The Crone of Midnight Embers

Myrtlewood Crones, Book 1

By: Iris Beaglehole

Narrated by: Bethan Dixon Bate

Why don't more 60-something-year-olds get to have fun magical adventures?

Delia Spark is caught in a maelstrom. Her former life as a London theatre director is on the brink of implosion amid a scandalous divorce, a tarnished reputation, and, for reasons she cannot fathom, things keep spontaneously combusting around her. Her sixties were supposed to be peaceful, but now even her grown daughter won't return her calls. Escape is the only option.

In the remote village of Myrtlewood, she seeks solace, not suspecting that in this quaint haven, far stranger adventures await than the urban chaos she left behind. Delia is oblivious to the undercurrent that her arrival stirs. Amid whispers of magic, she finds herself on the precipice of an extraordinary transformation.

As she grapples with these new realities, an ominous shadow lurks—a secret Order steeped in ancient lore is watching, plotting, and scheming. Delia must confront her destiny. Will she surrender to the enchanting pull of Myrtlewood and the ancient prophecies of the elemental crones, or will she claw back her former life from her power-hungry ex?

Welcome to a world where the extraordinary is ordinary, where tranquillity is a veil for the mystical, and where time itself whispers secrets of old served with delicious cakes and cups of tea—or coffee if you insist!

©2023 Iris Beaglehole (P)2024 Podium Audio

I'm obsessed with iris beaglehole, fun, witty, exciting. just everything!

there is no book out to read next. I don't want to wait to listen to more I want it now!!

Great book!

Got this as a free book, but will be getting the others in the series. Very creative and lots of fun!

Harry Potter meets the Golden Girls

This is a delightful, engaging and well written story enhanced by the perfect narration. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series!

Engaging storyline

The story is focused on main characters who have experienced life and now face new challenges that are usually saved for a younger generation which I greatly enjoyed. Each chapter is centered around a particular character and helps the reader get to know them easily. I'm very much looking forward to getting into the next book.

crone of midnight embers

It feels like a children's story written for older adults. When you just want to relax and not have violence or politics thrown you. I am enjoying it like you would a cup of tea in front of the fireplace.

Characters

Good introductions to basic elementals, hope following books will continue to expand on powers. Nice pacing.

relatable in the current time

I want to be part of this story, what a great idea to bring a story to a current time period with the mystery of old.

such fun!

This was over too quickly. not a Nobel prize winning price, but truly delightful and entertaining. I'm buying the next book forth with!

Delightful in so many ways!

I have been moaning for years at the lack of fantasy with female main characters over the age of 30, or at least few where that character kicks ass AND is a mother, and here comes another Myrtlewood work 💗 My heart is full.

For gauging if it's your jam; wry old lady humor abounds, the constant cycle of growth and change, only the *barest* hints at a couple romantic interests, but knowing the author's other work I don't see it getting more than a quick few sentences.

Very cozy magical book

This is a delightful cozy book read by an incredible narrator. I really enjoyed 90% of it.

The parts that I wasn’t thrilled about was the bits and pieces that obviously were referred to from another book that the author never followed up on, so it was a complete mystery.

For instance, what happened the Margaret’s husband Herb?? I wish the author would not have referred to these things or at least given us an idea of what happened. It leaves you speculating but maybe that’s what the author wants.

Other than that, I really enjoyed this book! I just downloaded the second one in the series and I’m looking forward to listening to it as well! I love magical fantasy and this definitely wets the whistle! 🌙🌕🌙