COnVENt is a debut work of historical fantasy from author Kerri Stoner, exploring the world of witchcraft in New Orleans across both a modern and colonial timeline. The Southern Gothic revival begins following Mac LeBlanc, in modern times, on a journey through motherhood that evolves into a spiritual awakening as she learns she’s a witch through her roots as a native New Orleanian. In the process, she finds a support system amongst some wayward women whom Mac manages to unite.
Almost three hundred years prior, we meet Camille LeBlanc, a twelve-year-old girl with “gifts” traveling with the Ursuline Nuns from Rouen, France, to New Orleans. We get a glimpse of the origins of the female community in colonial New Orleans and the Ursuline Nuns that built it, with a magical twist.
The COnVENt Series is a New Orleans cocktail mixed with a shot of magic, a splash of mystery, and a dash of humor—all garnished with historical fiction and the imagined truths that were forgotten. Laissez le bon temps rouler—Let the good times roll!
I've always had a creative streak and have managed to find blank canvases everywhere in life. Whether I’m designing and sewing clothes, planting a garden, dressing a window, or concocting something in the kitchen, I find joy in all of it—except baking. I'm terrible at following instructions. After going through my own spiritual journey, it's no surprise that I found writing to be a therapeutic way to express myself. And so, Convent was born. Layering letters on a blank page is a new medium for me, but I like to think I’ve always been a storyteller. I believe everyone has a story to share, and it’s our individual life journey to discover the best way to tell it. Through the work we do and the careers we choose, the art we create and the music we make, or the children we raise—our souls leave their lasting impression on the world. I hope you enjoy the small dent I’ve made.
If you’re like me and love when genres come together and blend to create a unique sort of story, this if for you!
This was both contemporary and historical fiction, this was fantasy, this was witches, this was southern gothic, this was also just light enough that I could call it humorous as well.
For a debut novel, this is quite the accomplishment!
The characters: - We get to follow two distinct timelines and characters that both felt full, purposeful and equally entertaining. Mac made me laugh out loud in the first few pages, her voice was my favorite to follow and Camille really gave the depth I was looking for.
The setting: - What made me initially interested in this book was promise of modern and historical New Orleans, and it delivered. It was such a magical, immersive and authentically rooted setting for such a story.
The plot: - I found the pacing was really good especially as we hit the middle stride, the mystery aspect kept the story propelling forward and I can’t express enough how much I loved what the structure of dual timelines/POVs did for the story.
Overall this was a refreshing read! I’m happy with the promise of book two, and definitely recommend for fans of historical witchcraft!
Loved it! I love a book that intertwines historical events with fiction. The level of detail made the magic in the story seem so real and possible! I am excited to read the next one!
If you’ve ever wanted history, witchcraft, and a little New Orleans magic shaken up in one book, Convent is it. Kerri Stoner serves up a debut that feels like a Southern Gothic cocktail, rich, mysterious, and just the right amount of spooky fun.
We follow Mac LeBlanc in modern-day New Orleans as she stumbles into motherhood, identity, and oh yeah, realizing she’s actually a witch. Her journey is messy, raw, and so relatable as she finds her people and builds her own kind of sisterhood.
But the story doesn’t stop there, we also go back nearly 300 years to meet Camille LeBlanc, a twelve-year-old with “gifts” traveling with the Ursuline Nuns. That timeline adds a whole layer of depth and history, showing how magic and women’s resilience have always been part of the city’s heartbeat.
What I loved most? It’s not just about spells and spirits, it’s about connection, belonging, and the power of women finding their voices in a world that tries to silence them. Plus, the humor tucked between the shadows keeps it from ever feeling too heavy.
I absolutely loved this book. I actually finished the entire book the day it arrived because I couldn’t put it down only to then go back and reread it twice because I wanted to experience the story again and again. Kerri Stoner did a fantastic job of blending history with the fantastical and the fictional to create a beautiful story of self-discovery, ancestry and heritage, and witchcraft. This was definitely a five star read for me and I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!
Wonderful read! It grabbed my attention by the beginning. In fact now that I’m waiting on the second one to come out and I’m reading other books. I often start thinking about it and thinking I need to finish it only to remember I have to wait for the next book to come out.
The multi pov and interweaving timelines was an interesting concept, I wish there was more action sooner. Not my vibe, but definitely a good indie book.
This book was so much fun. The characters were well written, likable, funny. The background was carefully thought out and explained. I love this debut and can’t wait to follow Mac, Blake and the rest of the ConVENt in future stories. Hopefully Gabe makes an appearance so I can find out his backstory. Looking forward to more from this author.
I think this is a great book, if I do say so myself. I read it no less than a million times between rewrites and edits. Please if you find any typos or anything missed in editing, send me a message. I poured my heart into researching and writing this book, and can't wait to release the next in the series. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I loved telling the story! These characters have lived rent free in my head for too long and now it's time to collect ;)
A sincere thank you if you purchased my book, took the time to read it, and came here to review it. It truly means the world to me!
Don't miss this glimpse into magic and witchcraft. Walk with the lead character as she finds a mystical world. Twists and turns take her to places that she didn't expect to go. Get ready for her awakening!