*Bonus content in the paperback Bastian and the Bokor's Brew short story.
“Your kind are not smiled upon here, witch.”
My family isn’t welcome in the French Quarter, and the local practitioners make a point to not let me forget that. They tell me to stay out and keep to my own business. So if you mess with them, all bets are off.
And that’s exactly what happens when dark influences from the past try to take control of my mom and the bokor’s magic seeks to own my friend or destroy her family. All serious magical issues, and all stemming from Quarter and the people who operate there.
I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my loved ones safe. But if the power thrumming in my family’s blood doesn’t give me the edge I need, then I fear I’ll only be trading the lives of my mom and friends…with my own.
This fast-paced coming-of-age paranormal adventure about a New Orleans magical bloodline is ideal for fans of The Bane Chronicles and The Originals.
SCROLL UP and ONE-CLICK Bewitching Belle to secure your copy of this young adult fantasy with a touch of romance today!
Debra Kristi writes deep-point-of-view YA (young adult) fiction that will drop you in the middle of the drama and have you experience the adventure as if you are part of the story.
Award winning and USA Today Bestselling Author Debra Kristi writes addicting young adult fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal adventures. Born and raised a Southern California girl, she still resides in the sunny state with her husband, two kids, and several schizophrenic cats.
Unlike many of the characters in the stories she writes, Debra is not immortal, and her only superpower is letting the dishes and laundry pile up. When not busy drumming away at the keyboard spinning new tales, Debra is hanging out creating priceless memories with her family, geeking out to science fiction and fantasy television, and tossing around movie quotes.
Wow! What a great series! Book 2 in the gifted girls series focuses on Belle, Miri's younger sister. This is a fast paced paranormal action packed adventure that keeps you turning pages from beginning to end. With all the negative forces in the French Quarter wanting Belle and her family gone, she is tasked with protecting her family and friends as best as she can. Learning how to control and work her magic, Belle meets a new friend and has her join the coven of friends she set up. Luna, the new girl who Belle and her friends in the coven, Jeanna and James befriended is in trouble and needs some magic help. At the same time, Belle's mother's body is overtaken by black magic and Miri, Michael (their brother) and their Grandmother lock the kid's mom in an upstairs bedroom. Not to sit still when her family is in peril, Belle decided they have to get rid of the Bokur and Caleb and all manor of black magic to save Luna's parents as well as curing their mother. With her coven backing her up and help once in a while grudgingly from Michael, Belle and friends set to make all things right! All the while, Miri is preparing not only for her wedding, but the birth of her baby. More reason for Belle to feel she must fix things. Although Miri is the strongest of the family witches, she swore off using her magic. So, can Belle and friends save the day and restore her mother and Luna's parents to their natural state? Or will the Bokur not let them interfere in his black magic empire? I love this series and can't wait to see the next book in this series and what it has to bring! I received an ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
I voluntarily review an ARC. This is the second book of the Gifted Girls series, the books should be read in order. I loved this open-minded little witch and her spicy magic. Belle finds her way in a somewhat hostile community. She even founds a new coven to learn with friends. Sometimes she's a bit stubborn and naive and takes great risks to do what she feels is the right thing to do. This is a book with many adventures, a little romance, new friends, secrets and unexpected allies. I'm looking forward to reading the next part of this bewitching series.
This is book two of the Gifted Girls series and continues the struggles Belle and her family have as they recover from her mom’s boyfriend trying to kill them all, by setting his home on fire, whilst they were inside! He is now in prison and some time has passed. Belle’s older sister Miri is staying with her gran and refusing to interact with her magic at all, after she was almost possessed by an old and powerful ancestor. She is going to be married within a month to a normal human and is busy with making plans for their quick wedding. Their brother Michael is staying in a secret school and learning to hone his magical skills, whilst Belle has only her two best friends and members of the coven they have set up amongst themselves, in which to practise her skills.
Belle is staying with her mother and she has noticed that her mother has not been herself since her ex was imprisoned nearly two years ago. She keeps trying different healing spells, but nothing works. They now live in a small place in Algiers and she is getting lots of comments from passers-by, every time she goes near the French Quarter, that her kind is not welcome! She tries out a new herb store in the quarter, with her friend James, and there they meet another young and timid witch, who is seeking help with a spell to assist her father. It seems he has gotten mixed up with a bokor, an extremely powerful magical user and leader. His life is now being threatened if he doesn’t pay his debts and his daughter is being told she can pay off his debt by working for the bokor!
She would be giving up her soul if she does, so Belle and her friends try to help her and her father. James asks his brother John for help, but isn’t sure if they can actually trust him. It seems that the dark influence of the bokor and his men have a link to Belle’s mom’s ex and he still has power over her and this is why she is not herself. The young witch is invited to join their small coven, but both Belle’s mother and grandmother are against her getting involved in anything to do with the powerful bokor! This is not the type of person Belle is, she won’t leave family or friends unsupported or helpless.
They are fairly untrained in magic and have learnt most of what they know so far, by themselves and together. Belle’s family history and her siblings have strong blood magic and if they can link into this historic strength, then maybe they can defeat the evil that is against them, but they will need to recruit some more help if their plans are to succeed at all. A great reminder of what happened in the first book and then further developments linking Belle’s family to a new young witch who becomes more than a friend to Belle. Lots of action, magical spells and powers, as well as new relationships and strange afflictions to be overcome. Another interesting read and I look forward to the next book in the series. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Two years after Miri's story and the whole situation with Caleb manipulating and almost breaking apart the Roussard family, the story now focuses on Belle, Miri's younger sister, and her coven. Meeting Luna, an untrained witch that moved to the area, seems to be a strike of fate, with their natural affection for each other, similar preferences, and even very similar problems in the family. And so the game with the bokor starts. Would the union of forces between Belle, Luna, their coven, Belle's family, and a few others enough to overpower the evil man and liberate Luna's parents? And get Belle's mom from under Caleb's mental influence? Fast and intricate story for open-minded people, full of dangers and wonders. The F/F main couple is definitely not a bothering element, it's sweet and cute in its shyness and innocence. The book itself has the vibes of peaceful and familiar atmosphere, yet the situations that occur there are more than shaking. Drama and danger undergoes the whole story, bringing uncertainty and tension in the game, even more spiced with magick. And if someone told me before that kitchen magic cannot be powerful and it's a joke compared to other serious magic, I'd send them to Belle to prove them wrong.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really love this story about Belle, she is just the opposite of her sister. She is a bubbly personality and she was quite enjoyable throughout the story.
The story is a fast pacing horror that is slowly building up taking Belle and her coven into dangerous situations. The world building is fantastic and I loved it when Belle discovers new abilities and also getting closer to her new friend Luna.
I enjoyed the chase through New Orleans, the setting for this paranormal story is well chosen. Where again Belle's old bloodline makes everywhere enemies. They have to fight against the bokor and Caleb who possesses Belle's mom. Will they win the fight against this overpowering evil? Or will they be defeated. But there is someone else behind the stage that is eager to take over. All this happens when Miri is planning a wedding, where her future husband doesn't know about her magical ties.
There are so many twists and turns in the story, you won't be disappointed to read this book. It is a real nail biter story that will keep you entertained until the end of the book.
The series continues with Miri’s sister Belle. Belle is at her wits end. Her mother is acting possessed, and the new friend she met Luna, is going through almost an identical situation with her dad. He is acting weird like Belle’s mom. The more Belle, Luna, James, and Jeanna, delvie into the situation, they realize the Bokor, and dark magic wielder is responsible, and one of his pratctioners was Caleb, Belle’s mom’s ex who is now in prison. Somehow he has stolen her soul and bound to him. How can they release her mom, and also release Luna’s dad from his bondage. They get some help from Belle’s brother Michael, but after asking James’ brother John for help, they just might find out the he is also aligned with the Bokor. They are all in danger, so how can they defeat such a powerful evil man? I see at the end of the book the next story will be about Miri’s daughter. I hope there will be a book about Michael soon. And what is John’s deal? Will there be a story about him also? I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Our heroine may be new, but she is not going to let that stop her from doing what is needed. I don't recommend standing in her way.
This is book two of the series. it works pretty well as a standalone as most of the essential bits are covered early on.
This is an urban fantasy story with a young adult bent to it. The story is well written and easy to read with a setting that is both familiar and not at the same time. I love the details that are blended in to contrast the normal with the paranormal. The characters are also well done and do an excellent job of bringing the story to life. Add in a healthy dose of action and mystery and you get a very engaging story. Overall, I continue to enjoy this series and look forward to seeing where it leads.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
I have all the nostalgia feels with the introduction of this book. It’s perfect at taking right back to the 90’s to help get your head in the right space. Right off the bat the detail in the imagines is phenomenal love the little touches. I received this book for an honest review! You know how you read a book and get upset life gets in the way that’s how I feel having to stop reading this. This book is everything I could have wanted in a sequel. Characters who sat wrong with me in the first book stood up and showed me better. Everything about this book pulled me further into the world of Magic that Debra Kristi has created. I’m more invested than I was going into this book to see how the series continues.
...and the story continues! Time has moved on since book one. Miri and Philip are now engaged, and Belle is fully immersed in her kitchen magic and learning more with her mini coven. Formed with two friends get coven gives her a sense of peace, and might not yet be complete 😉. A familiar evil rises again, and reeks havoc among those held dear. Yet this time Belle, her family, and friends aren't caught completely unaware. Enjoy seeing the growth in this amazing young witch. A few secrets come to light, and a few surprises along the way. Yet at the heart of it all is FAMILY. Family of the heart, family by blood, and family by choice. With family anything is possible! I LOVED seeing the growth in Belle and her siblings, and look forward to the next book about a very special family member ❤
I really enjoyed reading this book at a time we all need a little magic in our lives. Bewitching Belle is book 2 in the gifted girl series, telling the story of Belle sister to Miri and Michael and her magical journey. Two years later Belle and her mini coven are learning as they go when the threat of an evil Bokor threatens them and their magical existence. A new friend on the scene, lots of mischief and enough action to keep your attention from beginning to end. This is a very well written book and is a must read. Can be read as a stand alone but better to be read after book 1 so you can get a better sense of who everyone is and their journey separately and together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“You’re not welcome here,” he says with a hiss. " - Evil
James, Jeanna, Belle, Miri; young kitchen witches in a battle for their lives. Caleb, evil incarnate, but incarcerated; or is he? Caleb still exerts control over Belle's mom, and Belle is desperate to break that hold... But can she?
In an attempt to learn how to help her mother, Belle and James arrange a meeting with James' brother John. On their way to the meeting, Belle and James discover another young witch, Luna, who is desperately seeking answers of her own...
Evil oozes and swirls, creeping like an evil fog, twisting and twining... Grasping for more... More power, more souls... More... Belle and her friends must find a way to overcome the evil that is closing in around them... Or become a part of it...
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from Booksprout for giving my two cents. On this adventure we are brought into the world of Belle, Miri's little sister. It's been 2 years since the whole debacle and Belle along with her mom are living together but her mom hasn't been her mom in a long time. Good things are there for Belle, her covenmates and meeting a new girl Luna. After spending time with Luna, Belle knows she's special but then finds out her father has dealings with thr local bokor which isn't good. Belle and Luna do some investigating when bad things start to happen. On a happy note, Belle is excited for Miri and Phillips wedding. Things are not what they seem and there's a whole lot of evil afoot. Can Belle and her coven help Luna?
I really liked this book. There was plenty of action and magic. Miri is getting married and things were fairly hectic, but something else was going on. Miri and Belle's mother was acting weirdly and Belle suspected that she was under some magical influence. Belle has met and is enamored with a girl called Luna, who also has problems. Belle enlists the help of her small coven and her brother to sort things out, but it was not going to be easy. The local Bokor is at the bottom of things and he is really powerful. They had to not only figure out what the connection was, but work out how to fix it.
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story. Bewitching Belle is the second book in the Gifted Girls series, and like its predecessor, it truly does not disappoint! It was an amazing tale following Belle a couple of years after the events of book 1. With a different cast of characters, the secrets of their past just won’t stay behind the girls and threaten to become a part of their lives once again, but in a way that you would not expect. It was a thrilling and pleasant experience to read this book, one which I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who loves YA fantasy.
Bewitching belle is the second book in this new gifted girl series. Belle is miris youngest sister but in this book belle has to step up her game because her mom is acting CRAZY from being under the influence of black magic & her sister is planning a wedding plus she's going to be having a baby and she is not useing her magic. Even if belle is not as strong as her sister she now has a few new friends and has made a coven so there going to help her. This teen New Orleans witch is not going down without a fight. If you like the paranormal, witches, magic you will find it all in this new amazing series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I am hooked on this series! I love that we get a different main heroine to follow in the second book while still getting to see what our favorite characters from the previous book are doing now. Book 2 focuses on a character we were introduced in book 1, Miri's younger sister Belle. Belle is a strong willed character who cares deeply for her family and friends. She will do everything she can to protect all of those she loves, especially when black magic is involved. I was on the edge of my seat throughout as loved ones are taken over by evil forces and a wedding is being prepared for. I can't wait for more from the Gifted Girls in book 3!
This story is written well, it gets you set up in the 90's era and is very detailed in the New Orleans background and the witching world.
This story begins with our previous story's little sister, Mirabelle. Her character development throughout the story was crafted beautifully and her family still having decent roles through the story makes it all the more magical.
I look forward to reading the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A wonderful paranormal fast-paced story. This is book two in the series. Great characters and storyline. An adventure that will captivate you from start to end. The story continues with Belle, Miri's sister. She will do what ever it takes to protect her mom and friend from black magic. You got to get this read to find out what will happen to them. I really enjoyed this excellent story and I know you will too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG! If you thought the first book was good wait till you read Belle’s story! Each of them are awesome in their own right but I found this second book more detailed and grittier! I love that Belle has her own coven to practice magic with and that she is more open then Miri who in this is hiding her magic! In this story there is plenty of voodoo, black magic, good magic, action, tons of adventure, family, friendship good guys, bad guys and love and with her mother still under Caleb’s spell Belle needs all the help she can get! A fantabulous addictive series that I would highly recommend!
Lots of fun magical goodness! Entertaining story with some unique elements; plus, the New Orleans setting is great. I liked this more than the first book; mostly because I love how Belle embraces her witch spirit, she was a character that was easy to root for. Belle is a strong and intelligent woman. There’s also a bit of sweet romance when Belle meets fellow magic believer Luna. There’s lots of dangerous situations going on with some black magic practitioners; the mystery surrounding what’s all going on kept me engrossed in the story. Good stuff!
Belle thought the evil following her family ended when Caleb was convicted and sent to prison but her Mom is still not right; alternating between despondent, normal, and slightly psychotic. When her small coven attempts a cure, the repercussions from dark magic send Belle and her mother fleeing to her Grandmother’s house.
I started in the middle of this series and am so glad I went back and caught up with the earlier books. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
This is the first of this series i have read. It was much better than I had thought it would be. It had interesting characters, a delightfully twisting plot, along with family and friends, and romance. Let’s not forget the New Orleans voodoo and witchcraft. Grandma is a great asset and with a little help from an unwanted ancestor and a slightly grumpy cat, they battle for their lives with these forces. A great read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have not read the first book in this series. But, it really doesn't matter. Anything that needed explanation was taken care of. This is a riveting book about a young witch who tries to help her friend and her mother. During the course of the story, she runs afoul of a powerful bokor. She almost doesn't escape him. There are several interesting characters and situations. I wonder what will happen in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Belle is the youngest family member and she is a witch. The family lives in Algiers close to her grandma and they had to find a new place to live because of Caleb. Belle makes friends with Jeanna and James and they are in a coven. Miri is getting married but she did not tell her man about being a witch. Now would be time to get the book. I will be getting more from this author.
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review
Belle is a high school student in New Orleans. She is also a blood witch. She belongs to a coven of 3 until she meets Luna and it becomes a coven of four. Luna and Belle’s parents have black magic issues and the coven and Belle’s family try to help them out. Possessions, incantations and spells that work when Belle doesn’t know what she did are in store for you.
We have mystery, suspense and more. Teens and young adults would like this read. This first book was about Miri this book is about Belle. Belle has started her own Coven. They are trying to learn more about Magick. The Bokor people are still around. Caleb is still causing problems. She meets a new friend, but thing are happening in her family too. What will Belle do to help her friends and family?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an amazing read that you will not be able to put down. It moves along at a very comfortable reading speed, making for an enjoyable read. The characters are amazing and you feel as though you know them. You want them to succeed no matter what they need to do. The story will grab you and take you away to another world where you can forget your everyday reality. This has to be read, no doubt about it.
Absolutely love this series! Bewitching Belle is a wonderful follow up to Magical Miri. It's fascinating watching the girls grow in character, magical ability, and maturity. As the family grows so does the trouble they run into. It will take help from the past to restore balance. This is my honest opinion and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I'm looking forward to following the further adventures of this family
Belle (Mirabelle) comes from a strong line of witches, but she doesn't have the power that her siblings do. Her powers tend to be closely connected to her cooking and spices. Her mother seems to be under a spell, and Belle and her family want to break it, and free her. I loved this interesting and intriguing story, Belle cares deeply for her family and friends and she sure has plenty of trouble to deal with.
this book was a different take on witches then i have read. it revolves around a young group or coven of witches that use herbs for their power basically. they start the book with the main caracters mom having issues and the coven trying to help her with the issues with spells. as the book goes on they add another member and they face an even worse battle for that members family. a true page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.