Every now and then, I’ll request a chick-lit book that sounds good that I’ve heard nothing about. Stone Broke Heiress was the latest of these. It’s no secret that I’m a massive chick-lit fan, and I was pretty sure that this book was going to be fun. And it was. Is it one that I’d reread? Probably not. But if you’re looking for a quick read about soup and romance this spring, this book will be for you.

Stone Broke Heiress followed Bella Whittington, soup company heiress who has it all. Until her dad loses the company and Bella walks in on her fiance in an intimate position with her best friend. Bella’s life is thrown upside down, and soon she finds herself living in a dingy flat and in need of a job. A nearby soup kitchen seems to be the perfect place for her, and she’s desperate to get it. And not because of the handsome owner. A small lie about her last name gets her the job, and soon she’s living a life that she’d never have even imagined for herself before.

I’ll start by talking about our heroine. Bella is a little spoilt and judgmental, as you’d expect from a rich girl who has always been given what she wanted. But straight from the off, she’s always willing to try. Her original job within her family’s company was something she loved and worked for, and the soup kitchen helper gig becomes that too. She has no clue how to really look after herself and no clue what it’s like to be poor, but her heart is in mostly the right place.

I’m not sure why she quit her job at the family company. Really, she needed the money, and it wasn’t the smartest decision. I get why she did it. They went against her father, and she’d been humiliated too. But really, her dad was losing some of his money, so why would she quit too? On top of that, when she got the soup kitchen job she knew that Dan was struggling to get support from the food companies…why didn’t she help with that? Even if she was hiding who she was, she’d worked in PR. She might have a clue who to contact within the companies or at least an idea how to phrase the requests so they’d get somewhere. But nothing like that happened. It didn’t make much sense, but it didn’t stop me from liking her.

The romance was pretty cute. Dan was a good guy, and the fact he’s supposed to look like a rougher Rege-Jean Page…well…I’d have fancied him myself. Dan is obviously a good guy. He wants to help the poor and homeless, and that was wonderful. He also has an adorable dog, Herbie, who was precious. I love adorable pet inclusions, and I just want to give him a big cuddle.

When it comes to drama, there was a fair bit. Something happens to the soup kitchen, and Dan, Bella and co have to try and fix things. Obviously, the problems are connected to Whittingtons, and Bella’s identity causes a lot of problems. She helps solve things, and it’s a happy ending.

I enjoyed this book, but I don’t think there was anything particularly special about it. I got through it really quickly, and I’d definitely recommend it to chick-lit and romance fans. It’s just one that isn’t particularly memorable.

Bella is broke and is introduced to real life in Liverpool. She meets new friends and gets a new job working in a soup kitchen - although she thinks she is a soup expert she doesn't get off to the best start.
Will she ever be able to admit to Dan who she really is and what will he do when he finds out?

A great read - and great to read a book set in Liverpool

If you are a Schitt’s Creek fan, you will love this book. It follows multimillion dollar (pound) soup heiress Bella’s fall from grace as she navigates her new life after her fumbling a PR situation, losing her family business, her fiancé cheating on her and being forced to move out of her home while her parents moved to France(all in the same week).
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I adored Bella and the Whittington family. Her mother had me cracking up and reminded me so much of Moira Rose (queue the wigs and designer sunglasses). Owen-Jones had a way of poking fun at the top 1% yet made it relatable and endearing at the same time.
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This was such a fun and different read. It had its grumpy and sunshine moments although I would call this more contemporary fiction than a romance which makes it safe to recommend to anyone and everyone 😂. I really enjoyed watching Bella’s character growth and seeing her views and relationships with others throughout the novel.
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If you are looking for a quick light-hearted read, I highly recommend Stone Broke Heiress 👑

I imagined so many character in this novel as characters from Schitt’s Creek (the mother could be the perfect twin of Moira! ) This is honestly the perfect quirky, from riches to rags romance!

It’s lightweight but full of detail, each character has been very thought out and each have their own importance to the story, it flows beautifully! Bella has some amazing character growth which we love to see!

I also love how quirky it is! A book centred around soup! Of all things! But it shows how soup can help so many in need

For a debut author this really is a hit and I would definitely read more from Danielle in the future

It’s an addictive read, I couldn’t put it down! Perfect if you’re looking for something to read on holiday, a rainy day, a summers day or just want to escape reality for a bit

''I was learning that you could never predict what life had in store for you, no matter how much you planned.''

– BELLA WHITTINGTON, STONE BROKE HEIRESS

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️3/5

Finished The Book

Genre: Romance, General Fiction (Adult)

Trigger Warnings: Talks of alcohol and drugs

Summary: SBH follows Bella Whittington, heiress to the multimillion-pound soup empire – Whittington Soup. She had it all – the luxury spa days, the expensive designer bags, and the perfect fiancé – until everything came crushing down.

We have a main character that went from not wanting to set foot into a hotel that was below 5 stars, to dumpster diving in Armani jeans, a grandma that lives in purple, and a handsome Dan working at a soup kitchen, trying to help the surrounding community. What more do one need for the perfect beach read?

Bella is an interesting, fairly enjoyable, character. Even though she was spoilt, she still strived to work for the things she wanted, and I loved that she continued to use this trait when she began her new life. Yes, she did not know how to clean, and she basically forgot how to make soup when she was doing her trial at Dan’s Soup Kitchen, but she did not sulk, and give up. No, she went to her new home, and attempted to make another pot of soup (her third pot that day), which shows determination. She could have given up, and left to her parents, but she sticked around. That’s admirable.

I do not really have much to say about the other characters except that they were likeable and not at all annoying.

The reason why I knocked off two stars:

Too much tell and not enough show:
This made it difficult to connect deeper with the book, because things were almost always described at a surface level. Okay, Bella is sad, she has tears running down her cheeks, but I want something more. Show me how badly she’s being affected.

The lack of chemistry between the characters:
Because the author did a lot of telling, the chemistry between characters felt a bit lacklustre. I want to know how a character is making you feel. Yes, your heart is racing, but what else? I just wanted a little more.

Other than that, the book was fun and comedic. If you are looking for something that will give you cozy, Hallmark movie vibes, then Stone Broke Heiress is the one for you. Not too overly dramatic, light-hearted, easy to read, and enjoyable.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this ARC in return for a review.

Until Next Time, Ariel ❤

This is my first time reading something by this author and I can tell you it won't be my last. I absolutely loved this book! It is a sweet, lighthearted, and witty romance that captured my attention from the start and just drew me in. The book was definitely giving off Hallmark movie vibes! The characters were well-developed and endearing and you can't help but fall in love with them. One day Bella is the heiress to a soup empire and the next she has lost everything. Dan is the owner of a local soup kitchen and is the inspiration she needs to get her life back on track. I really got drawn into Bella's story and her journey of self discovery and couldn't wait to see how it ended. Although this was a romance with quite a good bit of comedy, it was also about picking yourself back up when it seems all is lost. A feel-good, inspirational story that was charming and entertaining and I enjoyed it all the way through. Wonderful characters and an engaging storyline will keep you captivated till the end. You will finish the book with a warm feeling in your heart and a smile on your face. This is a lovely story and I'm happy to recommend!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I laughed out loud through this whole book. Couldn't put it down from start to finish it was such a fun story

Bella's life is turned upside down when her family loses ownership of their generation old soup family business, and her engagement falls apart...all in the same day.

This was a heartwarming, hilarious, quick read. I loved seeing Bella's journey as she becomes more aware of her privilege and the lavish, fortunate life she's lead.. as well as her efforts to adjust to broke life 😌.

One of my favourite moments was when she's figuring out how to use public transport..it reminded me of the stress of using the London underground for the first time 🙈 I also cracked up at her using too much turmeric in a face mask because I've done that too 😂 Is it bad when you can relate to the idiotic moments of the MC?

If you're looking for a light pick- me-up this is a perfect break. It's 'Material Girls' vibes..but also a mix of 'Last Christmas' the recent Emilia Clarke movie?

Thank you netgalley and Dannielle Owen-Jones for letting me read this eARC! I'm really looking forward to her next book which is coming out this summer!

“The contents of my makeup bag were rolling around on the kitchen floor as I desperately tried to track down my favourite Bobbi Brown eyeliner. Recent events have taught me that eyeliners were like men; good ones, the ones with staying power, were rare. And the bad ones left a smudgy, tear-stained mess.”

Arabella Allegra Whittington better known as Bella is an heiress to a soup empire worth millions. She is living the perfect life; recently engaged with a HUGE rock and getting to use daddy’s credit card anytime her heart desires - has never lived in a world that doesn’t revolve around Chanel and Cartier.

When her father loses the family business - Bella’s life is turned upside down. Her fiancé is cheating on her with her best friend, and she is now forced to work in order to support herself. What?! A job?! A travesty!!!!

Living a less that 2 star apartment, Bella realizes she must pull up her La Perla panties and get a job - fast.

Dan, is a grumpy tattooed owner of a soup kitchen that not only feeds the local community but also the homeless in the area. (Did I mention he looks like Rege Jean Page?!?!) SWOON!

Dan despises the Whittington family, so Bella tells a itty bitty lie about her last name and what brought her to this side of Liverpool.

Bella’s ex comes back in the picture, ready to right all his wrongs and give Bella the life of luxury that she is accustomed to - but is Bella TRULY ready to trade Balenciaga for bananas?

This was the CUTEST debut novel!!!!!! There was SO much GOOD done throughout this book and the moral of story was one that we all tend to forget sometimes.

You never know what someone is going though, emotionally, financially, or mentally. Kindness will ALWAYS prevail.

Simone Says Read This if you enjoy:

*grumpy/sunshine troupes
*Schitt’s Creek
*a sweet, heartwarming story with an important moral to the story

Funny, light-hearted and really easy to read. With a great storyline, original and a great cast of characters. Really enjoyable.

"Stone Broke Heiress" has big Legally Blonde vibes and I'm here for it. The whole time I was thinking how much I'd love a film or short series based on the book.

Bella is the heiress to a big soup company, she has everything all the money, designer clothes, an also rich and handsome fiancé until she loses everything and has to learn how to use public transport and live in a flat the size of her whole former bathroom.

Although the story is predictable and I'm not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope it was a really entertaining read and I loved the characters. Elsie is the sweetest and our Bella def needed someone to root for her when she was starting her new life. I really liked Bellas' development and it was satisfying to see her grow into herself. The love interest, Dan, seems grumpy in the beginning but it's actually a cinnamon roll.

The book is funny and a lighthearted read, if you're looking for a cute heartwarming story I'd def recommend!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy for review.

⭐: ☆☆☆☆ / 5
👩🏻‍💻 Author: @danniowenjonesauthor
📃 # Pages: 304
🗓 Pub Date: 21st March 2022

I really enjoyed reading this book! It started a little slow for me but once the story started going downhill for MC it started getting really good😅

This book mainly follows Bella Whittington and how she goes from a rich heiress to losing everything she has ever known and ends up living an 'ordinary' life. Bella realises all the things she never had to think twice about due to her wealth. I really enjoy reading about a characters growth through the story and that is very evident in the novel.

SBH also focuses on animal cruelty, veganism and homelessness but it isn't really drawn out and kind of just seamlessly fits in through the book.

*It does include traces of cheating and a love triangle but it is very short lived.*

Overall I think you'd really enjoy this book if you love romcoms, riches to rags, a dog who plays a pretty big role in the story, strangers / enemies (kinda) to lovers!

I'd love to know what your thoughts are on this book💛

**** A special thank you to @netgalley @bookouture and @danniowenjonesauthor for providing me with a copy of this ARC in exchange for my review 🥰

You had me at for dans of Schitt’s Creek. The rags to riches storyline was well done and entertaining. This hilarious romcom is worth your time. If you’re looking for your next feel-good read, this is it.

This book was delightful. In the first half I felt so much for Bella. But above all she was a fighter. Everything she knew crumpled around her and she still didn’t loose hope or stop fighting. I just wanted to hug her.
When she started to slowly build her career and life once more I was simultaneously rooting and cheering for her. But then at one point I got so mad at her for some of her decisions. She was rather naive at that moment. But later she realised her mistakes and righted it and save the day.
She truly was selfless, egoless and sweet.
I would say this Bella’s story of self discovery and growth.
Hero Dan was wonderful. I liked him but the romance angle was a little weak and felt more like YA.
Loved the colourful bunch of secondary characters. And I’m glad the villain got their comeuppance.

4.5 ⭐

This was so so cute!! I absolutely loved the whole premise of the story. From Riches to Rags, is a trope I really like and this one was done so beautifully.

Arabella was so sassy, so good and her self discovery journey was so great so read. Dan was a sweetheart and don't get me started on Herbie. He was SO SO CUTE!! aaahh!!!

The romance and whole story and writing was so so good!! I can't wait to read more from the author 😍😍❤️❤️

"When Life gives you lemons, make lemonade."
This book reminded me of this quote.
The book follows Bella Whittington, who was leading a luxurious posh. Until one day, everything comes crashing down. She is jobless and forced to move to a poor neighbourhood. She doesn't even know to do the basic routines. So at first, she had a hard time adjusting to this life. Slowly, slowly she comes to terms with it. Dan, at first I felt as if he is a tough guy. Towards the ending, I realised that underneath all that layers was sweetness. Character formation was good whereas I was not a huge fan of the plot formation. I felt as it's just a simple rom-com book, was neither interesting nor good. I felt as if it was an okay/ time-pass read. The story didn't hold any so interesting for me. The writing was simple and easy to understand.

I thought this was a cute story. I liked that Arabella goes from having everything to having nothing. It gave her character a great amount of growth and I enjoyed the journey for her! I liked the romance plot as well!

Thank you netgalley and publisher for the ARC, all thoughts are my own.

This book was an epitome of entertainment! Every single page screams fun, laughter and joy, and couldn't be more swooned.
The plot was so interesting to begin with that i so much fun reading it.

Definitely recommend it.

There was just something about the blurb of this inverted rags to riches story that caught my attention immediately, and I knew straight away that I HAD to add Stone Broke Heiress to my list. The promise of a fun romcom had me very excited to finally pick up this title, and I'm happy to say that I ended up having a great time with it. While there are some heavier moments I didn't expect and some elements I never enjoy (cheating/love triangle), as a whole Stone Broke Heiress turned out to be a more than solid and hilarious debut.

The main focus is on Bella Whittington and how she goes from a millionaire heiress of a soup empire to being almost completely broke and jobless. While it took me some time to warm up to her, once things started going south for her everything improved drastically storywise. Talk about irony! Having Bella suddenly having to experience 'ordinary' life and her having no clue for example how to clean or use public transport results in some very hilarious situations... It is this riches to rags element that results in the majority of the humor of this story. That said, I also really liked the development and growth of Bella's character as a whole. The rest of the cast is great too, and I always love it when a dog plays such a big role in a story.

It isn't all roses and sunshine in Stone Broke Heiress, as there is also a focus on animal cruelty, activism, veganism, homelessness and addiction among other things. These elements are well balanced with lighter and fun moments, so as a whole this story can still be considered an uplifting read. I do have to warn that Stone Broke Heiress also includes a cheating/love triangle element; a major pet peeve and something I never enjoy... Thankfully, there were a lot of other things to distract you from it though.

The writing itself makes it really easy to keep turning those pages, and as a whole there is no doubt that this is a very engaging, fun and entertaining romcom. Stone Broke Heiress mixes more serious topics with lighter moments, and the romance itself is great too. All in all definitely recommended if you enjoy the genre.

The character Francis made my skin crawl and he was such a leech. Dan is a bit misunderstood but I like him from the start.

All the way through you keep shouting at Arabella to share who she really is.

Not only is this quite an amusing book if also discusses some hard hitting subjects like homelessness and the importance of soup kitchens and what some people will do to support them, dumpster diving etc.

I would recommend this eye opener of a book to anyone.