A Whisper of Bells and Prayers

by C.C. González

Love was never her calling, until she heard her voice in the dark.
Hidden high within the towers of Notre-Dame, Mirela tolls the bells. Scarred by fire and kept under the control of her so-called savior, Master Ferron, she has learned that devotion can feel like chains.

Then she hears Claire, a young nun who awakens something in Mirela she had never felt before... Hope, desire and the aching need to be seen. Their secret meetings begin in whispers and candlelight, until forbidden touches turns faith into temptation.

But Ferron's eyes are always watching, and his generosity hides away a sickening obsession.

When passion and devotion collide, the walls of the cathedral will tremble and the two women must decide if love is worth the fire that will follow.

Genres: Lesbian, Retellings, Fantasy, Adult, Romance, LGBT, Queer

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2026

Reviews

[apolimia · Rating 4 out of 5]

somos c.c. gonzález con sus libros saficos y yo contra el mundo

[Unpopmary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐

[melbareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I want to start off by thanking the author C.C. Gonzalez for providing me with this e-arc!

A Whisper of Bells and Prayers is a book about grief, longing and healing that's filled with the most precious love story. It's also a sapphic retelling of the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

We follow Mirela, a woman who's held captive in the bell tower of the cathedral. She's not allowed to leave and she must not be seen by anyone but Ferron, her captor. One day she hears the beautiful voice of a nun called Claire. Claire was forced by her parents to become a nun but all she really wants is just to be free. What happens when the the two lock eyes and are immediately drawn to each other?

The relationship between Mirela and Claire is so tender, precious and beautiful. The way they care for each other is just to die for. I love them so much.
However, that being said, I do think their relationship is
bit too insta-lovey for my personal taste. I would have enjoyed it more if it went a bit slower (I am a sucker for some good yearning so that's usually why I don't fully vibe with "insta-love").

I think overall I just wish there was a bit more of everything. But that being said it's a good, fast paced novella that's quick to get through. I definitely recommend checking it out if you're in the mood for something easy to read that is heartwarming and cute but also touch some heavier elements.

I can't wait to have a look at the authors other works!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick and easy read.

[J.✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. A sapphic retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame? I was already sold—and it truly delivered.

A Whisper of Bells and Prayers felt hauntingly beautiful from beginning to end. There’s such a deep sense of longing woven into the story—it’s soft, aching, and constant in a way that really stays with you.

Mirela’s story broke my heart. The abuse, the isolation, being kept captive… you can feel how much she’s been deprived of light and kindness. And that’s what made Claire so special—she wasn’t just love, she was hope. The way Mirela needed someone like her to brighten her world just hit so deeply.

And the Judge? Absolutely disgusting and abominable. I hated him with my whole chest, which honestly just shows how well he was written.

The ending was so beautiful. It felt right, emotional, and meaningful without dragging on. It’s a short book, and I was genuinely sad when it ended—but I also love that the author didn’t try to stretch it out. It proves you don’t need 400+ pages to tell a powerful, unforgettable story.

I'm so happy I bought this. This one will definitely stay with me. Can't wait to read more of C.C. González books.

[Taylor thebookfaes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 <3

[Sachi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nice concept but the writing is rough - lots of grammatical mistakes, repetition, and the dialogue constantly switches between modern and period-accurate.

[Kasley.K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ended up pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to immerse myself in the story. There were moments of joy, moments of indignation and disgust, moments of fear, and moments when I had to ask Jesus for forgiveness for reading this during Lent.

Imprisonment can take many forms, but some spirits like Claire’s and Mirela’s cannot be contained. I liked them right away. Claire has a deep longing for freedom, and the care she shows Mirela is heartwarming. Mirela activates my protection mode, but make no mistake, she is a strong one.
Their relationship is slow, full of care and longing. I was rooting for them so hard. On the other hand, Claude Ferron and Sister Margareth can rot in a ditch for all I care.

I can’t finish this review without talking about C.C. Gonzalez’s writing. The universe and characters she creates always make you long for more. Also, she really knows how to write a good worship, damn.

A Whisper of Bells and Prayers made me want to read Hunchback of Notre Dame, even if I’m not sure the latter will outdo the former.

[Lianne Dubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of five stars!

Disclaimer: Thank you, C.C. González for the eARC. I received an eARC at no cost, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. I'd also like to let you know that I’m on C. C. Gonzalez’s street team.

I really, really enjoyed this novella! The characterizations of Mirela and Claire were superb. The romance was tender, sweet, and beautiful. I was fully convinced of the romantic and emotional chemistry between Mirela and Claire. While the characters save themselves, their love gave them the push to fight for a better future and life. Sensitivity and care were taken when writing this story. Standout moments of this included writing about religious trauma, Mirela’s burns, abuse, and the wanderers in the story. While watching The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a plus, this retelling, stands on its own!

A couple of things to note: as this is a novella, the "slow-burn" felt like more of a regular burn to me. This might be because I've been spoiled by truly epic standalone slow burns such as The Maiden and Her Monster by Maddie Martinez and The End Crowns All by Bea Fitzgerald. Additionally, I would've like to have seen more of the events between the time of the penultimate chapter to the epilogue. I personally would've enjoyed seeing Mirabel and Claire learning to be a couple with the nomads, as it felt like us readers had only seen the beginning of their relationship begin to bloom. . Lastly, Judge Claude Ferron is creepy. He doesn't do anything, but if you've watched the movie with Frollo

All of this to say, if you enjoy sapphic historical romances, I think that you'll want to pick up this novella.

[ceruleanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for sharing an ARC copy of this book!

I loved every single second I spent reading this book. I am beyond captivated by Mirela and Claire’s story. The author crafted a beautiful story centered around two characters that are so different and yet so similar in many ways. Their romance felt organic, truthful and meaningful. The yearning and longing warmed my heart. Everything in this book is simply perfect.

The only thing that I dislike is how fast I was done reading. I could lost myself in the beauty of its pages again and again. If you’re a fan of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, then this sapphic retelling is definitely for you.

[Breena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to the author for providing me an advanced copy for an honest review!

With the Hunchback of Notre Dame being one of my favorite Disney movies, I was super excited about being able to read this! This was a fantastic and quick little read and became the palette cleanser that I didn’t know I needed.

As far as the construction of the characters and plot, I love that there were enough subtle differences that I didn’t always know what was going to happen next! I love that she wrote it as though “Esmeralda” was her mom instead of the other FMC. Was not expecting that and was totally there for it! The derangement of Ferron was SPOT ON for Frollo. I also always swoon for a “touch her and die” trope. Chef’s kiss. Delicious.

There is one full spicy scene in this book and it is masterfully done. There isn’t anything crazy while still being mouthwateringly sexy. The awe and wonder of Mirela’s first-time experience is written soooo good!

I thoroughly enjoyed this and can’t wait to read whatever else Miss C.C. decides to write next. I fell in love with her writing with Curse of the Goddess and she continues to not disappoint. 5 stars!⭐️

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was actually not what I was expecting at all, in the BEST way, maybe it would have helped if I understood the story of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, because I knew that this book was partly based (?) rewritten (?) from it, but hey I still managed to really really enjoy it, like a lot. Also when I read that the main setting was actually the Notre Dame? THAT IS SO COOL!! Maybe I should have read the book description more, but I kind of enjoyed the not knowing honestly.
ANYWAY, I loved the story. Mirela lives in the rafters (?) upstairs in the Notre Dame, where nobody else is allowed to go, she stays in the shadows and in her little room, this is to keep her ‘safe from the world’, she is ‘fed’ and ‘clothed’ by some guy who visits her sometimes, it’s hard to talk about anything else without spoiling the story but I am sure I got the point across, anyway the point is Mirela equals trapped and alone and basically doesn’t know anything of the outside world besides what she observes from either her window or the upstairs corridors looking down on the main church. BUT DO NOT WORRY! Mirela is looking down one day and hears a brand new beautiful voice in the choir, CLAIRES VOICE! And because of the beauty of it all, Mirela forgets to hide, so Claire sees her, then neither of them can get each other out of their minds.
Okay that’s the main storyline explained, so now I can talk about why I loved it! Stories with religion have a… place that is in the opposite of my heart, so when the first page was basically exactly how I feel, I knew this book was gonna be a win, a book for me, a book that SPEAKS. I was not disappointed. Mirelas story is sad and heartbreaking yes, but it is such a good read, Claire is exactly what Mirela needed and it’s SO good to read the entire experience. I literally can not say more on the story without spoiling but please believe me this book is GOOD!
The characters are written so well, the villain is written PERFECTLY, you hate him from the get go and you can literally feel what Mirela feels when they interact, it’s written SO good, and then whenever Claire appears it literally is like the sun starts shining in the story, every time.
It is SO GOOD.
I haven’t even talked about the romance, THE ROMANCE!! The spice is everything, this book kind of feels different for this author, it’s more of a slow burn, but you can FEEL the want between the characters and then eventually BAM, it’s perfect. Nothing is too soon, nothing is unrealistic, it feels perfectly timed and just a perfect experience for both characters.
From the Romance to the Manipulation, that’s also really well written, and it has real effects on Mirela, and it doesn’t suddenly disappear either, it’s really well written, and Claire has a real uphill climb to undo it all. Thank you for this arc and I really enjoyed this read, Thank you!

[Brittany Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

(ARC Review) A Whisper of Bells and Prayers

A Sapphic retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Love was never her calling, until she heard her voice in the dark.

Mirela, a bell ringer, is kept hidden away in the cathedral by her master, Judge Ferron, his intention being that he’s “protecting” her. Aside from tolling the bells, she longs to see the outside world that she draws about from the bell tower.

Claire, a nun, living a life that she didn’t willingly choose, but was forced into by her family to keep her freedom restrained. Aside from now living in the convent and adapting to their routines, she longs to express her love for singing and dancing freely.

Set in Notre Dame, one day while Mirela hides in the shadows of the cathedral, she suddenly hears a beautiful voice in the choir that she’s never heard before, Claire. From that moment, something is ignited within Mirela, to know who this beautiful nun is that she’s never seen before. Claire having noticed someone in the shadows, something is also ignited within her, to discover who is the mysterious figure that was watching her while she sang. When they finally meet, they have no idea just how much they will end up falling for each other…

I was able to finish it within 2 days and while I was reading it, I loved the slow burn pace that the book was going. The pace was absolutely perfect. After every chapter, I was left invested in wanting to read more. I honestly couldn’t put it down. The story is in a Duet 3rd POV. I absolutely loved how after every encounter, they were slowly finding comfort and solace within each other. I loved how Claire helped Mirela to slowly open up to her and showed her genuine kindness, love, and affection that she’d never received before. I also loved the spice, with the fact that Claire tended to Mirela so beautifully with such tenderness, knowing that she was a virgin. When I read the epilogue, I got a bit emotional because of how it was beautifully written. After finishing it, it was such a bittersweet feeling. The reason being was that I was sad that I finished the book due to how much I fell in love with it and how much I wanted more of the story. However, I was also happy with the ending that the girls got, especially with their heartbreaking backstories. The way that I fell in love with Claire and Mirela’s relationship, ugh my heart! They both deserved all the love and happiness in the world and I’m so happy that they found it with each other, feeling free and accepted.

“You don’t have to hide from me… Mirela, you’re beautiful.” - Claire

“You are God sent. Just for me to have.” - Mirela

Tropes
- Sapphic romance
- Retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- Bell Ringer x Nun
- Virgin FMC
- Touch-starved
- Slow-burn
- Happily Ever After

Overall Rating: 5/5
Spice level 2/5

[Ailin Galante · Rating 2 out of 5]

En serio quería que me gustara más, pero a pesar de ser tan corto, tuve que esforzarme por terminarlo.

A ver, no seré injusta, la historia es linda, es romántica, la tensión entre las protagonistas está muy bien construida y es la parte que más me gustó de todo, así que si eso es lo que buscas, ignorá mi reseña, yo te super recomiendo este libro si solo buscas un romance ¿ok?, no te fies del rating que le di porque eso es muy personal.

Ahora si, mis problemas con esta lectura:

En primer lugar, no entiendo el uso de los puntos de vista diferente cuando no tienen realmente voz propia.

En segundo, el villano está muy poco desarrollado, y el conflicto moral que tiene es muy superficial.

En tercero, aparece mucho el vicio de contarte y explicarte en vez de mostrarte los sentimientos de las protagonistas, lo que hizo que no pudiera conectar mucho.


Cuarto, la atmósfera gótica también me pareció superficial. No basta con nombrar y enlistar elementos de la catedral para que esta cobre vida y tenga la presencia que tiene en la novela de Victor Hugo y en la película de Disney.

Me aburrí de contar pero creo que mi principal problema con el libro es que me leí a Víctor Hugo, y sencillamente esperaba más. Entiendo que nunca se vende como un retelling de Victor Hugo, si no de la película de Disney, pero la película de Disney no nació de un repollo, y se podría haber hecho una investigación más profunda, cuando se está referenciando un material preexistente. Por ejemplo, se menciona que Claire tiene la piel oscura, pero nunca se habla de su trasfondo cultural, incluso la cabra se llama Djali, que es un nombre con un origen que nada que ver con Francia y es mencionado a la ligera como una referencia y ya.

El lenguaje a veces parece olvidarse de que está ambientado en Francia a fines de la edad media, los personajes hacen cosas que no harían en esa época.

Y por último, la relación de las protagonistas pasa muy rápido del deseo a la devocion. Tienen un momento de conexión que es rarísimo como se hablan para lo poco que se conocen. Se supone que era una escena emocional y no me gustó para nada.

Tal vez mi experiencia estuvo inevitablemente atravesada por haber leído la novela original. Aun así, creo que cuando se hace referencia explícita a un universo tan cargado de significado, el texto necesita sostener algo más que la estética. En mi caso, no logró hacerlo. Creo que a mucha gente le puede gustar, es una historia muy bonita, pero no es mi caso, lamentablemente.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Whisper of Bells & Prayers by C.C. González was an interesting, sapphic take on The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The novella was well-written and atmospheric, making it easy to become immersed in this gothic tale, with its dark themes of cruelty and obsession in medieval Paris.
The relationship between Mirela, the scarred and hidden bellringer, and Claire, the woman abandoned by her family to the convent, is a bit of an insta-lust/love dynamic as both women seek to fill a deep, desperate desire for acceptance and belonging. The two love interests bond over shared feelings of being imprisoned by unjust circumstances.
The tension between the two is thick, and the suspense of the forbidden relationship created an aura of danger that kept me on edge. The villain is vicious and easy to hate. This story includes first-time/first-time-with-a-woman smut along with a possessive 'touch-her-and-die' vibe. The ending was explosive and satisfying.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the dark, twisty plot.

Quoteworthy:
"They taught me to love God. They never said what to do when I found something holier."

"...silence claimed her again. It pressed against her ribs until she whispered to the stones just to hear a voice. She spoke to herself, to the saints, the pigeons, the gargoyles…"

To her, love was soft and tender, a loving caress to a broken soul, a promise of companionship through anything. Love was freedom, pleasure, warmth…"

"She sang not for God, but to fill the hollow ache of her solitude. She sang because silence and loneliness had become unbearable."

"Claire was a goddess among women, and if there really was a God, she knew that He had picked her specifically for Mirela to apologize for all the things she had been through. Apology accepted."

'“Oh, Mirela,” she murmured. “I am far from being God.” She leaned closer, her voice lowering. “But before this night ends,” she added, “I will have you saying my name as if it were the holiest prayer.”'

#gothic #Paris #France #medieval #NotreDame #bellringer #nun #injustice #patriarchy #religiousoppression #cathedral #convent #hurtcomfort #touchheranddie #firsttime #firsttimewithawoman
#instalove #instalust #spicy #smut #HEA #epilogue
I received a review copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[TheBookishSkull · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully crafted sapphic retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame that completely drew me in. The author weaves in subtle nods to the original story, which added an extra layer of depth and familiarity while still making this tale feel entirely its own.

What truly stood out to me was the chemistry between the main characters. Their connection felt genuine and tender, and the development of their relationship was handled with care, allowing it to grow in a way that felt both natural and emotionally resonant. Watching their love unfold was one of the most captivating aspects of the story.

At its core, this book explores deeply relatable themes of self-worth and the damaging effects of toxic “family” relationships. It captures that painful reality of feeling like you’re not enough, especially when someone in your life reinforces that belief, and the struggle of breaking free from that mindset. But more importantly, it offers hope. It reminds us that there are people who will see through the walls we build, who will recognize our value even when we can’t, and who will love us not despite our scars, but because they are part of who we are.

Thank you C.C. González for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

—————————

Esta es una reinterpretación sáfica de El Jorobado de Notre Dame, bellamente escrita, que me cautivó por completo. La autora incorpora sutiles referencias a la historia original, lo que le añade profundidad y familiaridad, sin dejar de darle un toque personal.

Lo que más me impactó fue la química entre las protagonistas. Su conexión se sentía genuina y tierna, y el desarrollo de su relación se manejó con delicadeza, permitiendo que creciera de forma natural y conmovedora. Presenciar el florecimiento de su amor fue uno de los aspectos más fascinantes de la historia.

En esencia, este libro explora temas profundamente universales como la autoestima y los efectos dañinos de las relaciones tóxicas en el ámbito “familiar”. Captura la dolorosa realidad de sentirse insuficiente, especialmente cuando alguien en tu vida refuerza esa creencia, y la lucha por liberarse de esa mentalidad. Pero, sobre todo, ofrece esperanza. Nos recuerda que hay personas que verán más allá de los muros que construimos, que reconocerán nuestro valor incluso cuando nosotras mismas no podamos, y que nos amarán no a pesar de nuestras cicatrices, sino porque son parte de quienes somos.

Gracias a C.C. González por el ARC a cambio de una reseña honesta.

[Solely Sapphic Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
Duel 3rd Person POV. 5🌟 2🌶️. 177 pages
1 devastatingly beautiful spice scene

This book was so heart achingly beautiful, I would give it 10 stars if I could. A Whisper of Bells and Prayers is a sapphic gothic retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and while the original inspiration was never a favourite of mine, this novella definitely is.

AWOBAP follows Mirela a woman kept captive in the bell tower of Notre Dame by a man that has lied to her and kept her pliant through fear. Until one day she hears the voice of an angel. Claire is a nun, forced into the habit by her parents despite just wanting to be free. When fate intervenes and the two meet, an instant connection of understanding and kindness blooms.

Honestly I adored absolutely everything about this book. The writing is almost lyrical in nature, it’s a heart warming and yet heart breaking story of the lust for freedom and desire to be accepted. Both FMCs are so adoringly written that you almost want to reach into the story and wrap them both in bubble wrap. You can instantly tell that the original inspiration has a special place in C.C Gonzales’s heart through the love and passion you can feel in the pages. This will definitely be a book I will re-read again and again.

A Whisper of Bells and Prayers will be released April 3rd. If you’re a fan of the original Hunchback of Notre Dame or even if you aren’t, pick this up. I can almost guarantee you’ll be a fan of this beautiful retelling!

Things to LOVE:
✨Hunchback of Notre Dame Retelling
✨Captive Bell Ringer + Rebel Nun
✨Slow Burn
✨Touch Starved & Virgin FMC
✨Longing & Yearning
✨Religious Iconography & Trauma
✨HEA

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely the sapphic Hunchback of Notre-Dame retelling I needed! A soft and delicately handled relationship progression between two women who have been held captive their entire lives in different ways, finding solace and belonging in one another.
I couldn’t help but want it to be longer! I always feel this way when novellas are done really well though. I did want a bit more from sister Margaret and another encounter with Ferron to increase the tension and stakes a bit more, but I definitely enjoyed the parts they featured.
A tender and gentle story with a truly loathsome villain, and two FMC’s I was rooting for the whole way.

Plot summary:
Mirela has been confined to the bell tower her whole life, after being ‘saved’ by Ferron, evil church man. Half her body covered in scars from the fire he saved her from, Ferron has made her believe she is a monster who has no place in the outside world.
Along comes Claire, an unwilling nun who was sent to the convent by her family who had nothing else to do with her.
Mirela can’t resist watching Claire sing. Claire can’t resist going to see her. So begins their tender love story.

Things I loved:
- Worship 👀
- Claire’s tenderness
- Mirela’s strength 💪
- HEA
- Touch starved
- Religious trauma
- What happens to Ferron

Overall, a delicately done sapphic retelling of the Hunchback of Notre-Dame with slowburn romance, spice with a captive bell ringer and a reluctant nun, healing, and freedom.

Thank you to author C.C Gonzalez for the ARC in exchange for honest review.

[Calling All Book Lovers · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!!!!

I'll be honest... I was a little nervous going into this book. It's a short book, and sometimes with shorter stories, I struggle to really connect with the characters. But wow, I didn't need to worry at all. Gonzalez had me completely hooked from the first chapter. I fell in love with the characters instantly, and I have no regrets!

The world-building was beautifully detailed. The way Paris was described felt so vivid and atmospheric that I could picture everything so clearly in my mind. It wasn't overly detailed in a heavy way, just immersive enough to make me feel like I was there.

The story itself was gripping the whole way through. I didn't feel bored for a second. And the chemistry between the two main protagonists? I loved it. Watching their connection grow and strengthen as they fought for their freedom together was one of my favourite parts. Their relationship felt natural and earned, and it made me even more emotionally invested in what was happening.

My only complaint is that it was over way too quickly. I genuinely just wanted more time with these characters (except Ferron) and this world. That's always the sign of a great book for me, when I'm not ready to let it go.

Overall, I absolutely ate this book up and would 100% recommend it. C.C. Gonzalez has officially become one of my favourite authors, and I'll happily read anything she puts out next.

[LovesickJunkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 AT A GLANCE
STARS 5 stars
SPICE medium
CHEMISTRY Great
ANGST medium/high
SLOW BURN yes
CLIFFHANGER No
CHARACTERS Mirela and Claire


💬 LINES THAT LIVE RENT-FREE
"You are beautiful" - Claire
"You don't mean that" - Mirela
"I'm a nun. I'm not allowed to lie" - Claire

🖤 MY READING EXPERIENCE
This one wrapped around my heart.
Mirela has lived her whole life in captivity, taught that the outside world is dangerous and she is safer hidden away. Claire is the opposite. Brave. Curious. Willing to step into the unknown.
Watching Mirela choose the world because Claire was in that was everything to me. Two broken souls finding freedom in each other.

🫀CHARACTER THOUGHTS
Claire patiently pulls Mirela into herself, into possibility, into hope.
And Mirela might seem soft, but she has a line. The second someone crossed it and hurt Claire, she moved. Not dramatic. Not loud. Just immediate. That kind of love is powerful.

🔥 MOMENTS I’M STILL THINKING ABOUT
The ending had me frozen. The reveals were layered so well and that final moment left me stunned in the best way.

⚠️ ONE SMALL NOTE
No notes. It was great.

📚 READ THIS IF YOU LOVE…
Sapphic gothic vibes inspired by The Hunchback of Notre Dame; Love that feels like salvation; Quiet characters with hidden strength; Earned and natural revenge

[lirissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sapphic retelling of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (Disney ver)
dual third-person narrative
135pg Novella, New to me author
Splash of spice - one intimate scene over a few chapters

As a Sapphic book lover and also The Hunchback of Notre-Dame being a story that really means a lot to me personally (I previously worked on the Musical adaption of the Disney version) I was very excited to read this one.

The story centres on the romance between Mirela, a reinterpretation of the Quasimodo with a new original backstory, and Claire, a nun gifted with a beautiful singing voice, loosely inspired by Esmeralda but reimagined in a new light. Before reading I was intrigued by the character background change for Claire but it quickly made sense upon reading the first few chapters.

The sapphic retelling gives a whole new light to the relationship between Mirela and Master Ferron (aka Claude Frollo) which I found very interesting but come with content warnings, something to note for potential readers.

The pacing is perfect. It is slow burn-ish but being a novella I feel it was normal. The character connection is fairly fast and the second half focuses mainly on the original unique storyline.

If you are a fan of the original like me, highly recommend listening to the soundtrack while reading!

[Lorra_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is short, intense, and absolutely beautiful.

A Whisper of Bells and Prayers is a sapphic reimagining inspired by The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, but it completely stands on its own.

Two women bound by expectation and control. Two women quietly aching for more.

Claire is a nun who feels that something in her life does not fully fit, even if she cannot name what is missing. Mirella is hidden in the bell tower of Notre-Dame de Paris, living under Master Ferron’s control and watching the world from above, longing for a life she has never been allowed to touch.

Their connection develops quickly, but it never feels lust driven or careless. It feels delicate. Intentional. The kind of love that unfolds with caution because both women understand what it could cost them.

The writing is lyrical without being overwhelming. The emotional weight is real. Themes of forbidden love, childhood trauma, fear of the unknown, and the courage to confront it are woven beautifully into the story.

I have been wanting to read C.C. González for a while, and I am so glad this was my starting point. As a fellow Puerto Rican reader, supporting her work means so much to me.

This book may be brief, but it carries power.

If you love queer retellings, religious tension, hidden heroines, and romances that feel tender yet intense.

[The Wild Weary Cow Reads Sapphic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Read

I think most of us know the story of the Hunchback of Notre Dame and I was intrigued to see a sapphic version.

C C captures the loneliness, sadness and craving for just a small amount of tenderness never given to Mirela.

Mirela has been imprisoned away from any human contact in the Bell Tower by Master Ferron, portraying himself as her savour, protector and road to redemption.

UGH he’s so cruel!!!

When she hears THE most beautiful voice singing with the choir, Mirela finds herself pulled toward Claire, a nun from the local nunnery

She is absolutely enamoured by her and spends her days waiting to hear the soulful voice again

Claire senses someone watching her and after a quick glimpse of red hair up in the eves she sets about on a mission to find out just who is living in the tower

What unfolds is a slow burn, with two kindred spirits, a love affair set in the rich atmospheric surrounds of Notre Dame.

The push and pull of wanting to be loved whilst protecting your own heart

The only downside to this book is I wish it had been a little longer!

🕍🕍🕍🕍

[The Bookish Bagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of an advanced copy provided by the author

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

First, I want to thank C.C. González for providing me with an advanced copy of A Whisper of Bells and Prayers.

As a fan of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, I was very excited to read this sapphic retelling, and it truly delivered. The story is emotional, intimate, and deeply moving, with a strong sense of connection to the characters.

We follow Claire, a nun shaped by poverty, and Mirela, a women hidden away in the cathedral under the control of Master Ferron. Their individual stories are heavy, but the bond they build together is tender, soft, and beautifully developed.

This novella explores themes of love, found family, and religious trauma, while also reflecting on identity and the impact of environment and control on how we see ourselves.

Despite being a short read, it carries a lot of emotional weight and stays with you after the final page.

I’m very grateful to have read this story and look forward to more from this author.

[Chikielau · Rating 4 out of 5]

What really got me was the struggle between loyalty and desire, especially the way it grows slowly. It starts quietly, almost like a whisper, until you suddenly realize just how intense everything has become.
The pull between Mirela and Claire feels unnatural in the best way gentle, yet undeniably powerful. I loved how their bond begins from something simple, like the need to be seen, and slowly transforms into something deeper, riskier, and impossible to ignore. That constant tension adds so much weight to their connection, especially with that lingering feeling of wanting freedom while being trapped in something sacred.
Knowing Ferron is always watching creates an uneasiness that never really fades. It keeps you engaged the entire time because you can sense that something is bound to happen. It’s short, but it hits hard. If you enjoy slow-building stories with strong atmosphere, forbidden love, and that aching sense of longing and freedom, this one will stay with you. sense of longing and freedom, this one stays with you.

Thank you so much to the author for the early copy.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️ 2🌶
I really enjoyed this retelling, in full disclosure I don't think I've read the original. Maybe, watched it via a movie a long time ago, so the exact details are not something I'm comparing against. The author does a good job of writing Mirela. You are brought into her isolated sheltered world and can truly sympathize and enjoy as she begins to dabble with the real world. You also feel for Claire, who despite her upbringing is thrust into the cloistered world of the church because of poverty. Two lonely souls in their own way who help each other explore the beauty that most take for granted. This novella packs a lot in, even with a shortened version you will go through all of the feels within it. I think that's a mark of a good author, when they can write a tale and need not overload you with pages to get the story across.

Tropes and triggers: assault, murder, found family, first time, first love, religion, touch her and d!e, retelling.

I received an advanced copy for an honest review.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sapphic retelling that completely surprised me. The original inspiration was never my favorite, but this version transformed it into something intimate, atmospheric, and deeply romantic.

The writing is immersive you can almost smell the cathedral stone and feel the weight of the setting around you. The descriptions are rich without being overwhelming, and the story is told in a way that feels concise yet complete.

And Mirela? Absolutely unforgettable. She’s the kind of character you can’t help but fall for.

The antagonist is easy to hate (which makes rooting for the girls even more satisfying), and the emotional stakes stay strong throughout.

If you love:
Sapphic retellings
Dark, cathedral-like atmospheres
Scarred but magnetic heroines
Slow-burn tension with payoff

…this one is definitely worth reading.

And yes, I might have wanted just a little more in the epilogue but I won’t say more than that. 👀

[Aniushka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling, captivating, fresh and touching.

These are the immediate words that come to mind when thinking of this beautiful sapphic retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

The reimagining of the main characters, each unique yet clearly inspired by the well known and beloved original characters, is a breath of fresh air. Mirela and Claire will captivate you and make you root for them every step of the way. Their story will move you and the beauty of their connection will warm your heart. Judge Claude Ferron is the right kind of villain, not supernatural or someone with a fleshed out plan, but a monster made of flesh and blood and shattered/warped lens in which he looks at humanity and the immediate world around him.

This passionate slow burn, which had a beautiful pace as a novella, was exquisite. You will not be able to put down.

Cannot wait to see what else this amazing author has in store with her future stories. 5/5!!

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a huge fan of the Curse of the Goddess series by this author, so when C.C. Gonzalez opened her street team, I signed up right away. While this book is different from what I was expecting, I still enjoyed it overall.

A Whisper of Bells and Prayers is a sapphic retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I have never read a retelling of this story before, nor am I that familiar with the original work.

While the book is short overall, I would not consider this story to be insta-love. I felt like the author took the time to develop much needed emotional intimacy, before the characters became physically intimate with one another. The scene when they do become physically intimate is lyrical, profound, and well-written. It made me want to be there in that moment to experience the release that both the characters felt.

Other things that I enjoyed about the story include the author’s development of the main antagonist - I found myself disgusted with him throughout the story, and thought his ending was very poetic. I also appreciated how this story was not afraid to tackle heavy topics, including religious trauma, as well as disability (severe burns).

Despite enjoying the book, the reason why I gave it a 4 star is that I found it took me some time to connect with the characters. That being said, I will continue to read more by this author. Despite the short length, this packs a serious emotional punch.

[R Staff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered C.C. Gonzales late last year through another of her works. It was when my girlfriend and I first started dating and I suggested she read these books as well. We bonded over them quickly and both became very passionate about them. When C.C. announced A Whisper of Bells and Prayers needing ARC readers, I signed up so quickly, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity I had to have this story seemingly to myself. As someone who was raised in a patriarchal controlling religion, this story hit home. Not to mention the late in life sapphic realization and acceptance, and finding a connection that feels like real sanctuary after relying on false sanctuary for one’s entire life. C.C. - you absolute genius and beautiful human, you have done it again. You have built yet another world in which I could both lose and find myself. T-minus 3 days until official release date, and I couldn’t be happier for you!!!