Once Upon a Song by Nadine Bells — A Haunting, Wintry Escape
Some books entertain you for a few hours. Others pull you into their world and stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Once Upon a Song by Nadine Bells is firmly in the second category.
From the opening chapters, the Hôtel de Neige feels less like a setting and more like a living, breathing presence. Wrapped in ice, glamor, and quiet menace, the hotel walks a perfect line between fairytale fantasy and Gothic nightmare. It’s beautiful, unsettling, and impossible to ignore. If you love atmospheric reads that fully immerse you in their world, this book delivers in spades.
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At a Glance
Overall Rating: 5/5
Spice Level: 2/5 — very light
Genre: Contemporary paranormal mystery with light romantic elements
Themes: Self-discovery, found family, confronting the past, belonging
Best For: Readers who love moody settings, eerie mysteries, and character-focused storytelling
A Setting That Steals the Spotlight
The frozen elegance of the Hôtel de Neige is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Every corridor, performance space, and shadowed corner feels intentional, dripping with mystery and history. There’s something hauntingly magical about the icy setting. Its almost Frozen-esque in its aesthetic, but darker and far more unsettling. You can feel the cold in the writing, and that sensory detail makes the story incredibly immersive.
The hotel isn’t just where the story takes place, it’s an active participant. Whispers of the past, rumors surrounding the previous singer’s death, and a phantom presence in white all add to the sense that something is deeply wrong beneath the polished surface.
Ana: A Protagonist You Want to Root For
At the center of the story is Ana, a lonely waitress who believes landing a job as the hotel’s singer might finally be her fairytale moment. Her longing to belong feels deeply relatable, and it’s this emotional vulnerability that makes her such a compelling protagonist.
As Ana begins experiencing vivid nightmares, sleepwalking, and increasingly disturbing encounters, the tension escalates in a way that feels organic rather than overdone. Her past and the hotel’s secrets begin to intertwine, pushing her toward a reckoning she can no longer avoid. Watching Ana grow, question her reality, and confront the parts of herself she’s long tried to bury is one of the most rewarding aspects of the book.
Found Family With a Sinister Edge
The cast of supporting characters at the Hôtel de Neige adds richness and complexity to the story. Some offer Ana warmth and acceptance, forming the beginnings of the found family she’s always wanted. Others, however, make it clear that belonging at the hotel may come at a steep price.
Hedwig, the hotel’s prima ballerina, is a standout character. Cold, threatening, and unforgettable, she warns Ana to leave, hinting that the fate of the previous singer could easily become Ana’s own. Her presence adds a sharp edge of danger that keeps the tension high throughout the story.
Romance That Enhances, Not Overshadows
There is a growing attraction between Ana and Dimitri, the hotel’s charming yet mysterious manager, but readers should know going in that this is not a romance-driven book. The connection between them adds emotional depth and intrigue, but it never overtakes the main narrative.
Instead, the romance serves as a subtle counterbalance to the darker elements of the story, offering moments of softness without diluting the tension. This is very much a character-driven story focused on self-discovery rather than romantic payoff.
Pacing, Prose, and Overall Feel
The pacing is steady and engaging, with revelations unfolding in a way that keeps you turning pages without feeling rushed. Nadine Bells’ writing is beautiful and atmospheric, striking a perfect balance between lyrical and accessible. The story builds its mystery thoughtfully, rewarding patient readers who enjoy lingering in a richly imagined world.
Final Thoughts
If you’re picking up Once Upon a Song hoping for a spicy romance, this won’t be the right fit. But if you’re in the mood for a haunting, wintry story filled with mystery, emotional depth, and a setting that feels almost alive, this book is absolutely worth your time.
This is the kind of story that pulls you in with icy beauty and doesn’t let go—long after you’ve closed the book.
Once Upon a Song is set for a January 23, 2026 release. You can preorder on:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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