I was initially very excited to begin this epistolary novel about two Tolkien lovers who meet on a dating site, and my enthusiasm stayed with me until Izzy started talking about her job, and then my pleasure in the concept of the book began to clash with the reality of the book.

About that epistolary form I was so thrilled to read? Izzy and her entire family seem to use email for conversations most people would have via text or IM, and while it’s not even close to the most annoying thing about this book, it does strike me as very, very weird. Around page 250 it switches from epistolary to 3rd person narrative without warning and it’s jarring. Then it goes back and forth between emails and narrative and…eh. (Oh, yeah, I found this note to myself at page 150: “Reading this just feels like a chore. I would rather not read the next 300-ish pages.” Ouch.)

Early on, I wasn’t sure why Izzy wanted to quit being a librarian, since she claims the library is one of her favorite places, but as I read I decided that Izzy wanted to quit being a librarian because she’s not actually a very good one. She doesn’t seem to know about interlibrary loan or the concept of placing books on hold: she wants to read Wodehouse (fine), but they’re checked out (so sad), and then they’re checked out AGAIN before she can read them after they’re returned. Does her library’s catalog not allow people to place books on hold? I am baffled and bemused by what is clearly mismanagement on her aunt’s part. (Of course, her aunt apparently thinks a television remote counts as using technology, so maybe she’s not a great choice for “lead librarian.” On the other hand, Izzy’s family is unbelievably clueless about some pretty obvious cultural touchstones. Not knowing who Keats is? Or what Lord of the Rings is? I can only assume that they live in caves in the Blueridge Mountains.)

I’m not sure the author actually spends much time in libraries: she thinks that Izzy is too creative for librarianship when the only creative thing she’s done is organize a parade where children dress up like their favorite book character (I think that’s called cosplay?). Librarianship is all about creativity, Ms Basham.

I think the reason Izzy is a bad librarian (other than the author having no idea what librarians actually do) might be that she double majored in library science and British literature in college. A bachelor’s degree in library science is basically useless (sort of like a bachelor’s in law) unless you live in an exceptionally small town (which Izzy seems to) and your aunt is the “lead librarian” (whatever that is) at the local library (which she apparently is). Ordinarily I would say it’s for the best that Izzy wants to get out of libraries, but Izzy dreams of opening a bookshop except she is afraid of math. She should not open a bookshop. Especially not one called The Prints & the BookWyrm. That is a very bad name.

While I’m complaining, how about I just make a list?

● The formatting in the epub version I read was jarring in its transitions between emails, text messages, and back again.
● It’s hilarious that Izzy can’t get into a novel because of “inflated characters.” Everyone in this book feels like a rip-off of a better character in another book.
● There’s some made-up Scandinavian Scotland that’s apparently going to be important later on. It’s looking for immigrants, which is weird when it could just open its borders to refugees. There are lots of those coming into Europe all the time.
● Brodie’s little sister is blind/going blind due to a nonspecific “degenerative disease” that can be stopped with surgery that they can’t afford. Their family is hoping to use the aforementioned stipend for luring Izzy to work/wed in their nation to pay for the surgery. Or to prop up their struggling bookstores.
● Izzy’s pregnant cousin (daughter of Izzy’s boss) is obsessed with getting Izzy married off, to the point where she sets up a dating profile for her and then continues to try to set her up with blind dates IRL, too. She is like Mrs. Bennet, but pregnant and godly.
● Around page 42 God and his plan come up as a topic and I’m now concerned that this book is a bait-and-switch. I really don’t care to read religious romances, or even non-religious ones where the pair have “devout faith.” There’s more discussion of “fellow congregants” in the next email. I very much feel that I was tricked into reading this. (Happily, it never gets too preachy, but it’s there and I just don’t like reading overtly Christian romances, okay?)

You’ll notice I’ve said next to nothing about the male lead so far. That’s because Brodie is boring. His family owns the only bookstores in their pseudo-Scotland island nation and it’s still faltering because they run the stores like Aziraphale. He is amazed by ideas like “put your pretty books in the window so they can be seen,” and “sell stationery supplies.” At one point he has a dick-measuring contest with the suitor of Izzy’s cousin’s choice in Izzy’s library WHILE SHE IS WORKING using book stacks. I kid you not. It’s about the most interesting thing he does.

The best part of the book are the messages Izzy gets from non-Brodie characters on the dating site her cousin signs her up for. The message from “Doyle’s protege” delighted me. I have met this man, I’m sure of it. You probably have, too. Unless you are this man, in which case, maybe don’t be?

If you like sex-free romance between unrealistic book nerds with overbearing families that fall quite short of charming, this is the book for you.

This was such an adorable book! I loved the format and how relatable Izzy was. Definitely not what I have been reading lately and it was a good change of pace for me. It's the perfect heartwarming romance book that gives you all the feel good feelings you have been looking for. There is something for everyone in this book and I think it deserves more hype!

Heartwarming, charming and cute novel

Thank you to netgalley for sending me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest opinion

I wasn't very keen about a book composed mainly e-mails and texts, but  was I completely mistaken! Pepper Basham's writing immediately drew me in; it's wonderfully witty and highly entertaining.

I adored the two love interests and their nerdy bantar

However the writing style wasnt my favourite

A delicious, witty, entertaining romance.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book was sweet and jovial. I loved Izzy’s voice and personality. I do wish it would have remained epistolary the entire time; this broke up my groove and lost my interest somewhat (would have been five stars otherwise).I am crossing my fingers the author chooses to write a book for Luke next.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the gifted ecopy. All views expressed are my own.

This book is definitely an authentic jewel! Izzy is such a likable character! She has had a tough life, and tries her best to please her new family, who allowed her to join them when her parents died. They care for her so much that sometimes they are irritatingly bossy and interfering, even signing her up on an online dating app! Izzy corresponds back and forth with another book lover and is shocked when he is almost too good to be true! She realizes she really just wants someone to love and like her authentic self, the ending is so pleasing and satisfying!
I am thankful to read this book, compliments of the author, publisher and NetGalley. My thoughts are my own.

Now I may be biased because our heroine has an impeccable name, but I swooned over this book. For book lovers everywhere, this is the perfect not so perfect rom com. I fell deeply in love with these characters and their world. I just loved loved loved this book.

Authentically Izzy, by Pepper Basham, is an easy 5 star read for me and a new favorite. It was absolutely charming, heart-warming and enchanting. The plot was written in text and email format, for the most part, which offered a unique and engaging manner for the story to unfold from various points of view. The prose was beautifully written, quote-worthy and strikingly picturesque.

The story was rather lengthy, coming in at just over 400 pages, and could have been condensed a bit to keep the pace and plot moving along. However, the exchanges were so delightful I didn’t really mind a bit of repetition. This is not only a beautiful love story about two awkward, bookish online daters from opposite sides of the world who find their perfect match in one another, but it is also about finding yourself, your calling and your worth. This story holds a powerful and important message intertwined within the plot. There are strong family ties, a faint, but present faith element, and lovely scenery. Also present are many book references, as well as library events and bookshop descriptions which will captivate any reader.

Authentically Izzy is a wonderful, unique story with vivid, descriptive writing, meaningful messages and touching dialogue. I look forward to reading more from this author!

Izzy describes herself as a "book nerd" and works in a library. Since her parents passed away, she has been living with her aunt and three cousins. Izzy has had bad dating experiences in the past, so her cousin Josephine, who is married and expecting twins, decides that it is about time for Izzy to come out of her shell and start dating again. She registers Izzy for a dating service, and after a series of humorous blunders, she strikes up a conversation with a man who addresses his messages as "Brodie the Hobbit." Josephine continues to set Izzy up with available friends despite the fact that Izzy and Brodie are developing a bond based only on books because she believes Izzy has to find a partner "in real life."

There is no need to look further if you want to read an inspirational, wholesome romance. Basham's most recent book is a charming epistolary tale that unites two like-minded individuals who become friends and communicate via email more frequently.

Very unique read as I have never read a book told only in email/letter/text format. I thought it was an interesting premise. It took a few chapters more than usual for me to get into the book, but overall I found it fun and still felt like I really got to know all of the characters!

A delightful epistolary romantic comedy, perfect for the booklover's heart!

Izzy Edgewoods's well-meaning, interfering cousin Josie signs her up for an online dating site. The story follows Izzy and her cousin's email chains, chronicling their adventures and their hilarious mishaps.

A completely charming read that brought a smile to my face, I loved the nerdy literary references as well as the humorous style in while the story was told. Izzy is a likeable heroine, who doesn't want to be a burden and has a passion for books. I loved her dialogue, and her close relationship with her cousins.

Brodie is a wonderful man, bookish, kind, and I loved how he wanted to share his world with her.

You will not want to miss this fantastic heartwarming and delightfully satisfying romantic comedy, I loved Izzy's family and how they supported her throughout, especially Luke, who I am hoping get's his own book soon! Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Best contemporary romance I’ve read in years.

First of all, I am NOT a contemporary romance reader, but I loved this!!!!!!!!! So so many great literary references and quotes sprinkled throughout, and romance between people from different countries!!!

I probably would’ve liked more faith in it, but the faith that was represented, was really good!

There was a bit of a love triangle and 2 noteable “miscommunication” situations (all of which I don’t like at all) however, Pepper didn’t let any of that linger too long, which I appreciated! 👍🏻

Honestly, this probably could’ve gotten a higher rating if it hadn’t been largely told in emails & texts (but that is a personal preference thing)

As someone who rarely enjoys and actively avoids epistolary novels, “Authentically, Izzy” was a surprising change for me.

Through the guise of e-mails, texts, and dating site messages, we’re introduced to our heroine: Isabelle “Izzy” Edgewood. An assistant librarian in North Carolina, her love of books and all things bookish sets her on an unexpected journey towards romance, a country off the coast of Europe, and finding out what she truly wants from life.

A cute, fluffy read, “Authentically, Izzy” feels like a Hallmark movie, low stakes and all. But that’s far from a complaint for me. It never sets out to be anything different than what is, something I appreciate after dredging through too many romances that grow too big for their britches with no real payoff.

I, much like our heroine, would adore having their own Brodie in real life. He’s truly too perfect for d those of us obsessed with everything books and book-adjacent. Their romance is precious, especially when captured in their own words via the textual exchanges encompassing the first two halves of the novel. And the country of Skymar is definitely travel goals—if only it were real!

One major caveat I hold though is in the actual style taken by the author. While the first part is fully epistolary, we are introduced to actual, formal prose instead. The change, while not unwelcome, was quite sudden and somewhat abrupt. I appreciated the change in POV, but reading it like a traditional novel felt different than reading through the lens of individual characters’ letters. We were transported solely to the eyes of Izzy and Brodie until we caught up to the cousins’ various e-mails again. I’m not much of a fan of epistolary style, but it worked so well in the first half, I wouldn’t have minded if it continued for the rest of the novel.

But it certainly didn’t stop me from finishing the book! The Hallmark-esque feel kept me going. And seriously, the adorable perfection of the love interest meant I wanted to see it through to the end. Highly recommend for anyone who adores feel good fluff and loves everything books!

this book was written in a format that I had never read before which was not what I expecting. I loved that I was able to get an oppurtunity to read something told through emails and texts.

I loved the format but didn't find myself invested into the story or the characters. I think this was so unique and will be giving the author's work another chance as i think it's the format that threw me off.

"Why does it matter if you're ridiculous? It's an online relationship. This is one of those times where you can be authentically yourself and not worry about how it comes across. In fact, it sounds like the perfect way to start the possibility of a romance."

Finding love online is not what Izzy wants to do. The only way she agreed to even try the site was to help her family to back off. But when she connects with Brodie, she begins to wonder if it is possible to connect with someone through only letters.

Two things are important to know before reading this book.

1) Faith is an important element. I read through some of the negative reviews, and most people were shocked by this fact. This book does talk about having a relationship with God. I do not feel like it dominates the plot in any way, but it is a part of it.

2) This is an epistolary novel. Almost all of the plot takes place through letters. This means that little of the novel is taking place in present time. Once I got into the rhythm of it, I feel like it worked. For one thing, because you are getting to read about how the characters feel, the book is almost presented in the form of an omniscient narrator. I liked that fact.

As with many of Pepper's books, there is a North Carolina and English connection. I like that trademark of hers. There is also some controlled passion - she likes to include kisses. I have read many of Pepper's books, and I am definitely a fan. She has a distinct voice. Her books frequently make me laugh and almost always make me cry. And she always makes me ponder.

I did get to read an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read it. In fact, I saved it for the week of my birthday as a lovely present. All opinions and facts are my own.

“I think I’d find complete contentment in a world of mountains and seas and fresh air and books . . . oh, and coffee and tea, of course.”

Utterly romantic…I am delightfully in love with this book and the characters within the pages. A fresh perspective on letter writing, this book drew me in like a cup of tea by a cozy fire. I absolutely adore Izzy and her “all things books and family” personality.

Basham brought this modern, almost fairytale like book to life. I admit to having to read a bit to get into the cadence of her writing style, but once I did I was entranced. An intriguing romance that really was about exploring who you are and finding the path God has for you.

“Why are we always so surprised when God gives us something we’ve been praying for? It’s like we don’t believe He’s actually listening.”

Oh, there were so many sweet moments to this read. I loved it and think all book lovers will rejoice with Basham’s latest start to this new family series. I can’t wait for the rest of this family’s stories. I know Izzy’s story was enchanting.

I was given an ARC through NetGalley, but found buying the book was much more enjoyable! I’m looking forward to more of the audiobook, too! I already love the narration. All opinions are my own, and have been given honestly.

I enjoyed reading this book and witnessing the relationships grow between Izzy and Brodie and Izzy and Eli, as well as Izzy's own growth in pursuing adventure outside of the pages of her books. The e-book was hard to read though because of the formatting with the emails that Izzy was sending/receiving, which made it difficult to get really invested in the story. As long as the published version cleans up the formatting, it should be an enjoyable read for anyone!

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Dear Reader,

I've recently finished a delightful novel called "Authentically, Izzy" by the charming Pepper D. Basham, and I'm pleased to report that this is one book you can judge by its adorable cover!

In this epistolary novel, Basham has penned a feel-good, heart-felt, love letter to books that Hallmark simply MUST make into a movie. Like, seriously. This is a thing that NEEDS to happen! If you, perchance, have any connections to he who wears the crown (AKA Hallmark Channel's CEO), casually slip him a copy of this novel, please and thank you!

Hilarious. Quirky. And sweet as a glass of iced tea. This story is a light-hearted, relaxing, comfort read. When I picked up this book, I was going through a season of stress, trauma, and grief, but being able to hang out with Izzy provided a much-needed reprieve from reality. I loved Izzy's banter with her cousins, especially Luke and Penelope, who I look forward to spending more time with in the upcoming sequel.

If you're a devoted bibliophile who enjoys reading novels about the love of all things bookish, then "Authentically, Izzy" is most assuredly the book for you!

Sincerely,
A Bookworm

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own honest opinion.

4 1/2 stars!

Book lovers will absolutely adore Authentically, Izzy! It’s a unique story mostly told in epistolary form through emails and texts. The characters are genuine, funny, endearing and completely drew me in. I loved the heartwarming romance, the themes of being your authentic self and worthy of love, the ups and downs of familial relationships, and the matchmaking meddling. I also loved the nerdy aspects with references to Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, The Andy Griffith Show, and classic books like Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, etc.

Izzy has terrible luck with men. Unbeknownst to her, her meddling, matchmaking cousin Josephine signs her up for an online dating service, Heart to Heart. Deciding to embrace the meddling, Izzy takes over her profile and communicates with several men before finally meeting Brodie, a handsome bookish, Lord of the Rings/Yoda loving resident of Skern (a small town on the fictional islands of Skymar with both Scottish and Scandinavian roots).

With both Izzy’s and Brodie’s love of books, there’s an instant connection. Though they live half a world away their friendship soon blossoms with email and video chat exchanges. There’s also another man in Izzy’s life who seems a perfect match for her too and is local. Who will she choose and who encourages her to be her most authentic self?

I highly recommend listening to the audiobook version! All the male voices are narrated by a man and the female voices by a woman. It’s absolutely wonderful hearing Brodie’s lilting Scottish accent. And Luke! Luke is downright hilarious with his dry sense of humor and sassiness. I loved hearing the email exchanges between Izzy’s cousins Penelope, Luke, and Josie and found myself frequently laughing out loud. I got so used to listening to the email exchanges that when the author changes writing styles it was a little jarring at first, but I loved hearing the extra details that wouldn’t work in emails.

Izzy is such a sweet character and I wanted desperately for her to believe in Brodie’s love. I loved her ideas for the library where she works and later the bookshop. She’s creative and fun and I enjoyed hearing her point of view. Then there’s Brodie. He’s thoughtful, supportive, shy, and just the perfect guy. He believes in Izzy and gets her to really examine and believe in herself. I loved his quoting Yoda with a Mayberry Southern accent. Then there’s Brodie’s home on the cliff. Sigh. It’s the stuff dreams are made of.

Highly recommend this heartwarming, quirky, sweet romance with a touch of faith and plenty of laughs. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley but also listened to the audiobook version. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

I loved reading this one. I just love this kind of books.
4 stars read for me. I love this author snd her writing style.
Thanks to netgally for this arc.