WMRA Books & Brews: March 10th @ Pale Fire in Harrisonburg hosted by Mary Katharine Froehlich (5)

WMRA is offer two for one in March! Two authors with be joining Mary Katharine at Pale Fire Brewery on March 10th at 7pm; exploring the fiction and non-fiction side of restaurants and service workers.

For fans of The Bear, Elizabeth Strout, and Jennifer Egan, The Reservation explores the loves and labors of an ensemble of more than a dozen restaurant workers as they strive to get a perfect meal to the table

On the morning of the most important booking in the long history of the celebrated restaurant, Aunt Orsa’s erupts into chaos with the discovery that twenty-two rib eye steaks have been stolen. Hers is the most august of fine-dining establishments in this Midwestern college town, and tonight Orsa is set to host a large party honoring a very special guest—a bestselling author of national renown.

And what’s up with the recent spate of online reviews, from insulting to frankly terrible? Is Orsa, who wants only to be loved, being sabotaged on several fronts? No one is above suspicion, not the Mennonite baker nor the tattooed hard-ass chef de cuisine. Could the culprit be among the servers, or even the inexperienced undergrad working as hostess?

Who aside from Rebecca Kauffman—with her talent for portraying such abundant and sympathetic characters—could write with the wit and energy needed to launch all these various individuals whirling through their days with such complex and interactive choreography?

Like the works of the mystery guest, The Reservation is a dynamic and captivating story that shows us what it takes to get a beautiful meal to the table.

REBECCA KAUFFMAN received her MFA in creative writing from New York University. She is the author of Another Place You've Never Been, which was long-listed for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, The Gunners, which received the Premio Tribùk dei Librai, The House on Fripp Island, Chorus, and most recently, I’ll Come to You. Originally from rural northeastern Ohio, Kauffman now lives in Virginia.

Ever wonder what makes a great server so unforgettable? It’s more than just a friendly smile—it’s adaptability, hustle, and the ability to read a room in an instant. Turning Tables reveals how the skills sharpened in food service—teamwork, resilience, and top-tier customer service—are the same ones that drive success in any career. Whether you’re in hospitality, climbing the corporate ladder, or hiring a winning team, this book connects the dots between restaurant life and professional excellence. Packed with real stories and actionable insights, Turning Tables serves up the secret ingredients to thriving in business— no reservations required.

Bruce C. Bryan is an author, entrepreneur, and connector of people. With 20 years of experience in the television industry, Bruce managed broadcast advertising departments at television stations in Michigan, Ohio, and Virginia. Winner of the 2006 National Association of Broadcasters “Best of the Best” Sales Promotion award, he now develops and implements creative solutions to everyday business problems. Bruce and his wife Laurel live in Roanoke and are often busy spending time with their five children and six grandchildren.

Stone Soup Books is proud to be a part of the WMRA's Books & Brew series. Books will be available for purchase at this event.