Book Review of Fort Lee Native Beth Bernstein's Debut Memoir

Beth Bernstein’s love and knowledge of jewelry is skillfully linked in her debut memoir, My Charmed Life: Rocky Romances, Precious Family Connections and Searching for a Band of Gold. As former wardrobe stylist for MTV and HBO, writer for women's consumer magazines and a 20-year veteran in the jewelry business as a designer and consultant, her story is rich in detail and sentiment and shows us that jewelry can be more than just superficial bling—it can connect you to the heart of your past and help you navigate your future.

Each chapter is crafted around a piece of jewelry that relates to a significant event in Bernstein's life, but it is her fun and self-effacing voice that makes each one sparkle.

Her memories will ring universal as she tells of her first “going steady” ring that turned her finger green, the engagement watch her father gave her mother, the humongous diamond her first true love gave another girl, the jewelry she designed and the elusive band of gold she continues to be hopeful for.

Hope and self-discovery is the link throughout Bernstein’s memoir. She has learned to cherish her true gems while they are with her and to stay positive as she accessorizes with the magical memories of those she has lost. And while she discards the notion that she needs a man to complete her, she doesn’t rule out the possibility that she will find someone who can complement her and share the generous heart she reveals throughout her charmed life.

*Beth Bernstein will be doing a free reading and signing on July 24 at Barnes and Noble, Riverside Square Mall from 7 to 9 p.m. Raffle of pendant charm designed by fine jewelry designer Todd Reed.

Mary Bellesheim