Drunk Love - by Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"Drunk Love: A Marriage Under the Influence" is a candid, raw, funny, wild, and poignant memoir that delves into the hidden struggles of high-functioning alcoholism, revealing the redemptive power of love and self-discovery.

Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje never planned to be the life of the party, but somewhere along the way, alcohol became her nightly companion. From innocent childhood sips to adult cocktail soirées, her journey with drinking was far from simple. By day, she was a successful journalist and devoted mother; by night, she was lost in a haze of wine. Keeping up appearances became her full-time job, convincing everyone--including herself--that she had it all under control. But the weight of her secrets and the strain on her marriage couldn't be ignored forever. After one chaotic night, her husband, Mark, makes a life-altering decision that forces Melissa to confront her addiction head-on.

Embarking on a raw and revealing journey to sobriety, Melissa uncovers the buried truths about her life, her marriage, and herself. Can love survive the sober truth? With unflinching honesty and courage, Melissa battles the demons that alcohol once helped to mask, striving to build a future where she can be fully present for her family and herself.

Drunk Love: A Marriage Under the Influence is a candid, wild, funny, and heart-wrenching memoir that explores the depths of addiction and the redemptive power of love and self-discovery. Melissa's story is a beacon of hope for anyone who has struggled with addiction or loved someone who has. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of transformation.

About the Author

For over three decades, Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje worked as a newspaper reporter and columnist in Texas, earning awards with the San Antonio Light, the Houston Chronicle, and the San Antonio Express-News. She focused on marginalized communities, including those experiencing poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, addiction, and abuse. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, Texas Monthly, and the San Antonio Report. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in English from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her husband, Mark Stoeltje, is a retired nonprofit executive, artist, and writer. Their child, Sam, is a teacher and a creative writing graduate student.