Where the Bells Still Ring: a small-town Southern story about courage, community, and the clear note of enduring hope

by Clara Virginia White

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2026

Reviews

[verlis w. guinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

uplifting

This was a good, solid book. The hearts were good.
Even when there were shortfalls between people, love existed,
And folks did their best.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming story of good neighbors, church friends, and community. Don't we all know a Gwen or Eileen! An uplifting book that I will recommend to my friends, without any hesitation.

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Quietly powerful, Where the Bells Still Ring is a small-town Southern story about courage, community, and the clear note of enduring hope."

I enjoyed this book, for the most part. It delivered on the premise, featured true-to-life characters with everyday concerns and battles, and had a happy and satisfying ending. It would have been a solid 4-star book had there not been sour spots inserted into an otherwise sweet story.

MILD SPOILERS (Not plot related)

First, this is not a faith-based book. I would say it's Christian-lite. While it has a church setting and numerous mentions of prayer, the characters don't exhibit deep faith. For instance, there is more gratitude shown to God for an Amazon package finally arriving than the church's triumphant ending. I am not offering this as a criticism since the premise doesn't indicate deep faith, only as an insight to other potential readers who may want to know.

Second, the book is obviously not meant to be theological, so I offer this first critique as an inconsistency rather than a theological argument. In the story, Bitsy (the main character) recalls a teenaged character once asking her about the immaculate conception, which is Catholic doctrine, yet this is a Methodist church (a Protestant church that would not hold to that doctrine). There is no evidence in the story that the teenager attends the church so she may not have realized the disconnect, but Bitsy should have and should not have fallen so flat with her response. The exchange seems to have been given to provide a glimpse into Bitsy's and the teenager's characters, and was the occasion of two of the oddly dropped words mentioned below, but it didn't fit the context of the book's setting.

Finally, I found numerous parts distasteful. Overall, this was a sweet story, so these elements added a sourness, like eating a bowl of sweet candy and suddenly coming to a lemon drop.

1. In what I think was meant to be a comedic scene, Bitsy gets drenched in a down-pour as she enters the church on a Wednesday evening. As she looks down at herself, she realizes she is wearing a white shirt, which has gone translucent and is plastered to her skin. Potentially funny, to be sure, but the author takes it too far by having Bitsy also notice that her beige bra is soaked through. A funny moment now has the reader's mind seeing what they ought not see.

2. After an eventful day, Bitsy is too wound up to fall asleep. Her husband playfully says he knows just what to do to help her unwind: "Oh, do you?" He does. And then he does it again. (Emphasis mine.) Hooray for marital intimacy. I have no qualms hinting at that, but we don't need to hear that he did it twice. It unnecessarily takes the reader's thoughts too far.

3. Numerous oddly dropped words, such as pen*s, sperm, and tampon. I have no issue with these words per se, but they felt oddly placed, as if the author was trying to add edginess to the book.

All of these seemed gratuitous, detracted from the story, and left a sour taste. They didn't ruin the entire story, but are the reason I ultimately decided on a 3-star rating.

[James T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bills still rain reminded me so much of the small town I grew up in. The characters were right out of my hometown, have the same problems, and looking to the church to buy the community together. It was a very comforting read. My congratulations to Clara White for painting such a Heartwarming picture.

[Karen Cahilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

the bells still ring

What a warm and lovely heart filled story about ordinary people doing ordinary, extraordinary, things. This story feels like a hug, a warm
blanket, and a blessing.

[Timothy Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very special warmth.

Delightful characters. Storyline is like life, just enough variety to fit a complex person like Bitsy. You could pray for a Godly outcome and expect one that fit the town and the time.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Club Ready

What a wonderful book. Being a Christian and a teacher the book really resonated with me. So true to life and a very sweet story. I love the characters and how wonderfully their lives wove together. I will be using this for my book club choice. Thank you!!!

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet! Charming! Family!

Those who obey or who work hard behind the scenes they see more than the rest of us. This story is about church, about family, and about being brave to love whole heartedly. Definitely check this out.

[velma lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

uplifting

What a lovely read. So uplifting I felt every word, the joy the ups n downs. Reminded me so much of my own church family. Highly recommend reading this book. Filled with lots of love acceptance and forgiveness. I will remember it always.

[Janet Alford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of love, community, church and having the courage to do the right thing.

[Kathy Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Lynn]

I just couldn't.

[Jennifer Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

So heartfelt!

The book was beautiful! I fell in love with the characters, and it really warmed my heart!!!!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[Julia Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

uplifting, heartwarming, cozy story :)

[Emily Harp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where the Bell Still Rings is a southern set novel that pulls the curtain up on a small towns best and most tragic parts. It is filled with a cast of characters and just normal everyday life. For lovers of warm friendships, church home, family and love of thy neighbor. 3.5 stars rounded to 4 ⭐️

Thank you BookSirens for the advanced ebook!
All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.