BEVERLY HILLS—Ronald Lewis Weaver, or Ron as we have called him for decades, is the senior producer for the mega hit series “The Bold and the Beautiful.” After over two decades of being around creative forces at the show, the man who also was part of the initial production of “Sesame Street” broke the mold of monotony and wrote one of the most amazing novels in history. “Soul Mate” is a story that many have fallen in love with or in lust with. Betty White recently said, “Not since ”˜Bridges of Madison County’ have I been so involved in someone else’s very private life. For an even more impossible forbidden love you must read this book. You won’t put it down.”

The story was one that being a prude myself, I was not sure I’d like. An English teacher in a Beverly Hills High School, Claudia de la Rosa, has a bright new beginning planned ahead until she meets one of her new students: Lance Van Arden, an 18-year-old gifted student whose destiny collides with that of his older teacher. De la Rosa begins mentoring Van Arden, and soon a love affair ensues. This book moves as fast as the ever exciting “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Ron being a hidden hero over at Bell-Phillip Television Productions surprised everyone who read this tome. Absolutely no one expected this type of story to come from such a business-minded fellow. The characters who are involved with both the teacher and student began to suspect things are happening. However, what I did not expect or suspect, was that I’d be enthralled and fascinated by this story. And I’m not alone. Actress Katherine Kelly Lang said, “Before I read ”˜Soul Mate,’ if you’d told me I’d be rooting for a relationship between a teacher and student, I’d have said, you are crazy! But these are great characters and a great story.”

My friend and “As the World Turns” costar Lesli Kay, who also portrays Felicia Forrester on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” said recently, “I’ve read ”˜Soul Mate’ five times. That should tell you something. It’s been a mind-blowing experience every time, and [it] always leaves me wanting more. Can’t wait to see the movie!” I wholeheartedly concur with Kay, and there are certainly roles for both of us in this page turner when it hit’s the big screen. What is most undeniable about “Soul Mate,” is how you never want to put the book down until you’ve read it through. Initially I was most fascinated by chapter 10 where Lance seems to jump off the page at the reader, then I fell in love with chapter six as Claudia arrived at the school. Now I can’t pick a favorite chapter, but I’ve now memorized the book from cover to cover.

Weaver has certainly etched out a new career as a novelist for himself. Surely he’s creative, we all knew that. However, to bring forth to his readers such a rich, diverse and exciting cast of characters in such an illicit and taboo relationship makes this book one of the most exciting I’ve ever read and surely a candidate to become a literary classic. I found myself daydreaming of all the exciting actors to play the lovers while reading it. Could it be Julia Roberts and Robert Pattinson, or Sandra Bullock and Usher? Or closer to home for the author, his “B&B” superstars Lesli Kay and Kyle Lowder or Ashley Jones and Zack Conroy? Whatever Ron decides, here’s hoping that there is a sequel to this enigmatic, exciting and pulse-pounding novel. Susan Flannery, the multi-Emmy winning and Golden Globe-winning actress said, “This is subject matter reflected in today’s headlines. It’s important, and should be taken seriously. Perfectly delightful.”

“Soul Mate” is to be taken as seriously as the subject matter. A book you won’t forget, a book that you’ll be in the office on Monday discussing around the water cooler. The book is available through QuestFiction Entertainment (QuestFiction.com)

On Thursday, September 16, at 7 p.m. Ron Weaver will have a book signing at Barnes & Noble Bookstore at The Grove (Next door to CBS TV City), 189 The Grove Drive in Los Angeles. Some of the actors who will be attending include Ronn Moss, Katherine Kelly Lang, Ashley Jones, Lesley-Anne Down, Lesli Kay, Joe Mascolo, Brandon Beemer, Texas Battle, Don Diamont, Bobbie Eakes, Adrienne Frantz, Sandra Vidal and John McCook. With more confirming every day.