My Own Personal Soap Opera: Looking for reality in all the wrong places Book

Growing up I occasionally watched "The Doctors" and "As the World Turns" with my Mom. So when I heard the title of Libby Malin's latest release, I knew I had to read it.

"My Own Personal Soap Opera" is the story of Frankie McNally, the head writer for "Lust for Life," a daytime soap. Frankie has a good life, but she tends to be a little insecure thanks to her lousy ex-husband, Brian.

Frankie's life begins to get more confusing than the soap she's writing for. First, her ex has written a novel with a character based on her. Next, the soap's ratings are dropping. The show's main advertiser sends in a dashing older man, Victor Pendergrast, with management skills to help pull the show out of the slumps. Meanwhile, the hot leading man, Luke Blade, is busy trying to seduce her. She has a secretary that always seems to be gone when she needs her. To top off the chaos, a jewel thief begins copying the show's storyline.

While Frankie tries to work through her developing feelings for both Victor and Luke, she has to deal with the public's increasing interest in the thief's storyline, thanks to the real criminal. Ratings begin to increase but Frankie feels they should cut the thief plot out of the story before someone is hurt.

The growing attraction between Frankie and Victor will keep you spellbound. As the two fight their feelings for each other, they also battle their own inner demons of insecurity.

Author Libby Malin pulls in the character of Victor's matriarch aunt who's starting to lose the distinction between reality and Crestview, the home of the Lust for Life characters. The tender moments between Victor and his Aunt Gussie create a heart for this storyline. I say this because most of us remember watching soaps with family members and fun times we shared, much as the characters in this story do.

The antics of the writers and the lengths Luke will go will have you laughing, sometimes even out loud. Among the ups and downs of writing a soap opera and dealing with real life, the reader is reminded of the mysterious thief. Clues are peppered among the plot, but the mystery isn't revealed until right at the end.

You don't have to be a soap opera fan to enjoy this book. My Own Personal Soap Opera shows that life can be funnier and, in some cases, more unbelievable than a television show. Once you begin this adventure, you won't be able to quit until you reach the end. If you are a soap fan, you'll never view your show the same way again. From beginning to end, this is a delightful read.