A Certain Kind of Starlight, a review by Susan

Heather Webber never disappoints and her latest novel, while not a departure from her previous 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, this was exactly what I needed.

The protagonist, Addie, left her home town of Starlight, Alabama many years ago, when her best friend told her a life altering secret. Addie needed to put distance between herself and the people she loved, especially since she couldn’t reveal the secret without causing a great deal of heartache. Now, sll these years later, she returns to Starlight because her beloved aunt is very ill and she asks Addie to come home to help run her cafe. This coincides with a break-up in a relationship which also makes Addie question her life and her priorities. Starlight is a special place, which is where the magical realism enters the mix.  The starlight appears and helps those in need. In addition to these difficult circumstances, there is also Tessa, Addie’s “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. I think this is the kind of book that people will like or they won’t; some people just don’t like magical realism.  If that is not for you, then I wouldn’t read this book.  However, if you enjoy it as I do, it is a must-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.