Mambo in Chinatown by Jean Kwok

Lisa and Charlie are ABC--American-born Chinese--sisters. Their late mother was a ballerina (who gave up dancing after moving to America) and their very traditional father is a noodle maker. Lisa, the younger sister, is bright and beautiful. Charlie is solid and dependable. She works as a dishwasher at her father's restaurant but wants more. She hears about an opening as a receptionist at a dance studio and when she gets the job, it opens a whole new world up to her. But as one sister begins to blossom the other is beginning to wither away. And no one can figure out why (though I had my suspicions, which turned out to be correct).

I love the character of Charlie, who is trying to respect the old traditions while becoming an independent, modern woman. If you're just in the mood for a good, old-fashioned story with an appealing heroine and an interesting setting, check out Mambo in Chinatown.