From the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of A Cuban Girlâs Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, this novel follows two Cuban teens in LAâs Echo Park neighborhood who clash over their visions for the future, the secrets between their familiesâŚand the sparks flying between them.
Seventeen-year-old Clary is set to inherit her familyâs florist shop, La Rosa Blancaâone of the last remnants of the Cuban business district that once thrived in Los Angelesâs Echo Park neighborhood. Clary knows Echo Park is where sheâll leave a legacy, and nothing is more important to her than keeping the areaâs unique history alive.
Besides Claryâs florist shop, thereâs only one other business left founded by Cuban immigrants fleeing Castroâs regime in the sixties and seventies. And Emilio, whoâs supposed to take over Avalos Bicycle Works one day, is more flight risk than dependable successor. While others might find Emilio appealing, Clary can see him itching to leave now that heâs graduated, and sheâll never be charmed by a guy who doesnât care if one more Echo Park business fades away.
But then Clary is caught off guard when an unexpected visitor delivers a shocking message from someone she thought sheâd left behind. Meanwhile, Emilio realizes leaving home wonât be so easyâand Clary, who has always been next door, is who he confides in. As the summer days unfold, they find thereâs something stronger than local history tying them together.