Authentically Izzy

Authentically Izzy by Pepper Basham
Series: Skymar, Book One
Publisher: Thomas Nelson, November 15, 2023

REVIEW BY KELLY GOSHORN

This charming story enchanted me from the beginning. Basham’s heroine, Isabelle Edgewood, is an introverted, socially awkward, book nerd who struggles with others’ expectations. Right off the bat, the author gets points for originality. It’s always refreshing to find a main character who isn’t perfect. I find relatable characters much more endearing.

Worried that Izzy will never find Mr. Right, her matchmaking cousin signs Izzy up for an online dating community. Enter the hero, Brodie Sutherland, a resident of the fictional island of Skymar. Brodie is a soft-spoken, caring, fairly introverted man himself gifted with the ability to see who Isabelle really is, even when she doesn’t see it herself. He encourages Isabelle to be the person she longs to be, and the reader is treated to the joy of seeing her blossom as the story progresses. I enjoyed the chemistry and playful banter between Izzy and Brodie, and it was interesting to see a romantic comedy work so well when similar personalities are attracted to one another instead of opposite ones.

While the story is packed with genuine laugh-out-loud moments, a perspective reader would be mistaken to think the book has no depth. Basham gives the novel heart through such time-honored themes as self-discovery and living authentically. Not only did I laugh, but I also cried as Izzy discovered that the tragic death of her parents at the tender age of twelve may have shaped her into a person she was never meant to be.

“It’s about taking what you have within you, what God-given gifts you already possess, and falling in love with them. Making them work for your future. Uniquely. That’s how you make your life worth living, for yourself and others.”

Pepper Basham, Authentically Izzy

The majority of Authentically Izzy is written in an epistolary style. In updated fashion for 21^st century readers, the author uses emails and texts rather than snail mail which I found very clever. When Izzy travels to Skymar to meet Brodie in person, Basham returns to the traditional third person narrative which makes sense since the couple is now physically together. This also provides the reader with a deeper glimpse into their thoughts and emotions as their relationship progresses.

Because of the epistolary style of this novel, I highly recommend the audiobook version. I purchased a copy via Audible and the multiple narrators did an excellent job. Brodie’s Scottish accent was spot on and only added to my enjoyment of the book. If you’re not a fan of audiobooks, then I would encourage you to splurge for the print copy. Several other reviewers mentioned that following the epistolary writing style was a bit confusing on Kindle.

In my opinion, there’s only one word to describe Authentically Izzy—magical. Filled with bookish references – a heroine who works in a library, a hero whose family owns not one but several bookstores, not to mention a bazillion bookish quotes from Tolkein to Austen and everything in between, Authentically Izzy is an authentic hit for booklovers everywhere.

Sequels: Positively Penelope, released August 1
                Loyally Luke, releasing May 2024