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Bella Heartwood Book Reviews
š Bookish thoughts, cozy vibes, and honest feelings — all in one place. I mostly review romance and romantasy books, from sweet to steamy (and all the messy feelings in between!), but I also like to explore other genres. I hope my reviews help you discover your next favorite read! šāØ
The Midnight Book Club
Author: E. W. Andersen
Spoiler-free review
Aurelia always knew she would one day take over her Aunt Marigoldās bookshop ā but she never expected it to happen before she was ready, while still grappling with her own internal struggles. Not long after she moves into the flat above the shop, strange voices begin to appear at night. At first, we donāt know if theyāre real or imagined ā or why Aurelia is hearing them. Then we discover that the voices belong to characters who could have stepped straight out of the pages of classic novels.
Aurelia is, for me, the perfect main female character for this type of story. Her development and growth are wonderful to experience. I found myself rooting for her from the beginning, hoping sheād find her way to making the shop her own ā and rediscover her passion for writing. Sheās always loved books and enjoyed helping her aunt, but life doesnāt always wait for us, does it? Thatās exactly what happened to Aurelia.
When she inherits the bookshop, we see a young woman struggling to find joy, holding back tears as memories flood in. But as the story progresses ā and as Aurelia interacts more and more with the fictional characters who appear at night ā she begins to open herself up to a brighter future. Her grief slowly transforms into healing, and she starts to navigate life with a new sense of hope.
The magical premise of this book took me on a journey I didnāt expect at all. Not because there werenāt some familiar, comforting elements, but because Aureliaās healing and rediscovery of herself felt so genuine and moving. Thereās romance here too ā beautifully tied to Aureliaās inner journey in a seamless and heartfelt way that I absolutely loved.
As an aspiring author myself, I found Aureliaās writing journey especially inspiring.
This is a book that I believe will stay with me for a long time.
ā 5/5 stars
šļø Release date: November 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and author E. W. Andersen for allowing me to read this wonderful story. I received an advance copy, and all comments are part of my honest review.
Genres: Fantasy | Romance | Womenās Fiction | Cozy Fiction | Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Spoiler-free review
Aurelia always knew she would one day take over her Aunt Marigoldās bookshop ā but she never expected it to happen before she was ready, while still grappling with her own internal struggles. Not long after she moves into the flat above the shop, strange voices begin to appear at night. At first, we donāt know if theyāre real or imagined ā or why Aurelia is hearing them. Then we discover that the voices belong to characters who could have stepped straight out of the pages of classic novels.
Aurelia is, for me, the perfect main female character for this type of story. Her development and growth are wonderful to experience. I found myself rooting for her from the beginning, hoping sheād find her way to making the shop her own ā and rediscover her passion for writing. Sheās always loved books and enjoyed helping her aunt, but life doesnāt always wait for us, does it? Thatās exactly what happened to Aurelia.
When she inherits the bookshop, we see a young woman struggling to find joy, holding back tears as memories flood in. But as the story progresses ā and as Aurelia interacts more and more with the fictional characters who appear at night ā she begins to open herself up to a brighter future. Her grief slowly transforms into healing, and she starts to navigate life with a new sense of hope.
The magical premise of this book took me on a journey I didnāt expect at all. Not because there werenāt some familiar, comforting elements, but because Aureliaās healing and rediscovery of herself felt so genuine and moving. Thereās romance here too ā beautifully tied to Aureliaās inner journey in a seamless and heartfelt way that I absolutely loved.
As an aspiring author myself, I found Aureliaās writing journey especially inspiring.
This is a book that I believe will stay with me for a long time.
ā 5/5 stars
šļø Release date: November 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and author E. W. Andersen for allowing me to read this wonderful story. I received an advance copy, and all comments are part of my honest review.
Genres: Fantasy | Romance | Womenās Fiction | Cozy Fiction | Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Mind Reader
Author: Mimika Cooney
Release date: October 21st, 2025
Mind Reader is a love story with depth, character growth, and lasting messages. Itās a clean romance (no spice, just a few kisses) that follows two main characters, Clio and Dillon ā both strong, complex individuals with troubled pasts ā as they learn that happiness is possible and that needing someone doesnāt make you weak. On the contrary, it shows real strength, even when things get messy.
I really enjoyed their love story, and the character development is clear and wonderfully done. I also loved them together ā their chemistry felt genuine, and their relationship grew in a way that felt both emotional and believable. That said, I didnāt always feel fully connected with them individually, especially Clio. There were also a few moments where the writing felt slightly repetitive to me as a reader. These small things are why Mind Reader is a 4 āļø read for me, though I know thatās more about personal connection than the story itself. Both Clio and Dillon are beautifully written characters that many readers will likely connect with on a deeper level.
Tropes & Themes:
* Enemies to lovers
* Office romance
* Opposites attract
* Emotional walls
* Workplace tension
* Redemption through love
Mind Reader is the first book in the Sensibility Series, and Iām excited for the rest ā especially Supernova (book three), where we get to know more about Tia (Clioās sister)! Each book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading them in order for the best experience.
I received an ARC of this book as part of the authorās review team, and this is my honest opinion.
Release date: October 21st, 2025
Mind Reader is a love story with depth, character growth, and lasting messages. Itās a clean romance (no spice, just a few kisses) that follows two main characters, Clio and Dillon ā both strong, complex individuals with troubled pasts ā as they learn that happiness is possible and that needing someone doesnāt make you weak. On the contrary, it shows real strength, even when things get messy.
I really enjoyed their love story, and the character development is clear and wonderfully done. I also loved them together ā their chemistry felt genuine, and their relationship grew in a way that felt both emotional and believable. That said, I didnāt always feel fully connected with them individually, especially Clio. There were also a few moments where the writing felt slightly repetitive to me as a reader. These small things are why Mind Reader is a 4 āļø read for me, though I know thatās more about personal connection than the story itself. Both Clio and Dillon are beautifully written characters that many readers will likely connect with on a deeper level.
Tropes & Themes:
* Enemies to lovers
* Office romance
* Opposites attract
* Emotional walls
* Workplace tension
* Redemption through love
Mind Reader is the first book in the Sensibility Series, and Iām excited for the rest ā especially Supernova (book three), where we get to know more about Tia (Clioās sister)! Each book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading them in order for the best experience.
I received an ARC of this book as part of the authorās review team, and this is my honest opinion.
Stranded In Chianti: A Spicy Italian Romantic Comedy Novel
Author: Sierra Maxwell
Stranded in Chianti was such a fun and entertaining read, and absolutely a page-turner.
I was lucky enough to read the novella version over the summer, which I really enjoyed, so I was curious to see how the expanded version would build on it. I was delighted when Sierra Maxwell asked if Iād like an early copy. Having now read both, I can say with confidence that the character development and plot arcs are even stronger here. The added depth gives the story more room to breathe without losing any of its charm.
This novel strikes a great balance between romance, humor, and slow-burn tension, all set against the peaceful backdrop of Chianti, Italy. I loved how the setting wasnāt just background but part of the storyās mood: golden hills, rustic vineyards, and the quiet rhythm of small-town life. I especially enjoyed the contrast between the main characters, Evie and Luca. Evieās energy and unpredictability might feel like āa lotā for some readers, but I found her hilariousāsheās the kind of person who lights up a room. Luca, on the other hand, values peace, quiet, and routine, yet comes to realize that grumpiness and predictability arenāt enough if he wants real happiness. Watching both of them grow into versions of themselves that made space for love felt very satisfying.
The only reason I didnāt give this book five stars is that in some instances, the ācomfortable silencesā between Evie and Lucaāwhere neither says out loud what we all know theyāre feelingāstretched a little long for me. I would have liked them to reach the āwe like each otherā stage just a touch sooner. That said, the way things unfolded still felt true to who they are as characters.
Overall, Stranded in Chianti is a witty, heartfelt romance full of humor, atmosphere, and just the right amount of steam. Itās the kind of book that makes you want to pack your bags for Italy, pour a glass of wine, and stay up late turning the pages. Highly recommended for readers who love slow-burn romance with charm and personality.
Note: While I initially received an advance copy, I ended up buying the released version and reading most of it that way. For this reason, Iām not marking this as an ARC review.
Stranded in Chianti was such a fun and entertaining read, and absolutely a page-turner.
I was lucky enough to read the novella version over the summer, which I really enjoyed, so I was curious to see how the expanded version would build on it. I was delighted when Sierra Maxwell asked if Iād like an early copy. Having now read both, I can say with confidence that the character development and plot arcs are even stronger here. The added depth gives the story more room to breathe without losing any of its charm.
This novel strikes a great balance between romance, humor, and slow-burn tension, all set against the peaceful backdrop of Chianti, Italy. I loved how the setting wasnāt just background but part of the storyās mood: golden hills, rustic vineyards, and the quiet rhythm of small-town life. I especially enjoyed the contrast between the main characters, Evie and Luca. Evieās energy and unpredictability might feel like āa lotā for some readers, but I found her hilariousāsheās the kind of person who lights up a room. Luca, on the other hand, values peace, quiet, and routine, yet comes to realize that grumpiness and predictability arenāt enough if he wants real happiness. Watching both of them grow into versions of themselves that made space for love felt very satisfying.
The only reason I didnāt give this book five stars is that in some instances, the ācomfortable silencesā between Evie and Lucaāwhere neither says out loud what we all know theyāre feelingāstretched a little long for me. I would have liked them to reach the āwe like each otherā stage just a touch sooner. That said, the way things unfolded still felt true to who they are as characters.
Overall, Stranded in Chianti is a witty, heartfelt romance full of humor, atmosphere, and just the right amount of steam. Itās the kind of book that makes you want to pack your bags for Italy, pour a glass of wine, and stay up late turning the pages. Highly recommended for readers who love slow-burn romance with charm and personality.
Note: While I initially received an advance copy, I ended up buying the released version and reading most of it that way. For this reason, Iām not marking this as an ARC review.
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