A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Webber

Book Description

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 had to leave her hometown of Starlight, Alabama, to keep from revealing a devastating truth to someone she cares for deeply. 

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 Addie and Tessa Jane are called back to Starlight to help their aunt, they are barely holding themselves together, each fearing 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.

Review

Heather Webber’s A Certain Kind of Starlight utterly captured my heart. Like At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities, Webber’s novels feel like a warm hug.

And A Certain Kind of Starlight is no exception!

Webber’s novels have the same addictive and immersive feel as a delicious romance. But what sets Webber’s books apart is her focus on familial love and learning to love oneself, rather than traditional romantic storylines.

In this dual-protagonist story, Addie and Tessa Jane each journey toward self-acceptance amidst family secrets and personal challenges. The girls’ stories resonated deeply with me. Watching them uncover hidden truths but grow stronger with each revelation was both inspiring and comforting. The characters’ relationships and growth feel genuine. So much so that you can’t help but reflect on your own family and the bonds that shape every one of us.

All the Feels

Webber is a master of crafting novels steeped in Southern charm. Her talent for bringing a small town to life with rich, authentic details makes the setting almost a character in itself. Starlight is vibrant and full of warmth, making it easy to get lost in the world. Webber’s storytelling is both engaging and heartfelt, effortlessly drawing you into the lives of her characters.

If you don’t immediately yearn to belong to a town like Starlight, you may not have a heart!

I listened to the audiobook of A Certain Kind of Starlight, thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis narrate this book, each taking on one of the protagonist’s point of view. Their performances were wonderful, bringing to life the story and the feeling of belonging to a tight-knit Southern community.

What I loved most about A Certain Kind of Starlight is how it made me feel. Webber’s novels give me hope. Yes, they emphasize the importance of self-love and familial bonds, but they also reassure me family is more than blood relations.

Moreover, Webber’s stories tell me it’s never too late to repair relationships damaged by actions or circumstances. Her tales are a beautiful reminder that understanding and accepting ourselves and our loved ones is a journey worth taking.

If you’re looking for a touching, feel-good read that celebrates the complexities of family and the journey toward self-acceptance, I highly recommend A Certain Kind of Starlight.

Content Warning

Child Abandonment, Death, Death of a Parent, Grief, Loss, Manipulation

The header photo is a composite image. Base image by Jonatan Pie on Unsplash