Gifts to Rock a Reader’s World By Ellery Adams, The Whispered Word: A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Mystery

Gift giving isn’t easy. In fact, some would say it’s a fine art. We all want the special people in our lives open our gifts and smile with genuine delight.  Not a forced smile, but the big, brilliant smile of someone who loves what they’ve been given.

It can be a challenge to buy a booklover the perfect gift. After all, we can’t always know what our favorite reader has on their TBR pile or what they’re planning to binge read next. If they have a public Amazon wish list, you might discover a few titles to buy. If not, think about their all-time favorite books and find them a beautiful version of that book. They’ll proudly display this prize front and center on the bookshelf.

 

 

You can surprise the reader in your life by buying a first edition, a signed copy, or a special illustrated volume of one of their most beloved books. For example, what Ian Fleming fan wouldn’t kill for a Classic Library version of Thunderball?  How about an amazingly artistic Pride and Prejudice with a gilt peacock on the cover for your Austen aficionado? Does your bookworm love classic children’s stories? How about presenting them with The Chronicles of Narnia as a pop-up book? These and thousands of other titles can be found on my favorite online shop for purchasing rare and unusual books: www.abebooks.com

 

 

Books aren’t the only things to buy a reader. After all, a cozy reading environment is a plus.  To help create this environment, you could wrap up a super soft blanket or book-themed candles like Bookstore, Reading at the Cafe, or Rainy Day Reads as sold by the Etsy shop, Frostbeard. You could also add a pair of book print socks or a box of Novel Teas (each teabag features a literary quote). Remember, winter’s coming.

You could also take the book décor route. To a bibliophile, anything with a book on it is beautiful. There’s a plethora of book bling out there including library card earrings, pendants with book quotes, or bracelets with book charms and a coffee cup. If gifts for the home are in order, consider a bookish pillow, written word bed sheets, vintage book coasters, book clocks, book-shaped thumb drives, tote bags,  clocks, or a book print shower curtain.

 

 

Last but not least, you can buy your book lover clothes and accessories. There’s no end to the fun and festive bookish wearables you can choose from. There are skirts and scarves, ties and shoes, handbags and umbrellas. And pajamas, Don’t forget the pajamas. How about a cute bookish T-shirt? There are dozens and dozens from ones that read Book Nerd to ones that read That’s What I’m Tolkien About.

Hopefully, you’ve been able to check off some items on your gift list. You might have even added a few to your own wish list. I hope your holiday season is one for the record books. Happy gifting and happy reading!

 

 

In New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams’ intriguing new Secret, Book, and Scone Society novel, Nora Pennington and her fiction loving friends in small-town Miracle Springs, North Carolina, encounter a young woman desperately in need of a new beginning. . .

Nora Pennington, owner of Miracle Books, believes that a well-chosen novel can bring healing and hope. But she and the other members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society know that sometimes, practical help is needed too. Such is the case with the reed-thin girl hiding in the fiction section of Nora’s store, wearing a hospital ID and a patchwork of faded bruises. She calls herself Abilene, and though Nora and her friends offer work, shelter, and a supportive ear, their guest isn’t ready to divulge her secrets. But when a customer is found dead in an assumed suicide, Nora uncovers a connection that points to Abilene as either a suspect—or another target.

Summer’s end has brought other new arrivals to Miracle Springs too. Entrepreneur Griffin Kingsley opens Virtual Genie, a cyber business that unloads people’s unwanted goods for cash. With the town in an economic slump and folks hurting for money, Virtual Genie and its owner are both instantly popular. A patient listener, Griffin dispenses candy to children and strong coffee to adults, and seems like a bona fide gentleman. But Nora’s not inclined to judge a book by its cover. And when a second death hits town, Nora and her intrepid friends must help the new, greenhorn sheriff discern fact from fiction—and stop a killer intent on bringing another victim’s story to a close . . .