I used to watch soap operas faithfully when I was in middle and high school – I was a third generation fan of Guiding Light. I’ve read a few books set in the world of soap operas, but surprisingly enough, not that many romances (with the exception of Again by Kathleen Gilles Seidel – one of my favorites). Maybe it’s difficult to come up with a new story set in that world.
Love in the Afternoon by Allison Packard
(2012, Contemporary) 1/17/12
Grade: 3
Kayla Maxwell is eager to prove herself as a new soap opera actress, but she is nervous to work with Sean Barrett, her idol since childhood. Sean is the son of a well known actor, and is wary of getting to close to an actress, but he soon learns to respect her as an actress – and admire her as a woman. But just as their relationship is getting underway, Kayla is threatened by a mysterious stalker.
I love a good soap opera, so I was looking forward to this book. Unfortunately, it felt very derivative and predictable – almost like fan fiction. I felt like I could predict every development before it happened. The characters were pleasant enough, and it was easy to read, but I was left feeling like I’d read it all before.
I’m not sure why this story felt so predictable – most romances don’t have ground breaking plots, but every development in this story felt like something I could have written myself.
Karen Wheless
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