Fiona and the Forgotten Piano by Kate DeMaio
One of the things I enjoy most about BBNYA is discovering indie books I might never have found on my own. The competition features hundreds of entries, making every finalist placement a significant achievement.
🏆 2025 BBNYA WINNER
Selected from hundreds of independently published novels by an international panel of book bloggers and reviewers.
Some stories invite readers into magical worlds while quietly reminding us that courage, friendship, and music can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. Fiona and the Forgotten Piano, winner of the 2025 Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA), blends contemporary fantasy with heartwarming adventure as one young girl discovers that the melodies hidden within a mysterious forest may hold the key to an unforgettable journey.
About Fiona and the Forgotten Piano by Kate DeMaio
Before stepping into Fiona's magical world, here's a quick look at what this award-winning adventure has to offer.
Fiona and the Forgotten Piano By Kate DeMaio
on January 2025
Genres: Contemporary Fantasy
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 247
Eleven-year-old Fiona isn’t allowed in the Fermata woods. And though its unique trees are fascinating, Fiona has no problem following her mother’s rules. That is until the trees begin to sing.
Suddenly, it feels as though long forgotten memories are being unlocked in Fiona’s mind. As she nears the woods edge, the trees fall silent, so silent even the leaves stop rustling.
Fiona will finally break the rules and venture into the woods. She’ll soon find herself traveling through portals to undiscovered worlds.
And she’ll have to trust her instincts and her quirky new friends to bring back the music or she may get lost within its notes.
Reader resources:
Curious to learn more or see how this story is resonating with other readers?
Reader Snapshot
| Genre | Middle-Grade Fantasy |
| Setting | A mysterious forest where music and magic intertwine |
| Length | 247 pages |
| Content Rating | G - Suitable for middle-grade readers with gentle fantasy adventure and mild moments of suspense. |
| Ideal Reader | Readers ages 8-12 who enjoy magical adventures, imaginative worlds, music-themed stories, and heartfelt coming-of-age journeys. |
Quick Take: An award-winning middle-grade fantasy where music, courage, and imagination unlock an unforgettable adventure.
Content Considerations: Gentle fantasy peril, brief moments of suspense, and themes of courage, self-discovery, and friendship. Appropriate for most middle-grade readers.
Why Readers May Enjoy This Book
Fiona and the Forgotten Piano combines the wonder of classic children's fantasy with a contemporary voice, inviting readers into a world where music is more than art-it is the doorway to magic. As Fiona ventures into an enchanted forest filled with mystery and discovery, young readers are encouraged to embrace curiosity, courage, and the unexpected.
Winner of the 2025 Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA), this imaginative adventure offers a blend of whimsical world-building, heartfelt storytelling, and memorable characters. Readers who enjoy imaginative fantasy, memorable friendships, and stories filled with wonder may find much to love here.
Before we move on, here's a quick look at the author behind the story.
Meet Kate DeMaio
About Kate DeMaio
Kate DeMaio grew up in Salem, Massachusetts, surrounded by ghost stories and witch tales.
As a microbiologist, she studies the tiny worlds of bacteria, viruses, and antibodies. As a writer, she creates magical worlds of her own.
Kate now lives just outside of Boston with her husband, son, dog, and cat.
Explore more from the author:
Website | Amazon | Goodreads
Where to Buy
If Fiona and the Forgotten Piano sounds like your kind of read, you can explore purchase options below.
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Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook
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About BBNYA
The Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is a yearly competition where book bloggers from around the world read and score books written by indie authors. From hundreds of submissions, a small group of finalists is selected, culminating in one overall winner.
The award celebrates the creativity and diversity of independent publishing while helping readers discover incredible books beyond the traditional publishing spotlight.
BBNYA Website
@BBNYA_Official
@The_WriteReads
More BBNYA 2025 Spotlights & Reviews
Explore more of my BBNYA 2025 reviews and spotlights.
Closing Notes
Thank you to The Write Reads, BBNYA, and Kate DeMaio for allowing me to spotlight the 2025 BBNYA Winner today.
If this story sounds like one you'd enjoy, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. And if you know a young reader who loves magical adventures, please consider sharing this post with them.
Happy reading-and thank you for supporting indie authors and stories worth discovering.
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