Stacey Lee Books

From the critically-acclaimed author of Under a Painted Sky and Outrun the Moon a powerful novel about identity, betrayal, and the meaning of family.

From critically acclaimed author 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 Lauren Myracle and E. Lockhart. 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.

The story follows Winston Chu, who unexpectedly becomes a hero when he saves a curiosities shop owner from a robbery. His reward, a broomstick and dustpan, quickly reveal their dark side as they sweep away significant things, including his baby sister. This twist transforms what seemed like a simple act of bravery into a challenging adventure filled with magical consequences, leading Winston on a quest to reclaim what has been lost.

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Downstairs Girl comes the richly imagined story of Valora and Jamie Luck, twin British-Chinese acrobats traveling aboard the Titanic on its ill-fated maiden voyage. Valora Luck has two things: a ticket for the biggest and most luxurious ocean liner in the world, and a dream of leaving England behind and making a life for herself as a circus performer in New York. Much to her surprise though, she's turned away at the gangway; apparently, Chinese aren't allowed into America. But Val has to get on that ship. Her twin brother Jamie, who has spent two long years at sea, is there, as is an influential circus owner, whom Val hopes to audition for. Thankfully, there's not much a trained acrobat like Val can't overcome when she puts her mind to it. As a stowaway, Val should keep her head down and stay out of sight. But the clock is ticking and she has just seven days as the ship makes its way across the Atlantic to find Jamie, perform for the circus owner, and convince him to help get them both into America. Then one night the unthinkable happens, and suddenly Val's dreams of a new life are crushed under the weight of the only thing that matters: survival.

Set in 1930s Los Angeles Chinatown, the story follows the Chow sisters—May, Gemma, and Peony—as they investigate the mysterious death of local star Lulu Wong. Their quest for justice uncovers a conspiracy that endangers their community, blending elements of mystery and social commentary while highlighting the sisters' determination and resilience in the face of danger.

In a whimsical San Francisco, adults lose their identities as exotic birds mysteriously appear. Twelve-year-old Winston Chu and his friends embark on an adventurous investigation, confronting the enigmatic Mr. Gu, the older brother of a magpie transformed into a human. Their quest intertwines themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the magic of the unexpected in a vibrant urban setting.