Webber always offers up the same feel good mix of romance and magic and does just that this time as well.

The leads this time are Addie Fullbright and her half sister, Tessa Jane Wingrove-Fullbright, who are both called back home to Starlight, Alabama when their aunt Bean is diagnosed with heart dropsy.

Bean (Verbena) is an extraordinary baker. Tasting her cakes fills folk with happiness and hope and 'heal the soul'. She is concerned to protect the Fullbright family's starlight field (where a star had fallen in 1833) that has magical properties.

As always misunderstandings are resolved, romantic interests develop, and our leads find happiness and hope once more.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of <i>A Certain Kind of Starlight</i> in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

<u>The Gist</u>

Heather Webber’s <i>A Certain Kind of Starlight</i> is a heartwarming and enchanting tale. It beautifully blends magical realism, love, and family ties. Set in a small, picturesque town, the story captivates from the first page. The story drawing readers into a world where ordinary life is touched by just a hint of magic.
<u>The Details</u>

Webber excels at creating vivid, memorable characters, particularly the protagonist. She embarks on a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and healing. The book’s central theme of finding light in the darkest of times resonates powerfully. Webber handles emotional topics like grief and loss with tenderness and grace.

What sets this novel apart is its lyrical prose, which evokes a dreamy atmosphere. Webber’s ability to weave magical elements into everyday experiences feels effortless, adding depth and charm to the narrative without overwhelming the emotional core of the story.

At its heart, <i>A Certain Kind of Starlight</i> is about the importance of love—both romantic and familial—and the magic that can be found in the simplest of things. Fans of Midnight at the Blackbird Café will find the same heartwarming themes and comforting sense of community here, making it a truly uplifting read.

<u>The Verdict</u>

Overall, this novel shines with its poignant storytelling and rich emotional depth, leaving readers with a sense of hope and wonder. Heather Webber’s magic continues to sparkle in this enchanting tale.

Such a good story. I enjoyed the characters of this book. I loved the way each character was developed and how their lives were tangled together. I don’t want to spoil it so I will just say. Go read it. It was an easy read and had a few twist in the story. Thanks for the advanced copy.

*A Certain Kind of Starlight* is seriously a great read! The writing is so beautiful, and the story has this magical, almost dreamy feel to it. The characters are really well done, and I totally got lost in their world. It’s one of those books that makes you think, and I loved that about it. The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars is that some parts felt a little slow, but overall, it’s a really awesome book that’s worth checking out if you’re into something different and deep!

Family drama, small-town southern setting, a sprinkle of magical realism.

I enjoyed this one in concept more than execution. The prose was solid and eloquently written, the narration is great, and I enjoyed the really cute “from the kitchen of..” sections at the start of each chapter.

There was just too much going on at once for my tastes, a lot of characters and plot points and it felt hard to follow at times.

Overall I was just a bit bored most of the time. I think this will probably be a great book for some, but was personally a miss for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group (Forge Books) for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

A CERTAIN KIND OF STARLIGHT offers a unique small-town family saga touched with magical realism. This is my first book by Heather Webber and I was intrigued by it. At first, I had declined to give feedback, but then I sat and thought more about the book. I went back to it and finished it and ended up enjoying Addie and Tessa Jane's story. There were family secrets, beautifully warm relationships, and a focus on healing wounds within a family to avoid generational trauma. There was even a sweet, subtle love story and I loved the addition of Sawyer.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. Author Heather Webber is one of my favorites, but this book is not her best work. The story dragged in many places, and I found it to be boring and uninspiring.

I have loved all of Heather Webber's books but this one is my new favorite! The characters are so real and unforgettable! Aunt Bean, Addie, Tessa Jane and all the Sugar birds will forever be in my heart! I really don't want to let them go! The story is anchored by the Starlight Crater and it's special magic. The starlings that guard it and the special family ties of all these wonderful characters are another layer and the cherry on top is the love that you feel so strongly amongst all the people and animals. Best book of 2024!

Addie Fullbright has stayed away from her hometown of Starlight in order to keep her best friend's secret for many years until her aunt becomes ill and calls her home.

I enjoyed some of the characters of the book with her aunt being my favorite, but it just didn't keep my interest like her books usually do for me. I would find my mind drifting off and lose track of the details a little. I also missed the ore tactile magical realism that is typically in her books.

I would not count Webber out as an author for me, but this one just missed the mark a bit for me, unfortunately.

Well, it's not a reading year for me unless Heather Webber has a new release and I get to enjoy it ahead of publication. A HUGE thanks to Tor/Forge and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this lovely book. I read it a few months ago; it was released on July 23rd, and here I am, finally getting my review out.
This novel takes place in the small town of Starlight, Alabama. Addie Fullbright has returned to Starlight to help her beloved Aunt Bean in her bakery The Starling Cake Company. The building is undergoing renovations, so Aunt Bean has moved the operation out to the family home and farm building where it all began. Addie hasn't been back for years; she's afraid she'll spill a secret she agreed to with her best friend if she stays for too long. It's a secret that weighs her down. She's also terribly concerned about Aunt Bean's health, and the possibility that Bean isn't being truthful about how serious it is.

Tessa Jane Wingrove has also returned. She's fighting self-doubt, a frosty Addie, and some family secrets that could impact her entire life. She's got a lot of heartache and pressure from her granddad to make a financial decision on her upcoming birthday. That decision would benefit her grandad but potentially ruin the town's most popular tourist destination.

What is that destination? Well, it's a field situated right near the Fullbright family farm, and it's been bringing people from all over to Starlight for a life-altering experience. Years and years ago, a star fell from the sky, leaving a huge crater that glows at night with colorful starlight. Folks who need a little help walk around the crater and into the magical lights and receive the gift of clarity. The effect it has on people's lives is profound.

There's lots of family drama, secrets spilled (some that aren't so secret after all!), and magic everywhere you look. Second chances at love, forgiveness, and, yes, clarity for those who are lost. I can say this novel gives off a very peaceful, quiet vibe that I enjoyed so much. It's probably one of my top Heather Webber novels, and I've read them all.

Two estranged sisters return to their small, Alabama hometown to assist the grandmother who raised them. This charming, romantic story of a complicated family employs magical realism. Another reviewer aptly compared this novel to a Hallmark movie. I think Hallmark would do well to use this novel for a movie.

A CERTAIN KIND OF STARLIGHT - HEATHER WEBBER

If you're looking for something light, packed with small-town charm and a dash of magical realism, you will absolutely love A Certain Kind of Starlight. Here's a quick synopsis:

Two half-sisters with a strained relationship make their way home to Starlight, a small town with magic at its core, after their aunt's shock medical diagnosis. It doesn't take long before Starlight's magic takes effect, changing the lives of all involved.

Despite dealing with some pretty heavy topics (see TWs below), A Certain Kind of Starlight feels low stakes, thanks to Webber's warm writing style and host of kind, thoughtful characters. You just know that everything will turn out alright in the end. This is what makes the book a delight to read, and I especially enjoyed the magical realism that runs throughout this story.

While I wouldn't consider this book a romance, there are romantic relationships; instead, this novel is about family ties, righting wrongs and finding one's voice. It's a light, warm tale that's interlaced with baking tips from Aunt Verbena and packed with Southern small-town charm (that made me think warmly of Stars Hollow a la Gilmore Girls).

My only issue with this book was that the characters felt too one-dimensional. The good people are really only good while the bad are only evil - there's no inbetween. I usually like a little more complexity when it comes to characters, but it felt like there were no shades of grey when it came to the characterisation here.

That said, if you're after your next, light-hearted read and don't mind the above, then this is a great novel to get stuck into.

Review score: 3.5/5 (rounded up to 4)

TW: Illness, domestic abuse, animal abuse

Heather Webber has become one of my favorite go-to authors with her stand alones and A Certain Kind Of Starlight didn't disappoint!

Heather Webber’s A Certain Kind of Starlight is a charming and heartwarming novel that will delight fans of her previous works, especially those who enjoyed The Blackbird Cafe. With her signature blend of warmth, compelling characters, and a touch of magic, Webber delivers a story that is both comforting and engaging.

The novel centers on Addie Fullbright and Tessa Jane Wingrove-Fullbright as they struggle with a series of personal setbacks, their own insecurities, and a strained relationship. The setting, much like in The Blackbird Cafe, plays a crucial role in the narrative, offering a sense of whimsy and solace that complements the character’s journey.

Webber’s writing is, as always, evocative and heartfelt. Her knack for creating endearing characters who feel like old friends is on full display here. The atmosphere of the bakery and the touch of magical realism create a world where readers can escape and find themselves immersed in the story. Those familiar with Webber’s work will find her trademark elements: a strong sense of place, intricate character relationships, and an uplifting message woven throughout the plot.

While the novel offers much of what readers have come to expect from Webber—comforting narrative, engaging characters, and a touch of magic—it may feel a bit familiar to those who have read her earlier books. The themes of personal growth and the importance of community are recurring motifs in her work, and while they are handled with the same skill and sensitivity, the story may not offer many surprises for long-time fans.

Despite this, A Certain Kind of Starlight is a beautifully crafted tale that will resonate with readers seeking a feel-good story with depth and heart. Heather Webber has once again created a delightful and moving experience that will leave readers eagerly awaiting her next novel.

Starlight, Alabama is a small town full of magical realism with stories of a falling star crashing into the small town generations ago. When estranged sisters, Addie and Tessa Jane, are asked to come back home by their beloved Aunt Bean, they must face the secrets that have been buried and their own personal challenges.

While there are several characters that are introduced, they are all important in their own ways as Tessa Jane and Addie work through their problems and struggle with their Aunt's health problems.

The family and their struggles are very relatable. The story has a cozy and heartwarming feel to it, but has a bitter sweet ending. Both Addie and Tessa Jane grow so much by the end in the best ways.

Thank you to Tor and Forge for my complimentary copy of A Certain Kind of Starlight and to Macmillan Audio for my complimentary ALC. all thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you like your magical realism with a hefty dose of family drama and Southern Charm then this is perfect for you !

I paired the audio with the book. Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis did a wonderful job with the narration.

3.5⭐

Set in the small town of Starlight, Alabama, A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Webber is a charming story that revolves around themes of family, sisterhood, friendship and starting over.

At the center of the story is sixty-four-year-old Verbena Fullbright, Aunt “Bean” to her nieces, half-sisters twenty-nine-year-old Addison “Addie” Fullbright and twenty-four-year-old Tessa Jane Cobb Wingrove Fullbright. Aunt Bean owns and runs the Starling Cake Company famous for its delectable treats that are believed to have special qualities that flood the taster with positive feelings. Starlight Field, which also belongs to the family, is of special significance to the family on account of a crater formed from a fallen star and the special lightened path where those in need found clarity of thought and direction. Addie, who moved away from Starlight years ago after the death of her best friend and is a famous voice artist and Tessa is nursing a broken heart after a broken engagement are called back to Starlight to take care of the bakery after Aunt Bean is diagnosed with a heart condition. The sisters have a complicated relationship and have never been close but now things just might change. But the sisters have a lot to contend with – their personal problems, the stress of running the bakery, their concern over Aunt Bean’s health, long-buried family secrets, and the greedy intentions of Tessa’s maternal grandfather – before old wounds can be healed.

The narrative is presented from the perspectives of Addie and Tessa Jane in alternating chapters. I loved the small-town setting and adored Aunt Bean. I liked how each chapter started with Aunt Bean’s words of wisdom thoughtfully embedded in her baking tips! I loved how the author depicted the growing bond between the sisters and found both Addie and Tessa to be endearing characters. I have to mention the pets who made life for our characters very interesting, leading to several heartfelt and entertaining moments! I appreciated the underlying message of the novel – the importance of family and community and how crucial it is to try to look for the positive in one another and ourselves and allow positive energy into our lives. The author addresses sensitive topics such as domestic abuse, animal cruelty and abandonment with compassion.
There is a lot to like about this novel – the humor, the relationships, the well-thought-out characters and the element of magical realism , to name just a few. However, the narrative does feature a very large cast of characters and I found it difficult to follow how everyone was related/connected beyond a point. The author also weaves a tad too many subplots into the narrative resulting in a slow-paced, unnecessarily complicated and convoluted story with overly dramatic moments (soap-opera vibes). The element of magical realism was interesting as a concept but I wish it had been more deeply embedded into the narrative.

This is my second Heather Webber novel and though I didn’t love this one as much as At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities, I did find it to be a heartwarming story. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.

I paired my reading with the audiobook expertly narrated by Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis making for an engaging immersion reading experience.

Many thanks to Tor Publishing Group/Forge Books for the gifted hardcover and the digital review copy via NetGalley. I’d also like to thank Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the 2nd book I’ve read by Heather Webber and it was just as awesome as the first! The way this talented author weaves magical realism into such a relatable and heart warming story is unmatched. If you love small towns, cozy atmosphere and characters that you can’t help but fall in love with this story is for you! Author Heather Webber is the Queen of whimsical, magical small town charm! I highly recommend! Not sure if magical realism is your thing, definitely give Heather Webber’s books a try. You’ll be a true fan! Just be prepared to be enchanted.

This audiobook version was narrated by Hallie Ricardo & Stephanie Willis. They did a fabulous job as a narration duo. Their voices are just as magical as the story you are listening too. You feel like you’re right there with your new found family.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Macmillian Audio & Tor Publishing for this early listening copy, e-arc and physical copy in exchange for my honest review! This book is definitely one you’ll won’t for your shelves! It’s like a hug in a book. 5 mesmerizing and enchanting stars! Can’t wait to see what’s next for this author!

I adore Heather Webber's novels - they have all the elements I crave when I want to escape:

- small-town settings
- strong female friendships
- food - especially baking-themed stories
- magical realism
- family stories

A Certain Kind of Starlight ticks all the boxes.

Told from the dual viewpoints of (estranged) half-sisters Addie and Tessa Jane, the story does start out a little tricky to tell who is speaking (despite the chapter headings naming the character POV). I love a good redemption story, and this novel is chock full of redemption and healed family histories. I loved the element of the starlings and the starlight. Webber does a lovely job at creating characters and showing the complexity of family relationships.

If I have any complaints, it's that much is made of how Addie can't keep a secret - and she has a HUGE secret that literally drove her out of town for fear of letting it slip - but we don't really know WHY this is such a big deal (did she let a secret slip in the past? We all know people who can't keep a secret - Addie doesn't necessarily seem like the type).

Overall though, I loved the character arcs and the growth, the relationship between all the bakers, and the healing that happens in this novel. Just lovely all over.

This was not a book for me. I only got to about 12% and I couldn't continue with how down both of the characters were. The feel of the book and the voice of the writing was very sad and I found myself dreading reading it.