Tuesday, April 26, 2022

The Vanishing Type by Ellery Adams

 The Vanishing Type
Book Summary

Entertainment Weekly hails the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series by the beloved New York Times bestselling author as “a love letter to reading.” In this entrancing new story, bookshop owner, bibliotherapist, and occasional sleuth Nora Pennington must enlist the help of her brilliant, brassy librarian friend to unravel the connection between The Scarlet Letter, an obscure 19th century writer, and a dead hiker…

While January snow falls outside in Miracle Springs, North Carolina, Nora Pennington is encouraging customers to cozy up indoors with a good book. Even though the shop and her bibliotherapy sessions keep Nora busy during the day, her nights are a little too quiet—until Deputy Andrews pulls Nora into the sci-fi section and asks her to help him plan a wedding proposal.
 
His bride-to-be, Hester, loves 
Little Women, and Nora sets to work arranging a special screening at the town’s new movie theater. But right before the deputy pops the question, Nora makes an unsettling discovery—someone has mutilated all her store’s copies of The Scarlet Letter, slicing angrily into the pages wherever Hester Prynne’s name is mentioned.
 
The coincidence disturbs Nora, who’s one of the few in Miracle Springs who knows that Hester gave up a baby for adoption many years ago. Her family heaped shame on her, and Hester still feels so guilty that she hasn’t even told her future husband. But when a dead man is found on a hiking trail just outside town, carrying a rare book, the members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society unearth a connection to Hester’s past. Someone is intent on bringing the past to light, and it’s not just Hester’s relationship at stake, but her life. . .
My Thoughts

The Vanishing Type by Ellery Adams takes us back to Miracle Springs, North Carolina.  Nora Pennington along with her friends June and Estella are helping Deputy Andrews prepare a special proposal for Hester.  While they are working out the details, Sheldon brings something to Nora’s attention.  Someone has mutilated their copies of The Scarlet Letter by taking a knife to Hester’s name.  Nora is worried that someone is intent on harming Hester or exposing Hester’s secret.  Few people are aware that Hester gave up a baby many years ago and the terrible way her family treated her.  Hester has yet to tell her beau, Deputy Jasper Andrews.  A man is found dead on a hiking trail just outside Miracle Springs with no identification, but he does have a rare book in the pocket of his bright orange coat.  The members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society soon discover that the victim is connected to Hester’s past.  Is someone after Hester or are they trying to expose her secret?  

The Vanishing Type is the fifth A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novel (all of them available through Kindle Unlimited).  I believe this series is best read in order.  While you could read The Vanishing Type on its own, you will be missing the background on the characters and the town.  The Vanishing Type is well-written with developed characters.  I like that they are flawed characters which makes them realistic, relatable, and interesting.  I enjoy visiting Miracle Springs with its friendly residents and quaint shops.  My first stop would be the bakery for some of the tasty treats and then I would head to Miracle Books.  I would definitely order the hot chocolate drink with the colored marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles (it sounded so good).  I like that the author has included a character with fibromyalgia.  Many people do not understand the disease nor believe the pain it causes.  Sheldon is such a delightful person, and I am glad that he does not let the condition keep him down for long.  He is a lively individual with a heart a gold.  I had to laugh at what happened at story time with the book involving snakes.  The romance between Nor and Sheriff McCabe is progressing nicely.  I am glad that it is moving at a slower pace.  Fans of the series will love the proposal scene.  It is definitely special and unique.  I love all the book references throughout the story.  There are some great titles mentioned.  Like Hester, Little Women is my favorite book.  The mystery was wonderful.  It is complex with great clues and red herrings.  The secondary storyline was just as intriguing.  I like how everything tied together to give readers a wonderful reading experience.  I was sorry for my visit to Miracle Springs to end.  The Vanishing Type has friendship, mystery, and, of course, books.  The Vanishing Type is a beguiling tale with a remarkable movie theater opening, damaged books, a nameless victim, story time mayhem, beautiful book covers, a special proposal, firm friends, and a bevy of books.  

The Vanishing Type is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other The Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novels here (all of them available through Kindle Unlimited).  Ellery Adams has Murder on the Poet's Walk publishing on September 27.  It is the 8th A Book Retreat Mystery.  Check out Ellery Adams' other cozy creations here.  There are quite a few new books out today.  Here are just a few of them:  Courting Caleb by Kelly Long, The Emerald Tide by David Bunn, Three Tainted Teas by Lynn Cahoon, A Margin for Murder by Lauren Elliott, 'Til Death by Carol J. Perry, The Amish Farmer's Proposal by Barbara Cameron, The Gift of Joy by Kristin McKanagh, Sand Dollar Lane by Sheila Roberts, and Simmering with Resentment by Daryl Wood Gerber.  Which book are you eager to read first?  Thank you for reading my review today.  I will return tomorrow with The Gift of Joy by Kristin McKanagh. I am curious.   Which do you prefer:  book or movie?  I am a book person (of course). I hope that you have a relaxing day where you can read to your heart's content!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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