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lucythebuller13's review against another edition
5.0
My heart is about to explode. You know that feeling you get when you're happy--really happy? Your throat knots up, your chest constricts, and it's like floating on whimsy. Reading this book felt like that. It's the sort of magical realism I love, the sort that doesn't leave you broken or destroyed, but the one that means something absolutely beautiful.
Oh my word, guys. Where do I even start here? The writing was gorgeous, like eating whipped cream. Fluffy and sweet and creamy and light. This book felt like a fairytale. I loved how everything was so vivid, because we not only got to imagine what Mim felt and saw, we got to see imagine what she smelled. It was like being immersed in a whole new world.
The romance was sweet and slow and wonderful. As it developed it didn't feel cheesy or cliche, just... wonderful.
The charactersssss. Omw people the characters. Everyone was so vivid on the page, partially because of how we got to see them, but also because they were crafted skillfully and carefully.
While the plot isn't the most important part about this novel, it was still very well done, but simple. I appreciated that, because these days authors are asking how they can complicate things more and more when sometimes you just need a simple boy-meets-girl story. A palate cleanser, so to speak.
I loved how Mim and her mother were witches, but they still felt inherently human, not like some otherworldly beings. It was super refreshing.
CONTENT GUIDE -
Initimacy - mild kissing, maybe innuendos
Drugs/drinking - none that I remember
Cursing - not a ton, maybe a few instances of sh**
Violence - none
Oh my word, guys. Where do I even start here? The writing was gorgeous, like eating whipped cream. Fluffy and sweet and creamy and light. This book felt like a fairytale. I loved how everything was so vivid, because we not only got to imagine what Mim felt and saw, we got to see imagine what she smelled. It was like being immersed in a whole new world.
The romance was sweet and slow and wonderful. As it developed it didn't feel cheesy or cliche, just... wonderful.
The charactersssss. Omw people the characters. Everyone was so vivid on the page, partially because of how we got to see them, but also because they were crafted skillfully and carefully.
While the plot isn't the most important part about this novel, it was still very well done, but simple. I appreciated that, because these days authors are asking how they can complicate things more and more when sometimes you just need a simple boy-meets-girl story. A palate cleanser, so to speak.
I loved how Mim and her mother were witches, but they still felt inherently human, not like some otherworldly beings. It was super refreshing.
CONTENT GUIDE -
Initimacy - mild kissing, maybe innuendos
Drugs/drinking - none that I remember
Cursing - not a ton, maybe a few instances of sh**
Violence - none
moonstrucksue's review against another edition
5.0
The Secret of a Heart Note is everything I wanted in a book. It’s the perfect read for To All the Boys I’ve Loved You fans.
It’s incredibly difficult to find a light book about people of color, where we experience racism, but it’s not the entire plot of the novel. I’m not discrediting stories that feature our struggles, but sometimes you just want to unwind, and read something that doesn’t show the hard truths of our lives. That’s rightfully justified. Reading stories with characters of color and seeing them fall in love, be happy, be successful are such a beautiful experience. It’s a protest to this publishing industry that continues to support harmful books. I want a variety of representation, most especially uplifting stories. The Secret of a Heart Note perfectly captured the essence that I’m looking for.
The story follows Mimosa, who is one of the two remaining aromateurs in this world. Aromatuers have an impressive sense of smell that they use to create elixirs for the betterment of society. Their livelihood aims to help people open their eyes to the possibility of love. But like most traditional families, they have a filial duty, and rules to abide. Aromateurs are forbidden to fall in love, for it would rob them of their ability of smell.
When Mimosa grabbed the chance to attend a regular high school, she finds herself getting in tangled in a web of precarious situations. She accidentally gave an elixir to a heartbroken mother, who happened to be the mother of the school’s soccer star, who might or might not like her.
The Secret of a Heart Note immediately hooked me in. I love the swirling details, and the unique story-telling technique.
My heart does a backflip, and a dozen different scents bursts from me, the sugar maple of happiness, the chicory of regret, and more rambling sunflower, a plant notable for its tendency to change directions several times during the day.
How many books have you read that employ the aroma of flowers, and Mother Nature as a writing style? Nothing came to mind. The lovely descriptions evoke a sense of belonging and uniqueness. I find it eerily comforting. It reminds me of my Lola’s ancestral house.
The mother-daughter relationship of the protagonist, Mimosa and Dahlia resonate with me more. The story tackles family expectation and the burden that comes along with it. In addition to their dynamics, Lee also made a point to establish the family history of aromatuers. The supporting characters’ family woes are included in the plot as well.
The friendship is so heartwarming. It showcases high school’s meanness. How being different than your peers will make you a target. The only valid concern I have is there’s a token mean girl. That’s it, but as I said there’s also supportive friends
The romance is so cute. It’s one of my favorite things about it. Truthfully, I get giddy whenever I read a love interest that isn’t a stereotyped asshole. I love the awkward fumbling sincerity of it.
This book is made for YA contemporary readers. We have an unconventional gripping writing, well-crafted characters, family and friend’s dynamics, and a love story that would make you dizzy. If you’re looking for a YA book with an exceptional plot, that is fun and heartwarming. I hope you’d consider picking The Secret of a Heart Note. The recipe for this story is enticing. You won’t regret it.
Review also posted at Hollywood News Source.
It’s incredibly difficult to find a light book about people of color, where we experience racism, but it’s not the entire plot of the novel. I’m not discrediting stories that feature our struggles, but sometimes you just want to unwind, and read something that doesn’t show the hard truths of our lives. That’s rightfully justified. Reading stories with characters of color and seeing them fall in love, be happy, be successful are such a beautiful experience. It’s a protest to this publishing industry that continues to support harmful books. I want a variety of representation, most especially uplifting stories. The Secret of a Heart Note perfectly captured the essence that I’m looking for.
The story follows Mimosa, who is one of the two remaining aromateurs in this world. Aromatuers have an impressive sense of smell that they use to create elixirs for the betterment of society. Their livelihood aims to help people open their eyes to the possibility of love. But like most traditional families, they have a filial duty, and rules to abide. Aromateurs are forbidden to fall in love, for it would rob them of their ability of smell.
When Mimosa grabbed the chance to attend a regular high school, she finds herself getting in tangled in a web of precarious situations. She accidentally gave an elixir to a heartbroken mother, who happened to be the mother of the school’s soccer star, who might or might not like her.
The Secret of a Heart Note immediately hooked me in. I love the swirling details, and the unique story-telling technique.
My heart does a backflip, and a dozen different scents bursts from me, the sugar maple of happiness, the chicory of regret, and more rambling sunflower, a plant notable for its tendency to change directions several times during the day.
How many books have you read that employ the aroma of flowers, and Mother Nature as a writing style? Nothing came to mind. The lovely descriptions evoke a sense of belonging and uniqueness. I find it eerily comforting. It reminds me of my Lola’s ancestral house.
The mother-daughter relationship of the protagonist, Mimosa and Dahlia resonate with me more. The story tackles family expectation and the burden that comes along with it. In addition to their dynamics, Lee also made a point to establish the family history of aromatuers. The supporting characters’ family woes are included in the plot as well.
The friendship is so heartwarming. It showcases high school’s meanness. How being different than your peers will make you a target. The only valid concern I have is there’s a token mean girl. That’s it, but as I said there’s also supportive friends
The romance is so cute. It’s one of my favorite things about it. Truthfully, I get giddy whenever I read a love interest that isn’t a stereotyped asshole. I love the awkward fumbling sincerity of it.
This book is made for YA contemporary readers. We have an unconventional gripping writing, well-crafted characters, family and friend’s dynamics, and a love story that would make you dizzy. If you’re looking for a YA book with an exceptional plot, that is fun and heartwarming. I hope you’d consider picking The Secret of a Heart Note. The recipe for this story is enticing. You won’t regret it.
Review also posted at Hollywood News Source.
kaeoticneutral's review against another edition
3.0
A quick read, but I didn't really enjoy it as much as her historical books. I didn't connect with the characters.
richincolor's review against another edition
Review copy: Digital ARC via Edelweiss
“Most people don’t know that heartache smells like blueberries.” I can’t argue with the opening line of Stacey Lee’s newest novel. Blueberries and heartache were quite unrelated in my mind prior to reading this quirky and rather lovely romance. The fragrances of many items from nature are highlighted and brought to memory many of my favorite scents such as jasmine, cinnamon, and vanilla. It isn’t often that the sense of smell is such a pervasive topic in a novel. I appreciated this deep dive into aromas and I imagine many people who enjoy aromatherapy, essential oils or flowers will find this to be an interesting framework for a story.
Beyond the aromateur aspect of the book though, the characters and their interactions are engaging too. Mim is pushing gently against the requirements and responsibilities imposed by her mother while still showing respect and love. Their relationship is going through growing pains as Mim tries to balance her unusual lifestyle with typical teen activities and relationships. She attends high school even though her mother couldn’t care less about her studies and believes it’s a waste of time. Mim wanted to learn things in school, but she also wants to be out there interacting with her peers.
No matter what she’s doing, Mim gives her best effort even if she manages to totally mess things up in cringe-worthy style on numerous occasions. There were multiple times when I could see how badly things were going to go, but Mim isn’t one to give up or give in easily. At first it seemed a bit contrived, but before long I was won over by her determination and spirit.
The story is a romantic comedy with a touch of magic. The romance was more believable than I expected. Though there was instant attraction, the relationship started as a nice slow simmer and built from there.
Recommendation: Get it soon. This is a perfect book to snuggle up with this winter. It will bring smiles and the images of blooming flowers while the pages turn.
Originally reviewed on the blog http://richincolor.com/2016/12/review-the-secret-of-a-heart-note/
“Most people don’t know that heartache smells like blueberries.” I can’t argue with the opening line of Stacey Lee’s newest novel. Blueberries and heartache were quite unrelated in my mind prior to reading this quirky and rather lovely romance. The fragrances of many items from nature are highlighted and brought to memory many of my favorite scents such as jasmine, cinnamon, and vanilla. It isn’t often that the sense of smell is such a pervasive topic in a novel. I appreciated this deep dive into aromas and I imagine many people who enjoy aromatherapy, essential oils or flowers will find this to be an interesting framework for a story.
Beyond the aromateur aspect of the book though, the characters and their interactions are engaging too. Mim is pushing gently against the requirements and responsibilities imposed by her mother while still showing respect and love. Their relationship is going through growing pains as Mim tries to balance her unusual lifestyle with typical teen activities and relationships. She attends high school even though her mother couldn’t care less about her studies and believes it’s a waste of time. Mim wanted to learn things in school, but she also wants to be out there interacting with her peers.
No matter what she’s doing, Mim gives her best effort even if she manages to totally mess things up in cringe-worthy style on numerous occasions. There were multiple times when I could see how badly things were going to go, but Mim isn’t one to give up or give in easily. At first it seemed a bit contrived, but before long I was won over by her determination and spirit.
The story is a romantic comedy with a touch of magic. The romance was more believable than I expected. Though there was instant attraction, the relationship started as a nice slow simmer and built from there.
Recommendation: Get it soon. This is a perfect book to snuggle up with this winter. It will bring smiles and the images of blooming flowers while the pages turn.
Originally reviewed on the blog http://richincolor.com/2016/12/review-the-secret-of-a-heart-note/
treiceratops's review against another edition
3.0
I was pretty nonplussed by this book's description but it was kinda sweet!
elzemshi's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5
çiçekli böcekli, sihirli, aşklı, tam beach readlik yaz kitabı.
çiçekli böcekli, sihirli, aşklı, tam beach readlik yaz kitabı.
caitiep92's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
kristythayne's review against another edition
4.0
This was a nice story with really awesome descriptions. And Mimosa was such a great character! I loved her.