This review was originally posted on Latte Nights Reviews.


Mimosa and her mom come from a very long line of aromateurs, but they are the last ones for now. All Mother wants is for Mim to focus on being an aromateur and that's it. And for Mim to not think about boys or fall in love since that will mess with her nose. One person in the family already lost their aromateur sense when the person fell in love so it's now forbidden for Mim to fall in love. It's from the start of the book that the story focuses on this mother-daughter relationship. It's hard for Mim to be an aromateur, despite it being what she wants to do in life. She just also wants to fully experience being in high school. But her mom thinks her school work will affect her job as an aromateur.

Mother would be really strict with Mimosa because she had to become a great aromateur. The best, if possible. I totally understood her reasons for being strict with Mimosa, but her strictness was wearing me down. I just wanted Mimosa to have happy teenage years! But I was so happy that the author included a strict Mother and then gave her a little character growth that fit her.

I don't know why but I was scared I wouldn't like Mimosa. There was just a vibe I felt about her that had me thinking I wouldn't like her. Well, that vibe was wrong because I really did like her! Sure, she had her moments where I was questioning what the heck she was thinking but she made normal mistakes (as normal as an aromateur with powers can be). I loved that beside from this story having various focus, it's major one was Mim's self-discovery. She had made a mistake

The romance was so darn cute and adorable!!! Court had me totally rooting for him and Mimosa. That guy has a way with words and without really noticing, so that added to his appeal. Plus, the way he would be with Mimosa would make my heart skip a beat. He's just one of those guys who's always nice. I was so happy that his character wasn't the typical cliche popular jock who thinks he deserves the world. Court is actually very down-to-earth and so freaking nice. He's also a great son who wants what's best for his mom.

Vicky was so infuriating and your typical mean girl. At times, I felt like Vicky was stealing the spotlight and I was getting tired of her actions and her bullying ways.

At the beginning, I wasn't sure if I would love it. I started to imagine possible endings and they wouldn't have fit the story so I was very nervous for the ending. I shouldn't have worried at all. Stacey Lee executed a wonderful outcome to the story that had me smiling and totally loving how everything was resolved. She did a fantastic job and left me feeling warm with the ending.

The Secret of a Heart Note is a very cute and feel good story that will give you all the fuzzy feelings!

I received an eARC from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.This review was originally posted on Latte Nights Reviews.

I loved hearing about all the different plants and their smells and meanings and powers. The romance was cute, if a bit silly, and the friendship relationships were lovely. Basically everything to do with the plants and making elixirs was wonderfully entertaining and fascinating, as well as descriptions of various gardens, and fulfilled my want for plant magic vibes.
I personally thought the way the main character's mother isolated her made her daughter's entire life about being and aromateur was really gross and a bit abusive. I realize I have a personal problem with parents living out their dreams through their children as if their children are extensions of themselves instead of actual human beings, but this is pretty severe. It is shown to lead to self-esteem issues for the daughter during the book. Plus it was child labor. Just because they weren't making money from it doesn't mean it was okay to work her daughter so hard at home she didn't have time to go to school. Spoilery part:
I think the mother was forgiven for this way to easily. It's shown that she had her own hurts that partially led to her bad treatment of her daughter, but that's why people need to deal with their own issues before having kids. Bad pasts do not justify hurting other people. And you don't get a pass from critically examining your actions just because you're following in your ancestors' footsteps.