From the author of A Taste of Sage comes another charming and engrossing novel in which a young woman must navigate her family’s expectations, the demands of her job, a new love, and a secret about her magical identity.
Larimar Cintrón works hard at three things: her job as brand manager for Beacon Café, a New York based corporate bakery chain; taking care of her parents and her abuela; and hiding that she’s a ciguapa—a mythical creature of Dominican folklore with long, straight hair and backwards-facing feet. Larimar may only be a ciguapa on full moons, but she feels like an outsider in her family the rest of the month too. Her love of ’90s punk rock music and style further sets her apart. But when her best friend introduces her to Ray, a bakery owner and fellow punk rock lover, Larimar thinks she may have finally found someone with whom she can be her true self.
As Beacon’s brand manager, Larimar oversees all new location openings, including its newest store in New Jersey, which could be the project that finally lands her a coveted promotion. But when she discovers the location is right across from Ray’s bakery, Borrachitos, Larimar is torn between impressing her boss and saving Ray’s business.
As Larimar continues to grow closer to Ray and the new store’s opening looms, she struggles to hide the truth about herself and her job. But embracing her magical nature may be the only way Larimar can have everything she wants. Witty and poignant, A Touch of Moonlight is a celebration of heritage, culture, and identity—of embracing yourself and finding your place in the world.
Author Info
Yaffa S. Santos was born and raised in New Jersey. She is the author of A Taste of Sage, which won an International Latino Book Award andwas named an Indie Next List Pick and an Amazon Editor’s Pick, and the forthcoming A Touch of Moonlight. Yaffa is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, where she studied writing and visual art. She enjoys books, coffee, and the beach, and lives in Central Florida with her family.
Reviews
“[A] delicious culinary romance….A Touch of Moonlight is that magic breed of rom-com that will leave readers’ hearts and bellies equally full.” — Booklist
“Santos writes clear and engaging prose, mixing a standard romance tale with magical realism. … A Touch of Moonlight is about learning to accept and celebrate one's differences.” — USA Today
“A Touch of Moonlight is a delightful and heartwarming story with a delicious folklore twist. Yaffa Santos weaves an engaging tale about discovering new love while balancing family expectations, work life, and a magical secret.” — Sarah Echavarre Smith, author of Faker
“Complete with lovable characters, a heartfelt romance, brilliantly balanced pacing, and engaging prose, Santos has blended fantastical folklore with reality in the tastiest of ways. A perfectly seasoned novel – recipes included.” — Samantha Vérant, author of The Secret French Recipes of Sophie Valroux
“This voraciously readable novel has it all: culture, romance, and a delightful cast of characters you can’t help but fall in love with! If you’re looking for a feel-good narrative full of heart and humor, A Touch of Moonlight hits that mark.” — Zara Raheem, author of The Marriage Clock and The Retreat
