Book Review: My Charmed Life By Beth Bernstein

I recently received a copy of the new book My Charmed Life: Rocky Romances, Precious Family Connections and Searching For a Band of Gold by Beth Bernstein to review.

When Beth Berstein's mother unexpectedly passed away, not only did she loose her best friend, she felt that she lost a part of herself. She begins a journey of linking together the jewelry her mother left behind along with her own jewelery to the memories, and how Beth learned to love and overcome daily obstacles. From an engagement watch her father gave her mother, to love beads she wore post divorce - each one is a reminder about life's challenges and not letting things get the best of you. It's a walk down memory lane, while learning more about her mother and herself.

Hey ladies, if you look at things in your home and you can't figure out why you bought it or why you have it, do yourself a favor and donate it now. Nearly everything you own should provoke a little memory as to how you got it or who gave it to you. If there's no story behind it, and it's not functional (even cookie sheets should have memories of baking with kids or for holidays!) don't let that clutter overtake your life. /end of Storm's public service announcement. ;)

Each chapter is about a different piece of jewelry - those love beads, a solitaire ring, a Claddagh - and a memory or anecdote around it. It's not overly emotional like I had originally expected it to be, but an interesting collection of thoughts and memories nonetheless. It made me want to go back through my own jewelry box to write down the memories I have associated with each piece. (It wouldn't take long. lol The only expensive jewelry I own is heirloom pieces that have been passed down to me. Even our wedding bands belonged to my grandparents. And when it comes to costume jewelry, I seem to be so selective that what I own fits into a small box. Perhaps there is a blog post or two in them someday...)

Visit the author's website here.

My Charmed Life: Rocky Romances, Precious Family Connections and Searching For a Band of Gold by Beth Bernstein is paperback memoir book published by New American Library on July 3rd. It is 320 pages long. The suggested cover prize is $15.00, but Amazon has it available for $10.98 as of this posting. It is also available as an e-book for the Kindle and other e-readers.

I received a copy of this book in order to read it and share my thoughts on it. All opinions are my own, and not that of the author(s) or publisher.