This was a really atmospheric and addictive read—southern gothic vibes, generational magic, and a coming-of-age story with teeth. I loved the moody Savannah setting and the sense that the Bell family was hiding something just beneath the surface. Emily is a relatable protagonist, and her connection with Wyn is intense in that swoony, fate-tangled kind of way, even if I wanted a little more depth from their romance. The pacing was solid, though it dipped a bit in the middle, and I found myself wishing we’d gotten more time with the family magic and its history. Still, the blend of grief, romance, and witchy legacy totally worked for me. A strong 4 stars.

E-ARC Book Review—The Bell Witches by Lindsey Kelk—Spoiler Free

Emily James had just become an orphan at 16 after her dad passed away in an accident. She originally stayed in Wales thinking she had no family, but her dad’s younger sister came and got her and brought her back to Savannah, Georgia where her parents were from to live at Bell House with her Grandmother Catherine.

She soon finds out their family holds a secret that grandmothers pass to granddaughters…they’re witches. At almost 17, she’s close to her “Becoming” where she gains her full powers as a witch. There are more secrets though that her dad never told her, and a prophesy that will change everything for her.

This was such a good read. Instantly I felt like I was in this world. It’s modern so there are current day references and language, but the story made me feel like I was living in Savannah in the summer heat. I was worried I’d rather read a witchy story in the fall, but this had all the summer witch vibes. Perfect for reading during hot summer nights. Was it insta-love with the romance portion? Yes, but for a YA that didn’t bother me. While the story was totally different, it made me nostalgic for reading Twilight the first time. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🫑 YA Fantasy

I was given an e-arc to review by Netgalley, but all thoughts are my own.

I have read books by Lindsey Kelk before and enjoyed them so I was excited to give 'The Bell Wiches' a read. I did not realize until a chapter in that it was a YA novel but I enjoyed the story and kept reading.

For a YA novel, the story was intriguing and the novel included a lot of researched history and botany. I thought that the added information about tides, historical events, and herbs was a great touch for a younger reader. As a character, Emily was compelling and her growth in the novel felt natural. Her relationship with its sudden declarations of love was a bit more far fetched for an older reader but I hope further background or explanation is included in a sequel (which was set up well at the end).

Overall, I enjoyed this read and would read a sequel. I thought the premise, plot, and information were compelling for a YA reader and I found it a fun read. I would recommend this to highschoolers and I look forward to reading the next installment!

A gentle fantasy with a few missteps that kept me from fully connecting.
The novel follows Emily, who returns to Savannah after her father’s passing, hoping to find some sense of belonging. She’s taken in by a grandmother she’s never met, and soon uncovers hints of a family legacy that’s far more complicated—and perhaps more dangerous—than she imagined. There are eerie happenings, old secrets, and a touch of the supernatural woven through the story.
While the plot moves along at a decent pace, I found myself struggling to stay fully engaged. Emily as a protagonist is likable enough, but I couldn’t quite form an emotional attachment to her. Her reactions to the strange events around her often felt muted, and instead of digging into the mysteries, much of the focus seemed to drift toward her infatuation with a boy she barely knows.
And that brings me to the romance—which really didn’t work for me. The insta-love here was pretty extreme: one glance and suddenly they’re both consumed by longing. I have a hard time investing in a relationship that feels so rushed and unearned. I was hoping for something that would build slowly, with depth, but this felt more like wishful daydreaming than a believable connection.
The grandmother figure gave off an unsettling vibe right from the start—something between protective and manipulative, which made it hard to warm to her. That said, considering Emily’s grief and isolation, I can see why she might cling to this last remaining link to family, even if the relationship felt strained.
As for the world-building, I found myself wishing for more. The magical elements were there, but never felt fully fleshed out. And while the setting had potential—the charm of Savannah mixed with something darker—I wanted more tension, more danger, more adventure. Instead, a lot of the time was spent on quieter moments, like Emily sharing ice cream with her new crush.
On a side note: I’m still yearning for werewolves who feel like actual werewolves, not just humans who happen to turn into wolves on occasion. It’s a personal gripe, but I do wish authors would bring more wildness, more unpredictability, to these creatures.
All that said, I think readers who enjoy cozy, low-stakes fantasy with a hint of mystery will find things to like here. For me, it just didn’t quite have enough bite.
Many thanks to Harper Collins for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was the perfect cozy, witchy story. It did read very YA at times, but I found myself totally drawn to it. Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

"The new Gothic fantasy sensation from Sunday Times bestseller Lindsey Kelk. PRE-ORDER NOW!

YOU'LL WANT TO BE ONE. UNTIL YOU KNOW THEIR SECRETS.

After sixteen-year-old Emily's father tragically dies, she is forced to live with the only family she has left, an aunt and grandmother in the heart of Savannah, Georgia in a house as beautiful as it is mysterious.

But all is not what it seems with the Bell family; they're hiding a magical secret.

When Emily meets the alluring Wyn, she forms a connection that feels like it was always meant to be. As the spark between them grows more powerful, her life takes an exhilarating and terrifying turn; but every step closer to him, takes her a step further away from her family.

Emily will find out that blood is always thicker than water...

THERE'S NO BOND GREATER THAN MAGIC."

I have been "patiently" awaiting this book. I mean, that cover alone makes me need to posses it.

This book is full of magic, friendship, age-appropriate romance, and learning to believe in yourself. The characters are compelling, and I'm hoping for a second book in the future.

An extremely fun YA fantasy.

I didn’t love the really insta aspect of the friendships and love interest but I was really impressed with the research behind the herbal mentions, really liked the writing (the imagery, the pacing too), and would read more of this series.

Recommended!


Thank you to Magpie and NetGalley for the DRC

I enjoyed the Bell Witches. This definitely felt like a more teen/YA fantasy novel. The plot was fairly paced and I really enjoyed the Savannah setting and history (already wanted to visit, but now even more so?). I really enjoyed the side characters and wished/wanted more from them as the story went on, as well as even more of the witchcraft and werewolf lore + action. Hoping for more of all of these in book 2! Thank you Net Galley, Harper Collins and Lindsey Kelk for the ARC!

Out Aug. 5th, 2025
The trademark Kelk humor is alive and well, and the characters? Total charmers. They’re messy, magical, and often up to no good, which is exactly what you’d expect (and want) in a story like this.

The plot’s got a wild edge, like it was brewed in a cauldron of Gen Z sass and old-school supernatural shenanigans. That said, the pacing dipped in spots. A few scenes dragged their broomsticks a little too long, and some twists felt more quirky than compelling. But as a fan, I was still grinning through most of it.

If you love a blend of cozy chaos and witchy weirdness, you'll have fun here. Just don’t expect it to cast a spell quite as strong as Kelk’s best—more of a flicker than a fireball.

Would I hand this off to my fellow Kelk-loving friends? Definitely. Would I want a sequel? Yes, but maybe with a bit more enchantment next time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Magpie for this ARC!

Thank you NetGalley for an early arc! The book follow a soon to be 17 year old Emily who has loss her father in an accident. After years of being with her dad she reunite with her family in Savannah. She is not only finding out she has family that are alive, but also adjust to a new country and secret of who she is. There are family secrets, betrayal, tension, first love and growing family in the book. I loved reading the places in Savannah because I could picture being back there. This would be perfect witchy book for the summer to get you into the upcoming fall season.

Im a tad a bit mixed. I’m 28yo and felt like it was a bit too young for me? But that being said… I’m quite loving the atmosphere and story overall. Just felt a bit juvenile at points but once I remembered our FMC age I was like oh well, actually, it’s not bad!
So I’d say that perhaps it’s my age that made it a bit of a you get book but still worth for the atmosphere itself

An easy and gripping fantasy! I dived right into it with no expectations and I was blown away, the characters and plot were amazing, the cover is to die for.

This is a great gothic witchy fantasy book. I love a witchy vibes book. It was very atmospheric with a great setting. I was left with so many questions so a 2nd book is definitely needed…..ASAP!

The Bell Witches was such a fun read, and I was hooked. It’s set in Savannah, where sixteen-year-old Emily moves in with her mysterious aunt and grandma after her dad dies. Their mansion is gorgeous but creepy, and it’s clear her family’s hiding some serious magical secrets. The story blends gothic fantasy with a coming-of-age vibe, and Emily’s curiosity and sarcasm make her easy to root for. There’s a slow-burn romance, magical tension, and just the right amount of Southern eeriness. I flew through it. So so fun!

The Bell Witches had a totally different vibe than I’m used to from Lindsey Kelk, and I loved it. The story follows sixteen-year-old Emily, who’s sent to live with her mysterious aunt and grandmother in Savannah after her father’s death. Their old Southern mansion is gorgeous but eerie, and it doesn’t take long before Emily realizes her family is hiding some serious magical secrets.

Emily is sharp, curious, and has just the right amount of skepticism. As she uncovers more about her family’s legacy and her own powers, the story blends coming-of-age with gothic fantasy in a way that feels fresh. There’s also a slow-burning romance and a lot of tension around a magical ceremony that could change everything. It’s spooky, heartfelt, and full of Southern charm.

A fast-paced, gothic adventure set in the hauntingly beautiful city of Savannah—packed with, secrets, witches and ghosts! I couldn’t put it down, and I think teens will be hooked! I will buy this title for my school library.

First of all, the atmospheric setting of this book was incredibly well done and made me want to book a trip to Savannah immediately. Vibes were 10/10 and it felt like a perfect witchy setting.

I found the magic system here really intriguing and well thought out. I wasn’t reading with a fine-toothed comb to try and find flaws or anything, but even if I had been, I thought it was explained well and wove the story in such an interesting and dramatic way.

As for the romance plot, it was a little too insta-love for me, but given that Emily and Wyn are teenagers, that is a little easier to believe. I didn’t know going into this that it was YA, but I like that it will give the characters room to grow over the course of the planned trilogy.

This one held my interest and attention from start to finish and I look forward to continuing the series. Thank you to Harper 360/Magpie for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Additional thanks for the physical ARC provided to Love Y’all Book Fest attendees.

After her father dies, Emily moves to Savannah to live with her grandmother and aunt. Finding out she descends from powerful witches is a startling discovery that complicates making friends and settling into her new life. While she desperately wants to develop a relationship with her grandmother, Emily believes secrets are being kept from her. Emily finds herself drawn to a young man, Wyn, who is hiding family secrets of his own.

I recommend this book for fantasy and young adult readers. Emily is turning seventeen, her whole life has been upended by her father’s death. While discovering her family’s secrets, she undergoes changes that are terrifying and powerful. The pacing keeps you reading, and the descriptions of Savannah and the Bell family mansion are beautifully written and invoke a gothic magical vibe.

Thank you Harper 360, Netgalley, and Lindsey Kelk for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advance copy of The Bell Witches in exchange for my honest review.

The Bell Witches is an imaginative YA "coming of age" story about a modern day 16 year old girl who has recently lost her father and is forced to move in with her long lost grandmother, whom she previously believed to be dead. As if that isn't shock enough for our FMC, the trauma just keeps coming with mysterious happenings, ghost encounters, near death experiences and the realization that she is, in fact, the latest iteration of witch in a long standing family line of magical "southern royalty." Um.. yes please. This book surprised and impressed me. There were twists that kept me turning pages, lies that had me clutching my pearls, and deceit that left me infuriated. There were beautiful found family moments and and endearing lessons about friendship, perseverance and determination. There was a sweet PG love story that while some would say is very fast paced, to me, fit the narrative of her family's past romantic history perfectly. I also felt like the romance fell in line with what I would expect for a younger YA novel. There's nothing wrong with a little "love at first site" moment for our hopeless romantics. I loved the Savannah, GA setting as Kelk's writing does atmospheric impeccably well. As a frequent Savannah visitor, I thought the incorporation of the history, the descriptions of the city and location easter eggs were spot on without feeling too cumbersome or uninteresting. You really get a good feel of the locale which, I think can be hard to achieve. It also added something special to the story itself giving an ethereal southern spooky vibe that is perfect considering the book's October release date. All in all, I really enjoyed the read and as it's definitely set up for additional books, would not hesitate to continue the series.

I loved this YA paranormal / romance / coming of age book. Gosh, it was so fun. It was everything I want in a witchy book… ancestral magic, “powers” that are needed for the time, plants! The romance was SO stinking cute and sweet and butterfly inducing. The secrets were many and I loved finding everything out with our FMC. Read this - great summer or fall book!

Thanks to netgalley for the free book - all opinions are my own.

This book was great! There is nothing better than a book with witches, werewolves and ghosts! I need the next book to find out what happened to Catherine and hopefully Ashley can live her life the way she wants too.

Witches. Yes. Savannah,, GA. Yes. Insta-love, No. I loved everything else about this book. Everything. Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

entertaining, highly funny, and quite interesting romantic dark fantasy with some awesomely done setting and some very well-done plotting. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

This book turned out to be a little bit better than I first expected. It still kinda felt slow in some places but I managed to finish it. I love the beautiful cover of the book and I really liked some of the characters. I am not sure if I have read anything else by this author but I will check out her other books.

I absolutely loved this one! It hooked me in from the very first chapter, and kept me hooked the entire time. I loved that it was set in one of my very favorite cities — Savannah, GA, and I loved the mystery and intrigue!

Thank you to Lindsey Kelk and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I very much enjoyed the magic system, along with the family dynamics. Emily's journey felt chaotic, mysterious, and not without grief for time lost. If I'm not mistaken, this is Lindsey's first romantasy book and I thought it was a great start to this duology. Some twists I did predict but they were very intriguing to the plot and the world. Looking forward to what comes next.

"There has always been an Emma Catherine Bell in Bell House."

That's one of the first facts about her estranged family that Emily James comes to learn after she moves into the esteemed Bell house of Savannah, Georgia. Emily had previously been raised by her father Paul, and they lived a nomadic lifestyle chasing academic research. After Paul passes away during an auto accident, Emily is shocked to learn that she has a grandmother and aunt in Savannah. Once Emily is safely ensconced in Bell House, she starts to learn her family's history. The Bell women are witches, and Emily is set to become the next in line at her seventeenth birthday next month. While Emily tries to juggle coming to terms with being a witch, she's also learning how to navigate new friendships with the twins next door, and she even meets the mysterious Wyn who she has an immediate connection with. It's not all sunshine and roses in the Bell family however, and Emily quickly discovers what being a Bell Witch really means.

The cover of this book is what initially drew me to it, and I stayed for all of the gothic, summery, witchy vibes that this novel contains. Lindsay Kelk brings the city of Savannah, with all of its history, architecture, and mystery while weaving a supernatural story that kept me enthralled from the beginning. When I initially read this story, I didn't realize that it was the first in a series (I mistakenly thought that it was a standalone novel), and I almost screeched when I came to the ending of this book. I thought how could we be left like this?! Then I started reading the author's note and saw the words "begin writing the sequel" and could again take a deep breath. There's some foreshadowing in this novel that I am hoping leads to things that happen in the next novel in the Savannah Red series, and I for one, can't wait to find out what it is.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper 360/Magpie, and Lindsay Kelk for providing me with an eARC of this novel to read for review.

This was a super quick and easy read, especially if you like a witchy book with some mystery thrown in! It’s August release date is the prefect time to pick it up for fall! Flaunting the family secrets, the friendships, the witches and the magiccc! It’s definitely geared more towards the younger readers (no spice here!) It follows Emily (16 turning 17), who has to move back to Savannah with her grandmother after losing her father unexpectedly. Things start to happen as soon as she comes back, starting the Spanish moss giving her visions of the past and the future any time she’s around it. She meets Wyn, who is in Savannah for school. Without giving too much away.. Wyn is such a cute MMC, the dynamic between him and Emily was cute to read. The book start to take a darker turn when Emily is faced with her “magical awakening” and a massive choice- her past or her future.
I think I will continue this series, just to see where it goes from here!

This was so great! Haunting and magical all at once, she goes to live with mysterious family and learns that magic isn't just for the storybooks.

Ultimately, the book succeeds in inviting readers not only to be frightened but also to reflect on how we understand and remember the past. It was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

In Lindsey Kelk's The Bell Witches, I found myself transported to Savannah in which Emily is sent to live with her extended family after her daughter' death.

Ms. Kelk paints a picture with her words that made me feel like I was in the south; she uses adjectives to make poetry of heat, humidity, and plants/flowers. That's what made this book so lovely and easy to read, the way the words flowed as much as the story.

Emily has always felt different, but when she meets and is around her family she realizes that she's a witch and from a long line of them.

Reading about Emily dealing with her father's death, moving, finding out this transformative secret, and then watching her fall in love and make friends was a joy.

I wish there had been stories like this when I was younger and reading young adults all the time. This book was a delight.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in consideration of an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The story follows Emily who is age sixteen. Emily is from Wales but must move to Savannah, GA when her father dies to live with her grandmother and Aunt. Emily was raised without any knowledge of her being a descendent of witches and part of a wealthy family. You definitely knew you were reading about a teenager with the slang used in today's society and Emily exuded that normal teenage attitude.

Emily and Wyn's relationship was love at first sight which was very strange to me in how it all came about. It felt rushed and the I Love You's definitely was said too quickly. Maybe this is what teenagers are doing so it might not be to abnormal. There was no build up for the relationship. I could also guess that the author has a genuine affection for Taylor Swift because there are so many references to her.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins 360 for giving me this ARC. All of my opinions are my own.

Lindsey Kelk is a phenomenal writer, and though this is meant for a younger audience than her usual, her writing remains enchanting and enthralling. There's some awkwardness in moments of action and the supernatural where here usual style might not fit, but she rounds it out with her style and humor to make it all feel balanced.

The Bell Witches by Lindsey Kelk is an addicting gothic fantasy that mesmerized me on page one! Like what!
This world and these characters were so lush and immersive. The writing is beautiful and engaging, there are no slow parts in this book, I was captivated on every page!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper 360 | Magpie for this ARC.

Lindsey Kelk’s THE BELL WITCHES is a riveting, beautifully written book that raises the stakes with every twist and turn. It’s also set in the South and surprisingly creepy! Two things that made me love it all the more. Read this!

The setting, the mystery, the twists and turns, the beautiful eerie feeling…this book was delivering! The atmospheric vibe The Bell Witches brings was unexpected but so deep. In the beginning I thought I knew where this book would take me and I was so wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed this read from page one but once I was in the Powell’s parlor I couldn’t put the book down. Great characters and a plot you don’t see coming until it smacks you between the eyes. Great end of summer read!

Sadly, I did not have time to give this a read before it hit shelves, but I can't wait to dive in when I can!

“Betraying someone to protect them never ends well.”

A classic coming of age, witchy story for YA fantasy lovers!

If you’ve ever been 16 where the weight of the world feels so heavy and emotions feel so big, then you can relate to this book.

Emily James lost her father in a car accident leaving her alone at the age of 16. She embarks on a journey living with her grandmother in Savannah, GA. In Savannah she meets twins, Lydia & Jackson, that quickly become her best friends as well as an intsa-love connection with Wyn. (typically, I don’t love the insta-love trope, but here it worked for me given everything that was interconnected with this story).

Kelk does an incredible job with setting the scene with all the details about Savannah that make you feel like you’re in the world alongside Emily. There were a few times that I audibly exclaimed, ‘what the hell.’

I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the US publication ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love a bewitching coming-of-age tale that is set in the steamy, moss-draped charm of Savannah. That is one of my favorite settings. The atmospheric writing brings Bell House to life, from shifting wallpaper to creaking floorboards, you feel every ghostly whisper and magical elements.
I also loved the family element, the family legacy and self discovery.
The supernatural rituals and slow-burn tension were spellbinding, the emotional stakes such as the tug between love and heritage, belonging and rebellion added extra tension. While the romance between Emily and Wyn sometimes leans toward “insta-love,” it still manages to lift the story, adding a touch of youthful urgency to the magic-laden narrative. It also reminded me that it is actually how love is when you ate that young.

This was a fun read! It was just gothic enough but not so much that if you're not a huge fan of the genre but want to dabble in it, it's perfect. The fantasy elements were well researched but not overwhelming.

There are some plot points that felt predictable but this didn't take away from the story at all.

Recommend for anyone who might be looking for a cozy, witchy read set in the South!

The diction in this book is just as beautiful as the cover. I ate up this story and connected with all the characters. The pacing was perfect. The world building was immersive. Definitely a new favorite!

The Bell Witches

3.5 🌟🌟🌟

Things I loved about this book:

- The concept of a magical lineage that skips a generation (grandmother and granddaughter, but not mother)
- The descriptions of the herbs and their uses that Em magically knows like the back of her hand as a witch specializing in Apothecary magic
- The Bell house itself (I love old homes with a history)
- the last 15% was really enjoyable

Things I didn't love:

- I guessed the main plot very early on
- Insta-love (I get that 16 year olds can be like this but it feels forced)
- felt too modern and also not enough fantasy elements for me

I was really hoping to be blown away by this book. I wasn't, but it was still a fun read and I did read it in a single sitting. I think if the main character was older and there wasn't so much modern lingo in it I would have enjoyed it more. Also, I wanted more spellwork!

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Bell Witches is Book one in the Savannah Red series, a cozy Southern gothic meets YA witchy mystery. Sixteen year old Emily, reeling after her dad’s death, is sent to Savannah to live with an aunt and grandmother she never knew. It turns out these relatives are not only mysterious, they are magical. And so is Emily.

The Savannah atmosphere is immersive. The trees dripping with Spanish moss, historic mansions whispering secrets, and that hazy Southern heat all come alive on the page.

Emily meets Wyn, digs into family lore, and navigates romance, prophecies, and her own awakening. The “Becoming” ceremony and the mystery of her Bell heritage keep things suspenseful.

There is a bit of insta love and a few moments where character motives pivot quickly, but if you are reading for atmosphere, witchy secrets, and a touch of paranormal charm, this one delivers. I mean, I remember being sixteen and everything felt like insta love, hormones and what not, so I guess it checks out.

Tropes

🏡 Magical family
🔮 Hidden witchy legacy

💕 Insta love

🌳 Southern gothic

Overall a fun and enjoyable read. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the sequel.

Lindsey kelk freaking does it again. I devour everything she puts out and I’m so freaking happy I read this. Now I just need fall weather

If you're looking for a good YA witchy read, go no further than Lindsey Kelk's The Bell Witches. The story takes place in Georgia, and it's like Savannah itself is a character. The beautiful homes, historical sights, old families (the other half), the cemeteries, rich traditions, and, of course, the supernatural. After all, Savannah is known for its ghost stories, but there's a lot more than ghosts lurking, as Emily will soon find out. It was a whole vibe, and I loved it.


Emily's trek into the supernatural is fraught with mystery, danger, and magic, but she handled herself fairly well. Asking questions, researching, and figuring things out while getting to know the family she never knew existed. Em was exceptional, and I'm not just talking about the witchy part; she's smart and has started to put together clues in the mystery of her life. After losing her dad and having her world shaken in so many ways, she manages to keep an open mind and heart. Along the way, she meets Wyn, and the connection is instant. Not exactly like fated mates, more like love at first sight. Things between them were easy for the most part. They make a cute couple. I liked Wyn for her. He eased some of her pain, took her out of her headspace, and just let her be without any expectations.


The story was incredible. There wasn't just a mention of magic like other books. No, this story was steeped in it. There were some pretty cool examples of magic, from elemental to intuition, and so much more. Emily was even seeing things, which kind of gave off the "is she going crazy?" vibes. Plus, it was all wrapped up in the big mystery that had Em asking a lot of questions. Why didn't she know about her other relatives? Why were so many things kept from her? These are just some of the questions that are mentioned. As the story went on, the darker it felt. Next thing I knew, it was complete chaos. Those burning questions get answered, thank Gods. However, I was even more shocked by the outrageousness of those final few chapters. So incredibly good. I'm telling you, if you like YA, Southern Gothic, and witchy reads, then The Bell Witches is a must.

This was such a good book! The way the story’s told transported me straight to a steamy summer in Savannah. I wasn’t sure if I’d be in the mood for a witchy read outside of fall, but this one gave off total summer witch energy—perfect for warm nights. Was the romance kind of insta-love? Definitely. But for a YA novel, it didn’t really bother me! I'm looking forward to diving into the next book.

I absolutely Love Lindsey Kelk! I was so excited to read a fantast book by her because I've only read her romance books. And I was not disappointed.

This book follows 16 year old Emily who after her father dies, is left an orphan and goes to live with her aunt and grandmother, who she had no idea existed. To top it off, she discovers she comes from a family of witches and she herself is a witch.

I really loved the descriptions of Savannah. The author really captivated the essence and feel of the city.

I did feel the love story happened super fast but I mean she is 16 and who doesn't fall in love in 2 weeks at 16? 😂

I'm really looking forward to the next book!

I’m not the biggest fan of insta love, especially with teenagers. it makes the books feel more juvenile. however, this book was a fun, cozy read!

I really enjoyed this story. I felt like throughout the book I was growing and learning with Emily. The romance was very cute and exciting. The plot was very well laid out with some twists thrown in. This book gave me everything I could have wanted

Lindsey Kelk is one of my auto buy authors, I look forward to her romcoms. This book is different from her others and tends more to the YA genre.
Emily is a teenager in the UK, living with her father, and suddenly her father dies and she becomes an orphan. Her deceased mother’s family in Savannah, GA steps in and suddenly Emily is living in a Southern mansion with her aunt and grandmother.
There’s more to her family than meets the eye, and Emily is shocked to discover that she’s an important part of a family of witches. She meets a boy (Wyn) and they fall for each other like only teenagers can. Emily is supposed to turn into a “full” witch on her 17th birthday, but she’s not sure about going through with the ceremony.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

First of all, I need the second book as soon as possible. Five stars all around, this book was such a good, slow-burning, YA coming-of-age story. Following Emily's return to Savannah after her father's death, we are treated to an incredible novel of witches, magic, werewolves, friendship, and teenage love.
As a Savannah native, Lindsey Kelk's writing truly brings Savannah to life on the page. The way she weaves together such a beautiful story of young love had me kicking my feet the entire time.
Every character was so diverse and beautifully thought out. I would add this to my cozy corner of books to read.


Thank you, NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Lindsey Kelk for the ARC!

I really loved this so much! It reminded me of like nostalgic fall movies from the early 2000s. It was definitely predictable but that didn’t matter to me. I felt so immersed in the workd and really enjoyed going along with Emily to discover the mystery of her family.