EXCERPT: ADDIE
" . . . I've done come up with a plan to head him off at the pass. A fair one, I believe."
I suspected she had many plans, all stored up like the alluring jars of colorful sprinkles, dusting sugars, nonpareils, and edible confetti that sat on the long shelves in the cake decorating corner. Enchanting, yes, but also incredibly messy and frustrating if you weren't careful.
Aunt Bean said, "But my plan is complex, which is why I need your help."
Delilah snorted. "Her plan has more layers than an apple stack cake."
Aunt Bean threw her dear friend a droll look, then in a supremely measured tone that set off high-pitched alarm bells in my head, said, "It must be completed in stages. Addie, you'll need to move back to Starlight for a spell."
My hand froze and cocoa powder drifted like dark snow onto the cement floor. "Move back?"
Emotionally, it had been hard enough visiting Aunt Bean and the Sugarbirds. Every few months, I'd arrive like a whirlwind to catch up with everyone, indulge in the local gossip, visit the shops, and soak up all the love and affection I could, tucking it away for the lonely days ahead. But I never stayed longer than a day or two. And each time I left, it was with tears in my eyes and wishes I could stay.
Even thinking about moving back stirred up all kinds of emotions I'd tamped down for years, making me lightheaded and queasy.
I'd left for a reason. And that reason hadn't changed in all the time I'd been gone.

ABOUT 'A CERTAIN KIND OF STARLIGHT': In the face of hardship, two women learn how to rise up again under the bright side of the stars.
Everyone knows that Addie Fullbright can’t keep a secret. Yet, twelve years ago, as her best friend lay dying, she entrusted Addie with the biggest secret of all. One so shattering that Addie felt she had to leave her hometown of Starlight, Alabama, to keep from revealing a devastating truth to someone she cares for deeply. Now she’s living a lonely life, keeping everyone at a distance, not only to protect the secret but also her heart from the pain of losing someone else. But when her beloved aunt, the woman who helped raise her, gets a shocking diagnosis and asks her to come back to Starlight to help run the family bakery, Addie knows it’s finally time to go home again.

Tessa Jane Wingrove-Fullbright feels like she’s failing. She’s always been able to see the lighter side of life but lately darkness has descended. Her world is suddenly in shambles after a painful breakup, her favorite aunt’s unexpected health troubles, and because crushing expectations from the Wingrove side of her family are forcing her to keep secrets and make painful choices. When she’s called back to Starlight to help her aunt, she’s barely holding herself together and fears she’ll never find her way back to who she used to be.

Under the bright side of the stars, Addie and Tessa Jane come to see that magic can be found in trusting yourself, that falling apart is simply a chance to rise up again, stronger than ever, and that the heart usually knows the best path through the darkness.

MY THOUGHTS: If you like stories about family, reconciliation, healing and new beginnings, then A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Webber is the book for you.

The story is told by half-sisters Addie and Tessa-Jane who have been raised by their respective mothers to be wary of one another. There's been more than a little manipulation gone on here! Thankfully Aunt Bean (Verbena Fullbright) has more sense than that and gets the two girls together at every opportunity. Her failing health is the perfect opportunity to gather them close and to make plans for their future/s.

Aunt Bean owns and operates, along with the help of women friends she calls her Sugarbirds, The Starling Cake Company (Starlings play an important role in this story) and is, despite her health issues, currently expanding the business into new premises. And this is where I will issue a warning - don't read this while you are hungry. I am sitting here craving sweet - sugar, cinnamon, cake, pastries - anything will do! I plan on baking just as soon as I finish this review! I could smell vanilla as I was reading. Webber's books are always a totally immersive experience.

Anyway, back to Aunt Bean. She's a list-maker, an organizer, a get-it-done and do-it-right type of woman, someone I can easily relate to. She sees trouble on the horizon and plans to head it off at the pass. Along the way, some people will show their true colors, and some family secrets will be revealed. It is worth mentioning, at this point, that Addie has a mortal fear of not being able to keep the secrets she has been entrusted with.

A Certain Kind of Starlight is a wonderful, heart-warming read. It combines a little southern magic with down home good sense. And while it is not my favorite Webber Book, that honor goes to South of the Buttonwood Tree, it still left me feeling kinder towards my fellow human beings, with a smile on my face, and a hunger for cake.

I love the way each chapter starts with a baking tip and a little life lesson from Aunt Bean, such as - From the Kitchen of Verbena Fullbright
If you've done forgot to buy buttermilk, use sour milk instead. Just mix one tablespoon of vinegar with one cup of milk, let it sit for five minutes, and you've got yourself a buttermilk substitution. Never be afraid to make changes. Sometimes unfamiliar paths can lead you to the same destination.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.3

#ACertainKindofStarlight #NetGalley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Heather Webber loves to read, drink too much coffee and tea, birdwatch, crochet, and bake. She currently lives near Cincinnati, Ohio, and is hard at work on her next book. *Heather also writes under the pen name Heather Blake.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Tor-Forge via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Webber for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

A Certain Kind of Starlight has the promise of being a certain kind of special. The setting is a cozy and happy bakery. The characters are lovely. The writing is good. It feels like a Hallmark movie to me.
I thought the plot was perhaps unnecessarily convoluted. The backstories of some of the characters were too similar and the secret keeping tension perhaps a little exaggerated. That being said, I'd like to follow a couple of the characters in future books.
Aunt Bean's wisdom at the start of each chapter was a highlight for me. Good words for life and practical notes on cake baking.
The magic of the book was sweet and easily why someone might choose to read this type of story. It could be more deftly hinted at rather than spelled out explicitly.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing group for the ARC of A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Webber.

I loved the magical realism in this book and the small town setting. I found it to be such a comforting read. The writing was so beautiful and I didn't want to put it down. I highly recommend if you're looking for a heartwarming read.

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.