The Book of Candlelight (A Secret, Book and Scone Society Novel) Summary and Reviews

Book Summary

From New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams, the third installment in her beguiling cozy mystery series featuring librarian-turned-bookseller Nora Pennington who has a penchant for bibliotherapy and solving crimes. While people visit Miracle Springs for healing treatments, it's Nora who helps them find peace by prescribing the perfect book along with a fresh-baked scone. After all, sometimes the key to happiness, friendship--or solving a murder--can simply be found within the pages of the right book. It's been a very wet spring in Miracle Springs, North Carolina, and the rain has been relentless--and a flood of trouble is about to be unleashed...

As the owner of Miracle Books, Nora Pennington figures all the wet weather this spring is at least good for business. The local inns are packed with stranded travelers, and among them Nora finds both new customers and a new friend, the sixty-something Sheldon, who starts helping out at the store.

Since a little rain never hurt anyone, Nora rides her bike over to the flea market one sodden day and buys a bowl from Danny, a Cherokee potter. It'll make a great present for Nora's EMT boyfriend. But the next day, a little rain turns into a lot of rain, and the Miracle River overflows its banks. Amid the wreckage of a collapsed footbridge, a body lies within the churning water.

Nora and the sheriff both doubt the ruling of accidental drowning, and Nora decides it's time for the Secret, Book, and Scone Society to spring into action. When another body turns up, it becomes clearer that Danny's death can't be blamed on a natural disaster. A crucial clue may lie within the stone walls of the Inn of Mist and Roses: a diary, over a century old and spattered with candle wax, that leads Nora and her friends through a maze of intrigue--and onto the trail of a murderer...

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. From the start, the weather plays a role in this novel. Have you ever experienced a flood or another major weather disaster that allowed you to identify with the townsfolk of Miracle Springs?
2. Nora buys a pottery bowl from a man the locals call "Cherokee Danny." Do you own a piece of pottery or another handmade item that holds special value?
3. What was your initial impression of Sheldon Vega? Do you think he's a good fit for Miracle Books? What does he bring to the bookstore?
4. What's the importance of the red bird?
5. If you were to order something from the Miracle Books food and beverage menu, what would it be?
6. Why was Lou a suspicious character for a good part of the book? Did you think she was guilty of ...