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Myrtlewood Crones #2

The Crone of Solstice Flames

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Delia's discovery of her magic and its link with the legendary Myrtlewood Crones has thrown her already tumultuous life into further disarray. After unlocking the first stage of their ancient powers, she and the other crones—Ingrid, Marjie, and Agatha—find themselves enshrouded in the elusive shield of invisibility. But this protective veil is tenuous, and the relentless Order of Crimson is closing in.

With the Winter Solstice on the horizon, the celestial opportunity is presented for releasing the next stage of potent crone magic.

The ancient grimoire reveals further puzzles relating to Delia’s heritage and the sudden appearance of an unknown relative on Delia's doorstep presents an entirely new challenge.

Time is running out, and the stakes are high. Alliances will be tested, mysteries unraveled, and the battle for the very essence of crone magic will leave no one unchanged.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2023

1314 people are currently reading
543 people want to read

About the author

Iris Beaglehole

38 books690 followers

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5 stars
1,178 (53%)
4 stars
722 (32%)
3 stars
265 (12%)
2 stars
38 (1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Profile Image for Penny.
3,122 reviews85 followers
November 27, 2023
When an author really captures my attention, it’s worth everything. Yes, it’s not too hard for me, but this author does it in a special way. Her books are whimsical, fun, and well-written. Take for instance this latest in the Myrtlewood Crone series. I just love all the characters, and the plot is very captivating. I adore that the characters aren’t your generic cookie-cutter MCs who are young, all powerful, and all knowing, even if I love those types, too. This is a great addition to the series with surprise reveals, funny scenes, and some truly great writing. I can’t wait for the next installment. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
6 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2023
Magical Fun

I love these books. They are stories about women coming into their power in the crone stage of life. Not teenagers, not middle aged hotties, but women who have faced challenges and overcome them. Yes, it’s fantasy and an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Toni lutz.
22 reviews
May 15, 2024
crone magic

I hope to have crone magic 🪄 this was an enjoyable story I wish I can live in myrtlewood ☺️
54 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2023
wow

Another exciting instalment in the tales of the Myrtlewood crones.
The ladies are growing closer and their power is there for the taking.
I loved reading this and have already ordered the next one, I can’t wait xx
Profile Image for Amanda Jane.
1,337 reviews9 followers
January 2, 2024
The awakening begins..

Marji, Agatha, Delia, and Ingrid must take the next steps at the winter solstice to release their crone powers.

The way is beset with trouble as the Order tries to stop them, right down to setting a trap for Delia by kidnapping her friend Kitty... Deliais undaunted even when the Cowboy appears to warn her despite the risks to his own powers under his contract... fortunately, she evades their schemes. Although the revelations of who they are led by don't inspire the fear the Shepherd had hoped and instead just makes Delia and Kitty laugh hysterically.

The Crones will not be deterred by anyone, and they are determined to see it through even though they only have myths and legends that are not strictly accurate to follow...
1,219 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2024
There are some plot twists that make the overall book more interesting. I do enjoy the "older" character focus too. However, I have issues with repeated information - sometimes within just a page or two. Also, quite a few editing errors that required reading a sentence a couple times to confirm the information. There are some pretty blatant "clues" about specific characters that are either minor (so far) or outside of the active plot. For example, Delilah's lawyer. Which leads back to her daughter also. The villains are beyond bad, but it's hard sometimes to tell if someone is going to be an ally or enemy (again, good plot twists). I'll probably go into Book 3, but I'm going to wait a bit - knowing the overall writing style may be something that is a bit frustrating to me.
Profile Image for Karen.
46 reviews10 followers
November 30, 2024
Storyline is compelling, however:

The stories of the Myrtle wood Crones follow on the heels of the series telling of Rosemary and Athena Thorn, as they learn to harness their magic. I have enjoyed all of these, as the author is a gifted storyteller. I cannot give 5 stars to any of these, as the editing is so sadly poorly done. There are too many to list, and I just have to mentally insert missing words or delete nonsensical words within sentences. Spelling of names often gets changed. He vs she usage.
The variety of characters and their particular magic, along with relationships paints a very modern and diverse community, which is refreshing.
1 review
June 1, 2025
Great story, too much repetitive description.

I'm enjoying this series though perhaps not quite as much as Myrtlewood Mysteries. The storylines are creative and the characters well drawn but the repetitive descriptions are driving me nuts. I almost want to go back and count how many times "the odor of decaying leaves and damp ground" was used. Whole paragraphs were repeated almost verbatim. I pretty much skipped over any description of the forest, the Rogue's camp and the Shepherd's rooms because I'd already read it several times. I will finish the series because I am enjoying it.
8 reviews
February 12, 2024
Oh wow

My sister told me about a book she was reading, Accidental Magic, and it was right up my street. Within 3 weeks, I have read all 6 books plus the first 2 in the Crone series. I can't wait for the 3rd one. The twists and turns in all of the books just keep you reading. I must admit I hadn't expected the
maintenance character's name in the magic books to be the same as mine. It made me feel I was right there with her. Mainly in her ditzy moments. Good reading, Iris.
67 reviews
March 2, 2024
The Crone of Solstice Flames: Myrtlewood Crones Book 2

I liked all the characters, the continual rise of tension. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and cannot wait for the next one.
Characters are now becoming friends and I gave this book a high rating because the writing is exciting, filled with possibilities. Really well drawn characters, with fully fleshed out personalities. Highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Tina Simmons.
763 reviews7 followers
July 5, 2024
This one was ok. Not great. There were some pacing issues. I know these are supposed to be cozy, but truly, saving ALL the action for the last 3 chapters is just not good pacing. When you finish, it still feels like a cliffhanger (it’s not) because your adrenaline gets spiked without any real resolve. Also, there were some minor inconsistencies in this one (the book closed on its own, then a character closed it). I WANT to love these, but this one felt like a slog.
81 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2024
It was nice to be able to pick up the story after I finished the first one. Delia is a ditz, but a clever one. The writing had too many repetitions, and unnecessary wordiness. But all in all, the story moved well, and it was nice that it overlapped with Myrtlewoods Mysteries.
The nefarious characters are tedious, although the good witches, etc. and all their different characters, make the story interesting.
16 reviews
October 26, 2024
enough with the giggles and snarky exchange

I was attracted to this series because it speaks to an underserved and poorly researched area: crones and their power. While there is much made of seeing it manifest through the four elements that elements, the portrayal of the characters is immature and bumbling. They aren’t believable. Even though it’s a fantasy it’s much less interesting than it could be. After two books I’m checking out.
Profile Image for Vee Orrell.
30 reviews
October 19, 2025
I was gifted this series last year, so after not really enjoying Book 1, I decided to give Book 2 a go & I was pleasantly surprised. Whilst these books are written in an easy read style, they do have an element of mystery & fantasy that grabs you. The main characters are a joy, Myrtlewood sounds wonderful & there is a definite ‘shock moment’ that gets revealed! Altogether a good little Witchy read perfect for Autumn!
6 reviews
February 24, 2024
Another great book!

Last week I discovered Accidental Magic and quickly devoured those books. I was so happy to see Marje and Agatha get their own series and this has been a fun read too. Yes there's quite a few errors (spelling mistakes and editing errors) but the content is captivating. A fun, easy read that you won't want to put down. Can't wait for book 3!
2 reviews
June 25, 2024
Exhilarating

I was on the edge of my seat with this book. The twists and turns kept me reading til the end. Loved it and how the characters are blossoming and the plot thickens. I even felt the scenery descriptions come alive. Can't wait to start the next book. Sk, I'm not...here starts 3rd book in series.
290 reviews
August 20, 2024
Just as good as the first.

The story is ever changing and definitely keeps me guessing. I love there older gals and all their stubborn spunkiness. I love that they are still considered useful at their age, as so many people consider us over the hill at 60. I can’t begin to imagine what comes next, but I’m definitely ready for it.
3 reviews
July 25, 2025
mystery and magic

The Crone of Solstice Flames offers a view of Myrtlewoods’ elder wisdom and doesn’t disappoint. Marjie, Agatha and Ingrid welcome Delia Spark and together they journey Journey into the heart of darkness and battle take all upset the balance. Cranky, spunky and absolutely delightful. Not to be missed.
135 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2023
We meet the 4 crones again, what trouble are they going to get into? Love the usual slow and steady build up teasing what the ending might be, then it's not what you thought, but way better. I didn't want to put it down until the end.
Profile Image for Becky Brook.
57 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2024
I enjoyed this second Myrtlewood Crones book about Delia and her friends, such delightful and unique characters. There are other voices in the story as well, and we find how more tie in, and it makes the story well-rounded.
Profile Image for Suzy Ostapower.
520 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2024
Delia Spark will be a force to be reckoned with

I enjoyed the book but the parts about the cleric and his superior tended to be rather slow. For some reason it took me out of the story. The twist was however quite interesting.
Profile Image for Emmie.
17 reviews
April 12, 2024
Absolutely loved this whole series and the original Myrtlewood Mysteries and Holloway Rd. It's set in such a wonderful English village that it makes me wish I could live there too. I am eagerly awaiting the next book(s) so that I can drift off to Myrtlewood and be amongst my favourite characters 💗
5 reviews
May 1, 2024
I found the first book difficult to read as it had so many ongoing 'players' to the story. Glad I persevered as it has certainly picked up the pace with a surprise I didn't see coming. Will be interesting to see how this develops.
Profile Image for Gail Sullivan-bertran.
182 reviews8 followers
May 18, 2024
It was ok but...

Ever read a book and thu
en suddenly put it down and walk away? That happened to me when i tried to read this. I THINK its because i havent read all the previous books so only "sorta" know whats going on. It seems well writen otherwise.


451 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2024
crones

I enjoyed this second book in the Myrtlewood Crones series. I’m enjoying the characters and looking forward to finding out how some of them will evolve in the story. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Kelly Guy.
25 reviews
June 29, 2024
Another good one

This is another good witchy story that draws the reader in from the beginning. I love how colorful all of the characters are and how you get brought into their lives as if they are family. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Tonya Roberson Roberson.
49 reviews
July 15, 2024
Power can corrupt when in the wrong hands...

The plot thickens, and the magick grows. Some think they are on the right side of good, and everyone wants the Crone power. Love some of the twists in the story.
110 reviews
August 4, 2024
A Woman tries to understand magic

Told she is a drone and as something to do during Dec. 21 Festival but they don't know what yet. They go on an adventure to find an ancient grimore. She can't seem to get her Magic under control. Adventure, Witches and bad guys.
18 reviews
November 22, 2024
funny and lighthearted

Not my typical books. Love the light hearted theme . Serious undertones are dealt with .
Just what you need as a break with obviously a cup of tea and scone!
2 reviews
January 21, 2025
This is a really good series

Book one starts kind of slow and builds to the midpoint of the book where it becomes very interesting and leads us to book 2 which was really, really fun to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews

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