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Member Reviews
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My cold winter days are made better by @booksparks #WRC2025 & 𝑾𝑬 𝑨𝑹𝑬 𝑴𝑨𝑫𝑬 𝑶𝑭 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑺 𝒃𝒚 𝑹𝒐𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝑩. 𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒊𝒏 coming out on February 25th from Lake Union Publishing. I couldn't be more excited to have been granted the @netgalley audio from @brilliancepublishing to pair with this redemption story.
I loved several aspects of this story, not least of which was the dinner menu for each day the guests would stay at the Vis Ta Vie, French for "love your life" in the hills of North Carolina. Jean-Paul and Reneé are the proprietors who are ready to host the three couples as well as a mother-daughter duo for the week, but none has any idea what the Fates will bring about.
The number of characters took a minute to settle, but it quickly coalesced into the groupings, to which the combo format made easier. I enjoyed leaning into each duo's story and then how they became entwined in complicated ways.
There was no shortage of star mentions & metaphors in the tale, but fortunately, they were placed just so as to not become too precious. Speaking of, I am not always in the mood for feel-good novels, and this was not exactly a perfect bow, but I did enjoy the twinkle of hope this provided (see what I did there?🌟). I needed a bit of good in this current moment.
The shorter, quick chapters made this story move at a good pace for a character driven story. The six narrators also made each character distinct while listening, and I love a good cast narration!
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This book was filled with secrets, drama, lies and second chances. The setting is in France at a small quaint inn called Vis Ta Vie Inn. The location sounded so beautiful and made for a great background for this story. Three couples are returning for the week-long stay and a mother and daughter duo are checking in. The story is woven of multiple narratives and point of view from each of the characters. I loved the interaction between the couples and the friendships they have made. There are secrets to be told, lies that are keeping some apart and drama to unfold. Felt very much like a season of White Lotus!
The full cast narration really set this audiobook apart and really made it such a fun drama filled listen. Narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker, Ron Butler, David de Vries, Megan Tusing, Aasne Vigesaa and Emily Lawrence. These characters all came to life with their voices.
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I loved visiting Vis Ta Vie Inn and getting to know its owners, Reneé and Jean-Paul De La Rue. This story follows multiple characters, each with their own secrets, and I enjoyed how their lives were intertwined by the end. The author did a great job bringing them to life, making me feel immersed in the inn, the nature walks, meals, and the waterfalls. This was such a beautiful story.
I listened to the audiobook and absolutely enjoyed it. With a full cast of narrators including Stephanie Németh Parker, Ron Butler, David de Vries, Megan Tusing, Aasne Vigesaa, and Emily Lawrence, each character had a unique tone and voice, making the experience even more engaging.
Vis Ta Vie Inn is a special place where everyone leaves changed. Perfect for fans of second chance romance, character driven stories, secrets, drama, forgiveness, and multiple POVs.
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I loved the setting of this book - a beautiful inn, hiding its own secrets. This was an eclectic cast of characters - told in their very different point of views. I enjoyed the diversity and perspectives, but I kind of wish there were fewer of them. Although I felt like I got to know all the characters, I think I would have been even more invested if I truly felt as if the characters were my friends. I loved that there was some drama, betrayals, some mystery behind each character's story and opportunities. A story about second chances, forgiveness and even the bright side of life, even when handed a bunch of lemons. Overall, a truly fascinating book that someone flowed despite the very different characters and POVs.
Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copies.
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A well done, multi-POV story about an in that is being our many characters together at pivotal times in their lives.
Renee and Jean Paul own the inn and over the years it has began to deteriorate. Is it worth saving or is it time to give up?
Our three couples: Penny and Leo, Lucy and Henry, and Sienna and Adam are coming to the inn for a reunion. Each couple is going through things in their lives and in their marriage. Can their relationships survive this trip?
And lastly, our mother/ daughter duo, Cassidy and Rosalie are wrestling with their dynamic.
I enjoyed the story. I am a little in the fence with this as an audiobook. I struggled to keep track of the characters and some of the narrators I didn’t enjoy. I’m likely going to attempt an actual read later on.
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for this ARC!
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Guests converge at the Vis Ta Vie inn for a weekend. The couple who own the inn are struggling to determine if there is any way to keep the doors open after losing their savings. The group of guests consists of 4 old college friends, a couple on the verge of divorce and a mother daughter duo - all the relationships are in some sort of crisis. Each comes to the inn with a connection to it, some have visited annually, some had important moments occur there. During the weekend secrets and past betrayals are revealed as the guests and the inn keepers support each other and try to fix broken relationships as well as begin new ones.
The set up of this one was a bit slow only because all of the characters, their histories and their connection to each other and the inn had to be introduced to the reader. I always enjoy a story where characters' lives intertwine in ways you cannot see at the onset of the novel. This one worked for me, I became invested in the characters and their relationships and I cared where their storyline would take them. Some things were a tad predictable but I it didn’t take away from my reading enjoyment. I thought the audiobook was great, but with so many characters and storylines, it was great to have the book to read as well. These guests brought their baggage to the inn and I enjoyed unpacking it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance for the ALC to review
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There’s something magical about Rochelle B. Weinstein’s latest novel, WE ARE MADE OF STARS. Set at the picturesque Vis Ta Vie inn, she introduces us to Reneé and Jean-Paul De La Rue, the longtime innkeepers who are in danger of losing their beloved property after being swindled out of their life savings.
Their guests have troubles of their own. Lies, secrets, and betrayals threaten to destroy their carefully crafted facades. Relationships are fraying and choices loom.
This journey of discovery and redemption isn’t always easy or comfortable, but it illustrates that light can exist in darkness.
I alternated between the digital and audio versions. The full cast narration by Stephanie Németh-Parker, Ron Butler, David de Vries, Megan Tusing, Aasne Vigesaa, and Emily Lawrence is a delight and added to my enjoyment.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and Brilliance Audio for the advance copies in exchange for my unbiased review.
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I can see why many people loved this book. The writing is beautiful, and the author really knows how to create vivid, relatable characters. The plot does have its moments of tension and drama, and while I personally found the characters a bit repetitive at times, I can appreciate the emotional depth they brought to the story. The way they interact with each other, though often seeming stuck in their problems, adds an interesting dynamic. For those who enjoy character-driven stories about personal growth and relationships, this book definitely has a lot to offer.
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Really great!!!
Synopsis: As Reneé and Jean-Paul De La Rue face the decision to close their beloved inn, they welcome a group of guests who each carrying their own struggles and hidden truths.
Thoughts: I loved how Weinstein masterfully intertwined the guests’ narratives, each with their own complex and layered backstories. The multiple perspectives seamlessly wove together, culminating in poignant decisions about whether to move forward or let go. Plus, the enchanting French countryside setting and the mouthwatering descriptions of the meals made me feel completely immersed in the warmth of the inn. I now definitely have to go read more of Weinstein's backlist!!
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I went into this book completely blind after having seen a few of my favorite authors raving about it on Instagram and ended up really enjoying it. The beginning of the book was a bit slow to me and felt more like a character driven novel but then it picked up as it delved into the plot and I needed to know what happened next. The story and the characters were beautifully interwoven. The full cast narration really helped bring both to life so I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook.
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Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a review. This was an audio copy.
*Note: review does not contain spoilers.
This the first time I have had the opportunity to read a novel by Rochelle B. Weinstein. Her story-telling is smooth and graceful, with rich character development. I was so invested in each of these characters, that I am hoping there will be a sequel.
The audio was fantastic, with a voice for each one. This allowed smooth transitions with the many people and their narratives to blend together.
Especially loved how the Title "We are Made of Stars" is incorporated in small elements throughout the book.
This is a narrative of forgiveness, found family, self reflection, shared failures and laughter. Most of all, FOOD! Each day of the 1 week together started with the meal planning. I was so hungry listening and even googling some of the recipes that I plan on making for my family.
I will be going back into this authors back list and picking up a few more of her novels. Thank you