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The Characters Who Live in Our Hearts Long After The Last Page In 1984, I

In 1984, I was sixteen—the same age as Samantha Baker in "Sixteen Candles." She was the middle child, and her parents forgot her birthday. The story was so relatable that I frequently rented the VHS tape. John Hughes movies still resonate today for the same reason they did in the '80s. They capture the messy, hilarious, and painful teenage journey, so they remain relevant.

Their relevance comes from being character-driven stories, which makes them the emotional Velcro of books and movies....

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From Big Hair to Big Feels: Romance Writers Then and Now Once upon a time,

Once upon a time, romance writers ruled the paperback shelves somewhere between shoulder pads and slow jams. The 1980s and 1990s were the golden age of swoon: cowboys brooded, billionaires brooded harder, and heroines had names like Savannah and Cassidy, rocking a wind machine like nobody’s business. Fast forward to 2025, and guess what? Romance isn’t just surviving; it's thriving — and it's fiercer, smarter, and more relatable than ever. Let’s break it down, no sugar-coating:

The 1980s–1990s:...

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How Judy Blume Got Me Through Girlhood Judy Blume was my hero long before I

Judy Blume was my hero long before I considered writing, and that was because of a book that helped me. In 1979, talking to your mom about your period was like talking to a cowboy about his feelings; it was possible, but rarely done without squirming or possibly tears. The truth is, 1979 wasn't exactly the golden age of open communication when it came to that time of the month.

While I'm sure there are mothers who spoke openly to their daughters about the subject, most often it was a pretty...

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Rediscovering Love: Heartwarming Late in Life Romance Novels to Ignite Your

Who says swoon-worthy love stories are just for twenty-somethings? In recent years, romance novels featuring mature characters—those in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond—have captured hearts and topped bestseller lists. These stories show that it's never too late to fall in love, start fresh, or experience that perfect kiss.

Love knows no age. While many romance novels focus on young love, there's a unique beauty in late-in-life romances that often goes unnoticed. These tales remind us that the...

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