To the crafting world, especially those who follow one another online and on television, this first novel is the "crafty chica" personified. Author Kathy Cano-Murillo defines a "crafty chica" as "an artsy, thrifty, quirky and ultra clever female." (see her website for more!) Her theme, in the novel and in her life, is to encourage artistic development within the Hispanic women’s culture in America, providing ideas, stimulus and encouragement. The book includes craft projects, a glossary for those like this reviewer who are not Hispanic, a reading group guide and much more.

The story is distinctive in being about crafty chicas in Phoenix, who find themselves—and each other—over 350 pounds of glitter! The circumstances of the women’s bonding may be bizarre, but the story is one that all women can relate to; finding and keeping friendship, true love and the heart’s path through life. This women’s novel introduces the dynamic and very mixed up Estrella Esteban, called "Star" by those who know her. She is blithely skipping through life, incredibly spoiled by her parents and everyone who comes across her path. One liquor-induced evening, she makes a horrendous faux pas, which causes a string of actions and reactions that she has to deal with, pronto!

Her father wants her to move out, she loses her job in the family restaurant, her boyfriend cuts her off, and all she thinks she has left is her best friend Ofelia, whose obsession is crafting. Coming together over the soon-to-be-held craft festival, Star and Ofelia get to know Chloe Chavez, who is a TV reporter with a segment all about crafts. All three of the women have secrets the reader is soon privy to... how much does Chloe really know about crafts? Can Ofelia really create anything worthwhile? What are Star’s hidden talents, and does she really love artist Theo Duarte, whose mural she has decorated with graffiti?

Chloe’s agenda is about herself, Ofelia wants to be good at something, to prove to her mother-in-law that her husband married the right woman, and Star desperately wants to find herself, utilize her talents, and find a man she can love and respect. The three women form mutual friendships that seem to be to be based on lies and tricks, and yet those very friendships help them survive lots of far-flung emotions and crafty tight spots.

Crafty Chica Kathy Cano-Murillo draws from her own love of crafts, her culture’s roots, and the beauty of Phoenix to create not only three-dimensional characters, but also a background that should appeal to readers who love crafts and the Hispanic interpretations of them. The Day of the Dead is brought into the plot as well, and if you are not a "chica," you will come to appreciate and honor the culture and the talents. This reviewer hopes that this is the beginning of a series, for as a writer and a crafter, Cano-Murillo is a talent of which to be aware!

Enjoy!