The Secret of a Heart Note

Description

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Downstairs Girl, Stacey Lee, an evocative novel about a teen aroma expert who uses her extrasensitive sense of smell to help others fall in love-while protecting her own heart at all costs. Perfect for fans of When Dimple Met Rishi and I'll Be the One and now in paperback. Sometimes love is right under your nose. As one of only two aromateurs left on the planet, sixteen-year-old Mimosa knows what her future holds: a lifetime of weeding, mixing love elixirs, and matchmaking-all while remaining incurably alone. For Mim, the rules are clear: falling in love would render her nose useless, taking away her one great talent. Still, Mimosa doesn't want to spend her life elbow-deep in soil and begonias. She dreams of a normal high school experience with friends, sports practices, debate club, and even a boyfriend. But when she accidentally gives an elixir to the wrong woman and has to rely on the lovesick woman's son, the school soccer star, to help fix the situation, Mim quickly begins to realize that falling in love isn't always a choice you can make. At once hopeful, funny, and romantic, Stacey Lee's The Secret of a Heart Note is a richly evocative coming-of-age story that gives a fresh perspective on falling in love and finding one's place in the world.

Stacey Lee is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of historical and contemporary young adult fiction, including The Downstairs Girl, a Reese's Book Club Late Summer 2021 YA pick, and her most recent novel, Luck of the Titanic, which received five starred reviews. A native of southern California and fourth-generation Chinese American, she is a founder of the We Need Diverse Books movement and writes stories for all kids (even the ones who look like adults). Stacey loves board games, has perfect pitch, and through some mutant gene, can smell musical notes through her nose.

"Like the most enchanting perfume, this smart, sweet, and romantic story will turn your head and bewitch your heart." - Laura Ruby, Printz Award-winning author of Bone Gap "A heartfelt and magical romance that will keep you under its spell." - Sarah Mlynowski, New York Times bestselling author "This imaginative and sweet coming-of-age tale is infused with the magic of first love." - Kirkus Reviews "In this tantalizing book of contrasts-science and magic, ancient tradition and contemporary life, and seclusion and exploration, among them-Lee (Outrun the Moon) introduces a cast of memorable characters while tracing the external and internal conflicts of an engaging heroine." - Publishers Weekly "Lee takes a typical first-crush, coming-of-age tale and adds a touch of magic to it. Mim navigates a twisty path of emotions, and her journey rings true as she uncovers the truth about her family and falling in love." - Booklist "This contemporary fantasy takes on all the best attributes of a fairy tale, one set in modern California culture and populated with many diverse characters who are refreshing and well drawn. Give this to readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories featuring romance and magic." - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) "Mim and Court's connection is well developed, particularly in in its heart-fluttery, blush-inducing innocence, while their complicated relationships with their respective mothers add a bit of depth to the froth. Romance lovers will delight in this perky bouquet of romance and heart." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Steeped in teen-angst-driven misunderstandings, the exciting discovery of mutual attraction and the draw of the forbidden, THE SECRET OF A HEART NOTE imparts a deeply romantic warmth with light notes of humor and has the lovely tenderness of coming-into-your-own at its heart. Highly recommended!" - USA Today, Happily Ever After blog