Published by Harper Collins
Dec 27, 2016 | Young Adult Fiction
Hardcover: ISBN 9780062428325
Paperback: ISBN 9780062428332
The Secret of A Heart Note
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.
Kirkus Reviews
“…this contemporary fantasy is charming and likely to resonate with readers who gravitate toward romance or mother-daughter stories.”
Publisher's Weekly
“Lee (Outrun the Moon) introduces a cast of memorable characters while tracing the external and internal conflicts of an engaging heroine”
Voice of Youth Advocates
“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.”
Booklist
“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.”
teenreads
“Lee has proven…that not every heroine needs to be fighting a national revolution to be in battle and not every problem involves an evil maniac. Sometimes the best stories are character v. self….”
USA Today, Happily Ever After blog
“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!”
The Bulletin Of The Center For Children's Books
“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.”
Media Mentions & Blog Reviews
Epic Author Facts
Epic Reads gets to know Stacey Lee, author of The Secret Of A Heart Note, as she tells us about her previous jobs, her experience at Seventeen magazine, and her surfing wipe out story!
Would You Rather
Have you ever wondered if your favorite author would rather be really sweaty in front of an audience or be really itchy? Epic Reads plays a game of Would You Rather! with Stacey.