Rochelle B. Weinstein was fascinated by the dynamic of friends and strangers meeting in an intimate setting and breaking bread together, so that was what inspired her to write "We Are Made of Stars."
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
We spend our summers in the North Carolina mountains and frequent the real-life Inn at Little Pond Farm. There we attended intimate dinners at a communal table while a chef prepared four-course meals. The table seats 10 guests, and I was fascinated by the dynamic of friends and strangers meeting in an intimate space and breaking bread together. I knew I had to set a story there.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
Inclusion. Acceptance. Reading outside your comfort zone and embracing a world that’s bigger than ourselves. Stories have tremendous power. They connect and educate, offering fresh perspectives and deeper understanding. Reading Rainbow challenges long-held opinions resulting in compassion and valuable insights.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
All voices are meant to be heard, especially those of the underrepresented. Now more than ever we must embrace our differences and lift the voices that have been silenced. There’s room on the shelf for everyone.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
"We Are Made of Stars" is modeled after the actual Inn at Little Pond Farm, though I’ve renamed it Vis Ta Vie (live your life). I spent hours interviewing the former owners, Gaye and Frank Luaces, to capture everything from the paint colors and flooring to the hidden gems (think bachelorettes and glitter). You’d be amazed at what goes on under the roof of a cozy inn. To portray the depth and layered interactions, I gathered three couples (two best friends from college) and a mother-daughter duo for a week-long stay. As the days progress, hiking the gorgeous terrain, evenings spent at the table, secrets are revealed and connections are formed. Think White Lotus meets Virgin River: one week in summer, eight lives forever changed. The book wasn’t easy to write. Managing six POVs was a challenge I won’t ever repeat.
What can fans expect from your book?
Readers can expect an intricate tale weaving multiple storylines that slowly build into dramatic reveals. The exquisite setting, delicious food, and emotional heft makes for a fun, compelling read. I’ve already been asked for a sequel. Readers want to meet up with these characters years later.
What’s up next for you in the bookish world?
I’m deep into a book tour with stops in Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Asheville, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. My ninth book, an epic love story based in Miami Beach, is in the hands of my fantastic agent. If you’re a future author, catch me at one of my publishing workshops through Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library July 19 and Aug. 9. I love nothing more than giving back to the writing community and assisting every writer on their journey.
