Book Club “The Secret, Book, & Scone Society”
For November we chose a book that had an emphasis on both food and friendship!
Fans of another Ellery Adams series, we were eager to read the first book in her “Secret, Book & Scone Society” series. We were sure it would be empowering, convey a love for books, and provide an exciting mystery.
Book
The Secret, Book, and Scone Society by Ellery Adams
Description:
In this intriguing new series from New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams, a quirky club in small-town North Carolina holds the keys to health, happiness, friendship—and even solving a murder—all to be found within the pages of the right book . . .
Strangers flock to Miracle Springs hoping the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. If none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked “comfort” scone, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That’s Nora’s special talent—prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person’s deepest pain. So when a visiting businessman reaches out for guidance, Nora knows exactly how to help. But before he can keep their appointment, he’s found dead on the train tracks . . .
Stunned, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, a group of damaged souls yearning to earn redemption by helping others. To join, members must divulge their darkest secret—the terrible truth that brought each of them to Miracle Springs in the first place. Now, determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman’s demise, the women meet in Nora’s cozy bookstore. And as they untangle a web of corruption, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge—proving it’s never too late to turn the page and start over…
Club
Snack suggestions:
Since “scone” is in the title, it’s easy to know what to snack should be at this book club meeting!
If you are feeling inspired, you could create comfort scones for each of your book club members, creating flavors based on things you know about your friends. However, purchasing some scones from a bakery or local store will also be appreciated!
If you serve an entree, consider breakfast foods or Cuban food as found in the restaurants in town. You also can’t go wrong with pink milkshakes like at the Pink Lady Grill.
Check out Cozy Crimes’ book club questions that can be used for any mystery.
Here are our questions targeted to The Secret, Book, and Scone Society :
1. Do you feel differently about any of the characters after learning their secrets and the reasons they came to Miracle Springs?
2. What do you think of bibliotherapy? Are there any instances in your life where books helped you cope?
3. How do the characters come together as a group? What are the different skills they use to solve the mystery?
4. Do you relate to any of the characters more than others?
5. How did you feel about the victim(s) through the course of the book?
6. What is it about Miracle Springs that makes it special?
7. What clues did you pick up on that helped shape the mystery?
8. What did you think of the love interests in the book?
9. Would you read more in this series?
10. Ellery Adams spoke on a panel about pushing the boundaries of cozy mysteries. What is your definition of a cozy mystery? How does this fit and break that mold? How important are genre labels to you when selecting a story?
Activity suggestions:
If you’d like a simple but fun activity to do while talking about the book, you could create bookmarks like the characters use with keys and ribbons.
We bought a collection of craft keys and knotted or braided the ribbons.