I had high hopes for this book based on its description, and I requested it to be a great halloween and witchy read/listen for October 2024.
Unfortunately I ended up being quickly disappointed by it, and found the narrator to be slightly irritating.
The main character Emily has supposedly been raised moving between places in different countries outside of the U.S.A. with her father, and yet seems to have a great lack of worldly knowledge. While I'm a little outside the age range for Young Adult now but I found Emily to be quite irritating in her mannerisms and some of the language she used. Which led to me being completely disconnected from the main character.
The crunch point for me came when two of the characters were attacked around 20% of the way into the book and I had not a care whether anything happened to either of them.
The insta-love is strong in this book, simply a glimpse out of a window and Emily seemingly decides that this boy is her soul mate! And in what I listened to they had no chemistry!
Ultimately I decided that as I had no interest in continuing the story when I was 25% into it, that this wasn't the book for me and to stop listening.
Perhaps someone with more of an interest in insta-love tropes and YA romances would enjoy this more than I did.

The narration was really good and enjoyable. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook perfect for enjoying on a long walk or whilst doing tasks at home It is a young adult read but I am far from YA but i thoroughly enjoyed it, A FAB blend of fantasy, mystery and drama. I

After a long time, I came back to YA fantasy and this didn't disappoint me at all. I had a great time reading this book as the author has focused on each and every element of the background and setting all around our characters as it played a great role in the development of our protagonist and her companions.
The journey of self discovery of our protagonist is brilliantly penned down and while I was reading it, I felt as if I had drifted into the book and living all those scenarios thus you can totally understand how well each and every thing is penned by the author in this book.

I really enjoyed The Bell Witches. It is a really good young adult read with a beautiful blend of fantasy, fall, mystery and family drama. I think the story was slightly predictable some of the time and the romance felt a bit flat for me mostly because it felt a little cliché but I still really enjoyed this book.

The narration was really good and enjoyable. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook.

Summary: Sixteen-year-old Emily uncovers her family’s magical secret in Savannah, finding romance and danger that challenge her loyalty and identity.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC, all thoughts are my own.

I don’t know if I just wasn’t in the mood for this book when I read it but I fully expected to have a five star experience going to it and it’s just feel a little short for me.
I have never been a fan of insta live so the romantic connection in this book just didn’t really appeal to me and felt slightly unbelievable. The MMC also seemed to lack much character depth and personality other than for Emily to ‘love’ after only meeting on a few occasions and it didn’t make sense to me. Maybe this is due to the age of the characters and their adolescent nature. It could be a mes issue and that I was not the audience for the book as I can’t relate well to their teenage lusting.
All that aside, this was quite a mysterious read with lots of unanswered questions and until the very end and lots of twists and turns along the way. I found myself trying to guess where the book was going but just couldn’t.
It was one of those books that has you shouting at the pages with physical rage for a character who deserves all the bad karma. I saw through her grandmother from the get go and knew she was a villain so spent the whole book mentally screaming at Emily not to trust her. Despite the fact that this all made to book quiet gripping, it just wasn’t the magical vibes I was expecting. I think if would have enjoyed the book a lot more had there been much more use of magic and more detail regarding the magic systems to truly add to the witchy read. The more magic the better if you ask me and we only got small snippets in this book.
Ashleigh was by far my favourite character despite her being more of a side character. I thought she was so complex and absolutely hilarious in her own way.

Step into the enchanting world of The Bell Witches by Lindsey Kelk, where magic, mystery, and romance intertwine to create a spellbinding tale set in the heart of Savannah, Georgia. I absolutely loved this!

Emily is thrust into a new life after the tragic loss of her father, finding herself under the care of her aunt and grandmother in a house that whispers of secrets and holds a magical allure. The Bell family, with their captivating charm and hidden powers, soon reveal that they are more than meets the eye. As Emily navigates this new world tinged with mystery, she discovers that her own destiny is entwined with the magical legacy of her family.

Enter Wyn, whose magnetic presence draws Emily in like a moth to a flame. Their connection sparks a journey that is both exhilarating and perilous, as Emily learns the truth about her family’s magical abilities and the sacrifices that come with them. As she delves deeper into the world of the Bell witches, Emily faces choices that challenge her loyalty to her family and her growing feelings for Wyn.

Kelk weaves a captivating narrative that keeps you turning the pages, eager to uncover the secrets hidden within the walls of the Bell family home. The atmosphere of Savannah comes alive, rich with Southern charm and a touch of mystique that adds depth to the story.

The magical elements are seamlessly integrated, creating a world where spells and enchantments coexist with the everyday struggles of love and loss.

The Bell Witches is not just a tale of magic; it’s a story of family bonds, love, and the discovery of one’s true self. Emily’s journey from grief to empowerment is beautifully portrayed, and her evolution as a character resonates with authenticity and depth.

The supporting characters, especially the enigmatic Wyn and the intriguing Bell family members, add layers of intrigue and warmth to the story.

The Bell Witches is a delightful blend of fantasy and romance, perfect for readers who enjoy tales of magic, mystery, and the enduring power of familial ties.

Dive into this bewitching world and let yourself be enchanted by Emily’s journey—it’s a ride you won’t want to miss!

All right, if you're in a mood for a witchy YA book with insta love, this might be what you need.
I found the story VERY predictable.
It was fine, just didn't get me hooked. The side characters are cool, I really liked the twins.

I listened to it as audio and the accents were spot on!

*Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for access to the audiobook against an honest review.*

“The Bell Witches” is a witchy YA fantasy book by Lindsey Kelk.

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Plot: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Characters: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Suspense: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Romance/spice: ⭐️

What you’ll find in this book:
⭐️ Broken family dynamics
⭐️ Gothic fantasy
⭐️ Forbidden romance
⭐️ Supernatural secrets
⭐️ Jaw-dropping twists & suspense

My Review:

Lindsey Kelk's "The Bell Witches" is an engaging read that intertwines themes of family, magic, and self-discovery, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Savannah, Georgia. While the book has its charms, it ultimately falls short of being a standout in the genre.
The story revolves around sixteen-year-old Emily, who, after the tragic loss of her father, finds herself living with her enigmatic aunt and grandmother. Kelk does an admirable job capturing the essence of grief and the search for belonging, and Emily's character is relatable as she navigates her new life. The mysterious Bell family and their magical secret provide an intriguing hook, and the Southern Gothic setting is vividly portrayed, adding depth to the narrative.
However, the romance between Emily and Wyn, while captivating, occasionally veers into cliché territory. I found myself wanting more development in the dynamics between them, as they seemed to fade into the background amid the magical intrigue.
Kelk's writing is accessible and engaging, though the pacing can be uneven. There are moments of tension and excitement, but some plot points feel rushed or predictable, making it hard to stay fully invested.
In summary, "The Bell Witches" is an enjoyable read that blends elements of magic and coming-of-age, but it doesn’t fully realise its potential. It’s a solid choice for fans of magical realism, but those seeking a deeper exploration of its themes might find it lacking. If you’re looking for an entertaining, if somewhat conventional, story about magic and family bonds, this book might be worth picking up.
Additionally, I listened to the audiobook, and I must say that the narrator, Ashleigh Haddad, does a brilliant job of drawing you into the story. Her voice is incredibly melodic, and her ability to change vocal qualities makes it easy to distinguish between the different characters.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for my early copy. All opinions are mine and sincere.

#TheBellWitches #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK

Emily was led to believe that she was all alone in this world after her father's death. But a call from a mysterious aunt has opened doors to relations she never knew existed. Taking a leap of faith she decides to visit the family & explore all that has been hidden from her, including that she may be a witch. As she continues to learn about her past, her mind gets muddled between what's possible & what's foretold by destiny. Is she going to change the history of this town or be the doom that all fear?

With loops of magic & supernatural creatures lurking at unexpected corners, the story was a welcome surprise. The tragic family angle intertwined with prophecies of Doom's day is something I always enjoy reading. However, if I focus on the plot twists, I find it a little predictable, which was the only bummer. The ambience of the story in the face of impending catastrophe relays an entertaining recital that one can enjoy in this season.

Genre: Romantasy, Fantasy
4/5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this one!

-Easy reading, well paced.
-Loved the setting and it gave me Beautiful Creatures (the film vibe)
-Ends well and leaves it open to sequel books
-Could imagine it all really well

The audio book was done really well- i loved being able to hear the different accents for the characters as it definitely helped me imagine things much better- great paced and was a very smooth listening experience!

This book read like it was written in 2015 (if you exclude all the tiktok lingo) and not in a good way. I really tried to like it because I found the setting really interesting but it was super cliché. Disappointing.

The first in a new YA fantasy series from Lindsey Kelk. Emily’s dad has just died; her only living relative, and at 16 she is all alone in the world. Or … so she thinks.

Finding herself in a grand house in Savannah, Georgia, with a mysterious grandmother and aunt she had no idea existed, Emily is only just beginning to discover how much she didn’t know about her family - or herself.

With new friend Lydia and enigmatic yet devastatingly handsome Wyn at her side, Emily explores her new surroundings and begins to uncover the secrets that will explain who she really is. What does her grandmother really want from her, and why does her aunt seem to hate her?

This is YA (very different from Kelk’s Love Story that I read a few weeks ago!) and I’d be happy for my teen daughter to read it in terms of closed-door relationship descriptions. The descriptions of Savannah are gorgeously evocative - I felt the heat even in autumnal Scotland - and the contrasts between traditional Southern culture and values versus Gen Z protagonists are well drawn.

The fantasy elements are right at the edge of what I’d ever usually read, but that’s a me problem rather than this book, which is well-plotted and delivers the tension effectively. The Audible narrator caught the accent range well, at least to my inexpert ear.

The book stands alone, but is clearly well set up for future instalments in a series - there are plenty of characters who could be rounded out and explored further. A strong start, for sure.

Thank you Harper Collins UK Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Ooh this book was such a great young adult read with just the perfect blend of fall, fantasy, family drama and a tinge of romance!! But let’s not forget the mysteries surrounding the bell witch family!

Huge thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ALC, even though I have like 2 physical copies at home (SHHHHHH!!!!), in exchange for an honest review.

Well this is just perfect for the witchy halloween season!!

A cosy enchanting witchy tale with forbidden love, family intrigue and bags of Southern Charm.

It was a nice steady pace and although I thoroughly enjoyed this book I felt it lacked a bit of magic!

I initially rated this a 3.5 star read, however the narrator made it for me and bumped it up to 4. A wonderful Southern American drawl made Catherine's character so believable. I did like the other characters and their development throughout the book and I hope they get to continue their story.

A cosy contemporary witchy read for YA and adults alike.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers for this Audio ARC.

Unfortunately,  this wasn't one of my favourites. The plot was very predictable and reminded me of a lot of other YA books of the genre. It was at times quite slow in terms of action and plot.


The author did create a very effective atmosphere and the descriptions of settings were beautiful. I think this may work better for a younger reader.

A cute little coming-of-age tale, featuring the witches and werewolves of Savannah.

Although I enjoyed it, it was incredibly predictable - every single twist was clear from pretty much the beginning (maybe I just read too much?!).

Personally the choose your own fate ending wasn't for me, but I think it's really important for a YA audience to know they can pick their own route in life - so fair enough really.

The audiobook was well-read - would recommend if you're looking for a listen rather than a traditional read.

I read this during the month of October and it was the perfect cosy witchy autumn read. If you love fantasy and especially witchy fantasy then this book is perfect for you

The Bell Witches is a fun YA witchy read.
The setting in Savannah was great, this provided atmosphere and gave small town vibes. Initially the set up was creepy with foreshadowing but then once we get the reveal I felt the story was more cozy. We have insta love with the characters and an added potential love interest. Wyn the MMC is lovely and says all the right things but it seemed she appeared to like him purely because she met him before the other guy, who I felt was definitely more her type.
Most of the book is the FMC unraveling family secrets and preparing for her ‘becoming’ this made for an easy read that even though predictable is enjoyable. The narrator did an amazing job, definitely sucked me into Savannah.
Definitely one for YA readers who want to get cozy and witchy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

What a fun and entertaining read! This is the perfect book to curl up with on an Autumn night. I liked Em and the connections she made with the secondary characters. I was suspicious of everyone and feel like we've only scratched the surface of this story. I'm very intrigued by Ashley and where her story is going to lead and the ending has made me curious about what will happen next.

Enchanting, Emotional, and Full of Southern Charm

The Bell Witches by Lindsey Kelk is a captivating and emotional tale of magic, mystery, and family ties. After the tragic death of her father, sixteen-year-old Emily is sent to Savannah, Georgia, to live with her mysterious aunt and grandmother in a grand but eerie house. Soon, Emily learns that the Bell family holds a powerful magical secret, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey of self-discovery.

Kelk skillfully blends Southern Gothic vibes with contemporary YA fantasy, creating a beautifully atmospheric setting in Savannah. The story is rich in detail, and Emily’s emotional turmoil is palpable as she grapples with grief, new surroundings, and a growing connection to Wyn, a magnetic and mysterious figure. Their relationship adds complexity to the plot, as Emily finds herself torn between love and loyalty to her family.

The book's pacing is steady, with twists and revelations that keep you turning pages. While some plot points are predictable, the depth of the characters and the emotional resonance of Emily's journey make it a standout. Themes of belonging, family, and the weight of magical heritage are explored thoughtfully, adding layers to the story.

The Bell Witches is an enchanting read, perfect for fans of YA fantasy with heart and a touch of Southern magic. Highly recommended for those who love stories where magic and family secrets collide.