Honeywine Forest

by Aiyana DeNoyelles

"THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY meets ÉTOILE in this fairytale-like novella."

Heva Monroe’s destiny was written in the stars, she would be a world famous ballerina, at least that’s what her mother always said. The stage, performance, aching muscles–it’s all she’s ever known from the age of three. Tragically, a life-altering accident steals her ability to dance and Heva’s whole world is shattered. Without ballet, she has nothing.

Now, Heva is living in Foxhollow, a town she’s grown to hate, with her good-for-nothing boyfriend, and no friends of her own. So, late one night when she stumbles upon a cottage in the woods belonging to a witch, Beatrice, she'd be foolish to refuse an opportunity to fix everything wrong in her life.

Heva impulsively follows Beatrice's instructions to Honeywine Forest where a colony of fae is said to reside willing to help travelers for a price. Heva decides to seek them out with hope to bargain for her desired future. She would give anything to live the life she was meant for.

Will Heva’s pointes hit the grand stage once again or does destiny have something else in store?

Content warnings (minor-mild): Alcoholism, racist allusion, weight insecurity, injury, depression, abandonment by a parent, emotional abuse, toxic friendships/relationship.

181 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2026

About the author

Aiyana DeNoyelles is an author and artist from New York. Aiyana has an AAS and is two semesters from a BS that may forever remain unfinished. Their one constant passion has always been to create. Aiyana is the host of a soon to be snail mail club, Reverie and Lore. Through writing, Aiyana's goal is to provide a sense of solace to others as reading has done for them. Their stories will often feature chronic illness, mental health, and queer themes.

Reviews

[James Oursso]

I was given the opportunity to be an advanced reader for this book, and I will say, as someone who absolutely loves to read, I am yet to find a book that instantly took my attention, but Honeywine Forest is a book that does just that. it is beautifully written, the main character is such a relatable character any reader can see as themselves, this book put me in a trance, I didn't want to put it down until I finished it. This book is a definite must read for anyone, and it is a very easy read for people that struggle to read. This is a book I will definitely read many more times.

[Liv]

This is my first read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. This book isn’t something I would normally pick up, as the premise of a dancer isn’t something I find myself interested in- but I do enjoy magical elements and follow the author on tiktok and was given the option to help beta read. That being said, my review fully reflects my personal opinions after completing the book.

This was a quick read, probably under 3 hours. This story felt full and complete at this length, but could easily have the bones to become a full length and in depth story (not that that’s necessary). The overall structure of the story felt complete, something that shorter novels often lack- there’s mostly bones and no meat, which this story gives you.

As a reader I enjoy that the main character is a POC, and there is also slight LGBTQIA+ representation (although it’s not a driver of the story). The author tackles difficult topics such as alcoholism, rocky romantic relationships and friendships, and what it’s like to navigate not being where you thought you would be as an adult.

I found myself loathing the main characters boyfriend and friends, as was intended. I was given hope with certain interactions of characters who seemed kinder to the main character and I found myself cheering and even shedding some tears at different parts of the book. I won’t spoil those for anyone though.

The magical elements of the story are subtle. If you’re someone who struggles with high fantasy and enjoys something mild and easier- this is a good fit. The magic isn’t in your face and is rather grounded in reality which is refreshing.

If you enjoy coming of age stories, but in an adult perspective this book would be a great choice.

I’m excited to check out other works by this author in the future.

[Siren Bard]

I loved this book! It is not a long read so if you are needing something magical, sassy, and with a feel good ending, this is the book for you.
You follow the character Heva, a former ballerina who fell(figuratively and literally) on some rough times. In a drunken adventure after a fall out with her no good boyfriend Brandon and his friends, she comes across Beatrice, an unusual lady living out in the woods who sends her on an adventure of discovery into the Honeywine Forest, a place rumored to be inhabited by Fairies who grant wishes.

“Anything can be magic if you’re a witch.”

A story of second chances, realized destiny, a young woman coming into the life she was meant to lead and add in a rabbit that I still think is magical and you have 19 chapters of amazing storytelling, delightful prose, and a story you can read again and again(I have) that will have you finding something new with each read through.

[Aiyana DeNoyelles]

As the author, I love this story deeply and completely, but not just because I wrote it. This story, while it can feel magical, is steeped in a very real messaging I don't think we often hear. From childhood we're told to dream big, but too often not what to do when those dreams don't work out. I hope Heva’s journey can allow those who may have let go of their dreams to grasp on to them again and redefine what accomplishment might look like.

☆Happy reading and thank you for picking up this book☆

[August Rose]

Mystical, magical, intriguing journey. Loved going into the Honeywine Forest with Heva 🫶