Local Eastern Shore writers Kathy Bernard and Barbara Kline are —literally—writing their next chapter. After nearly a decade producing and hosting the nationally syndicated 2BoomerBabes Radio Hour, this dynamic duo is thrilled to announce the release of their first novel, Perfectly Seasoned.
Under the nom de plume Sarah-Jane Berklin, a combination of their mothers’ first names, Bernard and Kline have crafted a testament to the power of female friendship, with a playful sprinkling of seduction. Ranging in age from fifty-two to sixty, five best friends proudly call themselves “the babes.” Their days—and nights—are far from routine as they balance careers, empty nests, changing relationships, aging parents, and yes…plenty of steamy romance at midlife. As their individual journeys unfold, their intersections reveal startling surprises and women who are becoming perfectly seasoned…whether by setbacks or sparks.
“It was a heart wrenching decision to end our beloved show but we wanted to leave our listeners wanting more, not less. And what self-respecting middle-aged woman doesn’t have a bodice ripper waiting to bring out her inner novelist?” asks Barb.
Kathy adds, “For years we’ve been flirting with a story about five great friends facing all kinds of trials, tribulations, joy and love at midlife. We decided it was time we put pen to paper—or our fingers to the keyboard— and each of us found ourselves tempted by the story we wanted to tell. It was a magical process.”
Perfectly Seasoned has already tantalized reviewers. Offering her praise, national columnist and best-selling author Kerry Hannon writes:
Boomelicious. Perfectly Seasoned plunges into the hearts of five women blazing through the uncharted years of midlife. Anxiety and deception blends with tenderness, the strength of friendship and a soupcon of sex. The irrepressible BoomerBabe brashly roll out a first novel that artfully captures the all-too-true reality ride through the piercing pain of crumbling marriages, caring for a parent wading through the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease, and the harshness of becoming invisible in the workplace with each passing year. The bottom line message resonates: What makes life worth living—like finding love again, or following your passion to launch your own business “is possible, at any age, if we’re willing to take a chance.” Biggest hitch: It ends too soon. More please.
Bob Morris, journalist and best-selling author adds:
Boomer women who don’t just have lunch regularly, but sex as well? This affirming, witty and pertinent novel celebrates the power of friendship and fortitude later in life. A sex blogger, southern optimist, former beauty queen, middle-aged Catholic school girl, and a powerhouse executive with an impossibly perfect dead husband, pull each other up in ways that are better than any facelift.
From 2BoomerBabes Radio Hour to their new, devilish dalliance into the romance genre, Kathy and Barb’s constant has been their decades-long friendship. The last line of the book’s dedication sums up the allure: “To our everlasting friendship, in hopes we’ll be sitting on Adirondack chairs well into old age, with drink in hand, thankful for each other, and laughing about our improbable adventures.”
Perfectly Seasoned is available at local bookstores or at Amazon here
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