Category Archives: News

Girlfriend’s Guide To Divorce

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Girlfriends' Guide To Divorce - Season 1According to statistics, 10% of the population in the United States is divorced and the average length of the divorce proceedings is 1 year. That’s enough time to fit in 13 episodes of The Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce, a new show that is premiering on Bravo.

TGGD is the first scripted series Bravo has ever had, and the show is based on the on the Girlfriends’ Guides book series by Vicki Lovine.

The show follows a best-selling author, Abby (Lisa Edelstein) of a self-help book series who is secretly hiding her separation from her husband, Jake (Paul Adelstein) as she starts to navigate her life as a single woman in her 40’s in Los Angeles. She starts to side with and take advice more from her divorced friends rather than her married ones and it leads her to some unexpected and life-changing experiences.

Accompanying Abby on her adventures are Janeane Garofalo as Lyla, a divorcee and entertainment lawyer, Beau Garrett as Phoebe, a recent divorcee and former model and Alanna Ubach as Jo, a Abby’s best friend from college who comes to LA.

Watch the first episode of the show here:

Wintry Storms Make for Page-Turning Plotlines

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umbrellaAs I write, it’s a rainy day in Southern California, which is what passes for “a major storm” here but nothing like the paralyzing snowstorms in the Northeast. Wintry weather events are reminders of nature’s power and our vulnerability despite climate-controlled environments, fossil-fuel-powered transport and electronically-dependent communications. But such storms were even more devastating in the past.

For example, younger family members can gain perspective with a childhood favorite, The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder, which is one of the more exciting Little House books as well as a fairly accurate portrayal of the terrible “Snow Winter” of 1880-1881 in the Dakotas. Or they can read Blizzard!–The Storm That Changed America by Jim Murphy. It’s about the East Coast blizzard of March 1888, when wind-driven snow accumulated in 50-foot drifts in some places and lead to 400 deaths, 200 in New York City alone. The disruption of above-ground telegraph/telephone and rail led to changes such as underground communications lines and the first underground subway in Boston.

For adult readers, there is the moving The Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin. This cautionary tale covers the tragic Schoolhouse Blizzard that suddenly blasted the Great Plains in the afternoon of January 12, 1888, after an unseasonal warm morning that had schoolchildren forgoing heavy coats and gloves. It was called the Schoolhouse Blizzard because so many of the 500 or so dead were schoolchildren trying to walk home from one-room schoolhouses through blinding snow, with many found frozen just yards from shelter. For more historical perspectives, read about some other surprising weather impacts on human events: http://www.weather.com/news/news/7-strange-ways-weather-has-changed-history-20130921#/1

ABOUT  KATHERINE SHARMA

Katherine Sharma’s family roots are in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. But after her early childhood in Texas, she has moved around the country and lived in seven other states, from Virginia to Hawaii. She currently resides in California with her husband and three children. She has also traveled extensively in Europe, Africa and Asia, and makes regular visits to family in India. After receiving her bachelor’s degree. in economics and her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Michigan, Katherine worked as a newspaper and magazine writer and editor for more than 15 years. She then shifted into management and marketing roles for firms in industries ranging from outdoor recreation to insurance to direct marketing. Although Katherine still works as a marketing consultant, she is now focused on creative writing.

Remembering Mystery Author P.D. James

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158915552-murder mysterySome mystery authors transcend the genre in style and originality, and P.D. James, the British “Queen of Crime,” who passed away at age 94 this past November, is one example. Her last book, Death Comes to Pemberley, was published in 2011 when she was already in her 90s and combined two of her passions, which happily coincide with mine: Jane Austen’s social novels and detective fiction.

But I fell in love with her poetical Scotland Yard detective Adam Dalgliesh long ago, from his first appearance in Cover Her Face, published in 1962, through 13 other Dalgliesh books, including the award-winning Shroud for a Nightingale, The Black Tower, and A Taste for Death, as well as the last Dalgliesh mystery, The Private Patient, published in 2008. Another favorite was Unsuitable Job for a Woman, which introduced female detective Cordelia Gray, an inspiration/aspiration for female mystery fans back in 1972. James provided this deceptively simple definition of a mystery novel in a 2011 NPR interview: “What we have is a central mysterious crime, which is usually murder. We have a closed circle of suspects, with means, motive and opportunity for the crime. We have a detective who can be amateur or professional who comes in rather like an avenging deity to solve it. And by the end, we do get a solution.” The difference between James and most other genre authors is how masterfully she led us on the literary journey through twisted psyches and plots to solution. James, who said she drew inspiration from grande dames of mystery such as Dorothy L. Sayers, Margery Allingham and Ruth Rendell, her longtime friend, has earned her own special place in the mystery writing pantheon, and her voice will be missed. For one obituary, see http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/11/27/366997584/british-mystery-novelist-p-d-james-dies-at-94

ABOUT  KATHERINE SHARMA

Katherine Sharma’s family roots are in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. But after her early childhood in Texas, she has moved around the country and lived in seven other states, from Virginia to Hawaii. She currently resides in California with her husband and three children. She has also traveled extensively in Europe, Africa and Asia, and makes regular visits to family in India. After receiving her bachelor’s degree. in economics and her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Michigan, Katherine worked as a newspaper and magazine writer and editor for more than 15 years. She then shifted into management and marketing roles for firms in industries ranging from outdoor recreation to insurance to direct marketing. Although Katherine still works as a marketing consultant, she is now focused on creative writing.

‘Tis the Season When Children Star

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shirley templeBy Katherine Sharma

It’s the time of year when children dominate in public media and private ceremonies, symbols of hope and innocence to be showered with gifts. We forget how recently children became “economically worthless but emotionally priceless,” as sociologist Viviana Zelizer has said.  Even in early 20th century America, children were economic assets who worked in fields and factories; they were soldiers and sexual partners; they were traded in marriage by families seeking financial and social gain; and they were regularly parents themselves in their teens.

In many places in the world, children still perform roles today’s Americans believe should be reserved for adults–and they are still political pawns in deadly adult conflicts, as the recent headlines about the Pakistani Taliban’s school massacre prove. So it seems especially apropos now to remember one of our earliest and most popular icons of the child as innocent source of joy: child star Shirley Temple, who died just this year at age 85. Some of the curly-topped moppet’s 1930s-era Christmas-themed movies used to be seasonal TV fare, including Heidi, I’ll Be Seeing You, Bright Eyes (with the signature song “On the Good Ship Lollipop”), and Stowaway with its final Christmas scene. Now little Shirley is the subject of a new book, The Little Girl Who Fought the Great Depression by John F. Kasson. Yes, this is one little girl who was economically priceless (to the movie studios), emotionally priceless to a nation seeking optimism in hard times, and politically priceless to leaders like President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who publicly enlisted Shirley in his “politics of cheer” to back economic revival programs. Kasson also credits Shirley’s impact with a new view of the child as coddled consumer, of children cared for through the purchase of things. To borrow from her hit debut song, “Baby, Take a Bow” for the seasonal shopping frenzy, Shirley.  To see a review of Kasson’s book, go to http://bostonreview.net/books-ideas/judith-levine-john-kasson-shirley-temple

ABOUT  KATHERINE SHARMA

Katherine Sharma’s family roots are in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. But after her early childhood in Texas, she has moved around the country and lived in seven other states, from Virginia to Hawaii. She currently resides in California with her husband and three children. She has also traveled extensively in Europe, Africa and Asia, and makes regular visits to family in India. After receiving her bachelor’s degree. in economics and her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Michigan, Katherine worked as a newspaper and magazine writer and editor for more than 15 years. She then shifted into management and marketing roles for firms in industries ranging from outdoor recreation to insurance to direct marketing. Although Katherine still works as a marketing consultant, she is now focused on creative writing.

Barbara Walters’ 10 Most Fascinating People Revealed

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bw-cropOn December 14, 2014, Barbara Walters and ABC broadcast The 10 most fascinating People of 2014. It is the 21st year Walters has done the special and the inquisitive 85 year old host was as pleasant and sharp as ever.

This year’s list consisted of some newcomers including Scarlett Johansson  and Amal Clooney, with the latter taking home the title of “The Most Fascinating Person of 2014.” It wasn’t just her philanthropic accomplishments that earned her the title, according to Walters, “marrying Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor (George Clooney), puts you on par with Mother Theresa.”

Amal beat out Oprah Winfrey (who has appeared on the list four times), along with Taylor Swift, Neil Patrick Harris and George R.R. Martin.  Previous winners include the Clintons, the Obamas, and J.K. Rowling.

In 1961, NBC hired Barbara Walters to work as a researcher and writer for its popular Today show. Her initial assignments were stories slanted toward female viewers. Within a few months, however, she lobbied for a breakthrough assignment to travel with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy on a trip to India and Pakistan. The resulting report earned Walters increasing responsibility at the network.

Walters remained on the show for 11 years, during which time she honed her trademark probing-yet-casual interviewing technique. By 1972, she has established herself as a competent journalist, and was chosen to be part of the press corps that accompanied President Nixon on his historic trip to China. In 1975, she won her first Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award for best host in a talk series.

In August 1997, Barbara Walters premiered a mid-morning talk show called The View, for which she is co-executive producer and co-host. Although officially retired, she sometimes guest hosts on The View.

Top 5 Most Romantic Honeymoon Destinations…According to Kids.

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girl beachcrop

 

We asked 19 different children of various ages and locations to answer a question about romance. What do you think a honeymoon is? Once we explained  to those who didn’t know, we asked them a follow-up question. “If you could choose to go anywhere on your honeymoon, where would you go, and why?”

We got some hilarious responses and wanted to share some of our favorites below. A few of these destinations aren’t  half bad and might make for a fun and memorable honeymoon. Enjoy!

 

houseBrooke (age 5) Tulsa, Oklahoma

“Grandma’s house! She’s nice. “

 

 

Adam (age 10) Omaha, Nebraska

karate“ I would go to Hong Kong. Each person could take turns learning karate and eating sushi. I love sushi.”

 

 

Abby (age 7) Kansas City, Missouri

texasmouse“I would go to Texas or Chuck E Cheese. Because you should always go with someone you love. “

 

 

 

Patrick (age 5), Darien, Connecticut

whale“I want to go to Sea World.” –gave no reason

 

 

 

Chloe (age 12) Los Angeles, CA

australia“Las Vegas . I would want to see some concerts and shows. Hawaii would probably be fun, too. Oh my God, I would totally go to Australia!”

Already Feeling Overwhelmed by Holiday Decor

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christmas treecropBy Katherine Sharma

It’s that time of year when printed magazines and online social sharing are dominated by holiday decor. This year, I was feeling especially uninspired as I began to haul out old ornaments, yet I couldn’t find the motivation for the effort and expense required to create a new seasonal look. I considered stealing holiday ideas for my house from the nation’s most famous house, the White House.

The newly published Christmas with the First Ladies: The White House Decorating Tradition from Jacqueline Kennedy to Michelle Obama is by Coleen Christian Burke, a professional holiday decorator who was among the volunteers helping to deck the halls with Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, and it highlights themes for a range of tastes. But I don’t have an army of volunteers to trim my tree or helping hands for all those “handmade ornaments and crafts” on a presidential scale. I’ve never been a big fan of craft projects, to be frank, which is why I also hesitate to buy the popular Martha Stewart’s Handmade Holiday Crafts.

I am attracted to the holiday memories of my regional childhood found in Christmas with Southern Living 2014, especially the recipes, but I am intimidated by the complexity of the elegant decor–those gorgeous floral and wreath arrangements, themed Christmas trees and beautiful gift wrappings. Then it occurred to me: Why should I craft new decorations when I already have a big box of “handmade” holiday items thanks to my children’s 20 years’ worth of school projects? Each child’s holiday decoration had several seasons on the mantel or Christmas tree before being stored away–and forgotten. With bright paint and a heavy dose of glue and glitter, cardboard, paper, Popsicle sticks, pine cones, feathers, clay, felt and ordinary objects had been transformed into the vehicles of warm memories.

When I resurrected the keepsake ornaments and ranged them on the mantel, I realized that these relics of childish holidays shown with an innocent joy that no commercially perfected bauble or well-meaning adult craft could capture. It was decor to suit the family meaning of the holiday in a way no copy of First Lady chic or magazine glamour could deliver. That’s not to say it’s not fascinating to see the changing trends in holiday style exemplified by White House decor, so if you’re interested, you can check out Burke’s book at http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-First-Ladies-Decorating-Jacqueline/dp/1608870464/

ABOUT  KATHERINE SHARMA

Katherine Sharma’s family roots are in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. But after her early childhood in Texas, she has moved around the country and lived in seven other states, from Virginia to Hawaii. She currently resides in California with her husband and three children. She has also traveled extensively in Europe, Africa and Asia, and makes regular visits to family in India. After receiving her bachelor’s degree. in economics and her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Michigan, Katherine worked as a newspaper and magazine writer and editor for more than 15 years. She then shifted into management and marketing roles for firms in industries ranging from outdoor recreation to insurance to direct marketing. Although Katherine still works as a marketing consultant, she is now focused on creative writing.

Top 5 Romantic Holiday Movies

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serendipity

 

It’s that time of year again when the weather gets cold and there is no greater feeling than snuggling up on the couch with the love of your life while escaping into the romantic world of holiday movies. There are so many good ones out there to choose from, but we have picked this list of the top 5 essential holiday movies to enjoy this year. So grab that blanket and that warm body next to yours and enjoy!

#5 While You Were Sleeping

Who doesn’t love Sandra Bullock? She plays a lonely transit worker named Lucy Eleanor Moderatz, who pulls her longtime crush, Peter (Peter Gallagher), from the path of an oncoming train. At the hospital, doctors report that he’s in a coma, and a misplaced comment from Lucy causes Peter’s family to assume that she is his fiancée. When Lucy doesn’t correct them, they take her into their home and confidence. Things get even more complicated when she finds herself falling for Peter’s sheepish brother, Jack (Bill Pullman).

#4 Holiday Inn

“From Easter to Christmas, from the 4th of July to Thanksgiving, there’s a song for every holiday, and a holiday for every song.”  With a soundtrack from Irving Berlin (and where Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” got its debut), this classic film covers every holiday and then some. The dance sequences with Fred Astarie still astound and the soothing sounds of Bing Crosby keep you feeling warm and fuzzy.

#3 Serendipity

When two strangers (Kate Beckinsdale and John Cusack) meet in a department store while Christmas shopping, they spend an evening together and fall in love. Without exchanging contact information they decide to rely on fate to decide whether they’ll ever see each other again. This film demonstrates a Christmas miracle in its truest form and leaves you with the feeling that anything is possible. Plus nothing says holiday spirit quite like Christmas in New York.

#2 When Harry Met Sally

Who says men and women can’t be “just friends”? This classic film by Rob Reiner shows just how difficult it is for men and women to keep it platonic, especially when they are so custom made for each other. These two friends weave in and out of each other’s lives and finally come to a point of no return on New Year’s Eve.

#1 Love Actually

Unrequited love. Love of a stranger. True Love. This movie has it all. With an exceptional cast, memorable lines and just the right amount of Christmas magic, this movie is our favorite Romantic Holiday film. “To me, you are perfect”.

This is our list, tell us yours in the comments below!

Crazy Confessions of Love – Shirtless Bedtime Stories Video #4 Is Here!

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jesse danceTruLOVEstories’ last Shirtless Bedtime Story, inspired by the short story The Confessions of Candy Apple, is finally here. Recently, when we asked four heart-melting “model” men to read a story from BroadLit’s series of TruLOVE® Collections, after a lot of coaxing (and begging), they reluctantly agreed. We caught it all on camera, but the result is far from what you might expect. Not only did they read the stories with whole-hearted enthusiasm, they saw themselves as the “stars” of the love stories.

This week’s episode is the story of Candy (her real name is Barbara Kays, Candy is her stripper name), who only pops out of cakes to pay for college. The job was a grind (pun intended) until the night she popped out and discovered the birthday boy was someone she knew . . . and liked – Brandon Preston. What would happen when she saw Brandon the next day in chemistry class? Would he ever consider flirting with her again or asking her out? Or, would he tell everyone what she does for a living?

Now most of our Shirtless Bedtime Story actors took their roles with a wink and a grin, but the TruLove team was blown away when actor Jesse Sherman took on all the roles in The Confessions of Candy Apple. He’s like a hunky Energizer Bunny on Hot Wheels, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see him jumping out of birthday cakes or airplanes. Go Jesse!
A new Shirtless Bedtime Story debuted each week in November. The first video, Lust With the Proper Stranger, premiered on November 6. The second Shirtless scorcher, Lunchtime Rendezvous: Delectable Delights, premiered on November 13, and the third Shirtless video story, In Love With My Next Door Neighbor, arrived on November 20.
You can watch all four videos NOW!

Meet Hip-Shakin’ Shirtless Actor Jesse Sherman
jesseBorn and raised in Long Island, Jesse Sherman moved with his parents and four siblings to Florida where he graduated cum laude from the University of Florida. Although his degree was in Business Administration, he had Hollywood dreams. Whether academically or athletically, Jesse is a high achiever, becoming a varsity Cross Country runner, a Valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 G.P.A. and very involved in a variety of student body and service leadership roles.

Today, acting is Jesse’s first goal, but he eventually hopes to launch his speaking career to mentor the next generation and help them pursue their own dreams. Jessie is certainly living his dream!

Jesse is a man/child with simple tastes: being shirtless on the beach and eating tasty frozen yogurt! His best first date ever took place on the Santa Monica pier in California. He invited his date to play all the games and take all the rides at the pier. She even agreed to be scared by zombies there! At the end of the evening he treated her to a huge dish of frozen yogurt—and they have been dating ever since!