Starred review from September 7, 2020
Lila Reyes, 17, had her whole life after graduation planned out—stay in her native Miami, take over her family’s bakery, get an apartment with her best friend, and keep dating her boyfriend—but after “the trifecta,” a series of massive losses, she’s sent to a medieval town in Hampshire, England, to visit her Tía Cate. Lila is determined to return to Miami, but new experiences begin to warm her up to England—replacing the head baker on leave at Tía Cate’s traditional British inn, as well as meeting new friends Remy and Jules, and getting to know Orion, a boy who becomes her unofficial tour guide. Now, exploring England and bringing her beloved Miami into the Cuban food she makes, Lila just might not want to return home so soon. Namey (The Library of Lost Things) shines at characterization and portraying self-discovery (“I can change my life recipe, too”). A heartwarming romance paired with a well-written setting add up to a satisfying read on multiple levels. Ages 12–up. Agent: Natascha Morris, BookEnds Literary.