Insights of a Therapist, Brush of a Painter, Voice of an Author
Insights of a Therapist, Brush of a Painter, Voice of an Author
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Sequel novel "This Never Should Have Happened" launches Sep. 8th
About Bart A. Charlow
About Bart A. Charlow
Bart A. Charlow spent more than 50 years learning how to look — first as a photographer, then as a painter, then as a psychotherapist who spent decades listening to people tell him the truth about their marriages, their affairs, and the parts of themselves they never planned on. He brings all three eyes to his fiction.
Born into the carnival life of a Borscht Belt Catskills hotel family, Bart grew up backstage in the world that later inspired Dirty Dancing — a childhood he chronicled in his memoir, A Catskill Carnival: My Borscht Belt Life Lived, Lost and Loved. That world, its music, its mirrors, its short summers and long consequences, has never fully let him go.
His Lived-In Love™ series continues that story in fiction: honest, unglamorous relationship novels about what adults actually do when love shows up uninvited, late, or twice.
Bart writes primarily from the male point of view — a rare vantage point in a genre that rarely hands men the pen — because he believes men have as much to say about desire, regret, and second chances as anyone, and almost nowhere to say it. His books aren't built on the usual tropes. They're built on what he's actually heard, in therapy rooms and at hotel bars, from people over sixty who are still, stubbornly, falling in love.
It isn't "women's fiction" in the way that shelf label usually gets used — though plenty of women read Bart precisely because his men finally tell the truth. It's a love story for anyone old enough to know love after loss is never simple, and worth writing about anyway.
Bart has been a longtime voice on TV, radio, and in print, and writes a regular column, "Bart on Art," for the San Mateo Daily Journal. He was recognized for his service in the United States Congressional Record.
In person he lives near the California coast; in his heart in the Catskills of his youth.
THE LIBRARY
THE LIBRARY
The Essential Catskill Saga Continues
The Essential Catskill Saga Continues
Start the journey with book 1. Pre-order the sequel.
That Catskill Summer A Lived-In Love™ Novel
That Catskill Summer A Lived-In Love™ Novel
Mature fiction that takes relationships seriously.
"Overall a very strong and rare romance tale, and one that fans of Dirty Dancing really will eat up.”
“For those that love that movie, this is... the singular best tale I've seen since, that takes you right back to that time and era... absolutely the best 'continuation' of the original Dirty Dancing movie's setting and overall feel I've yet come across."
"The emotional side of this is actually what will catch most romance readers off guard, as it is just as intense as any female-written romance novel... And that is exactly the strength of this tale, that our lead is so well fleshed out, so real, and so nuanced."
“Very much recommended.”
— BOOKANON
He wrote the book he lived; now she wants to rewrite the ending.
Set against the vibrant cultural backdrop of the 1967 Catskill resort era, this deeply authentic, character-driven novel explores mature, complex emotional relationships from an atypical male point of view. It is a story of passion, psychology, and the enduring ripple effects of a single season.
"You don’t need to have spent a single day in the Catskills to feel this book in your chest. If you’ve ever had a summer that got away from you — or a version of yourself you lost somewhere along the way — That Catskills Summer will find you right where you are." — JB"A beautifully written, character-driven novel that perfectly captures the magic and meaning of one unforgettable summer... characters who feel real and relatable, navigating change, connection, and self-discovery in ways heartfelt and genuine. A reflective, nostalgic read that stays with you. If you enjoy thoughtful storytelling, rich settings, and books that explore relationships and personal growth, this is definitely worth adding to your reading list. Incredibly well done! An easy and wonderful read!" — Laura E.
"I found a compelling story of romance, sexuality, complications, and a very interesting and immersive narrative regarding relationships over time. The characters involved and the intrigue kept me reading; I didn’t want to put it down." — Roxanne Livingston, Author
This Never Should Have Happened
This Never Should Have Happened
(Lived-In Love™ Series Book 2, Arriving Sept. 8, 2026. )
(Lived-In Love™ Series Book 2, Arriving Sept. 8, 2026. )
The highly anticipated sequel to That Catskill Summer continues the deep psychological exploration of mature love, choices, and hidden truths. How do we rebuild when life-altering secrets come to light? Arriving Sept. 8, 2026.
Now available for preorder: https://a.co/d/07rq423m
3 Hearts, 2 Coasts, Only 1 Love Can Survive
Author Aaron Ben-Ami thought returning to the iconic Catskill resorts to develop his new series would be a straightforward celebration of the past. Instead, he finds himself caught in a complex emotional gravity between two very different women: Izzy Sandler, the captivating lead actress carrying generational echoes of an old flame, and Monica Stuart, the talented costume director who rekindled his fire after devastating loss.
As Aaron and Monica’s passionate relationship hits a critical crossroad—unable to agree on where, or if, they can share a future—the emotional stakes intensify. With powerful feelings swirling, both women, alongside Aaron’s divorced daughter Ella, circle one another at a charged Catskill reunion, trapping Aaron directly in the center of their competing desires.
Confrontations abound as old loves and old wounds resurface. In this refreshing, deeply authentic exploration of the mature male heart, life begins to mirror art, forcing Aaron to navigate a maze of regret, passion, and family ties to find a resolution that may not be as simple as it seems.
MEMOIRS & REGIONAL HERITAGE
MEMOIRS & REGIONAL HERITAGE
The Borscht Belt Books ™
The Borscht Belt Books ™
A Catskill Carnival:
A Catskill Carnival:
My Borscht Belt Life Lived, Lost & Loved
My Borscht Belt Life Lived, Lost & Loved
Step inside the golden age of the 20th century resort era. Written by a "hotel brat", this vibrant memoir captures the shenanigans, larger-than-life personalities, and behind-the-scenes magic that made the Catskills America's ultimate playground.
"Recreates the highlights of life in the Borscht Belt in its heyday… a unique insider’s point of view… memories of a world that will never be replicated." — Andrea Simon, Author of Floating in the Neversink
"You think you’ve seen them in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Dirty Dancing, but you’ve never seen them like this... Behind the curtain, this is an inside, vulnerable, and honest look at life in the Catskill Mountains." — Jill Rey, Reviewer
"Your book is clearly the absolute best... reliving the best times of my life in my beloved Catskills—your book has truly made me smile, laugh, and also cry." — Dr. Peter Alan Chester, Board Treasurer, Catskills Borscht Belt Museum
Pickle Barrel Tales:
Pickle Barrel Tales:
More Borscht Belt BS
More Borscht Belt BS
Dive deeper into the zany stories. This collection of rich, character-driven vignettes preserves the historic humor, deep-rooted folklore, and enduring spirit of a legendary community. A must-read for anyone who left their heart in the mountains - or those who wish they still could.
"The way you captured the behind-the-scenes antics, the atmosphere in the dining rooms, and quirky guests made me feel like I was right there. You balanced humor with stories that touched the heart." — Justine Hoskin, Director, Catskill Hospitality Institute (SUNY)
"Great for reading about the daily life of hotel culture, especially the kitchen and dining room... those with less connection will learn a lot about this unique slice of life." — Dr. Phil Brown, Distinguished Professor of Sociology, Northeastern University
“A jocular and unblinking glimpse into a world unknown to many. I've known Bart since college, but never really knew much about the hotel and hospitality culture he inhabited in the Catskills. I'm looking forward to reading more.” — Lyndie, Reviewer
Advance Review Copies available for qualified reviewers, book bloggers, and literary press. Inquire via the contact page.
Advance Review Copies available for qualified reviewers, book bloggers, and literary press. Inquire via the contact page.
JOIN THE READER CIRCLE
JOIN THE READER CIRCLE
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