VOICES WITHIN
Bella: Beyond the Bark

by Lana Stasek

Narrated by: Megan Tusing

Production by: Stasek Publishing, Lana Stasek

Through Bella’s Eyes!

Bella spent eight years surviving—living in crates, on streets, and in places that were never truly home. Then, for 1,861 days, she finally had a life that belonged to her.

Inspired by the true story of the author’s rescued beagle and set against the real Illinois shelter Orphans of the Storm, the story is told entirely through Bella’s perspective. Observant, instinctive, and sometimes sarcastic, Bella sees the kindness, cruelty, and contradictions in people that they often fail to recognize in themselves.

More than a story about a rescued dog, this is a moving exploration of what it means to be overlooked, finally seen, loved, and remembered—and a reminder that the soul has no breed.

The author, Lana Stasek, delivers a moving, straightforward, and immersive story that is clearly grounded in real-life experiences. Writing from Bella’s perspective is handled skillfully, giving her a distinctive voice while allowing the story to explore human behavior through a different lens. The author balances emotional moments with Bella’s observations without making the story difficult to follow or overly sentimental. The pacing is smooth and natural, while the descriptions provide enough detail to create vivid scenes without slowing the story.

Character development is also handled well, with each character given enough depth and individuality to make their interactions with Bella meaningful. The author effectively uses Bella’s experiences to demonstrate the lasting effects of both kindness and mistreatment rather than simply telling the listener how to feel about them. Whether intended or not, the story encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationships with pets and their actions and responsibilities toward animals. It is an emotional and thought-provoking listen, particularly for anyone considering rescuing a pet.

The narrator, Megan Tusing, delivers a clear, smooth, and impactful performance. Rather than relying on overt emotion, she allows the story and Bella’s experiences to create the emotional response in the listener. Her cadence shifts naturally to emphasize the circumstances and weight of particular moments, while subtle tonal inflections add depth without overpowering the narrative. Her restrained approach feels especially appropriate for Bella, giving her a believable and distinctive voice that draws the listener in and keeps them fully immersed. Hearing Bella’s thoughts performed rather than simply read makes the character feel more present and the story considerably more engaging. The narrator’s ability to convey so much through subtle changes in pacing, tone, and delivery makes her performance particularly effective.

Together, Stasek and Tusing create an experience that stays with the listener beyond Bella’s story. It is difficult to listen without thinking about the animals that have shared our own lives—their trust, their dependence on us, and the ways our actions may have affected them. Bella’s story is sometimes painful, sometimes touching, and occasionally humorous, but above all, it is a powerful reminder of what can happen when an animal that has spent years being overlooked is finally given the chance to belong. For anyone who has loved, lost, or considered rescuing an animal, this is a story worth hearing.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-biased, honest review.