🩷Book Review❤️
Paper Cuts
Ellery Adams
Available April 25, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and my booksta friend @elleryadams
for my digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Let me tell you a quick story. A friend and I were out book shopping one day, and I ran across the first book in this series. I picked it up simply because I was friends with Ellery on Booksta and thought it would be cool to have one of her books. Well, I read it, and I was hooked. I didn't even know I liked cozy mysteries before this. Now I've read I think 7 of her books, 2 for review, and I can't wait for more!
The writing in Paper Cuts is easy, smooth, funny, and heartfelt. She creates honest and genuine characters you feel are actual friends that you can relate to and sympathize with. Her books are always a sweet treat. Plus, I do believe that Sheldon is now one of my all-time favorite characters.

This is book #6 in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society Mystery series. I highly recommend this series for any cozy mystery lovers!

Synopsis: Nora 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 it turns out, she’s 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.
In seeking justice for Kelly, The Secret, Book, and Scone Society joins forces with the sheriff’s department, 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

This is such a comforting series to read. I love all the bookish bits, the wonderful female friendships, the small town charm, and the entertains mystery. Paper Cuts was a perfect cozy read to curl up with.

<i>ARC Provided by NetGalley<i>

Ellery Adams has outdone herself with this installment of the Secret Book and Scone Society mystery series. I was so ready to spend time in Miracle Springs, N.C. with Nora and her friends in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society book club. I enjoy the close community feeling, the entertaining book references, light romance, the touch of magical realism and the characters. The character growth and development fleshes the cast members out, just as one would expect in real life. The reader is treated to a closer look into Nora Pennington's life--past and present. When accused of a crime, her friends rally around her--though Grant must stand apart. There are serious threads dealing with such subjects as grief, healing from divorce, life after prison and life choices.
Though it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading in order to fully enjoy the characters and how they interact. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for a digital advanced readers copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own. A favorite series, I am happy to recommend to other cozy readers, as well as women's fiction readers.
#PaperCuts #NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #ElleryAdams #Neurodivergent
#WomensFiction

Paper Cuts by Ellery Adams is an engaging story. I always enjoy returning to Miracle Springs, North Carolina. I thought Paper Cuts was well-written with realistic, developed characters. Nora Pennington has a special bookstore. I love the atmosphere. Sheldon creates a delightful story time for kids. I appreciate that Ellery Adams created a character who has fibromyalgia. It allows people to see that it is not a fake disease. It is painful and debilitating. I was surprised by Nora’s reaction when she realizes Kelly Walsh is the woman for whom her ex-husband left her. I was hoping that the mature Nora would manage the situation differently, especially after what happened in the past. We get to catch up with all the ladies (Nora, Estella, June, and Hester) in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society. The mystery was interesting. Nora becomes the top suspect much to her dismay. The newest addition to the police department, K9 Handler Paula Hollowell seems to have it out for Nora. Nora’s beau, Sheriff Grant McCabe is forced to take a backseat on the investigation, and he needs to stay away from Nora (just when she could use his comforting presence). Nora’s friends are there for her and gather helpful intel. The whodunit was fun to solve. I felt bad for Kelly’s sweet son, Tucker, who loves origami. Estella Sadler’s father is being released from prison. Estella is excited, but she is also worried. She hopes her father will have an easy time reintegrating into society. I enjoyed the literary quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I also liked the books and authors mentioned throughout the story (and the bibliotherapy and books lists at the end). There is humor sprinkled throughout the story that had me chuckling. Paper Cuts is the sixth A Secret, Book, and Scone Society novel. It can be read as a standalone, but you will miss getting to know the characters (their background, how their friendship forms). Paper Cuts is my favorite book in the series. The author crafted a special story with good friends, a clever mystery, humor, good food, scrumptious coffee, and books galore. Paper Cuts is a captivating tale with a blast from the past, a beautiful blossom, an annoying K9 officer, a caboose for an abode, glitter galore, and a killer to catch.

"Paper Cuts” the 6th 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.

Miracle Springs, North Carolina, is famed for its healing springs, but bookstore owner and bibliotherapist Nora Pennington has a tendency to land in a different kind of hot water. When she isn’t prescribing the perfect book to cure her customers’ maladies, she’s solving local crimes with the help of her Secret, Book, and Scone Society members.

I really enjoyed visiting Miracle Springs again and catching up with old friends. 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 and the sense of community. I have said this before I also like how Ms. Adams portrays Sheldon chronic pain issues with respect and dignity along with other issues/aspects.

This book centres around Nora and a trauma from her past that has finally collided with the life she’s built in Miracle Springs. I really liked Tucker a neurodivergent child who loses his mother and hope that he becomes a re-occurring character along with his aunt and uncle. Also Estella’s father Gus who was recently released from prison and has come to stay, he is a great character and I can see him becoming one of the main side characters.

This series always fills me with emotion and feels, I can’t wait for book 7 to come out.

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.

The “A Secret, Book, and Scone Society” series has been one of my favorites since book one. This latest addition, Paper Cuts, fits in perfectly with the other books but has a bit more of an edge to it than the others in the series. Nora’s past comes to call with a young boy who loves origami and his mother, Kelly, the woman who destroyed Nora’s marriage. But when the woman suddenly dies, not from cancer which was slowly killing her, Nora becomes the prime suspect.

Nora thought her past was well and truly behind her; she had moved on and had friends, a business, and the love of a wonderful man. But the appearance of Kelly and her son tears down all the walls she had built around her heart. The little boy is autistic and loves making origami, and even though he is her ex-husband’s child, she can’t stop herself from wanting to help him as he struggles with his mother’s death. As the suspects come to light, Nora feels regret for the way she treated Kelly and can’t figure out why anyone would want to kill her. There doesn’t seem to be an obvious motive, and the evidence keeps leading back to Nora. It takes a lot of digging and a few clues from Kelly’s son to find the killer. But when the motive is revealed, everyone is surprised.

I liked Kelly and her son, and the boy creating intricate origami creations was a delightful way of having a child deal with the death of a parent. I am always opposed to having a child involved in a murder in a cozy mystery. It never feels right somehow, but I felt it was justified. The writing, as always, was top-notch; the story flowed and had few head-scratching moments. I felt the evidence wasn’t always clear to the reader, and the suspects were a bit too easy to spot. Taken as a whole, the story was straightforward to read but a bit slow at times, and it didn’t leave you hanging; the questions were answered, and the truth was brought out into the open. I enjoyed reading this book, but I hope the next one will have less conflict and a bit more of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society involvement.

Ellery Adams takes readers on an absorbing visit to Miracle Springs with the Secret, Book, and Scone Society. After Nora publicly argues with the woman her ex-husband left her for years ago, Kelly ends up murdered, and Nora becomes the leading suspect. So naturally, the Society members close ranks and begin investigating.

Since Nora is a suspect, she must deal with hostile deputy Paula Hollowell instead of Chief McCabe, her boyfriend. While Hester, June, and Estella stand ready to help Nora, Estella is coping with her dad moving in after serving 20 years in prison.

Ms. Adams tells a complex and riveting story through fascinating characters, intriguing twists, and obligatory red herrings. The author’s considerable storytelling skills make this a delightful and poignant read. But, as usual, this episode leaves readers wanting more…and the sooner, the better.

Another great installment of my fave cozy mystery series! I really enjoyed how we dove deeper into Nora’s trauma, and how her past and present collide. This one kept me on my toes and actually made me afraid for Nora and Grant’s relationship (which I love).
Ellery Adams never disappoints. I could read a million books of this series and still love it all!

3.5 stars
definitely my least favorite of the series :(

Pro:
* Nice spring elements for a Spring release date
* I love the flea market
* I adore Tucker
* The strength of the core group is as rich as ever
* Some quotable gems

Con:
* A bit of slow start to this one, kind of jumble at the beginning
* I hate the term “sick-lit.”
* Teeters right on the edge of soap opera dramatic and tips over too many times
* Too many new characters and elements to the case

Thank you to Ellery Adams, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Paper Cuts is the 6th book in the Secret, Book & Scone Society series. Sometimes this series seems more like women’s fiction than cozy mystery, but Paper Cuts falls squarely into cozy mystery territory for me.
Nora Pennington is the start of the series and her past comes back in a big way in this book. Nora is always there at the center but some of the books have focused more on the stories of the other ladies in the society- Estella, Hester and June. I initially thought that the book would focus more on Estella and her father getting out of prison. Instead, the past Nora left behind comes to Miracle Springs. Nora must face that past while also becoming a suspect in a murder case.
I love how the characters support each other and reach out to help others. I like how Nora and McCabe have gotten together. That was a pain point in the story as McCabe had to withdraw from Nora because she is a suspect and he is the sheriff.
There are lots of emotions in this story. There are hard issues to face and yet the book felt hopeful.
I recommend Paper Cuts even if you haven’t read the other books in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Cozies for the opportunity to read Paper Cuts.

Ellery Adams has done it again! As an avid reader and an ardent fan of The Secret, Book, and Scone Society, I can confidently say that her latest installment in the series is an absolute must-read. Adams has skillfully crafted a plot that keeps readers on their toes, as Nora's past comes back to haunt her in unexpected ways. The author deftly explores the complexities of Nora's character, forcing her to confront her demons and decide her own fate. This series expertly toes the line between a cozy mystery and a deeper exploration of human nature, making it a unique and captivating read. The camaraderie and bond between the ladies in the group is palpable and heartwarming, making it impossible not to love each and every one of them. If you're a fan of mysteries, then you absolutely must dive into this series. Ellery Adams is an auto-buy author for me, and after reading this latest installment, I have no doubt that she will be for you too.

This series always brings such a satisfying read! It's like hanging out with old friends when I read about Nora and her friends. Her girlfriends are amazing and employee-now-friend Sheldon's just awesome! I love that Nora and Grant were close and he was able to assure her through the whole ordeal of her being a suspect. A new friend joined the cast of regulars and I'm eager to see what future books hold for that person. And someone's getting a sweet surprise of our regular friends.

A woman who just needed forgiveness and was sick with cancer was murdered which was super sad especially because of her son she left. I had to hand it to Kirk and Val though. They were genuine troopers as they tried to come through for their grieving little nephew, a sweet boy with Asperger's. It was great how that whole topic was handled. I've heard of it from online friends but never knew of a child with it, but I had a feeling the Walsh family was gonna be fine after they met a helpful child psychologist.

There was one really exciting part and poor Nora's arm took the brunt of that showdown, but all ended well. And comeuppance did come to everyone who deserved it--I can at least say that without spoiling anything. The very ending was slightly different but a really good one. Can't wait for the next book! Don't miss this sixth installment available April 25, 2023.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

This is book 6 in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series. You don’t have to read them in order, but I would recommend it. Seeing the characters and their relationships grow and evolve adds to the delight that if this series.
I loved the storyline, the strong friendships, and all the book love! It’s a cozy mystery and, for me, the balance of mystery and knowledge was perfect. And the pieces all came together so well!

Kelly comes to Nora's book store with her son Tucker who has Aspergers Syndrome, and Tucker works hard on his origami. It takes Nora awhile to realize that Kelly is the woman for whom Nora's husband left her. Kelly has moved to Miracle Springs and is living with her brother and his wife, Kirk and Val Walsh. Kelly is dying of cancer, and wants Nora's forgiveness for stealing her husband and help with some books which have been left for Tucker. However, Nora is not yet ready to become close friends and they yell at each other at one point. When Kelly is found dead, Nora is the prime suspect, especially in the eyes of Deputy Paula Hollowell, a new member of the Police Force. Because she is a suspect, she and McCabe cannot be seeing each other.

June has a lawyer friend in her knitting group, Davis Godwin, who immediately agrees to help Nora. Nora looks at the books Tucker has inherited and finds they are very valuable. Then someone breaks into the Walsh house and steals some of the books, and Nora is blamed for that as well. Things become very exciting and dangerous as those who are trying to get rich become more resourceful. However, the members of the Secret Book & Cone Society win the battle again, and Nora and Chief McCabe get to be together again. This is a great addition to the Secret Book and Scone Society.

Paper Cuts by Ellery Adams is the sixth book in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society southern cozy mystery series. It continues to bring contemporary issues and engaging characters to the story. An independent book store, Miracle Books, is owned by Nora Pennington. She’s known for her window displays and her ability to match customers with the perfect book. While Miracle Springs, North Carolina is famous for its healing hot springs, Nora is the one that ends up in hot water in this novel.

Nora left her old life behind 10 years ago. However, when Kelly Walsh, the woman her ex-husband left her for, and her son, Tucker, wants forgiveness, Nora is ready. When Kelly is murdered, Nora becomes a person of interest. But Nora and her friends Secret, Book, and Scone Society book club aren’t about to let matters lie and depend entirely on the police department, despite Nora dating the sheriff.

Nora, as well as several of the other characters, are well developed, flawed, and complex. There’s also a lot of chemistry between Nora and Sheriff Grant McCabe. However, romance is a minor part of the story. The secondary characters provide additional interest and conflict. It was great to see the addition of new characters to the story line: Val, Kirk, Davis, Derrick, and Gus. I wonder if they will show up in future books in the series?

The story is well-written, with a few twists, and provides enough background that it can be read as a standalone. However, readers would be missing the character development and some details if they start with this one. It is plotted well and has characters that are emotionally rich. The novel shines a light on grief, mistakes, greed, murder, reintegration into the community after prison, books, friendship, a little romance, and how a development disorder can affect individual’s behavior and social interactions.

I enjoyed the literary quotes that were at the beginning of each chapter as well as the books and authors that are mentioned throughout the novel. Additionally, there are several book lists provided at the end of the novel as well as a mystery reader’s guide. Be prepared to add several books to your want-to-read list.

Overall, this was an entertaining and well-written novel with great characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Kensington Books and Ellery Adams provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for April 25, 2023.

Ellery Adams does it again. I love Nora and her friends and the mysteries that they stumble upon and then solve. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

When a woman from Nora’s past ends up dead in Miracle Springs and Nora becomes the primary suspect, the ladies of the Secret, Book and Scone Society are compelled to figure out who the real killer is. To complicate things even more, two of the other group members face life-changing situations as well.

Ellery Adams is one of my favorite authors, and aside from some of her early books, I have read and enjoyed all of her books. The settings for her books are described so well they’re easy to picture in your mind’s eye. The characters are all complex and well-drawn, they’re strong and independent, and they work well together with their friends, family and partners. In this book, I like the way the women’s strengths complement one another, and the way they step in to help in any way they can whenever help is needed. I would love to visit Miracle Springs and visit the shops and businesses, especially Estella’s spa, Hester’s bakery and, of course, Nora’s bookstore.

There weren’t many suspects to consider regarding the murder, which made it even more crucial to follow the clues as they were discovered, and to interpret them correctly. I was really hoping that one of two particular characters would end up being the killer (or maybe they would have worked together and *both been guilty?), but it didn’t work out that way. I was not able to figure out who the culprit really was, and the motive was just plain sad.

I appreciate the list of books mentioned in the story that’s provided at the end of the book, and have added several of them – and the next book in this series – to my to-read list.

I treasure each book in the Secret, Book and Scone Society series. Rising way above the tricky mystery and sharply drawn cast of characters, this series demonstrates the power of friendships and kindness in navigating life's bumps and u-turns. Nora Pennington's past threatens her hard-won happiness when she is suspected of murder. You don't want to miss this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book, the sixth book in the series of Secret, Book, and Scone Society by Ellery Adams. I have read and enjoyed each of the novels in this delightful series, and I think this might be the best yet. I love the fictional town of Miracle Springs in Western North Carolina, and if it were a real town I would want to live there. I also love the ladies in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society and the wonderful, supporting friendships they share. In this book, Nora, the owner of Miracle Books, is forced to look at her past, which she has tried so hard to put behind her when she moved to Miracle Springs. She finds herself trying to help solve the murders that are occurring in her normally peaceful town, even as she finds herself a target and “person of interest” in the crimes. The cast of characters includes a neurodivergent child who must deal with the loss of his mother and Gus, Estella’s father, who has recently been released from prison. Nora continues her romance with the town’s sheriff though he must keeps his distance as he strives to solve the murders. This is an intriguing story which immediately draws the reader in and doesn’t let go until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope Ms, Adams will continue writing books in this series. I, for one, will definitely read them.

This is the sixth book in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series. I have read a couple of the earlier books but not all of them and I didn’t have any issues following along with this one. I think this is a fun cozy mystery series and I love just the hint of magic in this otherwise completely realistic series. I will say it’s not my favorite when the main character is wrongly accused, but I thought it worked in this one. I did think the protagonist and her gang of crime solving book lovers took a long time to figure this one, but it was still a fun mystery. Nora has settled into her life new life. She has a group of dear friends, her bookstore is successful, and she’s almost saved up enough for a car. Unfortunately the past she ran from is about to catch up with her and with it suspicion that she is capable of murder. I really liked Tucker and hope that he becomes a re-occurring character along with Gus who is a great character.