Jeannie Chin is the author of The Cozy Nook Bookshop, out today from Forever. Below, she recommends three cozy and heartwarming Asian American and Asian Canadian romances.
My book club had a real bummer of a year recently. We were making a concerted effort to read more inclusively, but accidentally, we’d picked twelve books in a row that were bone-crushingly depressing. This got me thinking about the sorts of books we tend to see when we go looking for different stories, told by voices that represent a wider variety of backgrounds and experiences.
It’s also made it even more important to me to continue telling stories about characters who share my Asian American heritage—including my new small town contemporary romcom, The Cozy Nook Bookshop. It’s a grumpy-sunshine love story, featuring cozy autumn-in-New-England vibes, a dreamy bookstore, and just a touch of magic.
Here are three romance novels I’ve read recently, written by Asian American/Canadian authors that will hopefully bring a bit of joy to your shelf:
Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen: The immediate chemistry between the artist heroine and scientist hero of this novel drew me in, but the gorgeous, lyrical writing and evocative imagery made it unforgettable. It’s a truly immersive read.
The Stand-Up Groomsman by Jackie Lau: What I love most about Jackie Lau’s books is how grounded and real her characters feel. This book is no exception; the hero doesn’t have rock-hard abs, and the heroine is quite introverted. Their opposites-attract love story is incredibly endearing and satisfying.
A Thousand Miles To Graceland by Kristen Mei Chase: This book straddles the line between women’s fiction and romance. The heart of the novel is an epic, bucket-list road trip taken by a woman and her mother. While it’s full of trauma and baggage, and it can get quite heavy at times, it’s also laugh-out-loud funny and full of hope.
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English (United States) ·