I enjoyed this book, however I did find it quite slow in parts.
It’s very YA which I didn’t expect it to be.
There wasn’t as much character development as I would have liked so I don’t dwell on like I could connect with them as much as I wanted to.

🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’ve read the book and also listened to the audiobook on a separate occasion. The narration was really good and draws you into the book and the world you are entering.
I really loved Lindsey’s first YA fantasy novel. I enjoy reading fantasy, however, I struggle with fantasy that is extremely in-depth with world building with lots of things to get your head around and remember. So I felt The Bell Witches was perfect for me. Seeing Emily develop throughout the book and learning more about her parents, and her family history was a good journey to be part of. I would love to get to know more on Lydia and Jackson. Lydia, especially had a great personality that I hope we see more of in book two.
There was a lot of family drama with her grandmother and aunt, which Emily starts to uncover when she moves to Savannah Georgia.
I feel like the book was well done and I look forward to seeing where things go with Emily and Wyn in the sequel, and seeing how they move forward with what’s happened in book one.
There were some lovely quotes throughout the book with a lot of messages that you can take away from the book.
The one problem with reading an ARC of a book you have fallen in love with is that you have even longer to wait for the sequel.

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio | Magpie for providing access to the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Blessed be the narrator; she was probably the best part of the whole experience, mostly because the book itself provided nothing memorable. We have Insta-love, we have a main character that's lacking any interesting traits, and an MMC that's so perfect he seems made out of cardboard. If anything, I found some of the side characters (Ashley, Jackson, and Lydia to be exact) to be better fleshed-out and engaging, even if they also turned into caricatures at times.

It's not a bad book by any means, but I found myself not really caring about any of the plot or character developments. So I'll probably pass on its sequel unless something tempts me to a solid enough degree.

I did not see the plot twists in the one coming at all. I was shooketh!

I loved this story and how it all came together, experiencing tense and strained relationships blossom into love, the plot developments. Everything was truly wonderfu;

Firstly I would like to thank Lindsey Kelk, HarperCollins UK Audio | Magpie , and NetGalley for providing me with an audio copy of ' The Bell Witches ' to listen to in exchange for an unbiased review.
The book follows the life of sixteen year old Emily whose world is turned upside down when her father tragically dies in an accident and she is sent to live with her estranged grandmother and aunt whom she has never met. She soon discovers that her family have been keeping a massive secret and life will never be the same again.

The book is narrated by Ashleigh Haddad and I loved the pace and the style. The tone kept me engrossed and gripped to the story and I was eager to listen to more at every opportunity. Whilst stories of adolescent witchcraft have been told many times over and over although the storyline was quite predictable at times, it still felt fresh and was a pleasure to listen to.

The story connects fantasy and magic to the everyday real struggles of a teenager in a new town who is still grieving from such an overwhelming loss. I loved the friendships and bonds which were formed throughout although I struggled at times to relate to the almost instant romantic connection with Wyn . I feel there should have been a more slow burn depth to it .

Overall this novel would make an amazing film or tv adaption and I am so happy to learn that it is book one of a set . I am eager to continue with the series going forward. I recommend it to all readers who love paranormal stories that are easy reads . Its an ideal book to read on the cold Winter evenings

#TheBellWitches #NetGalley.

The narration will take you right into the bell’s world. The Bell house is full of secrets and mystery. This is a young adult witchy book. Author’s writing is absolutely beautiful. This is filled with tragic loss, magic, awakening, secrets, mystery, family bonds and buried truths.

Emily is sixteen year old. After her father’s tragic death, she begins to live with her grandmother and aunt. But they are not what they appear to be. There she truly discovers her true powers and herself but secrets, rituals, prophecy and mystery also unveils. Unexpected friendships and unexpected love happens. The book is whimsical, it has secrets, choices to be made and magical allure but it has clean romance or few romance moments. The Bell Family is beautiful, mysterious and charming. Author has shared great insights about magic, witch’s abilities, ritual and witches world. I love the atmospheric setting. Wyn’s character is interesting. This is a cosy YA magical witchy book. This is a great beginning to Savannah Red Witchy series.

Thanks to the Author, Narrator and Publisher

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.