Exclusive: Candy Spelling's Impromptu Book Party

In Stories From Candyland, the grande dame of Hollywood - Candy Spelling -tackles her memoirs with humor and honesty. Candy -widow of legendary mega-producer Aaron Spelling and mom to 90210 alum Tori Spelling -- celebrated the release of her new book at the legendary Book Soup on Sunset Boulevard Tuesday afternoon. It was an impromptu book affair and RadarOnline.com snagged the only exclusive interview with Candy at the event!  Spelling told us that the location had special meaning for her.  Her late husband held his first book signing at the same store.

In Stories From Candyland, Candy reminisces about their second date, when Spelling took her to a party for Grace Kelly and Rock Hudson. She was just 20 years old at the time, and had harbored a major crush on Hudson for years. On the way to the gathering, she remembers being so nervous that she was physically shaking. So how different is Spelling today from the girl she was then? Not very, she says. Even after almost 40 years as a Hollywood insider, she still gets tongue-tied around celebrities. "I was at an affair recently," she said, "and I sat next to Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, and I have to say: very starstruck. I was like: 'Oh my god.'"

Spelling says writing the book was "really cathartic."  In it, she openly addresses her rift with daughter Tori-the mother and daughter have been estranged for many years-and even writes a heartfelt letter to Tori's two children. "I'm still not responding to Tori's comments," she said. "I'm telling my truth." But she clearly holds out hope that their public feuding will be put to rest. Spelling, who is awaiting the completion of a new, luxurious penthouse apartment in Century City, Los Angeles, is building a playroom in her new place to prep for visits from her grandkids Liam, 2, and Stella, 1. (She has yet to meet Stella and says she no longer spends time with Liam.)  So is she hopeful that a reunion with her daughter and her young children will happen soon? "I would love that more than anything," she said. "I want all my children to be in my life, and my grandchildren. One big, happy family. Wouldn't that be nice?"

Spelling, who has lived her life in the public spotlight, shared her number-one tip for up-and-coming celebrities, warning that they shouldn't "get their heads so full that, if they make it, they forget those people that want to take a picture or want their photograph.  Always remember they put you there."

(Photo: Getty)