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Our Past Impacts Our Present
Painting Stars is the captivating story of Robin, a young woman who overcomes her dysfunctional childhood and builds a life keeping others safe from people like her own family. Where did the idea for this novel come from, and how did it develop over time?
At first, I wanted to write a more autobiographical novel, but then the characters and the story took on a life of their own!
I’m Italian, and I’m an auntie with long red hair and a love for art, but my similarities with Robin end here. For the fictional elements, sources of inspiration were the movie The Thomas Crown Affair and the book Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah.
What are some things you find interesting about the human condition that make for great fiction?
How past events can impact our present and future in terms of behavior and decision-making processes. Great fiction seamlessly interweaves flashbacks with the present time, which is a very hard feat to accomplish as a writer.
If we get it right, readers can gradually understand and empathize with the characters by uncovering layer by layer all the facets of their personalities.
What is one pivotal moment in the story that you think best defines Robin?
When she finds out that she has a nephew, Robin is willing to upend her life and try her best to give him the kind of love she didn’t have growing up.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
I’m considering writing a sequel, so I’ll avoid spoilers for now 🙂
I was raised to steal. But when I was forced to choose between family and betraying the man I admired most, I was left estranged from my parents and sister. Now, I work to ensure that everyone has the kind of safe home I never did.
My sister’s sudden death has me returning to the small Michigan town I ran from. And there’s a surprise waiting for me: Levi, a six-year-old nephew I didn’t even know I had, who is now my responsibility. Thankfully—or not—my childhood neighbor and first love, Noah, and his caring parents are around to support me.
He’s a capable and uber-honest mechanic, an unconventional soccer coach, and even more charming than I remember. He’s the guy with raven hair, Bambi eyes, and dimples who makes it too easy to fall in love. Which I did—before he married someone else.
When a client’s foolish scheme lands me in jail and Levi’s future is threatened, the only person I can turn to for help is the man who broke my heart. But help from Noah comes with strings attached…
Painting Stars
Painting Stars, by Bea Teal, is a compelling novel that gracefully explores the multifaceted life of its protagonist, Robin. Raised amidst adversity and trained as a thief by her family, Robin’s early life is anything but ordinary. Her connection with Sebastian and his mother, whose household Robin’s family serves, becomes a beacon of hope in her otherwise chaotic world.
Sebastian’s role in Robin’s life is almost paternal, and his trust is invaluable to her. When a moral dilemma challenges Robin’s loyalty, she chooses honesty over deceit, leading to a critical turning point in her life. Her family’s subsequent relocation to Michigan marks the beginning of a new chapter, wherein Robin continues to work with Sebastian and carves out a fulfilling existence. An unexpected return to her past unravels fresh responsibilities and rekindles old passions, adding layers to an already rich narrative.
Painting Stars is more than just an engaging summer read; it’s an immersive experience. Bea Teal sketches Robin’s character, allowing readers to understand her motivations and appreciate her evolution. Her past is not merely a backdrop but a critical component to comprehending her present and the twists her life’s journey takes.
Robin’s character radiates authenticity. Her attitude and dialogue offer a window into her soul, reflecting her resilience and complexity. The narrative does not shy away from heavy subjects, such as the death of Robin’s sister, yet balances these with heartwarming moments that infuse the novel with warmth.
Thematic elements like found family and second chance romance are woven into the story, enriching the reader’s engagement. The pacing is particularly noteworthy, maintaining attention through careful interplay between past and present events.
Painting Stars extends an invitation to feel and connect with the narrative on a deeper level, achieving an emotional resonance that stays with the reader. Robin’s perspective is intriguing and engaging, contributing to an overall reading experience that is as enjoyable as it is thought-provoking.
Pages: 247 | ASIN : B0BY5PDJK6
LITERARY TITAN 