Stacey Lee is a fourth generation Chinese-American whose people came to California during the heydays of the cowboys. She believes she still has a bit of cowboy dust in her soul. A native of southern California, she graduated from UCLA then got her law degree at UC Davis King Hall. After practicing law in the Silicon Valley for several years, she finally took up the pen because she wanted the perks of being able to nap during the day, and it was easier than moving to Spain. She plays classical piano, raises children, and writes YA fiction.
The Brightwood Code (2024) Monica Hesse "The Brightwood Code has everything I love in a book, an overlooked history woven into a fascinating narrative, and a strong heroine forging her own path forward."
Stateless (2023) Elizabeth Wein "Stateless is a soaring, immersive exploration of what it means to belong. I loved it."
Foul Lady Fortune (2022) (Foul Lady Fortune, book 1) Chloe Gong "With tense, lush storytelling, a complicated heroine and her swoon worthy foil, Foul Lady Fortune invites you into a dark chapter of twentieth century China where intrigue lies behind every corner. Intoxicating."
The Silence that Binds Us (2022) Joanna Ho "A held-breath of a novel that finds courage amidst brokenness, and holds a candle to the dark."
Great or Nothing (2022) Joy McCullough, Caroline Tung Richmond, Tess Sharpe and Jessica Spotswood "Great or Nothing is the kind of book that makes you want to light the fire and fill the teapot, because you won't be going anywhere for a while. A reimagined Little Women set in the turmoil of World War II, each March sister copes with the death of their beloved Beth in their own way. Poignant, clever, and heartfelt, this story pulls at the complicated tapestry that is family, and finds certain bonds are unbreakable."
My Fine Fellow (2022) Jennieke Cohen "Jennieke Cohen serves up a fun dish of a novel with a healthy sprinkle of feminism. MY FINE FELLOW is fresh as the rain in Spain."
Once Upon a Broken Heart (2021) (Once Upon a Broken Heart, book 1) Stephanie Garber "It’s hard not to be enchanted by any tale Stephanie Garber chooses to write, with her masterful storytelling, and her infuriating way of fooling with our pulse rates. A guileless, heartbroken heroine plays with fate incarnate-the bad boy Jacks-in the dreamy, topsy-turvy world of the Magnificent North. Once Upon a Broken Heart casts a spell that you won't soon want to be broken."
For All Time (2021) Shanna Miles "A romance for the ages. Fresh voices and original predicaments make this one perfect little novel."
Six Crimson Cranes (2021) (Six Crimson Cranes, book 1) Elizabeth Lim "Elizabeth Lim weaves a charmer of a fairytale with her imaginative storytelling. A resilient heroine, a cast of imaginative characters, and creative plot turns make this gem of a novel sparkle."
The Forest of Stolen Girls (2021) June Hur "Haunting and lyrical. Beware, this tale will draw you deeper into the forest than you want to go."
Muse (2021) (Muse , book 1) Brittany Cavallaro "Brittany Cavallaro gives us another heroine to root for in this sparkling exploration of America as a monarchy, set against the rich backdrop of a world fair. Muse is an immersive tale of a girl navigating political machinations to discover the truth about the kingdom, and herself."
Sources Say (2020) Lori Goldstein "A timely and smart novel that examines the pernicious effects of fake news and what it means to be a feminist, and even better, a sister. Lori Goldstein knows the teenage girl’s heart."
Parachutes (2020) Kelly Yang "Parachutes is not just a searing drama that explores the lives of Asians in America, it’s a courageous, empowering story about how high women can soar when they lift each other up."
This Is My Brain in Love (2020) I W Gregorio "Authentic and fresh, I.W. Gregorio serves up a first-rate romance between two teens whose differences may prove too hot to handle. This is my bookish heart in love."
The Tiger At Midnight (2019) (Tiger At Midnight, book 1) Swati Teerdhala "Cat-and-mouse maneuvering between assassin Esha and reluctant soldier Kunal will hold you in tantalizing suspense in this searing debut exploring love, loss, and destiny. The Tiger at Midnight is as alluring and fearless as its characters."
Internment (2019) Samira Ahmed "A riveting and cautionary tale. Internment urges us to speak up and speak out, to ask questions and demand answers, and when those answers prove unsatisfactory, to resist."
The Deepest Roots (2018) Miranda Asebedo "The Deepest Roots swept me away in a magic-dusted tale of friendship, family curses, and sacrifice. With plot twists and heartbreak aplenty, this book will grab ahold and not easily let go."
Before She Ignites (2017) (Fallen Isles, book 1) Jodi Meadows "Complex world-building and luminous storytelling. Mira will sear a mark on your heart long after the final page is consumed."