I received a gifted copy of A CERTAIN KIND OF STARLIGHT by Heather Webber from Tor Publishing and an advance audiobook edition from Macmillan Audio and Netgalley. No review was required and all opinions are my own.

A CERTAIN KIND OF STARLIGHT follows half-sisters Addie and Tessa. Twelve years ago, Addie's best friend made a deathbed confession and asked Addie to keep the secret. She left town to keep this secret, removing herself from the temptation to spill. Tessa is feeling lost in darkness after a painful breakup while feeling tremendous pressure from her mother's side of the family.

When Addie and Tessa's aunt finds herself facing serious medical complications, she asks both girls to come home and they can't help but show up for their beloved aunt. Though the sisters have always kept each other at arm's length, this is the time to come together to help their aunt with her bakery business, preserving the family and the lore around the star that once fell to earth in their family's field.

I'm always a bit hit or miss with magical realism, but I have enjoyed Heather Webber's writing in the past, so was excited to pick this book up! Overall I had a good time with the reading experience! I really enjoyed the cast of characters and the relationships, both the complications and the closeness. I also really enjoyed the lore around the specialness this family holds, the star crash, and the starlings.

I did find the story to be a bit slower than I would have preferred, but it wound up being a great multitasking audiobook listen. It is full of southern charm and cozy vibes and I would recommend it to anyone looking for that!

Another hit from Heather Webber! This one is full of lovable characters, a magical setting, and such beautiful relationships. The beginning was a little confusing with so many different characters thrown at you but they all meld together so well that it all falls into place. This was the perfect escape!

🎧🪄🐦PUB DAY AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🐦🪄🎧

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🥰Thank you so much to @forgereads and @macmillan.audio for the gifted book and audiobook #macaudio2024!

📖Title: A Certain Kind of Starlight
✍️Author: Heather Webber
📆Pub date: July 23, 2024 (TODAY)
⏳Audiobook length: 11hrs and 5 mins
🗣️Narrators: Hallie Ricardo & Stephanie Willis

🪄Fans of Heather Webber will definitely be pleased with this one! This was my 3rd book by Heather, so I know what to expect, and she always scratches the itch for the perfect magical realism book with more depth than most!

🐦I loved the sister/family drama in this one and of course the delicious baking tips! I love when books outside the mystery/thriller genre have twists 🌪️ and there was one in this one that really got me!

📖Read if you enjoy:

🏘️Small town charm
🪄Magical realism
👭Sister drama
🥞Baking/recipes in books

☕If you haven't read her 2023 release AT THE COFFEE SHOP OF CURIOSITIES YET, you absolutely must 🥰

🪄Her books always feel like a Hallmark Movie in book form and I'll keep reading them as long as she writes them!

🎧Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis absolutely nailed the narration and the differences in their voices made it easy to always know which character was speaking! Highly recommend the audio version!

No one brings a story about small-town magic to life quite like Heather Webber. If you’re a fan of magical realism and charming stories about strong and resilient women, then her books are for you.

A Certain Kind of Starlight is filled with family secrets, complex relationships, and endearing characters. Cozy and sweet with a hint of magic it really is a perfect read.

Both narrators, Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis, did an amazing job of bringing these characters and their southern charm to life.

This audiobook was an all-around delight! I loved all the baking tips at the start of each chapter. I spent a wonderful day listening to this cozy magical book and baking some of my favorite star galaxy sugar cookies. For now on, I will be calling them my starlight sugar cookies!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

There is absolutely nothing better than picking up a book that feel so incredibly cozy and warm, UNLESS it's also realizing that book feels familiar and when you look up the author, she also wrote another book which gave you the same exact cozy warm feelings and she becomes your new favorite cozy author!

Heather Webber has a way of telling stories which make home feel like a warm cloud; where the main characters are looking for acceptance or a form of home or family and we, the readers, join them on their journey. I love the magical realism of not truly knowing which parts are magic and which are just family ties. I think I was a little frustrated with Addie for being so hell bent on "keeping her secrets" which only did more harm than good. Self sacrifice is rarely the best course of action.

We clearly know who the "bad guy" is, and we have a host of really great people. We have a family owned bake shop and some fairly emotional moments along the way. Though I've only read two books by Heather Webber, I will be going out and finding more, very soon! These books are so charming and enjoyable. There is a softness around the edges which makes them light and easy. They also have enough depth and substance to keep you engaged until the final pages and, boy, are those final pages usually powerful.

This was a sweet and wholesome book. I love the way Heather Webber writes her characters, I always feel connected and like I just had a warm hug.

Twelve years ago, as her best friend lay dying after giving birth, she told an earth-shattering secret to Addie Fullbright, and made her promise not to tell anyone. The only way Addie knew she could keep the secret was to flee her hometown of Starlight, Alabama. 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 a failure. 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. It starts off rocky since Addie and Tessa have never been close. But with the help of Aunt Bean and the Sugarbirds, 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.

This audiobook was so much fun. I always enjoy this author's books, and this one was no exception. The book was full of the mysticism, wise words, helpful hints, family, and southern hospitality that I have come to love and expect from her novels. I adored Aunt Bean, Tessa and Addie, and I loved how in-between chapters, Aunt Bean gave helpful hints for baking. The starlings, who let them know every time something was wrong, and then the final scene of the book that left me in tears - all of it made for a magical experience that I think you will love as much as I did.

As with pretty much ALL of Heather Webber’s books, this one was terrific!
Blending real life, family ties, healthy friendships, small town living, and a tiny bit of magic…

Aunt Bean (Verbena Fulbright) is not feeling well. As she’s usually full of spunk and energy, this makes her entire family worried…so when she makes phone calls asking her nieces to ‘come home’ to help, well, they drop everything to go home to Alabama.

Bean has a bakery business, and its future lies on the precipice…

Additionally, the girls grandfather has big plans of his own, and if he gets his way, they’ll be totally out of the picture…

But, we are in a SMALL TOWN, where there are eyes and ears everywhere…and maybe just a little magic in the way of stars, starlight, starlings, diamonds, lightening flashes, family…and love…

Webber has a way of weaving together a picture (story) where you fall in love with all of the characters…even when you don’t like them, or don’t want to!

And the small town charm in each of them gives me hope…that maybe one day the world CAN be a better place.

Loved Addie and Tessa Ann. Loved Aunt Bean.

Loved how Addie cannot keep a secret to save her life, but when her bff from HS tells her one, one that will change HER life forever…Addie keeps it! Even though it hurts her through and through. Even though she believes her life will never be the same. And, because of this, Addie moves far away from her small home town, with no plans to ever return. But life sometimes has a way of changing your mind…and heart.

All the stars for me, because, as usual…this one from Ms. Webber brought out ALL THE FEELS! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫💫

So excited to be able to receive this one as an ARC, as this author has NEVER let me down!!!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which releases tomorrow, 7/23/24! (In exchange for an honest review)

#ACertainKindOfStarlight by #HeatherWebber and narrated wonderfully by #HallieRicardo and #StephanieWillis.

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Some magical realism books are up my alley, some are not. This one was worth the read. The different type of relationships between characters were greatly explored. The small-town vibe and how every got into everyone else’s business was fun. I love stories with strong female characters and relationships. Also, there were so many secrets that were slowly revealed. The narrator was great and added a lot to the story. I loved the baking tips at the beginning of each chapter. I loved that there was some romance in the story, but it wasn’t the main focus and storyline. The writing was good, and I look forward to Webbers next book.

A Certain Kind of Starlight is another fantastic southern tale from Heather Webber. Each summer I look forward to her latest book, and while I typically prefer the physical book format, which 3 generations in our family have been known to share, I had the pleasure of listening to this on audio. The narrators do a fantastic job transporting the reader to Starlight, Alabama. Brought together by their beloved aunt, Addie and Tessa Jane manage to work through their own pasts, while navigating their own evolving futures. A story of family, resilience, and secrets, this is another magical, warm hearted book by Heather Webber. Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this advanced audio book, all opinions are my own.

I love Heather Webber’s books with a touch of southern cozy and magical realism.

✨Genre: Magical realism
🖤 Steamy rating: Mild
⚡️ Profanity: Mild

Two estranged half sisters, Addie and Tessa Jane, are summoned to their home town of Starlight, Alabama by their Aunt. Addie left Starlight 12 years ago after experiencing the death of her best friend and other heartbreak. Tessa Jane moved with her mother after the death of her father. As the two reconnect with their aunt and the people they left in their past, buried secrets come to light causing excitement in their magical community.

I love Heather Webber’s writing, because it feels like snuggling up in a warm blanket. Her characters are a delight. Told from rotating perspectives of Addie and Tessa Jane, they overcome heartache, find their voices, and look for the best in people. I also liked the second chance romance and enemies do lovers happening alongside the family drama. Lastly, the kindness the characters showed animals made this book complete.

Triggers: Death of a parent and domestic violence

Thank you @macmillan.audio for the early copy of A Certain Kind of Starlight. I adored it.

#macaudio2024

I listened to the audio version of this book narrated by Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis. While the narration was fine, this book just wasn't for me. I really struggled keeping my attention on it while listening, which is highly unusual for me. I don't do well with lots of characters, so that may have been part of it.

There are lots of family issues in the story, lots of secrets and some romance thrown in. There's a little fantasy, too, so if you're in to that this book might be for you.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the copy. All thoughts are my own.

I wish that Goodreads had a half star rating because I would give this a solid 4.5 stars. Heather Webber never disappoints and her latest book, while not a departure from her previous books (her current ones) is a feel good book about what family means with her signature magical realism. She is one of my go-to authors when the chips are down and with life lately being as difficult as it is, it was exactly what I needed. Addie left her home town of Starlight, Alabama when her best friend told her a life altering secret. She needed to put distance between herself and the people she loved, especially since she couldn't reveal the secret. Now, however, her beloved aunt is very ill and she asks Addie to come home to help run her cafe. It coincides with a break up in a relationship which also makes Addie question her priorities. Starlight is a special place, which is where the magical realism enters the mix. There is also Tessa, her "sister" (read the book to find out the reason for the quotes) and Addie's complicated relationship with her mother.
This book fits the "formula" of Heather Webber's books, which for me right now is a good thing. There is always family. Someone always comes back from somewhere. There is always magical realism. There are always deeper themes. For me it was almost perfect, though it was a little quickly packaged at the end and I think perhaps, Ms. Webber could have taken a little more time to resolve things. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read.
This was an audiobook which worked well. The author had a good Southern accent which works well for this book and her reading was engaging.
Thanks to NetGalley and to Macmillan Audio for giving me the opportunity to read this advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This Alabama story is magical realism with a spoonful of sugar.

Years ago, a meteor fell from the sky causing a deep crater in Starlight, Alabama. On certain nights, the townsfolk walk the now created Starlight Path to see the beautiful aurora glowing from within it. Some believe that one's fate can even be determined in the lights.
Addie Fullbright is finally returning home after finding out her Aunt Verbena has a terminal illness. Aunt Bean needs Addie's help running the bakery. It's been twelve years and Addie is still burdened by the secret she carries, told to her by her best friend, Rie, on her death bed.
Tessa Jane Fullbright feels like she can't do anything right. There's so much tension and high expectations from her Grandfather and Mom. She's just been through a painful break up and now she is dealing with the sobering news from her Aunt Bean and the reappearance of her sister, Addie.
The two must now work together to reconcile past hurts, rise stronger above their obstacles, and salvage the true magic in the bakery.

I really thought this book was meant for me. I usually gravitate toward the southern trope since I've lived in the south my whole life. This one was disappointing. The concept was decent and original with the illuminating crater, but for the life of me, I really couldn't follow the plot or relationships entirely. I understand the gist. This writing just lacked development. It was a completely cheesy Hallmark plot line with total caricatures of southern characters. Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis were fantastic narrators. I fully believe they did the very best in making the most of the script they were given. The one who read from the perspective of Addie sounds EXACTLY like Carrie Underwood. It was impressive. I fully believe there is an audience for this one. It's just not me.

Thank you NetGalley, Heather Webber, and Macmillan Audio for the chance to read this audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A Certain Kind of Starlight
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ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!! Heather Webb has done it again. Everyone of her books just gets better & better which seems impossible because they are ALL so great! You will fall in love with the characters, birds, story, magic, & the light. It is so magical & fun you will not want it to end. So excited for everyone to read it!! Get Reading & Baking!
Thank you NetGalley!!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Webber.

I am a huge fan of Heather Webber. I enjoy a good magical realism book.

It took me a bit to decipher all of the characters in the beginning. Listening to the audiobook does not afford you the option of just flipping back a page to see a character's name. This story flips back and forth between two perspectives. The women of Starlight carry magical powers that differ from woman to woman. Addie and Tessa Jane head back to their home town when their beloved aunt starts having heart trouble. You go on a roller coaster ride of emotions. This book is about family secrets, finding your purpose, learning to lean on others, friendship, love and magic.

I really enjoyed this book.

I will never skip a Heather Webber book. I have absolutely loved every book of hers. If you are fan of magical realism like I am, she will be a fave. With her endearing characters & their overwhelming love for family, friends and a little magic you can never go wrong.

I saw magical realism and looked at nothing beyond that when selecting this book. I am happy to report this one gives so much more than that!

In addition to a sprinkling of magic, we get family drama, romance, found family, AND lots of useful baking tips!

((Before I had three kids, I used to bake and decorate cakes as a little side hustle and it was so fun reading all of Aunt Bean’s baking tips. So many of them I can in fact confirm are very true, like how fondant should be called fonDONT. ))

I love an enchanting family saga and that is exactly what you get here; there are a shocking amount of paternity revelations, relationships breaking and forming, and an Aunt who will do anything to bring her girls together.

This one is heartwarming and fun and will leave you smiling long after the story ends!

I loved this so much! It was cozy, entertaining, sweet, & a little bit magical. Webber has such a way with writing family characters that leave you feeling so happy. I loved everyone in the book. The storyline was entertaining. The animal friends were on point. The audio performances were great. Even though heavy topics were present, you just leave the book feeling happy you read it.

I was looking forward to listening to this book, there aren't many audiobooks available and this one sounded interesting. I was disappointed. First, the narrator made it difficult to determine who was talking when it came to Addie and Tessa Jane, not every time, but enough. Second, this was categorized as sci-fi/fantasy AND womens fiction, they should take away the sci-fi/fantasy. The tiny bit "magic" in the book, though interesting, was just that, tiny. I felt a little like I was tricked. This was much more a chic-lit book and not for me.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC