YA we’ve had in the past few years.

In the end, this was a fun addition to a beloved series and definitely a cozy winter read. Definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for something fun in the cozy mystery genre, and while I would suggest to start at the beginning, I think this is one series where most of the books work well as standalones.

Absolutely fabulous addition to the series. Author does a great job recapping some of the important things in the characters background so you do not feel lost, but I do highly recommend reading the others. The characters in this series are well rounded, and ones you take into your heart, and feel like they are old friends. You care about them, and what happens to them. The mystery is woven well, and you keep turning the page to find out what happens, but for this author, the characters are what makes you want to read more.