Eliza, from Scratch

What happens when a perfectly planned senior year gets tossed into the deep fryer? Eliza, from Scratch is a delightful rom-com that serves up equal parts heart, humor, and heat—perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Rachel Lynn Solomon.

Eliza Park has her future mapped out with the precision of a well-executed recipe: salutatorian speech, proud parents, ambitious friends by her side. But when a scheduling mishap lands her in Culinary Arts—a class where she can barely boil water—everything starts to unravel. Enter Wesley Ruengsomboon, the charming, infuriatingly talented Thai American student who seems to effortlessly master every dish while Eliza struggles to crack an egg without chaos.

With her class rank on the line, Eliza sets her sights on winning the midterm cooking contest, even if it means partnering with her most annoying competitor. As she stirs in her Korean grandmother’s treasured recipes, something unexpected begins to simmer: feelings she never planned for, and questions about who she’s really trying to become.

Sophia Lee has crafted a story that’s as layered as the best comfort food—exploring family expectations, cultural identity, and the messy, beautiful process of discovering yourself. Eliza, from Scratch reminds us that sometimes the best things in life aren’t the ones we plan, but the ones we create along the way. A charming addition to our collection of coming-of-age stories that celebrate both tradition and transformation.

Perfect for readers who love contemporary YA with authentic cultural representation, swoon-worthy romance, and characters who feel like friends.

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