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Tracie Podger
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A Virtual Affair: An inspirational story of love and loss. Kindle Edition

by Tracie Podger (Author), Megan Gunter (Editor) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 473 ratings
Jayne was mid-forties when she experienced the worst and the best times of her life.
She fell in love, so desperately in love.
She lost everything overnight.

No matter how bad life gets, how far down that dark tunnel you are, there is always a glimmer of hope.

From her dream house in Kent, via the 'nuthouse', and eventually to a cottage in Cornwall, Jayne takes a journey that is to wound, to destroy, and eventually heal her.

This is a story of one woman’s quest to find herself and learn to love herself again.

Is this a story about affairs? No. It's about depression and loss, love and laughter. Tracie Podger opens her heart and bares her soul in this inspirational story based on a real event. This is a story about women to women.

'A Virtual Affair should come with a virtual defibrillator because my heart has broken, warmed, and shocked in the space of twelve hours' - TracyF TBConFB



'A beautifully written and engrossing story. Tracie doesn't pull her punches in describing some of the worst events that can happen in life which made the book so real and honest' - Amazon Reviewer



Contemporary Romance for readers over the age of 18.
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  1. Print length
    380 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    February 12, 2016
  4. File size
    511 KB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Editorial Reviews

Review

A Virtual Affair should come with a Virtual Defibrillator because my heart has been broken, warmed and shocked in the space of 12 hours. I started this book last night and basically read it in 2 straight sittings. I think I have managed to feel every emotion known whilst reading this gorgeous story including loss, grief, love, lust, sadness, happiness, tears and laughter. This book is more than a story, Tracie Podger has created characters that feel so real and part of your life that you can't help feeling all the emotions. A truly wonderful book and strongly recommended by me! 5 stars - TracyF, TBConFB

From the Author

Thank you, readers, for taking the time to read A Virtual Affair. Virtual was the first book I ever wrote, many years ago. It wasn't for publication, just a way for me to deal with my depression and time in the 'nuthouse'. Some of what you'll read in Virtual is true, it's my experience. I was encouraged to rewrite Virtual and release and I think this was the most scared I've ever been when releasing a book! I do hope you enjoy the read.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01AEVAIN8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (February 12, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 12, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 511 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 380 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 473 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Tracie Podger

Tracie Podger

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Tracie Podger lives in Kent, UK with her husband and a rather obnoxious cat called George. She's a Scuba Diving Instructor with a passion for writing. Tracie has been fortunate to have dived some wonderful oceans of the world where she can indulge in another hobby, underwater photography. She like getting up close and personal with sharks.

Tracie writes under various pen names. Tracie Podger is reserved for her romance and sub-genres of romance as well as Women's Fiction. T J Podger is for her paranormal novellas, and under T J Stone, you'll find her thrillers.

If you would like to know more, please feel free to contact her, she would love to hear from you.

Newsletters are a great way for authors to keep in touch with readers. Tracie would like to invite you to join her mailing list and as a thank you, she's offering an ebook of her novella, Evelyn. Please feel free to copy this to your browser --> http://bit.ly/2mcCuoc

Twitter, @TRACIEPODGER

Facebook, Tracie Podger, Author

or via www.TraciePodger.com

Available in ebook, paperback, large print paperback and hardback. Some titles available in audiobook.

Tracie Podger:

Fallen Angel, Part 1

Fallen Angel, Part 2

Fallen Angel, Part 3

Fallen Angel, Part 4

Fallen Angel, Part 5

Fallen Angel, Part 6

Fallen Angel, Part 7

The Fallen Angel Boxset

Evelyn - to accompany the Fallen Angel Series

Robert - to accompany the Fallen Angel Series

Travis - to accompany the Fallen Angel Series

Rocco - to accompany the Fallen Angel Series

Taylor & Mack - to accompany the Fallen Angel series

Angelica - to accompany the Fallen Angel series

A Virtual Affair - also available in audio

The Facilitator - also available in audio

The Facilitator, part 2 - also available in audio

The Facilitator, part 3

The Freedom Diamond

Letters to Lincoln - also available in audio

Jackson

Limp Dicks & Saggy Tits - also available in audio

Cold Nips & Frosty Bits - also available in audio

Posh Frocks & Peacocks - also available in audio

My Lord

Finding Jacob, part 1

Finding Jacob, part 2

The Reunion

As T J Podger: Paranormal shorts

The Second Witch of North Berwick House

The Last Witch of North Berwick House

As T J Stone: Thrillers

Gabriel

A Deadly Sin

Harlot

In Italian:

Il Facilitatore

Il Facilitatore, Parte 2

IlFacilitatore, Parte 3

Un Amore Virtuale

Gabriel

Avventure e disavventure di una neodivorziata

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
473 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book's heartfelt story and well-written writing style. They found it relatable and enjoyable, with a mix of laughter and soul-searching moments. The characters were well-developed and easy to picture. Readers appreciated the authenticity and truthfulness of the story. Overall, they found the book an engaging read that deserves to become a best seller.

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Heartbreaking storyReadabilityLaughter levelAuthenticityWriting qualityCharacter development
28 customers mention "Heartbreaking story"28 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the heartbreaking story. They found it realistic and wonderful. The book was intense at times, but they found it relatable and well-written. The love story from a woman's perspective was tragic yet humorous.

"...It was tragic, devastating, humorous (oh God I loved Claire) to the point where I had to go tinkle, yep tears and sore stomach from hysterically..." Read more

"...She is brutally real and heartbreakingly recognizable...." Read more

"...The story moved right along with unexpected twists and turns. The characters were well developed . I could picture them...." Read more

"...This book is intense you will need to suck it up in some places but I could not put this one down it had to be read all the way through until the end..." Read more

26 customers mention "Readability"26 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it realistic and enjoyable to read. The book deserves to be a best seller, they say.

"...The transformation of Jayne was .... beautiful to watch. Then we have the most sensual handsome compassionate man....Stephen...." Read more

"...She is the beautiful woman I've come to know, who portrays a lighthearted and confident exterior, but suffers in silence...." Read more

"...It was racier than I usually write but still well written and enjoyable...." Read more

"...It was so realistic, but from reading the note from the author, quite real...." Read more

6 customers mention "Laughter level"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it entertaining and engaging, with a story of betrayal, loss, joy, and fulfillment.

"...It was tragic, devastating, humorous (oh God I loved Claire) to the point where I had to go tinkle, yep tears and sore stomach from hysterically..." Read more

"This was an epic story of betrayal, loss, joy, fulfillment, friendship, ect...." Read more

"...I wish I hadn't read it so I could reread it now. Brought me laughter, tears, much soul searching!!!! ❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️..." Read more

"...I laughed and cried. I was waiting for those words that Stephan typed in the end. Highly recommend this book!" Read more

5 customers mention "Authenticity"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's authenticity. They find the story relatable and honest, with specific details that ring true.

"...It was so realistic, but from reading the note from the author, quite real...." Read more

"...The truthfulness and honest in this book of fiction kept me turning the pages...." Read more

"...It is honest, raw, heartbreaking and a true look into dealing with the effects that an emotional abuser can do to a woman's self esteem...." Read more

"...Her specific detail rang true." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find it well-written and an easy read. Readers also appreciate the language of England, which is different from the US.

"...I could picture them. It was racier than I usually write but still well written and enjoyable...." Read more

"...Great writing." Read more

"...This is a beautifully written book full of emotions, grab a bottle of wine and a box of tissues and enjoy." Read more

"Great read. You laugh and you cry. Great writing when you can see yourself in the character's life. Feel her pain and her joy. Real good read" Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters well-developed and able to be imagined.

"...The characters were well developed . I could picture them. It was racier than I usually write but still well written and enjoyable...." Read more

"What a great story. Very believable characters. I have become a fan and will read more of Ms. Podger...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book. Great storyline and characters. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for an honest review." Read more

"...I could totally identify with the characters. Thanks for sharing this with us. Please do not stop writing!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Gigi Boyd
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    OMG.....how and where do I start this review. First, this was a new author for me and am so glad I found this book! I rarely give anything away in my reviews, but what I will say is this book took my breath away and then gave it back. The story was wonderfully written, one of the best I've read in a long time. I've read over a thousand books and most were good and I liked them and will remember them, but few stick with me as this one will. It will stick because it had it all in an excellent package. This was a story that not only touched, but moved me in so many ways; hence the stick. It was tragic, devastating, humorous (oh God I loved Claire) to the point where I had to go tinkle, yep tears and sore stomach from hysterically laughing. It was full of angst where homicide came to mind. I so wanted to slap the s*** out of Michael over and over. Most of all it was a story about one woman's fighting journey for happiness, healing and love. The transformation of Jayne was .... beautiful to watch. Then we have the most sensual handsome compassionate man....Stephen. All there is left to say is get them fingers clicking on this book now!!!!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Pormmom
    5.0 out of 5 stars It has been years since I've been moved this deeply by someone else's story, and I feel the desperate need to hug.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I don't often feel like I am sitting beside the protagonist when I'm reading a book. I mostly read from a distance, comfortably removed. And although books and their characters can move me, Jayne rocked me to the core.
    She is me, my friends, my sisters.
    She is brutally real and heartbreakingly recognizable.
    She is the reflection in my mirror at the end of another day, and she's the hope that lives in my heart.
    She is the beautiful woman I've come to know, who portrays a lighthearted and confident exterior, but suffers in silence.
    I love stories that tell of a journey, that describe the transformation from despair to hope. Stories like this, that teach us it is possible to dig deep and find the strength to face the next day.
    With our head held high, our face to the sun and a seed of hope in our hearts.
    It has been years since I've been moved this deeply by someone else's story, and I feel the desperate need to hug.

    If you are not afraid to be challenged emotionally—to recognize yourself in someone else's words—read this story. If you want to believe there is hope—despite a life that has proven again and again there is none—you need to pick up this book and believe with me.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Nolen book author
    4.0 out of 5 stars What else could happen?
    Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I'm also an author and love to read other writer's stories and see how they develop these stories. I also love to read and always have beginning with Dick and Jane. The story moved right along with unexpected twists and turns. The characters were well developed . I could picture them. It was racier than I usually write but still well written and enjoyable. I also enjoy the language of England which is a little different than the USA . Good read!
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  • Merry Jelks- Emmanuel
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Amazing Story!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Wow! Very few books have touched such raw emotions as this one. I have to say Jayne was a very strong woman who endured a lot in her life. The death of a child is one of the hardest things to take but that wasn't all. With the exception of her son her family really sucked. If I could I would have done away with her husband and daughter. This book is intense you will need to suck it up in some places but I could not put this one down it had to be read all the way through until the end. It is by far one of the best I have read.
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  • Carol B
    5.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful tear jerker
    Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This story just broke my heart. I have never cried so much reading any book. Jayne had such a rough life - a jerk of a husband, a daughter who didn't care about her, a son who eventually broke her heart and mind. That was the hardest part of the book, but I understand what happened. It was so realistic, but from reading the note from the author, quite real. This is the second book I've read of this author and I will read more ( I might need a comedy first though). Great writing.
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  • ~lil maso~
    3.0 out of 5 stars I could tell how personal this book really was for Tracie . . . .
    Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2016
    A Virtual Affair is probably the most difficult book I've ever had to review. At first, I wasn't even sure I would finish it, but I'm certainly glad I did. In the end, it was worth pushing just a little more until the story picked up.

    We start at a very confusing place - a woman (Jayne) looking out at the waves crashing along the shore. She sounds pensive and a little deflated, but we really don't know why. Immediately after, we are thrown into a coffee shop where we learn that Jayne is married to a coward of a man. A cheater. A man who treats her worse than garbage. Her best friend, Carla, convinces her to go on holiday, but before that happens, we muddle through her low self-esteem and debate about whether or not the marriage should continue for a little while.

    On holiday, Jayne meets Stefan. The low self-esteem is certainly present in this situation, and though her husband has been cheating for years, Jayne feels guilty for her attraction to Stefan. But, despite her reservations, they begin an email friendship that, over time, begins to turn into something more. At this point, life begins to unravel for Jayne. Literally. And it is about here that the story starts to pick up, where the author starts to seem more comfortable with her story and the way she's telling it.

    There are some highs. Some sexy moments. And a lot of real, real lows from that point on. I found myself wondering if things would ever be okay for Jayne and then, just when I think they might be, the rug is pulled out from under her. The journey to healing is long and slow (as it always is), and Jayne ends up writing about everything and turning it into a book. But all of it is still missing something very important, and there are parts that will never be the same again.....How does it all end? You'll have to read it yourself to find out!

    About my rating:

    I could tell how personal this book really was for Tracie Podger, and there are parts that definitely reflect that. Yet there are others that felt....a little excessive. Like, there were literally entire chapters that I just kind of skimmed over because, even if there were snippets of important details, some of the story seemed to run in a loop - sometimes because the same concept was repeated, and other times because I had already deduced what the author wrote on my own. So, essentially, just a lot of over-explaining.

    That said, I have to give the author serious props for tackling some really big, deep issues. Infidelity, emotional abuse, death of a loved one, depression....these are not easy topics to write about, and it takes a lot of courage to do so. At times, I felt like maybe the author had distanced herself from those topics (possibly because it really is hard to actually live through some of those emotions as you write about them), but there were a lot of sections that I, myself, wanted to just curl up in a ball and cry over. They just felt that raw, that real.

    All in all, I decided to give A Virtual Affair three heels because it really just fell right in the middle for me, and Tracie Podger is still an author that I would be willing to give another try. If you'd like to check it out and read it yourself, you can pick it up everywhere!

    * ARC provided by the Author for an honest review *
    ~Saucy Siren~
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Karen S
    5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional and inspiring.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 12, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    If you only read a couple of books this year, make sure this is one of them.
    Jayne is an everyday middle aged woman. Married with two children and a nice house. To the outside world it probably seems her life is great but looks can be deceiving. Jaynes marriage is far from happy, one day to escape from it all, she goes on a holiday with her good friend Carla. During her idyllic holiday she meets Stefan. She strikes up a friendship with him that continues through e-mails after she returns home. Things get worse at home and the sham of a marriage comes to an end. Jayne and Stefan's 'virtual affair' continues but events take a tragic turn for Jayne, over and over. Will this story have a HEA?
    The character of Jayne called out to me, I identified with her in many ways as I'm sure a lot of other readers will. The emotion that pours from this book is real and honest and raw. In places, I wanted to reach into the book and hug Jayne, stroke her hair and just reassure her. Other times, I wanted to give her a damn good shaking. And don't even get me started on what I wanted to do to Michael!! To me, the physical reaction you have to a story and its characters is the true test of it and my reactions when reading this were through the roof. It was a heart-wrenching, honest, put you through the wringer, humdinger of a book and one that will stay in my thoughts always.
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  • bluebird
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very touching read
    Reviewed in Australia on September 20, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    My first thoughts were what a horrible so & so Jaynes husband was (& that's putting it mildly). Marrying because of a child can always cause issues. However Michael treated her with utter contempt. Then sucking Casey, the daughter onto his side. When everything comes to a head due to various events & all is revealed you can't help but feel for Jayne. She has some great support getting through her misery.

    i know this is vague but you have to follow Jayne through her journey to appreciate this story. It realistically deals with depression & a woman's fight to regain her self. Well done Tracie.

    Well written & you keep wondering how much of the authors life is revealed in this story.
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  • Ellie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Thoroughly enjoyed reading this, it brought back memories from 20 years ago, I know now that time heals eventually. This book is so well written
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  • Maddy
    4.0 out of 5 stars Couldn’t put it down
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 10, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Jayne is in her 40s, a mother of 2, and in a loveless, controlling, marriage to Michael whom she knows has affairs so when her best friend Carla suggests a girlie holiday together, she jumps at it. Whilst on holiday she meets Stephan, with whom she starts corresponding and this takes her through some bad times in her life. However, when the worst thing imaginable happens in her life she feels guilty and completely unravels, and ends up having to be hospitalised and in a mental health institution for her own safety. Can Jayne take back her life, with the help of those around her, and rebuild the rest of her life?

    You find yourself routing for Jayne, feeling indignant, upset, and happy for her by turns. Jayne gets into your heart and stays there she feels so real. Unsurprising when you read the author’s notes at the end as there are some parallels with her own life. I definitely didn’t want to put this book down until I had finished it.
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  • miss s clail
    5.0 out of 5 stars The story full of hope!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of my all time favourite reads. This story was raw with so much real emotion from the writer. I read this book over a day, during which I played it out in my head like a movie and fell in love with the main character Jayne.

    It is a story of a woman's struggle to heal through grieve, heartache, a marriage breakdown and living with constant guilt brought on by the feeling of not wanting to go on.

    This book brings to life the suffering of mental health and the realness of the black dog, otherwise known as depression.

    So many people could relate to this powerful story. What I loved most about it was that it took the character on a journey of discovering that lead to writing being the therapy that supported their recovery.

    This book doesn't only appeal to readers but should also in my opinion be read by every author and aspiring writer in the world. The author explains her pathway into writing and all she experienced including publishing. There is an empowering message for anyone who ever wanted to write.

    There is a powerful healing message with-in this book despite the trauma the characters experience and this was summed up by the opening lines in the prologue:

    'Do you know what hope smells like. Let me tell you....'.
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