Millions watched FEUD: Capote vs. The Swans on Hulu and millions read CAPOTE’S WOMEN, the book on which the series is based, BUT Sherrill met swan, C.Z GUEST IN PERSON!
When Sherrill met her, later in her life, she still liked getting her hands dirty.
C.Z. had written books on gardening and was speaking about her passion for flowers and her book at the home of a well- known Chicago TV anchor.
C.Z. was still cool and blond when she and Sherrill met in the spacious “powder room.”
She smiled and complimented Sherrill on her flowery flowing dress so appropriate for the luncheon.
As women will do, they chatted about fashion, flowers and the fun event. It was a memorable five minutes.
His True Crime masterpiece, IN COLD BLOOD, caused millions to start locking their doors at night.
His whimsical wonderful novella, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S, became the favorite film of millions with Holly Golightly becoming one of Capote’s best-known creations. Certainly, Audry Hepburn burned her into the American culture.
But who was this man who created worlds in which readers could lose themselves?
A genius, a con-man, friend or foe?
Ultimately, he was all of the above.
His swans took him into their hearts and their homes and he stabbed them in the back with his words.
Laurence Leamer gives us the bold and beautiful New York in a time gone by.
CAPOTE’S WOMAN is a true story of love, betrayal and a swan song for an era.
C.Z. Guest was the only swan who did not desert him. I believe it.
Like all our Book Club Babes gatherings we get into the theme – Roaring 20’s attire – the drink – the food – the music of the time
Add these elements to your own Book Club – it really does make for a richer adventure.
Join us on our YouTube Channel Dare To Be Curious to share in our party!
We are often asked about writing – Sherrill’s novels and travel articles – Debi’s Divine Biscotti baking and recipe book.
We love sharing LIVING LOVING AND LEARNING on this blog and our YouTube channel,
DARE TO BE CURIOUS.
Now we are expanding our sharing to speaking at conferences.
We both have been speakers many times for large groups before COVID. AS we all know, the world changed in 2020 and is only now righting itself.
We are delighted to report that we will be “in the trenches” speaking at Evanston Writers Workshop In The Trenches Conference 2023.
Sherrill spoke at their first conference and won their Bard Award. She is excited to return to this conference November 2 thru November 5 at the lovely Hyatt Regency in Deerfield, Illinois. Debi is equally excited about being a part of this inspiring event.
In The Trenches is a learning opportunity for all interested in writing for every genre. PLUS – voice acting/narration classes will be taught by the famous Carlos Ferro.
More details to follow! We must share one of our favorite quotes about learning.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go”….Dr. Seuss
Get your ticket today!
Inthetrenches2023.com
WHERE IS YOUR HAPPY PLACE?
As writers and readers we have always known a romance reading habit doesn’t need to be hidden between the covers of a literary masterpiece you are pretending to read – or only whispered about to select friends.
As readers we were confused by the choices made by the main characters, Harriet and Wyn, which generated much debate at Book Club Babes! Which is exactly how it should be in any Book Club discussion – that is the magic of it.
Demon’s words are quite fatalistic, instead of hopeful: “Save or be saved, these are questions. You want to think it’s not over til the last page.”
It is our reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how our life’s story will develop.
As Nelson Mandela stated, “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.
Supporting others to overcome adversity and build resilience will be explored more fully on our YouTube channel, DARE TO BE CURIOUS
Our theme has always been “We are all in this together.”
Please join us.
The theme of this astonishing novel, FOREIGN AFFAIRS BY ALLISON LURIE, is how we change when we move to a new place and we are not surrounded by the expectations of others.
The book takes place in England and since we are both Anglophiles like the main character, Vinnie, we immediately identified with her!
She is there on a grant to work on her new book about children’s folk rhymes. Sherrill identified with Vinnie on many levels – not only because she is small in stature and wears a size five shoe!
Vinnie is also a woman who has given up and believes no one will truly love her because no man ever has. So when she finds someone who is not remotely the sort of man she can seriously imagine for herself, it changes her.
The big moment for her is when she does something frightening and uncomfortable because she wants to do what Chuck would have expected of her. His view of her is that she’s an absolutely wonderful person. She knows she’s not, but she wants to live up to that view of herself. And by doing this thing, which she doesn’t think of as very important, she has a tremendous effect on the lives of others.
There are countless rich layers to this book and so many fascinating characters. Fred, Vinnie’s young colleague, in England doing his research without his recently separated wife – he is miserable until he meets a beautiful unpredictable English actress and is introduced into her dizzyingly romantic world.
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USA TODAY wrote “IF YOU MANAGE TO READ ONLY A FEW GOOD BOOKS A YEAR, MAKE THIS ONE OF THEM.”
World Storytelling Day is a global celebration of the art of storytelling.
It is celebrated every year on the March equinox – March 20th.
On that day, as many people as possible tell and listen to stories in as many languages and at as many places as possible during that day and night.
It all started without much coordination or without much fanfare in the 90’s in Sweden, Australia, Mexico and other Latin American countries. It has grown into a worldwide phenomenon because really, who doesn’t love a great story?
Activities are planned on days around the equinox. Some examples of what can be done:
–Surprise a school with storytellers in the classrooms
– Organize an event at your library
– Combine Storytelling with music and/or dance
– Team up with a restaurant (take a page from Ashford Castle in Ireland where they have a resident storyteller in their restaurant)
– Share stories at a Senior Home
Do you have a story to tell? Please come be inspired at our YouTube channel, DARE TO BE CURIOUS!
These are paid links - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Her characters filled the pages of Property of a Noblewoman.
Go spend time with them and enjoy the fairytale.
It is the highest compliment one can give a writer!
We give it to Taylor Jenkins Reid for her book, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
There are so many levels of reading pleasure in this book – where to start?
The voice of the author immediately drew us in as she introduced the main characters: the young reporter and the silver-screen legend finally ready to tell her story.
We loved the glam of old Hollywood and the thinly veiled tales that mirrored true life.
There is juicy gossip – characters who made us want to know “what happened?” – so we kept turning pages to get answers.
And the book gives the reader those answers which surprise and captivate
At its heart, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, is about the depth and breadth of true love.
It doesn’t get any better than that!
There is no better time than the first month of a new year to start reading a new book!
Join our book club vicariously through us – share the experience and the journey.
Just click on the link above and get your book!
We’d love to hear how YOU feel about Evelyn Hugo!
The Godfather is still Golden after 50 years
Francis Ford Coppola’s Oscar Winning Adaptation of Mario Puzo’s The Godfather is considered a cinematic masterpiece 50 years after it was released in 1972.
We discussed endless stories about the book – like the author and Frank Sinatra getting into a near physical altercation over the novel at Chasen’s, then a celebrity hot spot near Beverly Hills.
We love the immersive experience of our book club and love sharing it will all of you.
Stay tuned for our November book!
Dare To Be Curious
Making New Year’s Resolutions is not new – the tradition began 4,000 years ago!
January was named for the two-faced Roman god, Janus, who looks forward for new beginnings as well as backward for reflection and resolution.
We tried to not fall into the trap of setting outrageous, unattainable goals – like losing ten pounds this week – but when we do lose that Covid 10 we will treat ourselves by running to our favorite local stores to buy those new dresses that helps the economy and makes us feel fabulous!
Also, we have found it beneficial to create incentives – like if we DO exercise 5 times a week we put money in our travel fund for exciting adventures we will be sharing with you in the coming months!
Click through to Our
DARE TO BE CURIOUS YouTube channel
as we share how we ALL can make the year shout WE ARE MAKING IT HAPPEN!
P.S.
Read our Weekly Blog Post at https://bigbiggerbiggest.life/blog
Receive our Weekly Newsletter by Signing up at the bottom of the page at https://bigbiggerbiggest.life
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for new videos every week at “Dare to be Curious” at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiLdc0n6EVDC54JYYLlNgBQ
Follow us on Social Media on Instagram @sherrillbodine and @debicatenacci
Don’t forget to check out our books, which are easily found at https://www.amazon.com/Sherrill-Bodine/e/B001XSJ1X0? and at
https://www.amazon.com/Debi-Catenacci/e/B07DLFP3H7?
“Talk of the Town” by Sherrill Bodine
“Divine Biscotti” by Debi Catenacci
Websites: https://bigbiggerbiggest.life/ and https://divinebiscotti.com/
Are you curious?
Wondering how you’re going to get from where you are to where you desire to be? If so, join us on a new journey!
Today is the day, and we are launching ”Dare to be Curious” because we believe we all can mine the confidence, strength, and power within us to create the life of our dreams.
Dreams cost frustration, tears, courage, choices, perseverance and extraordinary patience. WE can help you realize those dreams of a big, bigger, biggest life by encouraging you to DARE TO BE CURIOUS about your own life. Whether you are feeling stalled, or if you are transitioning through a career change, divorce or widowhood, you can create and face the new version of yourself.
We will show you how to manifest the beautiful, elegant happy life that you desire. By showing you how to be curious about yourself, your passions, your style and lifestyle. Now is the time to invest in the greatest gift of all – YOU!
Are you curious as to how to be a more interesting person?
Curious as to how to bake something new?
Curious as to how to write a book?
Curious as to how to tap into your muse?
Curious as to how to create a beautiful happy environment, regardless of the size of your house or room?
Curious about travel, food, or fashion?
Curious as to how other entrepreneurial women have achieved their dreams?
Curious as to how to take the first step?
Always Dare to be Curious,
Cheers to You,
Sherrill and Debi
xoxo
P.S. You can follow us on Instagram @sherrillbodine and @debicatenacci
Websites: https://bigbiggerbiggest.life/ and https://divinebiscotti.com/
Yes, I write about real people but I change the names to protect the guilty – the innocent don’t need protecting! Chicago is full of fascinating characters – come meet them in my Chicago Series! Begin with the sexy fun of Talk of the Town ( chosen as a Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Read”) – the mystery deepens in A Black Tie Affair – and you have it all plus happy endings in All I Want Is You!
ALL I WANT IS YOU
“4.5 stars! Get ready for fun, mayhem, mystery and romance in this more-genres-for-your-money read. Bodine has filled her book with quirky characters and a fabulous Windy City setting. A flawless narrative and fantastic love story round out the latest from this talented author.” ROMANTIC TIMES BOOK REVIEWS
SHE’S STEALING HIS HEART
Vintage boutique owner Venus Smith is stunned to realize her newest acquisition comes with a larcenous legend. Stolen years ago, the antique mermaid brooch belongs to the Clayworth family. The right thing to do would be to return it, but that means facing Connor Clayworth O’Flynn, the sexy department store heir Venus has had an unrequited crush on since childhood – and the man who helped ruin her father.
ONE KISS AT A TIME
Connor knows that Venus has never forgiven him for what happened between their families. But business isn’t personal, even though Venus’s father’s betrayal still cuts him like a knife. So when Venus proposes a deal – she’ll return his family’s brooch if he helps clear her father’s name – he reluctantly agrees. As action-packed days turn into flirtatious fall nights, it isn’t long before old memories resurface … and new desires ignite. Can two young lovers leave the past behind? Or must they first admit that all they’ve ever really wanted … is each other?
Yes, I write about real people but I change the names to protect the guilty – the innocent don’t need protecting! Chicago is full of fascinating characters – come meet them in my Chicago Series! Begin with the sexy fun of Talk of the Town ( chosen as a Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Read”) – the mystery deepens in A Black Tie Affair – and you have it all plus happy endings in All I Want Is You!
A BLACK TIE AFFAIR
“A Black Tie Affair is a charming romantic romp I thoroughly enjoyed…Sherrill Bodine has found a way to open a glamorous world everyone can delight in.” BLOGS.PUBLISHERSWEEKLY.COM
SUITED FOR SEDUCTION
Fashion curator Athena Smith will do anything to get her perfectly manicured hands on the Clayworth family’s celebrated couture collection for her exhibit. So when she’s called in to make sure the gowns are the real deal, she’s ecstatic …until a dress she’s examining turns out to be loaded with toxins (talk about killer threads!) and Athena faints, only to wake up face-to-face with the One That Got Away, notorious Chicago bachelor Drew Clayworth.
Drew still believes Athena betrayed him all those years ago, and he’s sure he can’t trust her. But when the priceless gowns go missing, she offers to help track them down. Reluctantly allied in the quest, Drew and Athena are soon stunned by the barely restrained passion still sizzling between them … and memories both bitter and sweet. Is their new partnership just a business arrangement? Or is this something more than … A Black Tie Affair
Yes, I write about real people but I change the names to protect the guilty – the innocent don’t need protecting! Chicago is full of fascinating characters – come meet them in my Chicago Series! Begin with the sexy fun of Talk of the Town ( chosen as a Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Read”) – the mystery deepens in A Black Tie Affair – and you have it all plus happy endings in All I Want Is You!
TALK OF THE TOWN
“What a hoot! Laugh-out-loud rollicking romance…Juicy gossip, fashion advice, delish recipes, and sexy romps; Talk of the Town is destined to be the talk of romance readers everywhere!” SingleTitles.com
GOSSIP QUEEN DETHRONED!
Darlings, what a to-do at the Daily Mail today! After fifteen years as Chicago’s gossip guru, Rebecca Covington has been demoted from divulger of secrets for the city’s elite to headlining recipes in the Home and Food section. Apparently, a touchy senator is threatening legal action for Rebecca’s latest extramarital scoop. But Windy City rumor has it that new CEO and dreamy Pierce Brosnan look-alike David Sumner downgraded Rebecca in favor of fresher, younger blood on the social beat.
Industry insiders expect Rebecca to fight her denouement and inquiring minds have already seen the feisty maven trading quips and searing glances with her arresting new boss. Rebecca swears she’ll reclaim her shining star status, but can the dishy diva even cook? And how can she ignore David’s arousing effect on her sensibilities?
Don’t miss a trick, darlings. Sparks are going to fly.
The Battle of Waterloo was such an important event in the regency period I felt compelled to write about the circumstances surrounding it and bring to life Lord Matthew Blackwood, an idealist with the heart of a lion. His love story and marriage to Miss Serena Fitzwater is a whirlwind before he is called back to Wellington’s staff but when he returns he is not the same man. Exploring that relationship with all its complexities was an exciting adventure into the meaning of true love.
It was not until Serena confronted her brother-in-law, Richard, soon to be the Duke of Avalon with “it is my fondest wish that when your tiny heart is finally given, the lady crumbles it to dust” that I knew what his story must be.
Two very different brothers each fighting their demons and the women who will give them the strength to succeed.
THE DUKE’S DECEIT
IT HAD BEEN AN INNOCENT LIE, BORN IN THE FACE OF DESPERATION
When Mary Masterton informed the handsome stranger that they were engaged, he had no reason to doubt her. After all, his head injury had resulted in complete memory loss. Mary, however, remembered clearly the stable fire and the mysterious rider who had saved her horses … and who had unwittingly become her fiancé to thwart the advances of a vile and loathsome suitor.
His signet ring became their clue to his true identity: he was Richard, Duke of Avalon and when he insisted that Mary accompany him back to London, she vowed to reveal the truth… even though she had fallen hopelessly in love. If only the truth were as simple as deceit.
The Battle of Waterloo was such an important event in the regency period I felt compelled to write about the circumstances surrounding it and bring to life Lord Matthew Blackwood, an idealist with the heart of a lion. His love story and marriage to Miss Serena Fitzwater is a whirlwind before he is called back to Wellington’s staff but when he returns he is not the same man. Exploring that relationship with all its complexities was an exciting adventure into the meaning of true love.
It was not until Serena confronted her brother-in-law, Richard, soon to be the Duke of Avalon with “it is my fondest wish that when your tiny heart is finally given, the lady crumbles it to dust” that I knew what his story must be.
Two very different brothers each fighting their demons and the women who will give them the strength to succeed.
A SOLDIER’S HEART
NOTHING IS FAIR IN LOVE OR WAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE ONE AND THE SAME
The boldness that made Lord Matthew Blackwood an excellent soldier had readied him for his chosen battle of the heart. Blissfully, no fight was necessary. Miss Serena Fitzwater surrendered quickly to this handsome stranger who captured her body and soul.
A storybook courtship, a whirlwind marriage…then sadly, Matt was called back to the war. But the wounded hero who later returned was no longer the fairy-tale knight of Serena’s first flush romance. This was a stranger.
In truth, Serena, too, had changed. The naïve young bride had blossomed. And now, the true battle of hearts would begin: for they must take the threads of yesterday and weave a new beginning.
The men of the Regency period are all irresistible! I loved Dominic, the Marquis of Aubrey, the moment he came to life in THE RAKE’S REDEMPTION. His love story with Juliana will touch your heart. I did not realize I would fall so madly in love with his half-brother, Jules, Comte de Saville, I HAD to give him his own book SCANDAL’S CHILD and a love with Kat which matched his passion and spirit. The glamorous regency period and the machinations of cupid are an irresistible combination!
SCANDAL’S CHILD
TRUE LOVE IS OFTEN SCANDALOUS
As her brother and sister prepare to make their Society debut, Kat Thistlewait vows to sit on the sidelines like a proper young lady. Fate has other plans, though, and when Kat tries to save her mischievous twin brother she lands herself in a compromising position with battle-scarred and world weary French nobleman Jules Devereaux.
Knowing that no lady of quality would ever overlook his imperfections, Jules agrees to marry Kat in order to save what little reputation she has left. A marriage of convenience isn’t what either desires. A daring duel which puts all in danger exposes the truth - love grows from the most unlikely of beginnings.
The men of the Regency period are all irresistible! I loved Dominic, the Marquis of Aubrey, the moment he came to life in THE RAKE’S REDEMPTION. His love story with Juliana will touch your heart. I did not realize I would fall so madly in love with his half-brother, Jules, Comte de Saville, I HAD to give him his own book SCANDAL’S CHILD and a love with Kat which matched his passion and spirit. The glamorous regency period and the machinations of cupid are an irresistible combination!
The Rake’s Redemption
LOVE CAN COME CRASHING INTO YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT
It was not in Juliana’s nature to lie. Yet, the only way to lure her exhausted overworked brother to London was to insist she was on the marriage mart again … though her heart would forever belong to her dear Will who died in battle a month after their marriage. Only Fate could have foretold the curricle accident that found her gazing into the blue eyes of Dominic Crawford, the Marquess of Aubrey.
Imagine a mere kiss leaving her senseless! After all, she was no green miss . . .she had been married. It was that kiss, so different from Will’s that awakened feelings Juliana never knew she had , toward a man with a secretive manner and dark past who might never love her.