Pepper Basham has truly mastered the art of storytelling. With Authentically, Izzy, she brings a charming, partially epistolary format to life—something I wouldn’t have typically picked up, but Basham made me love every bit of it! The book is packed with clever bookish references, witty banter, and vibrant characters who practically leap off the page. Plus, the romance? Sweet and swoon-worthy enough to make your heart skip a beat.

The emails and texts that fill the story add so much personality, bringing each character into full color. There are such honest, heartfelt moments and important life lessons woven into the humor, making the characters' growth feel authentic. Watching Izzy and Brodie's journey unfold is a delight; their connection feels so real, like you’re right there rooting for them with every page turn.

Honestly, I loved every single page and didn’t hesitate to tell Pepper the moment I finished how truly wonderful it is. If you haven’t picked this one up yet, do yourself a favor—grab it now! I guarantee it’s a book you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the temporary complimentary e-book!

This book was delightful and lovey without being too saccharine. I loved the characters and the story, it was a lovely romance and clean if you prefer your romance to be closed door. Highly recommend!

I appreciate it when nerds are nicely presented in books, i thought this was cute and a fun time, even if some parts of it that i wasnt expecting to have the religious tone, it didnt bothered me or took away from the story,

This fun and unique book is mostly all written in emails and texts with some letters. You don't really feel that though as you engage in the characters and their unique way of dealing with things. This book will mostly have you laughing, but has a depth in there!

Once again, why do publishers feel the need to leave out important things in their marketing? This is christian fiction, which as a christian is not a bad thing, but I felt completly taken aback when Jesus and God was mentioned countless times. I was here for a romance, not a sermon at the end of the day.

Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham is a delightful fit for readers who adore lighthearted, humorous romances that celebrate the joy of books, family, and the magic of love, with a dash of wit and whimsy that will leave them feeling hopeful and uplifted.

Unfortunately, I did not have time to finish this one because my access time had lapsed, but it was cute in the beginning. This author has a very sweet way of writing And developing her character

The literary references in this novel were fun, as were the text and email exchanges among Izzy and her cousins and between Izzy and Brodie. The settings in the Blue Mountains and a Scottish isle were delightful!

I enjoy the epistolary format, though in this case I think it contributed to the book being a bit longer than necessary. It may have gone a little overboard on the bookish comments too, but it’s hard to fault the author for that.

All in all, a pleasant contemporary Christian romance that was a nice reprieve from heavier reading.

3.5 stars

2'5.

This was very cute but I feel like it could have been shorter. The fact that we get two conflicts was just too much.

Still, very cute and dreamy.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc.

I wanted to like this book, especially with the LOTR references, but the characters were too rude and judgemental for me to care about them.

I authentically love Authentically Izzy by Pepper Basham! Authentically Izzy revolves around Izzy in her quest for love. Izzy is a young woman whose world revolves around books and is trying to hold the pieces together after her parents tragic deaths. After her cousin signs her up for an online dating site, she starts communicating with Brodie, who Izzy believes is her cousin at first, but is actually a real live male. Brodie is from an island across the pond and his family owns a chain of bookstores. Brodie and Izzy are a perfect match as they try their best to overcome past fears and hurts, and be their authentic selves.

I was busting out laughing during much Authentically Izzy! I also thought Izzy and I have a lot in common. I love how Ms. Basham wrote Authentically Izzy primarily in e-mail communications and texts. You could really tell the type of relationships that Brodie and Izzy had not only with each other, but their respected families as well. I love how the relationship of Brodie and Izzy progressed in the book. I also want to the island Brodie is from! I highly recommend Authentically Izzy by Pepper Basham! It's a fun escape with quirky relatable characters!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.

I just finished 'Authentically, Izzy' by Pepper Basham, and oh my goodness, what a delightful read it was!

First, Izzy is hands down one of the most endearing characters I've encountered in a while. Basham has a knack for creating relatable protagonists; Izzy is no exception. Her journey of self-discovery is both heartwarming and inspiring.

And let's talk about the romance! *Swoon alert!* The chemistry between Izzy and the love interest is absolutely electric. Basham knows how to write a slow-burn romance that keeps you flipping pages well into the night.

But it's not just the romance that shines in this book. The friendships, family dynamics, and small-town charm all add depth to the story. Plus, the humour sprinkled throughout had me chuckling more than once.

Now, fair warning, this book isn't all rainbows and butterflies. Basham isn't afraid to tackle heavier topics, but she does so gracefully and sensitively.

Overall, 'Authentically, Izzy' is a feel-good read that is heartwarming and swoon-worthy. Do yourself a favour and add this to your TBR pile—you won't regret it!

This wasn’t what I thought it was going to be while looking through it. From others it seems like it was done well, but letters/emails as the main form of communication seems like an odd choice to me and that’s not something I love.
Thank you so much for the ARC

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

A fun read, sweet and clean. Took a bit of getting used to the emails and text, but definitely worth a read.

This book was well-written, and the concept was very cute. I liked the main characters and the supporting ones, but I was not a fan of how the story took place through emails and texts. It was a good concept but I just personally wasn’t a fan.

I will say I do typically lean more towards a spicy romance but this was so sweet and cute.

Clean, full of heart, and romance. Also love reading about a fellow book nerd finding love!

I loved the commutation between the characters it felt like I was reading someone’s actual emails and texts. It was just really well written and felt real. Always a bonus!

Pepper Basham is one of my favorite authors, however, Authentically Izzy is not one of my favorite books by her. I loved the plot, the characters are fantastic, and the settings are delightful. I did not care for the whole texting thing. I also struggled with all of the references to The Lord Of The Rings. I have neither read nor watched the movies, and honestly I have no desire too. (Sorry Pepper). I can honestly say Authentically Izzy is worth reading.

So pour up a pot of tea, grab a cozy blanket and curl up for a fun read.

I was given a copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

Posting review a bit late due to some personal circumstances, but absolutely thrilled to have been granted this ARC. Such a sweet read!!!

This book was so cute. You have 2 book lovers falling in love over emails. It was book so easy and cute to read that I couldn't put it down. I totally forgot I had this on my tbr and It was a book that i enjoyed from start to finish.