A Drop of Happy

Rise of the Iron Empress Recap

Rowan is supposed to pick from three men her father has selected for her to marry. On the day they return from battle, she finds out that the one she actually loves, Zane Kane, loves her servant and is secretly plotting against her. He only wants to marry her to get her title, dowry and rewards. Then he will force her to accept Elara, and if she doesn’t, he will divorce her. The other two suitors seemed to hate her as well and are on Elara’s side. So even if she doesn’t pick Zane, they won’t marry her, leaving her with no choice. Hurt, Rowan hatches a plan that will turn their worlds upside down while getting her revenge on all of them for their betrayal.
Continue to listenenig for the full recap
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Love the show? Be sure to like, share, and subscribe wherever you stream podcasts. You can also follow @LiteVi across social media for wellness tips, entertainment commentary, and your weekly drop of happy. www.litevi.com 

When Cutting Your Losses Goes Wrong: Kristy and Demond Scott

US Weekly recently published that Kristy and Desmond Scott agreed to divorce terms over two months ago. The terms include how they will split the assets, custody of the children, and even how they will communicate on the children’s education. I am sure their lawyers left no stone unturned in order to get the divorce done. However, the article also states from the court documents that, “Ten days after filing, Desomnd, 32, filed an answer to Kristy’s divorce petition with a general denial and requested attorney’s fees, expenses, and costs on March 27th. It appears a motion for trial on merits is scheduled for hearing in July.” 
 
There have been a lot of internet discussions about this couple because those who have followed them were weirdly invested in their relationship. I think there was also a fantastical aspect to their relationship because it looked like they were living the American dream. They were high school sweethearts turned married couple turned popular social media influencers with two beautiful children, a beautiful home, and what looked like a loving relationship. 
Our investment in them was the epitome of a “parasocial” relationship activity. So when the news of their separation became public, the internet went absolutely crazy with people picking sides. Some were Team Desmond because they felt that Kristy used him, did not allow him to be his authentic self, and would not let him leave the relationship. Some were Team Kristy because they related to being cheated on. I am team let go of what does not serve you. I am team truth, honesty and values. 
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Love the show? Be sure to like, share, and subscribe wherever you stream podcasts. You can also follow @LiteVi across social media for wellness tips, entertainment commentary, and your weekly drop of happy. www.litevi.com 

Are Parasocial Relationships Healthy… or Getting Out of Control?

Are Parasocial Relationships Healthy… or Getting Out of Control? 
What is a parasocial relationship? I have to ask because lately, I feel that’s the new buzzword being thrown around. Everyone is talking about the detriment of parasocial relationships brought on by social media. Discourse is particularly intense on social media and reflects society's obsession with celebrities.  And I am thinking Duh … are we new here?
So let’s take a look at parasocial relationships through two articles. 
Psychology Today’s Parasocial Relationships
Key Highlights
What are parasocial relationships, and why do we form them
Health vs unhealthy parasocial relationships
Do Parasocial Relationships Fill a Loneliness Gap
Key Highlights
Why do we get into parasocial relationships
Pro and cons
Fostering deeper connections
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Disclosure Day Fast Approaches: Trailer Reaction

Disclosure Day Trailer
Disclosure Day
Release: June 12, 2026
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Coleman Domingo, Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Wyatt Russel, and Josh O’Connor
The trailer for this new Steven Spielberg-directed sci-fi film has garnered over 31 million views since its release 2 months ago, and I am intrigued.
Where are my science fiction movie lovers at?
Better yet, where are my alien conspiracy theorists at?
Great cast
Intrigue, action and drama
We are not ready for the truth
Listen to the full episode
https://www.disclosuredaymovie.com/
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Love the show? Be sure to like, share, and subscribe wherever you stream podcasts. You can also follow @LiteVi across social media for wellness tips, entertainment commentary, and your weekly drop of happy. www.litevi.com

Divorce Stress Is Real: Gayle King’s Story Hits Hard

In the list of life's most stressful events, divorce ranks second, right behind the death of a spouse. Now, everything that leads up to that can ramp up the stress meter. In Gayle King’s case, catching her husband cheating red-handed definitely ramped things up a bit. She recently shared during her appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast that she got home and caught her husband fresh out of the shower with someone she thought was a friend. 
Not only was Gayle King dealing with the shock of this man, William Bumpus, cheating, but she also had to learn that it was with another person she had some level of trust. They had been married for 11 years and, eventually, they did end up getting a divorce. What got her through that ordeal was reaching out to friends and having people to lean on. Of course, she talked about immediately calling her BFF, Oprah Winfrey, which is what anyone in that situation would do. I am immediately phoning a friend because I may need someone to talk me down from doing something crazy that would only make matters worse. 
Divorce can cause a huge impact and the most important thing is that we don’t ignore the effects and seek support like Gayle did to help us through it. 
Tips to Cope
Tips to manage emotions and stay calm
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Welcome to Shorts & Stories: Quick Escapes for Your Mind

Welcome to Shorts & Stories: Quick Escapes for Your Mind 
Introducing Shorts and Stories
What are Shorts and Stories?
My new obsession
Books (audio and physical also featuring Pocket FM)
Micro-dramas aka Shorts
Get to the Library or use Libby
Pocket FM, Libby, 
 
Ranks my least to most favorite
Galatea TV
GoodShort
Kalos TV
LiteTV
Sereal+
ShortMax
DramaBox
ReelShort
New player PineDrama TV
 
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Tia William's Seven Days in June Book Review

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams is a contemporary romance novel about two people who have seemingly successfully survived their dysfunction. It follows the life of Eva and Shane who have become successful writers after creating characters based off each other. 
When you fall off your reading game
About Tia Williams
Perfect Find now a movie on Netflix starring Gabrielle Union
Book Summary: After a trauma bonding week of making love, Shane disappears from Eva’s life and shows up years later to shake everything up again. 
Rating 7/10
Managing an invisible disability
Toxic mamma

Love, Wine, and New Beginnings: My You, Me & Tuscany Review

Love, Wine, and New Beginnings: My You, Me & Tuscany Review
You, Me and Tuscany
Will Packer Production
Released: April 2026
Director: Kat Coiro
Starring: Halle Bailey, Regé-Jean Page, Aziza Scott, Lorenzo de Moor, Marco Calvani, Nia Vardalos (did a cameo), and Stella Pecollo
Available: Streaming
You, Me and Tuscany is now available to rent on streaming platforms. The romantic comedy theater debut met with a tepid reception in April. The box office performance was disappointing to say the least, with the charming rom-com pulling in 22 million worldwide as of early May. 
I have seen it in the theaters twice, and if I had the time before it was out, I would have seen it more. I thoroughly enjoyed it because it was light and cute and funny and a pleasure to watch. Now, I am partial to rom-coms. I expect their predictability and appreciate the happy ending. 
What do you do when your life is falling apart? That was the situation that both Anna and Michael faced after losing loved ones, and each faced it very differently. 
You, Me and Tuscany follows Anna, played by Halle Bailey, as she navigates her life after losing her mother. The film stars Regé-Jean Page, Aziza Scott, Lorenzo de Moor, Marco Calvani, Nia Vardalos (did a cameo), and Stella Pecollo. I loved the chemistry the cast had together. They were fun and heartwarming.
Now, I loved this movie, but, again, I am extremely biased. First, I love anything with a romance spin. So this being a romance is right up my alley. I also am a big Halle Bailey fan. Some say there is nothing special about this movie compared to other romance films. It received 66% from Rotten Tomatoes and 6.2 from IMDb, which is pretty accurate. My rating is about an 8 because, to me, there was just something wonderful about it. 
The pacing worked very well for me. The comedic timing of the cast was spot on, especially Francesca, played by Pecollo. The acting was romcom acting. I also loved the setting. It was bright and airy and inviting. Book me a flight to Tuscany!
 
SPOILER ALERT
The movie follows Anna, who, after losing her mom, gave up on all of her dreams, which included cooking and going to Tuscany. She is working as a house sitter and lost her most recent gig because she took liberties with the owner's clothes. She is floating. The only one remotely keeping her grounded is her best friend, Clair. One night after getting fired, she meets Mateo, and they kick it out. They talk all night and vibe. He tells her all about his home in Tuscany and why he left. He also tells her about his villa that is left unattended. She gets invited for a nightcap, but Mateo ends up falling asleep and nothing happens. 
The encounter does inspire her, though, and she ends up spontaneously going to Tuscany without any plans. This is where all the shenanigans start. Listen for a full recap and discussion.