We chat with author Rachel Linden about A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity, which is a tantalizing novel about a struggling chocolatier who is granted a magical vision of the future of her dreams, only to realize that her heart may desire something else entirely.
Hi, Rachel! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi reading friends! I live on a little island in Puget Sound near Seattle with my husband and two kids and a menagerie of pets. My eighth novel just released this week! A normal day for me involves lots of typical mom life, walking around the island plotting stories, maybe kayaking, whipping up something yummy in the kitchen, and attempting to nurture a good flower and vegetable garden in the rain!
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I wrote my first book when I was 6 years old. It was called Beans! and it was about – you guessed it – my favorite vegetable. From then on I was always writing, reading or telling a story, and frankly, that hasn’t changed! If I’m not writing a story, I’m dreaming one up, reading a good one, or telling a story to someone I love, preferably over a good meal!
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Pat the Bunny. I loved it! I still do. It had sandpaper, a mirror, and a little book within the book. Who doesn’t love a book they can interact with?
- The one that made you want to become an author: Little Women. I loved how Jo made her own way in the world while still helping her family. It was inspiring to me!
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: I’m completely in love with stories of people being transformed by the power of community and connection. I adore books like A Man Called Ove and Remarkably Bright Creatures and will read anything about the power of love and human connection to make us more healthy, happy, whole people.
Your latest novel, A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Warm hug, yummy, happy ending!
What can readers expect?
A sweet story about a chocolate maker, Emmie, who is a single mom struggling in the sandwich generation. She’s caring for her young son and her ailing mom, and running her family’s rundown fudge shop in a harbor tourist town in the Pacific Northwest. When Emmie is given a magical chance to see her future, she thinks all her dreams are finally coming true, but as the summer progresses, she begins to suspect that what she saw in her vision might not be what her heart truly desires after all!
This book features an adorable small town filled with a cast of heartwarming characters, not one but two hunky love interests, a French bulldog named Mr. Butters, and so much chocolate!
Where did the inspiration for A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity come from?
I wanted to write a story about a woman – like me- who is sandwiched between caring for two generations and juggling a career. She’s stretched thin and feels like she’s lost her sense of self and her own desires and dreams amidst the responsibilities she carries. It’s a story about Emmie finding the courage to make space in her own life for herself – for her dreams and desires again. She sets aside the “shoulds” and learns to embrace her heart’s true desire.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved writing three generations – Emmie, her 6 year old son Gus, and her mom Gwen. I enjoyed giving each of them a growth arc. They each get to learn and grow and become more of themselves because of their love for each other. That’s how life works – we learn and grow and become more of who we truly are when we are loved well by each other. I really enjoy exploring that dynamic in my stories!
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
I’d never written a love triangle, and it was a challenge to figure out how to create the tension of Emmie choosing between two good guys when I knew the outcome from the beginning. It was a challenge I enjoyed, but I had to do some re-writing and figure out how to balance not one but two love interests for Emmie! I had good feedback from a few early readers of the story that helped me find a better balance for the love triangle part of the story.
What’s next for you?
I am busy brainstorming a fun new idea set on an island near me. It’s a story that is in the early stages still, but I’m really enjoying the creation process for this one!
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
I thoroughly enjoyed Marie Bostwick’s historical novel The Book Club for Troublesome Women! That was a treat and I still think about the characters. And I’m eagerly looking forward to reading Katherine Center’s new novel The Shippers. I always enjoy her stories.
