Nora Pennington, owner of Miracle Books in Miracle Springs, North Carolina, has finally achieved peace in her life. After finding out her husband of ten years was cheating on her, she had a devastating accident that left her with scars both physical and emotional. Some she's never been able to put away permanently. But her best friends -- June, Estella, and Hester -- all have scars of their own, and it's a daily battle for the foursome to believe that life can give them something to offer.

When a woman enters Nora's bookstore, she has a young son who seems focused only on the books with origami. Kelly Walsh states that she's just moved to town and her son doesn't interact with people very well. Nora has empathy for the young man, and promises to order more books for the boy.

Then Estella's dad is being released, and she's worried about what he can find as a job, wanting to keep him from going back. But that's not all: Nora eventually finds out her ex-husband is in town, and she plans to avoid him at all cost...

After discovering that Kelly is the woman who broke up her marriage, she wants nothing to do with her. But it's an early morning visit from the police that wake her up, telling her Kelly is dead. Only later does Nora discover that Kelly was murdered, and a witness insists that shortly before the murder, she saw Nora arguing with the woman.

Now Nora is a suspect in the murder, and her beau Sheriff Grant McCabe needs to stay away from her during the investigation, although he doesn't believe a word of it. Can her friends help her stay out of jail? If not, Nora might just spend her days and nights in solitary...

This is the sixth book in the series, and perhaps the best of the lot. I've come to care for these four women who still carry the scars of their early lives and have come to depend upon one another for their strength. Each one has a secret that haunts them, and together they form a force of nature. Now Nora is in trouble, and they won't stand by idly while she's in trouble.

But finding the murderer isn't easy: it would be easier to find a coyote in the wilderness, or so it seems. There is more at stake than just Nora's life, and they need to find the core of what it is. The subplot of Estella's father Gus becomes part of the story, and Nora learns that All Is Not As It Appears. When she starts to put the pieces together, what she discovers stuns her; it could change everything, and she wonders if her perceptions are correct.

There were parts of this book that brought tears to my eyes. I emphasized with Nora in so many places, and my heart ached for her pain. Sometimes outer scars can't truly give the story of those that remain inside us, and Nora is an example of that. Her decision to carry those outer scars truly shows her character.

Each one of these books is unique. It tells its own story within stories, and each one touches me. When I find these books, nothing will stop me from reading them. I even bypass cooking dinner to read these (and my husband knows it so orders takeout -- luckily, he understands my love of the series). These are women I would love to meet, and I would love to reside in this town. But it is the compassion, warmth, and kindness of four damaged women that touches me the most.

All in all between her friends, Nora sees that the truth is right in front of her. And in the end, it comes together with each piece layering upon the other; until you can see the final picture. It is a marvelous addition to the story and its peoples, and I cannot wait until the next is written. Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy from the Publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read this book for an honest review!

Ellery Adams has done it again and has written an amazing story! I am continuously impressed by her story telling and inclusiveness in these stories.

I have quickly devoured the first five books and requested this one as an ARC as soon as I could. This was the story I was waiting to hear about Nora and I am so happy with how it turned out.

Ellery Adams I am begging you to continue writing in this series, I can’t get enough!

I always enjoy spending time with the down-to-earth members of the excellent Secret, Book, and Scone Society in Miracle Springs, NC, and the sixth in the series is as compelling as the first five books. The Society was founded when each the four members needed a few select friends in whom to confide about a disturbing secret from her past and has evolved into a close and lasting friendship.

In this book, the focus is on bookstore owner Nora, who bears the scars--both physical and mental--of a horrible automobile crash that almost took the lives of two innocent people and are a reminder of the confrontation with her then-husband that led her to drive while under the influence. It all comes flashing back, and Nora can't help reacting viscerally, when a few unexpected occurrences convince her she might actually encounter her philandering ex right in her current home town. An interaction with a terminally ill woman--the mother of a troubled young son-- who claims to know Nora, a local couple who suddenly become antagonistic, and a dead blackbird on Nora's front porch mean trouble . . . but why? Nora's beau, the town sheriff, wants to help, but the dying woman's murder makes Nora a person of interest. The other women in the Society rally around Nora, but they are dealing with their own issues as well--a father just released from prison after 15 years, a daughter given up for adoption at birth and found years later, a romance that might be cooling, and a huge surprise.

While Nora's wonderfully portrayed bookstore feels almost magical, the town's special events are fun, and Nora's romance with the sheriff is well developed and realistic, this cozy mystery series is in no way trifling or silly. There are real-life issues here, and the stakes are high for many of the main characters. The author's Book Retreat Mystery series is also highly recommended.

My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

Paper Cuts is the 6th book in the Secret Book and Scone Society series. I have read this series from the beginning. The story takes place in the town of Miracle Springs. The town is known for it's healing water. People with all different illness would come. The main character is Nora owner of the Miracle Book book store. She brought an old train station and land behind which she restored. She bought an old caboose and converted it into her home behind the store. Shelton Vega is her friend and employee. She and her book club friends, June, Hester, Estella and Nora go into a new store called Tea Flowers a tea and flower shop. The store is owned by Val and Kirk Walsh. They moved to town with Kirk's sister and her son as his sister was sick. After finishing their tea Nora goes to pay for the plant she bought and noticed that Val kept looking at her which made her feel uncomfortable. Nora had been burned in a car accident years ago and she had scars on her arms and hands, Estelle's father, Gus, is getting out of prison and will be coming to live with her.

Kelly Tucker and her son, Tucker (Tuck) came to the shop. Nora could tell that she was ill. She bought her son the origami kit and book. She had just moved to town. She did not expect to live that long.

Sheriff Grant McCabe was Nora's boyfriend. When walking to her home there was a basket with a dead blackbird in it. The flowers that were in the basket represented forgiveness, humility, commitment and betrayal. The blackbird represented bad omen. The next day she called Tea Flowers and asked about the basket and who sent it. Val was rude when she asked about it.

There was discussion about the two casino's that were hoping to build near their town, One was the Cherokee Nation and the other is Leviathan.

Nora is having dinner with Estelle at The Pink Lady, owned by Jack, Estelle's boyfriend. While there they see Val, Kirk, Kelly and Tucker having dinner. Nora wants to ask them about the basket. Once outside Tucker gives her a beautiful origami. Kelly tells her that she had sent the basket She was the woman who was with her ex=husband, Laurence, when Nora went to confront him. Nora was so upset and tried to leave on her moped. Kelly grabbed at her shirt and Nora pushed her away as she left. She went home in shock and fell asleep on her couch.

McCabe and a deputy came to her house and told her that Kelly Walsh was dead and she was a suspect in her death. McCabe told her that he loved and believed in her but they would have to keep their distance for now. Davis Godwin was her lawyer and told her that Kelly had been suffocated. Someone had come up behind her and used an arm around her neck. Val had told the police that Kelly had been talking to someone in their back yard with the same description as Nora. Davis got her out of jail but told her to stay away from the Walsh's.

Nora found Tucker in the back of her store. He was sitting on the floor making butterflies for his dead mother. Nora called Kirk and told him that Tucker was there. He said he would come and get her. When Nora went out front to look for him she ran into Deputy Hollowell with her K-9 dog. She is very hostile towards Nora. Asked if Tucker was in her store. Nora told her that she could not come in the store with her dog as there were children in there. Kirk comes and gets Tucker. Kirk tells Nora that he had told Kelly not to tell Nora like she did. He didn't blame her and invited her to come to their house so they could talk. Nora went and they talked. Val still felt that Nora was the killer. She admitted that she had been angry towards Nora for years. If Nora's marriage had been stronger her husband would not have met Kelly and ruined both her and their lives. Kirk is shocked at what Val said. Kirk tells Nora that Lawrence was disappointed in Tucker a he was not the boy he wanted since Tucker had Asperger. Kirk wanted to show Nora the books Lawrence's mother left for Tucker to sell. He gives her the list to go over. She takes it home to go over. She went over the list and realized that the books were a real collection. Could this be the reason Kelly was killed? She calls Jasper Andrews and tells him about her concern. She had passed the info to the police to follow-up. Nora goes to Kirk and tells him about the books. She looks at 4 books in each box as well as finds boxes about valentines. About the books she tells Kirk that the best thing he should do is to sell them through a specialized book seller or an auction house. Asked if he had a safe place to put them. Later that night she saw Deputies Andrews and Hollowell on her deck. They told her that there was a break-in at the Walsh's and books were taken. Hollowell said that she was sure that Nora's prints were there. Nora called Davis and he told her he would be there to met her. They questioned her about the books. She gave them the list of what they were worth. They let her go. Davis again told her to stay away from the Walsh's.

This is where I will leave the rest of this story to the reader. So much is going on that it would be hard for me to explain but it comes to an exciting climax that will keep the reader wanting to find out more.

I really liked this book. I loved the closeness of Nora and her friends, her relationship with Grant. I look forward to the next adventure of the Secret Book and Scone Society.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for the ARC.

Paper Cuts is the sixth book in this addictive series, set in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. Nora is thrown for a loop when ten years after her divorce, she finally meets the woman her ex husband left her for. When Kelly is murdered, Nora becomes the top suspect. With help from her friends in the Secret. Book, and Scone society, Nora starts her own investigation. Lots of red herrings, interesting cast of characters, and a great storyline. I look forward to the next book in this series. They just keep getting better! Thank you for the advance readers copy, netgalley and kensington books!

Everything Ellery Adams writes is brilliantly written, and this sixth mystery from the Secret Book & Scone Society does not disappoint! From the first page until the last, you will be transported to magical Miracle Springs, NC again, and get involved in Nora Pennington and her best friends as they try to solve yet another murder. I think this book is the very best of the series, as the author warmly lets us into the lives of the sleuths. I always marvel at how many references to amazing books are included, since Nora is a “bibliotherapist”, and she delights in recommending books for whatever ails her customers.

The plot is so interesting, and all curves and bumps on the road to discovering w"hodunnit" are successfully explained in the end. As with many of Ellery Adams’ books, I am left thinking and savoring so many valuable lessons that I have learned from this book. I just loved this book, and look forward to reading more intriguing mysteries in magical Miracle Springs, NC.

Thank you to Kensington Publishers for providing this book via NetGalley.

Another wonderful addition to Ellery Adams' Secret, Book & Scone Society mystery series. Well done read!

This is the sixth release in the outstanding cozy series " Secret Book & Scone Society." i consider every book in this fabulous series to be my favorite cozies of all time . Each book is perfection . For it is this wonderful series that I put all my other books aside for. That I stop life for and unplug to enjoy every sentance, every book recommendation and each adventure to its fullest. This is a series of strong women friendships, of great love of books and of love of community and kindness . The heart of this series is compassion and caring for those less fortunate. It is a theme the author includes with such love in each character and their contributions. Each mystery draws the reader in with unique clues that keep you guessing to conclusion. This is a exceptional addtion to the series and a not to be missed cozy read. Thank you to the publisher, the author and Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinioin is my own.

The atmospheric description of Miracle Springs North Carolina is done with such warmth I want to immediatly move to Miracle Springs with each new book. Nora moved to Miracle Springs and opened a charming bookstore in a old train depot that is loved by the community. She has a wonderful employee with Fibromylegia that I appreciate reading about as one who suffers from the disease. Well done to the author. Nora is infinitly kind and sensitive to others as a Biblotherapist who knows instinctivly what books people need. Its her special gift and how she secretly serves her community and customers helping others. The bookstore serves tea and coffee with wonderfully clever names like "Agatha Christie Tea." and a variety of "book pastries" that every biblophile wants . Nora has a warm inviting atmospher in her bookstore that is brought to life by the author. She has a strong group of women friends that are local business owners and together they form the Secret Book and Scone Society.

Nora has a past that emerges in this book . The now ex wife of Nora's ex husband appears with a lovely neuro divergent son and a story of being dumped by Nora's ex husband. Nora feels sympathy for the woman and immediatly bonds with the boy over his love of oragami. The circumstances her ex husband caused are upsetting to Nora and she is shocked when the woman first introduces herself.. Out of fear Nora pushes the woman away from her and runs. When the woman is murdered that night and Nora is the suspect her friends rally to save her and they investiagte to find the true suspect. A mysterious woman who looked like Nora was seen with the victim by her relative so Nora is immediatly suspect . Her long time detective boyfriend must stay away from her causing her more distress and she is harassed by one of his officers who is determined to prove Nora gulity. As Nora fights to save her reputation, her life and her business her problem ex husband appears and Nora has to face him and her past. The suspects abound and clues emerge as Nora's faithful friends in the Secret Book and Scone Society work together to save their friend and find the true murderer. They also take on the responsibility of helping the boy left behind and his relatives in every way they can.

I adored this book and read it cover to cover. The mystery is so intriquing , the setting perfection and the supporting characters all feel like old friends. Every character adds to the theme of warmth and intrique of this next in series. At the end of the booik the author has included detailed listings of all the books recommended by subject for her readers. You will find yourself adding to your "to be read" list. A wonderful read that I will return to and a outstanding addition to this wonderful series.

Another hit in a good series. Love Nora and her fun bookstore and friends. A good cozy mystery that kept my interest throughout. Highly recommend this book, series and author.

Nora Pennington past has finally caught up with her, but not quite in the way anyone would have ever expected. It seems the woman her ex left her for was left in turn and is not a single mother who is losing the battle to cancer. With a young son on the spectrum, she and her family move to Miracle Springs with the hope of making peace with Nora before Kelly passes away.

When Kelly is murdered, Nora is the prime suspect and being the Sherrif’s significant other means he has to stay out of anything involving her and the case. While trying to help the Kelly’s family a robbery takes place and again, Nora is the prime suspect. The book club ladies are going to have to take matters into their own hands and try to figure out what the police aren’t having luck with quite yet. This could put Nora and others in even more danger.

I love this series! Everything about it from the setting to the characters, to the whodunits in each book. The author is obviously a bibliophile herself and she uses so many other books her stories that you find your list of books you want to read growing with each chapter. This one is definitely an all time favorite series and I highly recommend it!

This has been one of my favorite cozy series since it began, and I really look forward to each installment. In this one, racism and neuro-divergence are two of the main threads, and there are a few spots where I think the author gets a bit preachy. (I totally agree with her views, but I don't want to be preached to in a mystery novel.) Not enough to ruin the book or anything, just a bit more heavy-handed than in previous books. But still--a great cast of characters with complicated (in a good way) personalities and relationships fill up this book. And the other thing that fills this book is hope. It's one of the things I've love best about this series. It's not lightweight and bouncy...wonderful people die, and other people face really hard things, but there's always a feeling of hope and community, and I finish reading each book with a satisfied feeling.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

My apologies to the other ten books on my NetGalley shelf, but when an Ellery Adams book shows up I can't help myself. It gets moved to the top of the list.
Like the other books in the Secret, Book and Scone series, Paper Cuts is a compelling read with a satisfying ending. The characters live and grow together in the way of real life friends and those of us who've read the entire series care about what is going on in their lives. The mystery is engaging and has some unexpected scenarios. The setting provides us our true escape though and we find ourselves wanting to book a trip to Miracle Springs.
Most satisfying to me, however, is the luscious bibliotherapy. So thoroughly curated, there are lists for all situations and my TBR list is now even more out of control.
Well done Ellery Adams. My only complaint is the long wait till the next book comes out.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington books for this ARC of Paper Cuts by Ellery Adams.

Nora hasn’t thought about her ex-husband in quite a while. She’s made a new life with new friends and a new love, but when her husband’s ex-wife, the one he cheated on her with, the past quickly comes back. When Kelly is murdered, Nora finds herself on the top of the list. Will her friends be able to help her?
Goodreads

Paper Cuts is the sixth book in a wonderful series set in Miracle Springs, NC. If I could I'd move there in a heartbeat. Ellery Adams descriptions of the community are so vivid and heartwarming. I've loved this series from the start and can't say the books keep getting better, they are all good. They are consistently well written mysteries and as the series progresses we have learned more of the backstories of the characters.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Kensington Books and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Enjoyable, entertaining, palpable tension what a cozy mystery should be.

An Ellery Adams mystery is always going to have a good mystery plot, interesting and compelling characters, and be fun to read but the secret book and scone society has a more unique cast of characters along with their back stories.
Nora left her past behind years ago by moving to Miracle Springs, opening a bookstore, making close friends and forging a new and wonderul peaceful life. Until her past collides with her new life in a way that hurts Nora and puts her in harms way. All of the women in this series have deep secrets they’ve confided to each other forming a strong and unbreakable bond which always enhances the series.
Always a good read.

I enjoyed this book. It’s got lots of tension. I loved the characters. I enjoyed the ending. #PaperCuts #NetGalley

This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Family and friends…children…careers…arching out for others. This is a book of relationships that work and those that might not. The main character has her hands full with her business and her son. Although the story moves slowly at times, it comes to a satisfying conclusion. Enjoy

Every time I read a book in this series, I say it's the best so far.
This series is considered a cozy mystery, but it's so much more than that. The story involves people with real problems, and the group of friends work together to try and make things better.
I really relate to Sheldon, as I have Fibromyalgia as well, and I understand the ups and downs of flare ups.
I was so happy to read about a character with Asperger's Syndrome, as I'm the mom of my own wonderfully unique aspie son.
This story made me laugh, cry, get mad, and smile.
The mystery was well done and I was shocked at who the murderer was.
I highly recommend this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Ellery Adams' Paper Cuts.

The Secret, Book, and Scone Society series is one of my favorites. The characters who live in Miracle Springs are delightful and i always enjoy spending time with them.

Ellery Adams has written another winner.