Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) - reviewed on 9/17/2024 + 644 more book reviews

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.

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