Salt and Sugar by Rebecca Carvalho
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Salt and Sugar in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
Salt and Sugar by Rebecca Carvalho tells a story about family, friendship, and finding yourself. The novel shines with its rich cultural details and heartfelt emotions. Carvalho writes with warmth, making it easy to connect with the characters and their journeys.
The Details
One of the best parts of the book is how it brings culture to life. Traditions, food, and family expectations all play a big role. These details add depth and make the setting feel real. Readers who enjoy diverse stories will find this refreshing.
However, the pacing sometimes slows down. The middle of the book lingers too long on side stories that don’t always move the main plot forward. This can make the story feel uneven and a bit slow. Some parts repeat ideas, and the big moments don’t always hit as hard as you’d hope.
The characters feel relatable, but some supporting ones don’t get enough development. This makes it harder to care about all the relationships in the story. Plus, a few conflicts and their resolutions follow familiar patterns, which makes parts of the book feel predictable.
Still, Salt and Sugar creates some honest and touching moments. Carvalho captures family tension and friendship dynamics in a way that feels sincere. If you like thoughtful, slower-paced books with strong cultural backgrounds, this one will speak to you.
The Verdict
In short, Salt and Sugar offers warmth and cultural richness but struggles with pacing and originality. It’s a solid, middle-of-the-road read. Fans of contemporary fiction with emotional depth will enjoy it, but those looking for a gripping or fresh story might feel it falls short.
