Heather Webber is one of those authors that I keep hearing about, but I'd never gotten around to trying one of her books until this one. I do love a good small-town Southern lit story, and that's what I got here - with a little magical realism thrown in. Addie and Tessa Jane are half-sisters who've been more or less estranged for years. They're thrown together when family circumstances bring them together in the small town of Starlight, Alabama, to help their ailing aunt run their bakery business. It's a town full of quirky, eccentric characters, a fair number of secrets, and a spot in a field that seems to be full of a magical light at certain times. Addie and Tessa Jane are both wounded souls, and we watch them try to overcome past resentments and current family interference to see if they can establish a tenuous relationship.
I really enjoyed the community Heather Webber created, and the low-key love story she included. More importantly I liked the way the imparted messages of women supporting each other (when they deserved supporting) - and choosing to embrace facing the challenges that can make us stronger. I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend the audio version - the narration by Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis was outstanding. Whether you read with your eyes or ears, or both, I recommend this charming book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

I am not a Hallmark movie girlie, but I do love Heather Webber's heartwarming southern magical realism. A Certain Kind of Starlight was as good as her other books I've enjoyed, and I really liked the narration by Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis. As usual, a lively cast of side characters help our heroines, Addie and Tessa Jane, find their inner light and make peace with their pasts, while the more wicked among the residents of the charming town of Starlight, Alabama, get their "just desserts." Full of delicious baked goods, some mysterious fallen star + bird magic, a firecracker of an aging aunt, and two awesome canine companions, A Certain Kind of Starlight is a warm hug of a book.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this book.

In *A Certain Kind of Starlight*, Heather Webber beautifully explores themes of resilience and healing through the intertwined journeys of Addie and Tessa Jane. Returning to their charming hometown of Starlight, Alabama, both women confront their pasts and the burdens of secrecy while supporting each other through life’s unexpected challenges. Webber's rich storytelling and magical small-town charm invite readers to find hope and strength in the face of adversity. This heartfelt tale reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is always a path to the light. A captivating listen for those seeking inspiration and warmth.

Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book. I listened to this on audiobook from NetGalley for review.

Thoughts: This was a well done book about two sisters who end up back in their home town after hearing their aunt is very sick. There, they are forced to deal with some painful issues from the past as well as unravel some mysteries and secrets. There is an element of magical realism here as well; they all live near a crater where a star is rumored to have fallen that gives off a eerie glow at night that attracts tourists.

I enjoyed this and would dare you not to cry at the end. This is a sweet book about family, secrets, and a subtle magic that makes people's lives a little brighter. There is also a pretty heavy theme here around abuse. This includes abuse of women in bad relationships but also the abuse of a man in a bad relationship with another woman. It was nice to see the abuse issue tackled in a situation that is discussed less frequently.

There is a lot about bakeries and lifting up others around you. This all takes place in a small town, and there are many mysteries and painful secrets that are unraveled during the course of the story. It was fascinating to see how all these mysteries and secrets were entwined. There is a bit of romance in here as well. The Aunt that is diagnosed with heart failure is determined to play matchmaker and get everyone paired off before she passes.

All in all, this was a sweet and highly emotional read that leaves you feeling happy and hopeful. It reminded me a lot of the Waverly Family books by Sarah Addison Allen. There is a heavy theme of people finding a place and people to call home, some sweet magical realism, and people healing past emotional wounds.

My Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this. It's a bit different from what I normally read, but I always enjoy some small town magical realism. I loved the characters in here and was really drawn in to their struggles and enjoyed watching them find happiness. I would recommend if you enjoy cozy magical realism stories about women (and some men) rebuilding their lives and finding community, love, and happiness.

Addie and Tessa Jane, though half-sisters, have never been close. Coming back home, Addie decides to change this.
Growing up and finding your own voice even when that means not doing what your family wants you to and opening up to those you love are themes that run through this entire story. Plus the magical power of starlight. Good story and narrator. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

4.5 stars rounded up: I don't read a lot of books with Magical Realism, but Heather Webber's books have just enough to make the story wonderful. In A Certain Kind of Starlight, Addie Fullbright left Starlight, Alabama 12 years ago when her best friend told her a secret just before she died. Addie knew she would never be able to keep it if she stayed in Starlight, so she left. Now with her aunt that raised her being ill, she returns home to help run the family bakery. Addie's sister, Tessa Jane Wingrove-Fullbright also comes home to Starlight dealing with issues of her own, including a huge secret she has been keeping. Will they be able to find the happiness they had when growing up in Starlight?

I really enjoyed this story. There was a lot to love, such as great characters, a small community full of quirky and loving people, great food, strong women, bonds of sisterhood and family, secrets that can cause issues, but also heal, a little bit of romance (not a major part of the story), reconciliation, all pulled together with a little bit of magic. I have to say that I loved Aunt Bean. She knew what she was doing and her goal was to bring the sisters together to remember the love they shared and to forgive one another and return to their home. The synopsis says: 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. and this is a perfect description. If you like stories about strong women, sisters, reconciliation, finding your place, new beginnings and finding your "home" then I definitely recommend A Certain Kind of Starlight. I really like when an audiobook has more than one narrator to give distinct voices to the characters. This one was well done and I enjoyed listening to this one.

I almost always prefer novels to be firmly set in reality. No fantasy, sci-fi, or world-building for me - thank you very much.

However, I love novels written by a very short list of authors who weave magical realism into their plots. If Sarah Addison Allen is the queen of this subgenre, Heather Webber is the princess. Ms. Webber's novels wrap me in stories with strong women, cozy settings, and life's challenges overcome with a bit of magic.

I enjoyed A Certain Kind of Starlight for many reasons:

- each chapter begins with a baking tip
- wise family matriarch
- long-held family secrets
- women owning their power and agency
- discussions of cakes and other delicious food
- restoration of relationships
- a sweet dog who's a great judge of character
- touches of magic

The large cast of characters was a bit challenging to track at the beginning, but I was quickly enmeshed in their interconnected lives.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for advance access to the audiobook narrated by Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis.

I don't read a lot of magical realism stories, but I'm so glad I picked this one up! The characters were charming, I loved the storyline, and it was just written beautifully. The duel POV with Addie and Tessa Jane showed glimpses into their individual lives and their views on their repairing relationship. I also actually found myself laughing out loud a few times at some of the things the characters said. It was such a cozy, small-town vibe, and I could really feel the love for the people in the story and for the Starlight field. There were enough complications in the story to keep it interesting, but was also very lighthearted.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys magical realism and family relationship repair stories.

A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Webber was quite sweet. It gave Hallmark movie vibes - small Southern town with cute cafes and bakeries, found family, and secrets. Two estranged sisters need to return after hearing that an ailing Aunt needs help with her bakery. Each chapter had a little baking tip - I loved it.

There were a lot of characters that didn't necessarily always add to the story and it did seem to have a bit of a lull at times, but it was overall enjoyable.

Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Wills did an excellent job with the narration. Their pace, diction, and emotion were perfect.

Heather Webber is one of my autobuy authors. Her most recent books filled with magical realism have been a true delight. Engaging in all the feels with that little bit of hope that brings all the magic. There is a formula to her recent stories. But this is not a deterrent. It's a big hug. I know I will be pulled into story full of family drama and life's issues that so many of us struggle with. But there will be an ending of tears and joy. The kind of stories that leave you hugging the book after the final word is read.

In the case of listening to A Certain Kind of Starlight, I wasn't hugging the book but I was certainly placing my hand over my heart at the end of this story. Two half sister's who are part of the magic of their little home town and are the protectors of the magic. More than one family secret is revealed as these women find the strength in themselves to save their property and more importantly, the strength to be a family.

Each chapter begins with a baking lesson. Chapters flip between our main characters, Addie & Tessa. The narrators (one for each sister) did a wonderful job keeping each character distinguishable. I did speed it up a bit but never went over 1.5. I am not one who likes to listen to chipmunks but often want to get through the story a bit faster.

A recommended read and a recommended listen. There's something endearing having had this story read to me.

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.

𝗔 𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗯𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗿 is a beautifully heartwarming tale of family, secrets, and healing. I’m a huge fan of magical realism, especially when it’s set in a small town with cozy bakeries and endearing characters, and this book delivered on all fronts. Addie and Tessa Jane, two sisters estranged for years, are brought back to their hometown of Starlight, Alabama, when their beloved Aunt Bean faces a serious health crisis. The sisters awkwardly reunite, putting their differences aside to help care for Aunt Bean and her family bakery. The town’s magical field of starlight, a beacon of hope and positivity for those in need, is a beautiful metaphor woven throughout the story. The themes of domestic abuse and isolation are sensitively handled, and I loved watching Addie and Tessa Jane slowly heal and reconnect with their true family. The sense of community and support in Starlight is incredibly heartwarming, making this story both endearing and deeply touching. I honestly didn’t want it to end and was rooting for a happy ending for all the characters I’d grown so attached to. Highly recommended for fans of magical realism and stories about the strength of family bonds.

Listening to "A Certain Kind of Starlight" by Heather Webber was like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of small-town charm and a sprinkle of magic. Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis brought the characters of Addie and Tessa Jane to life with their warm and engaging narration, making it easy to get lost in their world.

This audiobook is perfect if you love stories with tangled relationships and secrets hidden in every corner. It's whimsical and heartfelt, capturing the essence of small-town life. While there are quite a few characters to keep track of, the enchanting writing and soothing narration make it a delightful listen. If you're in the mood for a heartwarming tale with a dash of mystery and a lot of heart, give this one a go!

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.

Having the audiobook added an additional element so the book that I didn't realize was missing. Even when switching to the ebook I could hear the narrator's voices as I turned each page.

"A Certain Kind of Starlight" by Heather Webber is women's fiction with a bit of fantasy. It took me a while to get into this book, but eventually, the characters and the setting got me. I loved the dogs and kittens.

In the beginning, estranged sisters Addy and Tessa Jane are thrown together for an emergency meeting with their Great Aunt Bean. Little by little, they become friends and eventually sisters.

Addy and Tessa Jane are due to inherit a piece of land, called the Starlight Field, the including the Starlight Crater, which seems to shimmer after dark with a starry aurora. Tessa Jane's grandfather has commercial plans for this land. Addy just wants to protect it and keep it in the family. Then there is the Starling Bakery run by Verbena Fulbright, aka Aunt Bean.

The audiobook is narrated by Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis. They did a great job. The chapters alternate POV between Addy and Tessa Jane.

By the end of the book, I got a feeling of comfort and peace, an uplifting and warm feeling. I highly recommend this book.

Characters - 5/5
Writing - 5/5
Plot - 3/5
Pacing - 3/5
Unputdownability - 3/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 4/5
Cover - 3/5
Overall - 30/8 = 3 6/8
Rounded up to 4 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, MacMillan Audio, and Heather Webber for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars, rounded up. This had all the elements I've come to expect from Heather Webber's books: found family, magical realism, secrets, and difficult family relationships.
I enjoyed this story, but I wanted more from the plot. Also, the magical element in this one felt cheesy and out of place.
I liked the building of relationship between the sisters, but some of the reveals towards the end also felt contrived.
This was a sweet story, but not one that will stick with me.
Audiobook narration was great!

Estranged sisters Addie and Tessa are summoned by their aunt Verbena to their hometown of Starlight. Their aunt is facing a health crisis and needs the women’s help with the family bakery. Both women are facing challenges of their own but care so much for their aunt that they are committed to seeing her through this regardless of their reluctance. Family secrets and expectations force the sisters to re-examine their lives and those that they trust. They are forced to confront the magic that is all around them in Starlight and is part of their legacy.

This was a sweet story. It was like watching a Hallmark movie where everyone is too good to be true and absolutely perfect even though their world is crashing down around them. Sometimes you just need a vanilla cupcake with sprinkles. Sweet, pretty and nothing too fancy or spicy! The cooking tips at the beginning of each chapter were a nice touch!

3 ⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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 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!

#ACertainKindOfStarlight:⁣
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Thank you @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 for my gifted copy!⁣
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“Light needed darkness to make you appreciate its brightness.”⁣
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This book gave everything I needed from the South. Secrets that made you clutch your pearls, strong family matriarchs that held the whole world, second chances, spiteful men, and a twinge of beautiful magic. Heather Webber is a beautiful storyteller when it comes to family and love, and I truly cherished this one.⁣
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I loved “From the Kitchen of Verbena Fullbright” at the beginning of each chapter. There were so many good lessons and quotes that were good for the soul. It’s a recipe tip and a life lesson rolled into one. That’s the southern family cookbook I know. ⁣
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I did audio, and wouldn’t you have guessed it, I was confused. I didn’t realize it was a dual POV with Addie and Tessa Jane. They’re half sisters, and don’t have the best relationship because of it. It took me a minute to figure out why one minute it was first person Tessa Jane, then the next, someone was talking TO Tessa Jane. It’s definitely an audio thing that I got confused as I know the chapters are provided POV after Verbena’s spot. It made less messy of a love triangle once I figured out who was who, but most inflections are characters were done on every other character except the two main ones. ⁣
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Overall, I loved it. Solid read. The ending had me in tears. Just released July 23rd! ⁣
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QOTD: What did you do this weekend?