Title: The Secret of a Heart Note
Author: Stacey Lee
First published December 27, 2016
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.84
Overview
The Secret of a Heart Note by Stacey Lee is a captivating novel about a teenage girl with an extraordinary talent. Mimosa, one of the two remaining aroma experts in the world, has a unique sense of smell that she uses to create perfumes that help others fall in love.
However, she remains alone, guarded, and determined to protect her heart at all costs. Mimosa has always known that falling in love would mean losing her gift, but a chance encounter with the school soccer star changes everything.
When she mistakenly gives an elixir to the wrong woman, Mim finds herself relying on the boy to help fix the situation. As she navigates the complexities of love and friendship, Mimosa discovers that sometimes, even the most guarded hearts can open up to love.
With a perfect blend of romance, humor, and hope, The Secret of a Heart Note is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that reminds us that love can be found in unexpected places.
About the Author
Stacey Lee is a successful author whose young adult books, both historical and contemporary, have been recognized by the New York Times and Indie bestseller lists. Her latest book, LUCK OF THE TITANIC, has even received five starred reviews.
As a fourth-generation Chinese American from southern California, she is passionate about diversity and founded the We Need Diverse Books movement. Stacey writes stories that appeal to all kids, regardless of their age or appearance.
You can find her on social media at @staceyleeauthor on Instagram and Twitter, and @staceylee.author on Facebook.
Editoral Review
Stacey Lee’s “The Secret of a Heart Note” is a charming and unique addition to the young adult genre. The novel, first published on December 27, 2016, explores themes of love, identity, and self-discovery through the perspective of Mimosa, a sixteen-year-old girl who comes from a long line of aromateurs, a group of people with heightened senses of smell who create unique scents for customers.
Lee’s writing style is crisp and engaging, with vivid descriptions that capture the essence of each scent and the emotions they evoke.
Set in present-day California, “The Secret of a Heart Note” follows Mimosa as she navigates high school, trying to keep her secret identity as an aromateur hidden from her classmates. Mimosa’s world is turned upside down when she meets Court, a new student who is immune to scents, and she begins to question everything she thought she knew about her abilities and her place in the world.
As Mimosa helps Court find the perfect scent to win over a girl he likes, she discovers her own feelings for him and must grapple with the consequences of breaking the strict rules of her profession.
One of the strengths of “The Secret of a Heart Note” is the development of its main characters. Mimosa is a relatable and likable protagonist, struggling with the pressures of her family’s expectations and her own desires for a normal teenage life.
Court is a complex and layered character, whose immunity to scents adds an intriguing twist to the story. Lee’s portrayal of their relationship is nuanced and realistic, avoiding clichés and melodrama.
The novel also has cultural significance, as Lee incorporates elements of Chinese mythology and folklore into the story. Mimosa’s heritage is an important part of her identity, and the novel explores the tension between tradition and modernity.
Lee also touches on issues of class and privilege, as Mimosa’s ability to create custom scents is a luxury that not everyone can afford.
However, the pacing of the novel can be slow at times, with the focus on the creation of scents sometimes overshadowing the plot. The climax of the story also feels rushed and could have been given more time to develop.
Overall, “The Secret of a Heart Note” is a delightful and whimsical read that will appeal to fans of young adult romance and fantasy. Lee’s unique concept and vivid writing make this novel stand out in a crowded genre.
It is recommended for readers who enjoy stories about self-discovery, love, and the power of scent.
Rating: 4/5
