"Expecting Stars" by Emily R Bellas
February's Indie Book of the Month, "Expecting Stars," brings us a compelling contemporary romance between Sienna Amato, whose tragic past has twisted love into something brutal, and Bennett Matthews, a chef obsessed with earning his Michelin star. Their unexpected connection blossoms into a friendship filled with complexity and restraint. As they navigate the delicate balance between friendship and romance, lines blur. "Expecting Stars" explores the unpredictable nature of love and ambition.
About the Book
Everyone who has ever been loved by Sienna Amato has died. Bennett Matthews is too focused on earning his Michelin stars to even think about love. It’s by pure coincidence that Sienna and Ben meet and form an undeniable connection. It’s just too bad that they can’t find it in their hearts (or schedules) to let each other in.
That is until they make the decision to be the friendly kind of friends. Complicated by Sienna’s position as Ben’s niece’s kindergarten teacher and Ben’s singular focus on gaining that Michelin star, their friendship starts with the promise of no strings, no attachments.
But, as the lines start to blur, Sienna’s saving grace is that she knows she will not fall for Ben. She doesn’t do love. Ever.
Emoji Summary: 🍽️💕🖍️🏃♂️🗽💋 — Culinary dreams, heartfelt romance, and relentless pursuits.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ — A moderate dash of spice.
Publication Date: June 28th, 2023
Genres: Contemporary Romance, New Adult Romance
Where to Buy
"Expecting Stars" is available through Amazon! Click the link below to secure your copy!
Meet the Characters
If "Expecting Stars" were a movie, Emily envisions Theo James portraying the ambitious chef Bennett, bringing intensity and charm to the role. Amanda Seyfried would play Sienna, capturing her nuanced emotions and the complexity of her character with grace.
 Theo James |  Amanda Seyfried |
A Word from the Author
When asked about her favorite quote from "Expecting Stars," Emily shared, "I realized that a life without you is a life I didn't want to live, even if that means I have to break some of my own rules."
The Flavor of Fiction
When asked about which meal best represents "Expecting Stars," Emily responded, "Ooo, well the book is about a chef, so I'd have to say it would be a perfectly cooked steak with a side of creamy mashed potatoes." This choice reflects the themes of comfort found in the book—emphasizing how each element is meticulously crafted to create a satisfying and memorable experience.
Reader Reactions
One reader expressed a wish to erase the book from their mind just to relive the joy of experiencing it for the first time. Emily was moved by this profound level of engagement, saying, "I was so shocked that anyone could feel so strongly about my work. I absolutely loved it."
Amazon: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 4.6
Goodreads: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 4.61
Final Thoughts
"I hope this book teaches people that there is something to love about everyone, and we only need to stick around long enough to see it." Emily shares. Her aspiration is for readers to recognize the beauty and worth in others, even if it isn't immediately apparent. This theme of discovering hidden depths resonates deeply within the narrative, encouraging a thoughtful exploration of human relationships.
"Expecting Stars" delicately weaves this lesson through the interactions between Sienna and Bennett, highlighting how their initial barriers gradually break down as they truly get to know one another. The story itself becomes a testament to the transformative power of patience, showing how sticking through the complexities of life can lead to profound love and understanding.
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