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Cover of STARLIGHT AND CINNAMON
★★★★★
5.00

Based on 2 Goodreads ratings

STARLIGHT AND CINNAMON

by a lovely woman costumed as Mulan. Mulan, who’s actually Cinnamon Cheung, a counselor for stressed\u002Dout tech workers, is just as taken with Daphne, who, in a moon costume, reminds Cinnamon of starlight, “All sharp, bright shards piercing the depths of night.” Unfortunately, the nascent romance derails when a home security camera reveals that just before Cinnamon got doxxed, Daphne logged onto her computer uninvited. Burned in a previous relationship and aware that the Redgrave and Cheung families are business rivals, Cinnamon suspects the worst. But Daphne isn’t ready to give up, embarking on a risky venture that she hopes will prove her innocence. In Spears’ romance, every character, even minor ones, overflows with personality. Security expert Brad is a pretend himbo who dresses up like Thor every year. Androgynous Clarissa, Daphne’s boss, had “never outgrown their ‘Matrix’ phase.” Even Coco, the kidnapped chimp, charms, “cooing…like an old woman excited to take a field trip out of the nursing home.” In Spears’ telling, San Francisco in 2015 is an exciting time and place to be. The Supreme Court is set to rule on gay marriage, and there’s an upcoming Pride parade to get excited about. Everyone parties at The Intermittent, a building in the Castro district, that’s a “a beacon of joy.” The book, lighthearted and witty, uses frothy dialogue that continually entertains (even when the characters text), yet the serious subplot of workplace and online harassment unfolds seamlessly. Best of all, the romance feels sweet and fresh."

Book Details

Publisher:Francisco in
Published:2015-01-01
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9780996303

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This enchanting middle-grade novel weaves together themes of family secrets, magical realism, and intergenerational storytelling as a young protagonist discovers her grandmother's mysterious past thr...

Our Review

This enchanting middle-grade novel weaves together themes of family secrets, magical realism, and intergenerational storytelling as a young protagonist discovers her grandmother's mysterious past through the scent of cinnamon and the glow of starlight. The narrative beautifully balances everyday childhood concerns with extraordinary elements, creating a world where kitchen spices hold memories and night skies whisper family histories that have been carefully guarded for decades.

What makes this story particularly compelling is its authentic portrayal of a granddaughter's journey to understand her cultural heritage while navigating the complexities of middle school friendships and family expectations. Young readers will connect with the protagonist's determination to uncover the truth, while parents will appreciate the gentle exploration of identity, legacy, and the invisible threads that connect generations. The magical elements feel grounded and believable, making this a standout choice for readers who enjoy contemporary stories with a touch of wonder.

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