Authentically, Izzy

Written by Pepper Basham

Narrated by Ferah Ahmet and Christopher Ashman

Dear Reader, My name is Isabelle Louisa Edgewood—Izzy, for short. I live by blue-tinted mountains, where I find contentment in fresh air and books. Oh, and coffee and tea, of course. And occasionally in being accosted by the love of my family. (You’ll understand my verb choice in the phrase later.) I dream of opening my own bookstore, but my life, particularly my romantic history, has not been the stuff of fairy tales. Which is probably why my pregnant, misled, matchmaking cousin—who, really, is more like my sister—signed me up for an online dating community.

The trouble is . . . it worked. I’ve met my book-quoting Mr. Right, and our correspondence has been almost too good to be true. But Brodie lives across an ocean. And just the other day, a perfectly nice author and professor named Eli came into the library where I work and asked me out for a coffee. I feel a rom-com movie with a foreboding disaster nipping at my heels.

But I’ve played it safe for a long time. Maybe it’s time for me to be as brave as my favorite literary heroines. Maybe it’s time to take the adventures from the page to real life. Wish me luck.

Authentically,

Izzy

• Witty, hilarious, and heartwarming contemporary romance about book lovers
• A sweet, kisses-only romance
• An epistolary novel written mostly in emails and texts
• Stand-alone novel
• Maps are included in the audiobook companion PDF download

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Nov 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9780840715173

Pepper Basham

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC, where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. You can learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com; Facebook: @pepperbasham; Instagram: @pepperbasham; Twitter: @pepperbasham; BookBub: @pepperbasham.

Reviews for Authentically, Izzy

[Phillip · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I actually loved the book and considered buying the physical copy until about 80% through... The last 2 "problems" and the whole scene with the aunt just frustrated me and ruined the happy ending. Also skipping on a beautiful wedding on the island disappointed me. After such a journey I feel like I was due that. This is my second book by this author and I'm just worried all her books will bear the same MO...

[Deborah B OConnor · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story was sweet and funny-it featured strong characters. Very entertaining!

[Berly · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had heard wonderful reviews for this book. I usually really enjoy epistolary format. This started off that way for me once I got into the groove of the story. I don't really know how to rate this without just explaining what I liked and what I was frustrating.

I received a Netgalley copy of this book. The formatting for Kindle was terrible. I think it had to do with the maps or something. I don't think I would have made it through if I had to exclusively read it that way. I got the close to release day, so then I switched to the audiobook. The narrators for the audiobook are great! If it weren't for them, I am not sure I could have finished. I definitely could see myself skimming more of the story. But that brings up another negative.

The audiobook is long. I'm sure an hour of it or maybe more is just the reading of who emails are being sent from and to. It gets monotonous. I'd be able to skim over that reading the print version. The other annoying issue was all the PS, PPS, PPPS. Once in awhile would be fine, but there were way too many of those for me. This is email. If you have something you forgot to add, click up and say it.

I'm also not a huge book lover, so many of those types of references went over my head. Which wouldn't happen to everyone, but there were so many that sometimes, I felt that I was getting beat over the head with them. Especially was this true in the beginning, since I haven't read or even watched Lord of the Rings.

I write all of that and think back over the book and say that I did enjoy the story itself. And as much as I like letter type stories, I was glad when the narrative changed and we got more action. I can't see myself rereading this one. And I really would recommend the audiobook just for the way the narrators bring the story to life.

[Shannon Schultz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow! I loved this story so much!! It was funny, heart-warming, encouraging, and just a joy to read! I started listening to the audiobook version but had to switch to reading the ebook as it is epistolary in nature and doesn’t really lend itself to hearing emails and text being read aloud. Though the narrators are wonderful! So I still heard their voices in my head as I read the last half of the book. Can’t wait for Pepper’s next installment for this series!

[Ann Bush · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this romance and the bookishesness made it even better.

[Elaine Searer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the format of this book very much as the plot was divulged mainly through text messages and emails among the characters. Thoroughly enjoyable audiobook!

[Frances O'Connor · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely wonderful! So very glad I came across this book. Good story, character development, descriptions, clean romance, and message, with some history sprinkled in. The author appears to like the same genres/authors that I do. References to books that I didn't recognize, I'm going to look up, because I'm pretty sure I'm going to like them. We also dislike the same popular author. What a hoot! Very fun read!!! I would love to read/listen to a sequel.
The readers also did an awesome job!
P. S. Bookmark, loved ones, very helpful. <3

[lamb521 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Title: Authentically, IzzyAuthor: Pepper BashamPages: 432Year: 2022Publisher: Thomas NelsonMy rating is 4 out of 5 stars.Brodie Sutherland is a 30-something man who, along with his family, own and operate a few bookstores on the island of Skymar. He wants a romantic relationship with a woman who can see beyond his shyness and awkwardness. His love of all things related to books appeals to Isabelle Edgewood, a young woman he has met on an online dating service. After the first few minutes of stilted conversation, they seem to hit it off. They begin scheduled times for video chats. When Brodie has to come to the states on business, he plans to visit Izzy in North Carolina. He is nervous for their face-to-face meeting but believes Izzy to be “the one.” Does she feel the same?Izzy Edgewood is a young woman who works as a librarian and feels she personifies bookishness and nerdiness. Her cousin signs her up for a dating service without Izzy’s permission. She logs in to find a message from a man who sound interesting. They begin chatting. All along though Izzy wonders if this fabulous man who God seems to have made just for her is really the man he projects. When he arrives for a visit, she begins to believe he really is in earnest about his feelings for her and that he is a man of honor and respectability. They have a wonderful time together but then the time comes for him to leave for home. How is a long-distance relationship across an ocean going to work? Izzy is pretty sure he is “the one” but she has been fooled before in a prior relationship that left her standing at the altar. Can she trust Brodie with her heart?The content was hilarious, and the story a wonderful romance. The writing style, however, was approximately 70% email/text format between the characters. This became tedious for me to read in this format. Readers get to see both sides of the issues facing Izzy and Brodie. Izzy’s cousin, Luke, has some of the best lines. I hope he gets a story of his own. Izzy’s bookishness and introversion were right up my alley with traits that I could relate to easily. I had several laugh-out-loud moments. I’m looking forward to Penelope’s story in Ms. Basham’s next book being released in August 2023.Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Authentically, Izzy is an epistolary novel, one of only two or three that I have read. I must admit, it is not my favorite book structure, but it worked for this fun, contemporary novel. The book is largely made up of digital communication between Izzy, her cousins, and a book-loving guy she met through an online dating site. While this grandma of four didn't relate to many things in this story of contemporary dating, I could relate to the love of books, reading them and sharing them. I also related to the importance of being true to oneself, and the wonder of falling in love. Pepper Basham infuses this story with a lot of humor, largely in the banter between siblings and cousins. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Authentically, Izzy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a lighthearted love story. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[sbmc-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Isn't loving someone being comfortable with who they are by being exactly who you are?"Even if you aren't a fan of epistolary writing, you will absolutely love this book. Full of fantastic humor, laugh-out-loud moments, tender vulnerability, amazing characters, and real-life faith, the book will capture your heart. Throw in tons of book and movie references and delicious banter and you have a perfect romcom to curl up with on a cold afternoon. I love Pepper Basham's books and this one is her best romantic comedy yet (which is saying A LOT)!It's amazing how the plot flows and we get to know the characters so well through written email and text exchanges. Izzy's relationship with her cousins is enviable but she does harbor deep insecurities and doubts that only surface towards the end. Her creativity, authenticity, and love for others are so refreshing and genuine. And Brodie.... he's a keeper! His awkwardness, bookish nerdiness, soul-deep passion and commitment to family and legacy and dreams, and tender and astute love for Izzy are endearing and make him the perfect hero. Izzy and Brodie's story had me grinning from ear to ear the whole time, with tears of sympathy and joy interspersed. And we so desperately need Luke and Anders and Brynna's stories soon.....and I can't wait to read Penelope's own happily-ever-after. I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[victoriagd · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What do you want, Isabelle? Pepper Basham brings her love for books, earnest characters, and the Blue Ridge Mountains to Authentically, Izzy. Isabelle (Izzy) Edgewood has had some harsh breakups, and she doesn’t want to repeat the experience. She wants to find romance in a shared love of books. Except her cousin Josie has other plans, signing her up for online dating and blind dates. Izzy might change her mind when two potential matches, who also love books, come into her life. This is an epistolary novel, with the majority written as emails and texts between Izzy, Brodie, and their respective families. It does have some narrative portions in part two of the book. It is also a New Adult book, with characters in their early 30’s. Though, the tone and writing style of the story is more suited to Young Adults. With no bad language, or references to adult content. The romance is sweet and is a slow burn, as Izzy is initially cautious with her relationships. Relying on a mutual love of books for the two introverted characters to meet, and become friends online. Pepper Basham does a wonderful job of characterizing introverted characters, without any harsh criticism. She especially works hard to call Izzy quiet, and not label her as shy. It is also a Hallmark like book, and does compare and reference hallmark stories. Brodie even reads Shakespeare love sonnets with Izzy in front of her fireplace. The descriptions of Mount Airy North Carolina, and the fictional country Skymar are lovely and picturesque. Mentions of faith are not the forefront of conversations, but Izzy gauges her dates on their book preferences. Izzy, Brodie and their families are kind, supportive, loving, and just a little bit overprotective. This is a very sweet story of Izzy finding courage to pursue new experiences, and begin new relationships. Brodie is just as charming, and thoughtful as any book boyfriend should be. Together, they have a lot of fun bookish conversations, and a great TBR book list.