At sixty, Olivia Furie thought she had life figured out—until it all went up in flames. Literally. Her husband’s sudden death leaves her broke, homeless, and strangely combustible. When fires start erupting wherever she goes, Olivia begins to suspect her perfectly curated life might have hidden more than just financial secrets.
When a mysterious letter from her long-dead grandmother arrives, Olivia—and her grumpy cat, Magnus—are forced to flee the ashes of their old life and seek refuge in the hidden village of Rowanswood. There, among eccentric magical beings, ancient secrets, and a dangerously attractive man who refuses to stay out of her way, Olivia discovers she’s not just unlucky… she’s powerful.
But power comes with rules—and consequences. As Olivia struggles to accept her long-dormant magic, a dark force stirs beneath Rowanswood’s charm. If she can’t master the fire within, she may lose more than her new beginning—she could doom the entire realm.
If you like cozy magical tales, fierce midlife heroines, and a slow-burn romance with a side of sass, you’ll love The Chic Crone.
Kirsten Marion pursued her writing passion with a degree in English Literature. Life took one of its funny turns at that point and she ended up in finance and accounting for the duration of her career. When retirement finally released her from the world of business, she was finally free to pursue her fierce love of writing and has now reinvented herself as an author. She has three middle grade novels published. The Chic Crone is her first novel for adults.
Thanks to NetGalley & the publishers/author for a chance to review this ARC! All thoughts are my own.
This book is about a woman in her 60s who gets her whole life turned around in the span of a few short days. I’m always happy to read about FMCs who are older than 25.
While I think some parts were silly & novelty - the writing never pulled me in. I love cozy Fantasy but I kept putting it down and had to force myself to pick it up. The first 10% had things going on nonstop and after this - I felt underwhelmed. A few things were exceedingly convenient to the storyline and some elements didn’t flow easily. The conversations between Gaelin & his brothers were stilted and didn’t feel natural.
I liked Olivia & the other witches - they were silly and fun to read about. I was a bit thrown off by the insta-lust/insta-love but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment. Magnus the cat was the absolute spotlight for me! I also loved how the author included the reinvention of oneself - I think these elements were incredibly well incorporated.
Overall, I think it was a fairly balanced read for me, I just wish it would’ve gripped me more - because it had a lot of elements that were right up my alley. I think it’s going to check a few boxes for a lot of people and I recommend this as a palate cleanser!
I loved this book. There were just enough main characters to keep up with. There were several surprises which is good so not to be too predictable. The main character did not have much self esteem but she finally opened up to some new friends which surprised herself. I enjoy strong women characters and this does. It is fast read and now wishing the story did not end. This is the first in the series so more to come.
A FMC in her sixties (!!!), Familiars galore, a tea house with a giant tree in the center, a magical hidden village in Cornwall, and a Fae man who doesn’t fall in love with a teenager, but instead looks out for our chic FMC?? Heck yes. I adored this book, and can’t wait to dive back into Rowanswood in book 2. So happy to have stumbled across this author!
Ooh, I've fallen into a new world with this book and I definitely want to go back!
The basic premise: Olivia has just lost everything. Husband, home, and a large chunk of her income due to her dead husband's financial mess. She's also noticing a weird number of fires popping up when she's angry. Oh, and were those wolves chasing her down the street and an elf saving her? Down in the dumps, Olivia inherits her grandmother's house, enters the village of Rowanswood, and discovers she's a witch. Meanwhile, in another part of the magical world, there's a bit of a political coup going on and some dark characters who definitely do NOT have any witch's best interest at heart.
I was absolutely impressed with how Marion pulled me into every bit of the worlds she's created. From the cozy village of Rowanswood to the troubled land of the High Fae, the author doesn't miss a single chance to pull you into the scene. The main characters of Olivia and Gaelin are both compelling and I liked that it wasn't just a love at first sight kind of thing between them but rather a wary friendship/alliance that will be fun to watch in further books in the series. And, of course, I'm impatiently curious to see how the author plays with all the story threads she's presented in The Chic Crone in future books because it seems like it's going to a a VERY enjoyable ride if this first book is anything to judge by. And hey, there's a talking cat, and who doesn't love that!?
My only complaint (minor one) is that this book really doesn't have a full-fledged, beginning-middle-end story within it. That doesn't in any way detract from the reading or enjoyability of the book, but you need to go into this knowing that it is truly a set up for future books in the series. But believe me, you're going to be eager for those future books!!!
This book was such a fun and refreshing read! Olivia Furie is not your typical fantasy heroine—she’s a widowed self-help author who suddenly finds herself thrown into a world of magic, mythical creatures, and talking animals. I loved how the story blends humor, adventure, and self-discovery in a way that feels natural. Olivia’s journey from a woman who played it safe to someone who has to step up and fight for something bigger was really satisfying to read.
The town of Rowanswood is full of quirky and unforgettable characters. The elemental Crones were fascinating, and I loved how they pushed Olivia to embrace her magic. And let’s talk about the mystery man who keeps appearing—his presence adds just the right amount of intrigue and slow-burn romance. The stakes are high with the High Fae threatening everything, and watching Olivia rise to the challenge made for such an exciting read.
If you love books with strong female leads, a bit of magic, and a touch of romance, The Chic Crone is definitely worth picking up. It’s got the perfect mix of humor, heart, and adventure. I can’t wait to see where Olivia’s journey takes her next!
I really enjoyed this book. Great stories with older women are not flooding the bookstores, in my opinion. So it's great to find a fun, well-written one featuring women in their 60s, 70s, and on. London-based writer Olivia learns her husband has been killed in an auto accident. In a rage, she assumes he was with his mistress. The mistress appears at the funeral, and Olivia can hardly handle her anger. And at the lawyer's office, she learns that Fiona the mistress and her TWO CHILDREN have been left half of Olivia's home and bank account. She had always put her writing money in their shared account, and now it's gone. It's all gone, as her husband has spent it all and has over five million in debt. Olivia shouts at the lawyer and the drapes catch fire. Then Olivia receives a letter from her grandmother, dead for many years, informing her that Olivia has inherited her grandmother's cottage. Broke and homeless, Olivia takes off for the house and learns she is a witch. A Crone, actually, with untapped powers. The book is just fun for anyone who enjoys fantasy and romance and women becoming friends. I'm awaiting book 2.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but wow, it pulled me in right away! Olivia starts off in a really tough place—widowed, homeless, and totally lost. But instead of a typical fresh start, she ends up in a magical village full of elemental Crones, mythical beings, and even talking animals. It’s the kind of story that keeps surprising you in the best way.
One of the things I really enjoyed was Olivia’s transformation. She starts out unsure of herself, but as she learns to use her magic, she also learns to stand up for herself. The story has a great mix of humor and heart, and the world-building is so fun. Plus, there’s a mysterious (and very attractive) man who keeps showing up, adding just the right amount of romance without taking over the story.
If you like books with magic, adventure, and a heroine who finds her strength in unexpected ways, this is one you don’t want to miss. The Chic Crone is a perfect mix of charm, wit, and fantasy, and I’m already excited for the next book in the series!
The Chic Crone is Kirsten Marion’s first adult novel. It’s a coming of middle-age story in which an older woman reinvents herself and her life, discovering that it is possible to be fabulous at any age. The story begins with Olivia feeling abandoned and alone, destitute and homeless after the death of her two-timing husband. Unexplained fire events, a chance encounter with a handsome stranger and a letter from her dead grandmother with a key to her cottage that Olivia had visited as a child, set Olivia’s life on a new path. Olivia is confronted with many challenges, both to her beliefs and her person but, as she opens herself to possibilities, she discovers more about herself than she ever knew and finds a life that is better than she ever thought possible. It's a story of magic with threads of intrigue, romance and danger woven together to make a satisfying read with just enough unanswered questions to leave this reader eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for allowing me to read The chic crone by Kirsten Marion. This is the 1st book in the Rowanswood crones series which was published earlier this year. I love reading stories that have strong older women, as well as characters who are not aware of the magical world, falling into their abilities. I was hooked right from the beginning as Olivia learns that her dead husband, not only had another family but died in debt. Olivia ends up traveling to the magical town of Rowanswood with her cat Magnus, and discovering she is a fire crone. One of my favorite scenes is Olivia discovering her grandmother's home is her picture-perfect home, only for it to change to a hovel when she upsets the house. This is an urban fantasy/cozy mystery with lots of humor and was a fast read. It does end on a bit abruptly, but the next book should be out in the fall and I am looking forward to reading it.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
A larger and slightly less cosy story than I was expecting -- in a good way! It still has a lot of tea and scones (maybe don't read while hungry), but also a plot where our heroine, having been left widowed and destitute by a scuzzy husband, encounters the supernatural in the form of sister Crones, high fae, evil critters and unpredictable magic -- and a training montage age 60 is fun!
I'm very keen on reading about middle-aged & older heroines in general, though here I would have liked more breathing space for her to find her footing before introducing a future Love Interest. And though for the most part this is a pretty traditional Chosen One discovery arc, setting up the series scope, it's done well and it's always great to read about older characters reinventing themselves.
Now to wait for the next in the series. (This is not a standalone.)
Marion’s writing is engaging, detailed and sensory. She easily transports readers from practical to fantastical, through the endearing character of Olivia, who finds herself in a bit of a mess that will require more than just practical determination to work her way through it. The dialogue (and self talk!) is sharp and engaging, making for a compelling story that keeps the reader involved. The worldbuilding is rich and fantastical, as well as vivid and life-like. Filled with vicious satyrs, complex faes, and determined Crones, the fast-paced action kept me turning pages. I quickly became invested in Olivia’s transformation, and her learnings reminded me of the power of letting go of the known to open up to the unexpected. I found this book to be a delightful read and am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
This ends on 3.5 for me. Cosy feel, easy read fantasy, setting the beginning of a series. It’s one of these inherit a house stories - don’t get on the wrong side of this one, it takes umbrage. The beginning of the book was interesting, then for me the story became a little flat. However the introduction of the house, and a mistress’ shenanigans raised the game. The book is short, you know from half way through that it’s just a starter. However the threads left to be teased out suggest an interesting future in Rowanswood for chic crone Olivia. Thank you to Kirsten Marion and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine freely given.
Be transported into the world of Rowanswood where “regular” and the mystical world intertwine. You are transported into the magical coastal English town.
Follow along the adventures of extremely relatable and lovable Olivia as she rediscovers and reinvents herself at 60 and as a widow!
This read was so much fun, I was always so excited to pick it back up.
Marion leaves you wanting more and I cannot wait until the next book is released - highly recommend!
Fans of Discovery of Witches will enjoy The Chic Crone. Olivia is the reluctant female hero we didn't know we needed. She is perfectly imperfect. The journey through her world being turned upside down (to no fault of her own) to rebuilding her life is relatable to many mid-life women. Add in the importance of female friendships, accepting possibilities, letting go, and a bit of magic...well, that's a plot worth investigating. The story reminds us of the importance of embracing who you are at any age.
The Chic Crone by Kirsten Marion was a fun fantasy trip from real life. Eloquently written, the story captivated me after each of my cluttered days of stress and mayhem. Olivia’s revelations following her turmoil of loss and betrayal drew me in each evening escaping from real life, wishing I could trade places with her. I thoroughly enjoyed every imaginative character and learned we all need a “Magnus” in our lives. Highly recommended for anyone looking to get away from the mundane, leaving you anticipating the next story in a series.
While Chic Crones was a wonderfully enjoyable read,it also provided words of wisdom. We forget that we live a world of possibilities,where you can change your life at any age. You do not have to accept the life others choose for you. You can choose to live the life you were meant to by accepting that you deserve it. Add a bit of hope, a good dose of courage , and a willingness to believe in other possibilities and SURPRISE YOU HAVE FOUND MAGIC THE MAGIC !! Enjoy it's a Wonderful Read
Marion's description of Olivia Furie's journey towards the wisdom and power that come with age, with all its challenges and intrigue, is truly captivating. There's nothing quite like having your life destroyed and having to learn how to rebuild one, to learn a few things! I loved being in this supernatural realm with these characters. I can't wait to continue exploring with them. Vicki Rostant, OMC.
I picked this book up on a whim and was completely captivated. Kirsten Marion does a brilliant job blending real-life struggles with an enchanting fantasy world. Olivia’s journey felt so personal. As someone who’s also gone through major life changes later in life, I found her story empowering. The setting in Rowanswood was charming and the mythical creatures added a whimsical touch. Can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
What a magical ride! The Chic Crone is exactly what I didn’t know I needed a story about reinvention, sprinkled with fantasy, humor, and heart. Olivia is such a relatable character. Her transformation from a grief-stricken widow to a woman discovering her inner magic was so inspiring. The writing is vivid, and I absolutely adored Magnus the cat. And that mysterious man who keeps showing up? Total book boyfriend material. I’m officially hooked and can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Look, it has a judgemental, talking cat. Of course I loved it!
But The Chic Crone is also a fabulous start to a new series, about starting over again in midlife and discovering where we belong, about feminine bonds and loyalty, and stepping into our power. It's beautifully written and wonderfully described, and the settings are delightfully vivid and well-imagined. Plus, as I said – talking cat. And lots of baked goods. I can't wait for the next one!
Wow! Here's my money, give more stories in this series because I loved this one. A cosy fantasy featuring a fleshed out middle age woman who discover being a powerful crone (the older witches are called crone) after she lost her husbands, discovered he had two families and there was no money left. Excellent storytelling, characters and world building development. Can't wait for the next story Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
With intriguing characters, mythical creatures, and enchanted lands, The Chic Crone is a gripping and suspenseful mix of storytelling. I was quickly captivated and easily enthralled as Olivia Furie’s unexpected magical adventure unfolded. It’s a well-written, paranormal women’s fantasy that’ll leave you eager for the next in the Rowanswood Crones series.
The Chic Crone is an entertaining adult fantasy. An engaging read, transforming me from a typical historical fiction reader, into this magical world Kirsten has created. The characters and story line are easy to follow, captured in a rich, impressive command of the English language. The Chic Crone is a fun read that left me eager for more.
Such an exciting read! Very fascinating characters, mythical creatures, and magical worlds. It was so so interesting. Olivia’s adventure is full of surprises, and the paranormal fantasy elements really add a special touch to the story. It’s a well-written book that’s perfect for fans of women’s fantasy, and it’ll definitely leave you wanting more. Can’t wait for the next one.
Talk about midlife magic! I loved that Olivia wasn’t a twenty-something chosen one she was a woman with life experience, pain, and courage. The Crones were iconic, and the subtle romance brewing beneath the surface made it even better. This is exactly the kind of fantasy I want more of deep, magical, and empowering.
What a journey! I finished The Chic Crone in two sittings because I couldn’t put it down. The dialogue was sharp, the pacing perfect, and the magical elements didn’t overpower the emotional weight of the story. Plus, the twist with the High Fae? Brilliant. I’m already impatient for the next installment.
This book is such a gem. Olivia is a character you instantly root for, and watching her step into her power was incredibly rewarding. The way the story wove together magic, emotional growth, and slow-burn romance was flawless. I also appreciated the unique take on older female protagonists you don’t see that often in fantasy! I’ll definitely be recommending The Chic Crone to my book club.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but The Chic Crone was a delightful surprise. It’s like Eat Pray Love meets Practical Magic. Olivia’s transformation was powerful and so beautifully written. The blend of self-help vibes and fantasy was so refreshing. I especially loved the vivid descriptions of Rowanswood it felt like stepping into a fairytale.
Absolutely enjoyed this cozy fantasy read! Olivia is forced to forget her old life when she finds out her deceased husband had been keep secrets from her for years. Yet, her new life is something she was not expecting at all when she finds out about her magic. The best way to describe this is a cozy fantasy about self discovery for any age. Throughly enjoyed!
I loved all the women and their familers. I enjoyed the magic. I just wasn't enjoying the whole story though. Despite everything going on, it still dragged along. Maybe it's just me. Maybe I should try at another time because I love fantasy stories like this. This book was free and I can't afford to buy books. I guess I'll move on.