Soap Opera Digest: The Story of a Woman. A Dream. And an Endless Love

by Stacy Thowe

The soap opera has become her real-life love story. Julia Melrose is a stereotypical soapaholic. And I don't mean she is addicted to the foamy, liquid kind. Julia spends her free time watching the rich, beautiful, carefree people who visit her through the television, yet she didn't start out as a soapaholic. She, like many people facing life-altering experiences, got lost.

Let's go back twenty-five years to the fabulous eighties. Julia is young and in love, the kind of love others dream about. She has her whole life before her, but life doesn't always ask what you want. Sometimes it pulls the rug out from under you. Fast forward to the present, and Julia is divorced with two children. Now she has to face the life she chose all those years ago. She starts to hear a voice from the past telling her to live the life she was always meant to live. Will she listen, or will she choose the road most traveled?

360 pages, Paperback

Published December 15, 2023

About the author

Stacy Thowe started writing at an early age in the safe confines of her diary. She has published many short stories and a young adult series in the hope of reaching out and helping others with her unforgettable characters.

If asked, Stacy will often say that the stories were given to her. She once read a Ray Bradbury quote which said that all of his writing was God-given. The first time she read that, she knew where all her beautiful words came from.
Visit her website at stacythowe.com for links to her writing.

Her most recent novel, Soap Opera Digest, can be found at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Reviews

[Louise Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soap Opera Digest, penned by Stacy Thowe, is a superb read that engages and fascinates from the outset.

With her signature style, the author skillfully immerses you in the narrative, making the characters resonate with authenticity and depth. The storyline unfolds with a delightful originality, offering a narrative that stands apart from typical storylines and presenting a fresh lens through which to view the world.

Julia, the central figure of this tale, navigates a series of formidable challenges that test her resilience and strength. The author’s insightful exploration of addiction is particularly noteworthy, as it is handled with a deft touch that balances sensitivity with realism. This narrative serves as a poignant reminder of how easily one can become ensnared in the complexities of life, especially when circumstances deviate from our expectations. The emotional depth of the story invites readers to reflect on their own lives, making it an engaging and thought-provoking experience and reminding us of the beauty that lies in genuine human connections.

Once I finished the book, I found myself wishing for more. Thowe's talent has amazed me, and I eagerly anticipate her future creations!

[Natalie Doll · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was very sweet as well as emotional at times. Particularly the storylines of the main character, Julia’s mom and son and how they interacted with each other. I also really liked Andy the whole time and found myself frustrated with Julia by still being hung up on someone she once loved when something so good was staring her in the face. The one aspect of this book that kept making me scratch my head was the appearances of Ritchie (Julia’s dead ex-boyfriend). I was just unsure if he was imaginary or seen by everyone else/if the conversations she was having with him were out loud. It happened frequently enough that I would have liked some more clarity upfront, as from the very end of the book it became more apparent that the conversations were at very least in her head. Overall, an easy and heartfelt read.

Disclaimer: I won this book as part of a giveaway.

[Amy Roelant]

Will she share the backstory of Richie appearing to her to anyone? Why not?

[Lauren E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the relationship between all the characters. I could picture the family and their love for each other. It was a page turner, I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next.