A day in the life of Nora Pennington by Ellery Adams

Occupation: Proprietress of Miracle Books

I know what you’re expecting.

You’re expecting a heroine who has relocated to a quaint small-town following a messy divorce, a cheating lover, a failed business venture, or another relatable tragedy.

But I’m no heroine.

I recognize these kinds of tragedies, though. I’ve seen countless people wounded by divorce, infidelity, and failed ventures. I’ve met them, spoken with them, and tried to help them.

They come to this town—to Miracle Springs—in search of healing. They’re in the minority. Most of the people who come here have physical illnesses. They’re battling cancer or suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, or another terrible disease.

Others suffer from injuries dwelling deep in their hearts.

Emotional pains.

Secret pains.

These people enter my bookshop. It’s located in the old train station. They order a cup of cappuccino or an herbal tea and I serve it to them through the old ticket agent’s window. They browse for a spell, moving among the maze of bookshelves. There are new books, old books, and collectible books. There are cushy chairs, plump cushions, and plenty of reading lamps. There are shelf enchancers for sale: wonderful vintage items like a silverplate hand mirror with roses, a bamboo birdcage, a wind-up racecar, a child’s tea set, or a pair cast iron castle bookends.

When the newcomers have finished wandering and are ready to talk, they come to me for help, and I find them the books they need.

The locals call me a bibliotherapist. Though I have no formal training, I’ve read thousands of books. And I know pain. I’ve walked through fire. Literally. The burn scars bloom along the length of my arm and the right side of my neck and cheek like jellyfish. They’re a permanent reminder of my past. Of my other life. Of my secret.

You have one too. We all do. Our secret is our story. It is only when we share our stories that we become free.

I can put the right set of stories into a person’s hands. So if you need help and no one else has been able to understand you, to get you the way you need them to—there’s a perfect set of stories just waiting for you. I’m waiting for you. Here, inside Miracle Books. I can’t guarantee you’ll be healed, but I’ll do whatever one broken and scarred human being can do for another. I’ll listen for the sleigh bells banging against the front door. That’s how I’ll know you’ve come to find me. I’ll put the coffee on. And we’ll talk.

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You can read more about Nora in The Secret, Book & Scone Society, the firist book in the NEW “Secret, Book & Scone Society” mystery series.

From New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams comes the first in an intriguing new series set within a quirky small-town club where the key to happiness, friendship—or solving a murder—can all be found within the pages of the right book . . .

Miracle Springs, North Carolina, is a place of healing. Strangers flock here 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 from the Gingerbread House bakery, 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 and lighten their heaviest burden.

When a visiting businessman reaches out to Nora for guidance, she knows exactly which novels will help. But before he can keep their appointment at Miracle Books, he’s found dead on the train tracks.

Stunned, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, a group of damaged souls yearning to gain trust and earn redemption by helping others. To join the society, members must divulge their darkest secret—the terrible truth that brought each of them to Miracle Springs in the first place.

Determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman’s demise, the women meet in Nora’s cramped and cozy bookstore to share stories and trade support. 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 . . .

Buy Link

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Giveaway: To enter to win a Secret, Book & Scone Society tote bag as well as a scone mix (flavor to be determined), share the title of a book that helped you through a tough time. U.S. entries only, please. The giveaway ends November 2, 2017. Good luck everyone!

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About the author
New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams grew up on a beach near the Long Island Sound. Having spent her adult life in a series of landlocked towns, she cherishes her memories of open water, violent storms, and the smell of the sea. She now writes full-time from her home in North Carolina, which she shares with her husband, two trolls, and three keyboard-hogging felines. Adams loves coffee, champagne, kickboxing, 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles, Pinterest, and black jelly beans.

Her traditionally published series include The Secret, Book, and Scone Society Mysteries, The Book Retreat Mysteries, The Books By the Bay Mysteries, and The Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries.

Her Indie series, available as ebooks only, include The Supper Club Series, The Hope Street Series, and The Molly Appleby Collectible Series.

For more killer mysteries, visit elleryadamsmysteries.com.

All comments are welcomed.

My Musing ~ The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams

The Secret, Book, & Scone Society by Ellery Adams is the first book in the NEW “Secret, Book & Scone Society” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, coming October 31, 2017

From New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams comes the first in an intriguing new series set within a quirky small-town club where the key to happiness, friendship—or solving a murder—can all be found within the pages of the right book . . .

Miracle Springs, North Carolina, is a place of healing. Strangers flock here 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 from the Gingerbread House bakery, 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 and lighten their heaviest burden.

When a visiting businessman reaches out to Nora for guidance, she knows exactly which novels will help. But before he can keep their appointment at Miracle Books, he’s found dead on the train tracks.

Stunned, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, a group of damaged souls yearning to gain trust and earn redemption by helping others. To join the society, members must divulge their darkest secret—the terrible truth that brought each of them to Miracle Springs in the first place.

Determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman’s demise, the women meet in Nora’s cramped and cozy bookstore to share stories and trade support. 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 . . .

This is another fine book by Ellery Adams. Taking place in Miracle Springs, North Carolina, the visually descriptive narrative immediately pulled me in as I had to know happens next. The plot dictated the coming together of the main characters whose secret created a bond when it was needed to spurn them into action upon learning of a man’s death. The author cast a spell on this reader with a mesmerizing tome where vulnerability is accepted and draws strength from camaraderie, like no other. The pacing and comfortable tone synchronized on an even keel with how effortless this story took hold of my being. The mystery kept me intrigued as the story moved forward and the author did a great job in setting the stage for the motive and the revelation of the killer’s identity, which had me shouting Bravo, well done. This is a wonderful book and I can’t wait to see where we go next with this group of friends.

Buy Link

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FTC Full Disclosure – I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the publisher.

My Musing ~ Murder in the Secret Garden by Ellery Adams

Murder in the Secret Garden by Ellery Adams is the third book in the “Book Retreat” mystery series. Publisher: Penguin Random House, August 2016

Things really go to seed in the newest novel in the New York Times bestselling Book Retreat mysteries. . .

There is a hidden garden bordering the grounds of Jane Steward’s book-themed resort—a garden filled with beautiful but deadly plants such as mandrake and nightshade. Tucked away behind ivy-covered walls and accessible only through a single locked door, as described in the pages of Frances Hodges Burnett’s classic novel, the garden is of special interest to Jane’s current group of guests, The Medieval Herbalists. But when one of them turns up dead, Jane must discover whether a member of the group has come to Storyton Hall to celebrate their passion for plant lore or to implement a particularly cruel means for murder.

With thousands of books at her disposal, Jane believes she has the proper materials to solve this deadly problem. If she’s wrong, however, she may lose something far more precious than the contents of Storyton’s secret library. . .

My Musing ~ Breach of Crust by Ellery Adams

Breach of Crust by Ellery Adams is the fifth book in the “Charmed Pie Shoppe” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, April 2016

PIE SHELLS AND DEATH BELLES

Ella Mae LeFaye’s delicious pies are still drawing long lines—as well as the attention of Beatrice Burbank, president of the Camellia Club, a philanthropic organization comprised of high-society Southern ladies from the charming and affluent town of Sweet Briar, Georgia. To ensure the success of their centennial dessert cookbook, Bea hires Ella Mae to teach the tasty tricks of her trade to the club’s members at their annual retreat. Eager to work on new recipes for customers with food allergies and dietary restrictions, Ella Mae readily agrees.

But when Ella Mae finds Bea’s body floating in Lake Havenwood, she wonders what she’s gotten herself mixed up in. Someone certainly wanted Bea to eat humble pie, and the retreat offers no shortage of unsavory characters, including Ella Mae’s longtime nemesis, Loralyn Gaynor. Ella Mae definitely doesn’t need magic to tell her she must find the killer before someone else gets panned.

There is something about this book that completely takes me over when I turn the first page. From the start, I’m taken into a magical world where Southern hospitality is at the name of the game and murder complicates things, especially for Ella Mae. Determined to prove that the body she found was indeed murder, Ella Mae and her family and friends venture out and coming close to her nemesis brings everything to the forefront.

What a wonderful and well-written story with a mystery that was both engaging and entertainingly enticing. The author does a great job of delivering this character-infused drama that put me smack dab in the middle of the action. I felt the loss and the joy of the characters portrayed in this enchanting tale of greed and a stronger bond yet to be fulfilled. This was an excellent read and one of the best in the series and I can’t wait to see what happens next in Havenwood, Georgia with the LeFayes and their friends.

A Conversation with Jenna Watts by Ellery Adams

Occupation: Manager of Through the Wardrobe

I’m Jenna. I work in Oyster Bay’s bookstore, Through the Wardrobe, and I am beyond excited! A major celebrity is coming to our grand opening to sign his books this weekend. Silas Black, the famous novelist and director of the wildly popular television show, No Quarter, is coming here! I still can’t believe it.

People will come from all over North Carolina to meet Mr. Black. He’s originally from our state. Ocean Isle Beach, in fact. His parents ran a souvenir shop there. Maybe that’s how he developed his love of pirates—reading all those books on pirate lore and legends.

Anyway, he’s not the only one signing here this weekend. Millay’s book is coming out on Thursday. Her first book ever! She’ll be the first of the Bayside book writers to be published and Olivia is pulling out all the stops for this launch party. After all, our bookstore isn’t just a bookstore anymore. It’s now a super hip café too. Old world charm meets contemporary chic—connected by a giant wardrobe door. You literally step from one world into another.

I just hope Olivia and her father, Charles, can get along. Things can get a little frosty between the two of them. They’re both so headstrong and it’s not always easy for them to work together. And with all the people that will be coming here dressed as pirates, or as the gryphon or wyvern riders from Millay’s book, we’ll have enough chaos as it is!

Anyway, Olivia’s on her honeymoon with Chief Rawlings, so I’m sure she’s not worrying about this weekend. I was kind of surprised when I heard that she and the chief had decided to honeymoon on Palmetto Island. Not only is that place super spooky at night, but hundreds of sailors have also drowned off its shores. And then there’s the story of the lady ghost who’s been spotted walking the southern beach. She wears a white dress and carries a lantern. They say she’s searching for something, or someone, that she lost. She’ll never stop roaming that stretch of beach until she finds what she’s looking for. Olivia and the chief rented a house on that beach. Could they be in danger?

Oh, listen to me. I think I’ve been reading too many of Silas Black’s books.

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You can read more about the happenings in Oyster Bay in Writing All Wrongs, the seventh book in the “Book By The Bay” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The first book in the series is A Killer Plot.

Writing All Wrongs – Books By the Bay #7

The New York Times bestselling author of Lethal Letters returns to the North Carolina Coast, where aspiring novelist and amateur sleuth Olivia Limoges discovers crime doesn’t take a vacation.

After Olivia and Chief Rawlings enjoy a brief honeymoon on Palmetto Island, they’re joined by the rest of the Bayside Book Writers for the Coastal Carolina Crime Festival. The festival’s highlight is Silas Black, celebrity screenwriter and television producer, who is currently working on a popular television show in North Carolina.

As the festival gets under way, a trickster seems to be bringing famous local ghost stories to life. But when the body of a woman close to Black is found on the beach, Olivia and her friends must deduce who on the island could resort to murder—before the sands of time run out for someone else.

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GIVEAWAY: What about you? What’s your favorite ghost story? Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on Friday, November 13 and you could win this charming lighthouse teapot for one (because even on her honeymoon Olivia Limoges needs to be near a lighthouse). (US entries only, please.) Good luck everyone!

About the author
Ellery Adams grew up on a beach near the Long Island Sound. Having spent her adult life in a series of landlocked towns, she cherishes her memories of open water, violent storms, and the smell of the sea. Ms. Adams has held many jobs including caterer, retail clerk, car salesperson, teacher, tutor, and tech writer, all the while penning poems, children’s books, and novels. She now writes full-time from her home in Virginia. Visit Ellery at elleryadamsmysteries.com

A Day in the Life with Eloise Alcott by Ellery Adams

My name is Eloise Alcott and I own Run for Cover, the bookshop in the village of Storyton.

I’ve always loved my job, but I don’t think I’ve ever loved it as much as I do right now. You see, my best friend, Jane Steward, the manager of Storyton Hall, the luxury resort for bibliophiles, is hosting a convention for readers and writers of Regency romance novels. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. I am beside myself with excitement.

First, I love the Regency period. Think of all the Jane Austen novels! Think of Mr. Darcy! Need I really say more? I’ve created an entire display in my front window featuring Ms. Austen’s romantic leads and I’ll have to refill it five minutes after Mrs. Pratt catches a glimpse of the books. Even if she already owns some of the titles, she’ll end up buying them all over again. That’s how much she loves books. Not only is she my best customer, but she’s also a member of my book club, The Cover Girls.

Which reminds me! Our book club is meeting tonight to discuss our recent read, a delicious novel called The Dashing Duke. The author, Rosamund York, is coming to Storyton tomorrow. Rumor has it that Rosamund and a handful of the other leading ladies of romance fiction aren’t very friendly, but what could go wrong over the next few days? After all, we’re having a Regency fashion show, learning to make reticles, attending author panels, competing in bookish trivia games, attending a truffle-making demonstration, and participating in a Ladies’ Choice Valentine’s Dance.

And did I mention the male cover model contest?

That’s right! We’re going to be sharing our tiny village with male cover models! All this and Mrs. Hubbard’s famous Valentine’s tea spread. Oh, I can almost taste the Victoria sponge cake already. Between her cakes, scones, and finger sandwiches, as well as and platters of Regency-themed food I’ll be having at tonight’s book club meeting, I’d best pace myself. I want to catch the eye of one of those cover models. Or maybe that shy, new employee Jane hired to run the activities department. He’s a mysterious guy, to be sure. But then again, so is my brother, Edwin. I wonder what’s going on between him and Jane. . .

Oh! The bells hanging from my shop door are tinkling so I have to dash, but I hope you’ll join my book-loving friends and me for what promises to be a thrilling week of sumptuous food, riotous fun, intrigue, and a touch of romance. I should add that I doubt there will be murders like those that occurred during Storyton Hall’s last convention. After all, mystery fans attended that event. This one centers on romance readers. It’ll be nothing but roses and plump cupids for an entire week.

Wait a minute. Isn’t cupid the one with the arrows? The one who shoots people? Who makes them unwitting victims of desire? A desire so intense that they cannot control their actions? Oh my. Maybe romance isn’t as harmless as I thought. . .

You can read more about Eloise in Murder in the Paperback Parlor, the second book in the “Book Retreat” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime.

About Murder in the Paperback Parlor
The New York Times bestselling Book Retreat mysteries feature Storyton Hall, the perfect getaway for literature lovers—except when a guest tries to get away with murder.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Jane Steward is organizing a week of activities for fans of love stories at her book-themed resort. But her Regency readers barely have time to brush up on their Jane Austen before tragedy strikes Storyton Hall. Rosamund York, one of the most celebrated authors in attendance, is killed.

Rosamund had as many enemies as she did admirers, including envious fellow novelists, a jealous former lover, and dozens of angry fans. It’s up to Jane, with the help of her book club, the Cover Girls, to catalogue the list of suspects and find a heartless killer quickly—before the murderer writes someone else off.

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Giveaway: Everyone who read the first book in this series, Murder in the Mystery Suite, has met Muffet Cat, the portly tuxedo. Leave a comment about anything relating to the first book or what your expectations are of the latest installment, Murder in the Paperback Parlor, for a chance to win a Muffet Cat Teapot. And here’s a bonus! A portion of the profit from the purchase of this teapot will go toward animal rescue efforts. It’s a total win-win for cozy readers and animal lovers. Giveaway ends August 7 at 12 a.m. eastern and is open to U.S. residents only.

About the Author:
Ellery Adams grew up on a beach near the Long Island Sound. Having spent her adult life in a series of landlocked towns, she cherishes her memories of open water, violent storms, and the smell of the sea. Ms. Adams has held many jobs including caterer, retail clerk, car salesperson, teacher, tutor, and tech writer, all the while penning poems, children’s books, and novels. She now writes full-time from her home in Virginia.

For more info visit Ellery at www.elleryadamsmysteries.com or on Facebook.

My Musing ~ Lemon Pies and Little White Lies by Ellery Adams

Lemon Pies and Little White Lies by Ellery Adams is the fourth book in the “Charmed Pie Shoppe” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, April 2015

After Pecan Pies and Homicides comes another tangy slice of life—and death—in a charmed, and charming, small town.

Ella Mae LeFaye’s Charmed Pie Shoppe has become a phenomenon beyond her wildest dreams, providing the enchanted town of Havenwood, Georgia, with spellbinding desserts and magical pies. Her personal life is also heating up as she takes on the responsibilities of leadership within her magical community. In fact, the only thing weighing her down is the fact that handsome Hugh Dylan won’t return her calls.

Still, when Havenwood is rocked by a series of mysterious deaths, Ella Mae must put romantic longings aside—especially when she realizes that the mystical symbols left at each crime scene are dangerously personal. Now she will have to whip up all her supernatural skills to uncover a killer out to settle an ancient score—before the murderer devastates everything Ella Mae is determined to protect.

This is another gem in the Ellery Adams arsenal of mystery loving books, which warms the cockles of my heart, always leaving me in comfort. Ellery has done it again by delivering a dynamic story where the relationship between Ella Mae, her family, her friends and the *special* people of Havenwood takes center stage, this while trying to solve the murder and the threat on her family. I really enjoyed the flow of this drama and how every scene, every dialogue, every action leads up for the climatic showdown that Ella Mae must face. Everyone is back in this character-driven and delightfully charming tale and I can’t wait to see what new opportunities and adventures will present itself to Ella Mae and the people of Havenwood in the next book in this wonderfully terrific series.

A Day in the Life of Ella Mae LeFaye by Ellery Adams

Owner of The Charmed Pie Shoppe, Havenwood, Georgia

Friends, today is going to be a day like no other!

Do you remember the scene in Charlotte’s Web when everyone went to the fair? Remember the excitement? The descriptions of the scents? The sights? And most of all, the food?

That’s what I have to look forward to today. Havenwood is hosting an event called History in the Baking and for several days, we’re celebrating all things pie. Today, is the Pies of All States Bake-Off and I have the privilege of tasting over 50 delectable pies from across our great nation.

As I move from booth to booth, I’ve been learning facts about each state and the crops that influenced their first pies. Here are some examples:

• Oregon produces more hazelnuts than any other state, so their baker made a heavenly chocolate hazelnut pie.
• A baker from Illinois created a ginger-crumble pumpkin pie. He also showed me on how the colonists used to prepare pumpkins. She cut off the top of the pumpkin, took out all the seeds, and then filled the inside with honey, milk, and several spices. She then baked the pumpkin in hot ashes and gave me a sample. Yum!
• A woman from Kentucky, who wore an enormous hat covered with racehorses and roses, made a pie with roasted walnuts, bourbon, and chocolate. The crust was flaky as a Southern biscuit. And I’d love to tell you the name, but I can’t because it copyrighted and the owners have sued people for printing it in the past. All I can tell you is that it’s based on the 1950s recipe from the Melrose Inn.
• I was shocked when the bakers from Georgia presented me with a peanut butter pie instead of peach pie. I was even more shocked to learn that my home state isn’t the main producer of peaches (pssst – it’s South Carolina!)

Now, it’s mid-afternoon and I’ve tasted incredible apple pies from New York, key lime and lemon pies from Florida, sweet potato pies from North Carolina, blueberry pies from Maine, and a mud pie from Mississippi. I can’t eat another bite! The question is: who will I pick as a winner?

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You can read more about Ella Mae and her pie tasting contest in Lemon Pies And Little White Lies, the fourth book in the “Charmed Pie Shoppe” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The first three books in the series are Pies and Prejudice, Peach Pies and Alibis, and Pecan Pies and Homicides.

About Lemon Pies And Little White Lies

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Books by the Bay series and the Book Retreat mysteries–Includes pie recipes!

After Pecan Pies and Homicides comes another tangy slice of life—and death—in a charmed, and charming, small town. . .

Ella Mae LeFaye’s Charmed Pie Shoppe has become a phenomenon beyond her wildest dreams, providing the enchanted town of Havenwood, Georgia, with spellbinding desserts and magical pies. Her personal life is also heating up as she takes on the responsibilities of leadership within her magical community. In fact, the only thing weighing her down is the fact that handsome Hugh Dylan won’t return her calls. . .

Still, when Havenwood is rocked by a series of mysterious deaths, Ella Mae must put romantic longings aside—especially when she realizes that the mystical symbols left at each crime scene are dangerously personal. Now she will have to whip up all her supernatural skills to uncover a killer out to settle an ancient score—before the murderer devastates everything Ella Mae is determined to protect. . .

GIVEAWAY
Since you’ll have to read Lemon Pies And Little White Lies to find out, why don’t I offer you a prize? Tell me your all-time favorite pie and you’ll be automatically entered to win a book-shaped plate, cup and saucer, because you need to have your pie and your favorite hot beverage in style. Contest ends by 12 p.m. eastern on April 3. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your SPAM folder.

About the author
Ellery Adams grew up on a beach near the Long Island Sound. Having spent her adult life in a series of landlocked towns, she cherishes her memories of open water, violent storms, and the smell of the sea. Ms. Adams has held many jobs including caterer, retail clerk, car salesperson, teacher, tutor, and tech writer, all the while penning poems, children’s books, and novels. She now writes full-time from her home in Virginia. For more information, kindly visit www.elleryadamsmysteries.com

Murder in the Mystery Suite by Ellery Adams

Murder in the Mystery Suite by Ellery Adams is the first book in the new “Book Retreat” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, August 2014

WHO WOULD RESORT TO MURDER?

Tucked away in the rolling hills of rural western Virginia is the storybook resort of Storyton Hall, catering to book lovers who want to get away from it all. To increase her number of bookings, resort manager Jane Steward has decided to host a Murder and Mayhem week so that fans of the mystery genre can gather together for some role-playing and fantasy crime solving.

But when the winner of the scavenger hunt, Felix Hampden, is found dead in the Mystery Suite, and the valuable book he won as his prize is missing, Jane realizes one of her guests is an actual murderer. Amid a resort full of fake detectives, Jane is bound and determined to find a real-life killer. There’s no room for error as Jane tries to unlock this mystery before another vacancy opens up.

I like it. This is a tantalizing mystery that teased me with a perfect setting of a resort that was wrapped about books and more books beyond one’s wildest dream. A murder puts a damper on things and that’s when this book kicks it into high gear with a light whodunit that carried me from one chapter to the next as I had to know what happens next. The author did a beautiful job in creating a wonderful escapism that was both engaging and entertaining with a very comfortable tone and lovable characters that I can’t wait to learn more about. Jane is determined and a strong heroine who takes her new role with honor and I love her interactions with her family and friends. I want to be part of the Cover Girl group. Ellery has done it again by creating another heart-felt character-driven drama that I enjoyed tremendously. This is a great read and I look forward to the next book in this delightfully charming series.