Roselle Lim is a Filipino-Chinese writer living on the north shore of Lake Erie. She loves to write about food and magic. When she isn't writing, she is sewing, sketching, or pursuing the next craft project.
The Scorpion Queen (2025) Mina Fears "Fears' sparkling debut The Scorpion Queen is a fascinating insight into courage, sacrifice, and survival. Aminata is a fearless heroine we deserve."
Furious (2024) Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos "Furious is a beautiful sapphic love letter to wild girls who yearn for what they've lost, only to discover the missing pieces in each other."
The Fox Wife (2024) Yangsze Choo "Choo weaves yet another enthralling tale and, this time, it's a glimpse of the immortal lives of foxes. Her prose is lush as ever and Yuki is a captivating lens of emotions and magic."
Our Cursed Love (2023) Julie Abe "Abe's sophomore YA novel Our Cursed Love is pure magic. It's so easy to fall in love Remy and Cam as they do a whimsical dance of will-they-or-won't-they against the gorgeous backdrop of Tokyo and the Tokyo Magical University."
Season of Love (2022) (Carrigan's Christmasland, book 1) Helena Greer "Greer's debut simply sparkles. It's so easy to get lost in the magic of Carrigan's with Miriam and Noelle, and a stellar secondary cast that includes a fat cat named Kringle. This delightful Christmas Chanukah mashup will have you braiding challah by a Christmas tree."
If You Could See the Sun (2022) Ann Liang "Liang's debut is dark academia at its finest with a supernatural twist. You can't help but root for Alice when secrets and blackmail rise to the surface at Airington."
Acts of Violet (2022) Margarita Montimore "Acts of Violet is pure magic. A deft execution that will satisfy any true crime junkie. It will leave you believing in the legend that is Violet Volk."
Portrait of a Thief (2022) Grace D Li "A beautiful examination of identity as children of the diaspora [...] This fast-paced heist leaves you clutching the pages and rooting for the thieves."
Sadie on a Plate (2022) Amanda Elliot "Amanda Elliot's debut Sadie on a Plate is a foodie delight. Fans of Top Chef will cheer on Sadie Rosen as she blazes through the Chef Supreme competition. The Jewish meals Sadie cooks are from the heart as is her steamy romance with chef Luke Weston. This sweet sufganiyot of a novel is deliciously delectable."
The Love Con (2021) Seressia Glass "Glass' sharp wit sparkles in The Love Con as we root for Kenya and Cameron in the finals of a reality cosplay competition. Fake relationship, check. Slow burn, check. A satisfying romance full of heart, heck yes! This fun romance is sure to enthrall geeks and non-geeks alike."
You Can Go Your Own Way (2021) Eric Smith "Eric Smith's You Can Go Your Own Way is a love letter to Philly and pinball machines. It examines grief and the cost of hanging on as Adam Stillwater grapples with the loss of his father and his complicated crush on childhood ex-friend, Whitney. If you love second chances and the hate-to-love trope, you'll adore this book."
Tahira in Bloom (2021) Farah Heron "Farah Heron’s YA debut stars strongheaded Tahira, who’s pursuing her dreams as a fashion designer. Against the backdrop of a fierce flower competition, Tahira finds her true strength and shines. This heartwarming book tackles ambition and the toll it takes on family, friendship, romance, and identity."
The Donut Trap (2021) Julie Tieu "A sweet treat of a debut. Jasmine grapples with the messiness of her own family's dilemmas as she balances their wishes against her desires. Can she find love on her own terms and do what it takes to save the day? Donut miss this book!"
Not Here to Be Liked (2021) Michelle Quach "Quach's sparkling debut is a fantastic examination of feminism, full of insight and heart. A must read for those who love coming of age stories with a touch of romance."
The Wild Ones (2021) Nafiza Azad "Prose as lush and as beautiful as the world of the In Between, it's easy to get lost in Azad's feminist fantasy The Wild Ones, where diamonds exist as magic and every doorway leads to the oldest cities in the world."
The Rehearsals (2021) Annette Christie "Christie's sparkling and witty debut explores the tangled web of the night before a wedding. Through Tom and Megan, we discover the importance of second or more chances, and how learning to listen (to others and yourself) is the key to love and happiness."
Heartbreak for Hire (2021) Sonia Hartl "Sonia Hartl’s adult debut, HEARTBREAK FOR HIRE, showcases her trademark killer sense of humor. If you loved the film Heartbreakers, you’ll fall head over heels for this super sexy, hate-to-love romance. You’ll devour it in one sitting."
The Darkest Flower (2021) (Allison Barton, book 1) Kristin Wright "Wright’s The Darkest Flower is a dark, visceral view into the lives of suburban PTA moms. The final twist thrills, leaving you wanting more."
One Last Stop (2021) Casey McQuiston "McQuiston's One Last Stop is an exquisite sophomore novel exploring love and its power to reach across time and space. This romance proves that an instant electric connection can develop into the most beautiful happily-ever-afters."
Black Water Sister (2021) Zen Cho "Zen Cho’s Black Water Sister is a perfect blend of ghosts, gods, and the eternal bonds of family ties. Set in the gorgeous backdrop of Penang, Jess reunites with her extended family and navigate the world of spirits and gangsters. This novel is perfect for readers craving an otherworldly, atmospheric fantasy."
Arsenic and Adobo (2021) (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery, book 1) Mia P Manansala "Mia Manansala's debut, Arsenic and Adobo, serves up a cozy plate of ube crinkles with a side of murder. Readers are sure to salivate over this Filipino-American mystery as Lila smokes out the food critic's killer."
Siri, Who Am I? (2021) Sam Tschida "Tschida's debut is a fun, effervescent ride that explores selfie culture and how it defines us. Amnesiac Mia is fearless in how she navigates the world. You'll be hooked by the core mystery as you journey with Mia to uncover who she really is."
The Secret French Recipes of Sophie Valroux (2020) (Sophie Valroux, book 1) Samantha Vérant "Verant transports us to the enchanting setting of Southern France and the magic of an exquisite French kitchen. This delectable novel is pure escapism through the delicious dishes made by chef Sophie’s expert hands, the romance involving a childhood friend, and the splendor of France. Verant’s amazing recipes are included as the perfect companion to this tasty debut."
Well-Behaved Indian Women (2020) Saumya Dave "Saumya Dave's debut explores the relationships between mothers and daughters and their constant dance between meeting expectations while trying to fulfill self-desires. Nandini and Simran are both conflicted in how to be true to themselves. This debut is a love letter to the complexities of families and personal ambitions."
Lori Nelson Spielman "Spielman's novel takes you on a breathtaking tour of Italy through the eyes of Emilia, the cursed second-daughter. Readers will get lost in these pages about family and cheer for our heroine as she discovers herself and the secrets of her family. This book is the perfect escape."
Girl Gone Viral (2020) (Modern Love , book 2) Alisha Rai "Rai’s GIRL GONE VIRAL sizzles with heart and family. Jas and Kat's fiery chemistry is irresistible, fulfilling every bodyguard fantasy. This book satisfies as much as Kat’s sourdough waffles."
