WMRA’s March 2026 Books & Brews will feature two authors who have written about life as a server. Rebecca Kauffman, author of The Reservation and Bruce C. Bryan, author of Turning Tables: Everything I needed to know about business I learned as a server will share their perspectives on life in the restaurant world.
We've also invited Pale Fire Front of House Manager, Susan Keeler, to join in on our discussion about the dining and food service industry in our region.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 7pm.
Our conversation will take place live at Pale Fire Brewing Company in Harrisonburg, and will be available to watch later on WMRA's Youtube Channel.
Signed copies of The Reservation and Turning Tables: Everything I needed to know about business I learned as a server will be available at the event and online at Stone Soup Books - https://www.stonesoupbooks.net
WMRA's Books & Brews is made possible thanks to our series sponsor, Gaines Group Architects. The Gaines Group has offices in Charlottesville and Harrisonburg.
About the Books
The Reservation
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?
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.
Turning Tables: Everything I needed to know about business I learned as a server
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.
About the Authors
Rebecca Kauffman
Rebecca Kauffman is the award-winning author of six novels: Another Place You’ve Never Been; The Gunners; The House On Fripp Island; Chorus; I'll Come to You and the forthcoming work, The Reservation. Her novels have been published in six languages. She lives with her family in Virginia.
Bruce C. Bryan
Bruce C. Bryan is an international bestselling 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. Bruce is 1987 graduate of James Madison University and spends his time now developing and implementing creative solutions to everyday business problems.
A lifelong lover of writing, Bruce published his second book in 2025 titled Turning Tables: Everything I Needed to Know about Business I Learned as a Server. His first book was released in 2021. 40 West: Two Brothers Take the Trip to Mark a Lifetime chronicles Bruce’s cross-country journey with his brother to honor and celebrate their late father. He is also the host of the Radio IQ/NPR program Naturally Curious.