I liked the characters, quirks and all. I really enjoyed the sibling dynamic. The author lost her brother before this novel was published, and my heart went out to her as I read her character “Luke’s” dialogue and saw his personality very clearly on the page through his words. I like to think this was a tribute from the author to her brother, and if it was, brava, my friend. Beautiful.

This story centers around books, with multiple literary references. It’s fun watching the heroine and hero relate via online chats. Relatable, in this era to meet someone online and “date” them though the characters live continents apart. Well-read bookworms will relish the references and delight in the subtext.

Fittingly, one of the themes was authenticity. Communicating online gives Izzy license to be real, which is refreshing. At times I could hear Pepper (a fellow ACFW member) defend Christian fiction through the characters’ words. Jesus used parables—stories—to touch hearts. Loved this aspect.

Given it’s epistolary format, readers may struggle to recall who’s who if they step away from this novel for any length of time.

This novel will especially appeal to readers who might enjoy a less formulaic romance.

I really wanted to like this. The premise speaks to the book nerd in me, but the I could not get past the language. Who speaks like this? Dinging off some major points for this feeling entirely unrealistic. The epistolary style should also run much, much smoother than this one did. At a certain point I really wanted to quit, but I just kept hoping the pace would pick up.

It did not.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the ARC of the novel. I enjoyed the epistolary nature of this book but did not anticipate there would be non-epistolary portions which threw me off in the moment. Putting online dating in a new light of positivity is good and I could tell what the conflict at the end would be from the very beginning. I do not believe Basham was trying to hide it but that was so in your face. Bravo for trying it. I did start skimming later in the novel especially in the non-epistolary sections as I enjoyed seeing the world through the characters' eyes. A nice novel to while away the time.

Goodness, I loved this book so much. I really wish I had read it sooner--but many things have a way of working themselves out, as in other ways, it ended up being perfect timing for the read!

I entirely adored all of the Tolkien references. Entirely. Basham has obviously read the books and watched the movies extensively (and I heartily applaud). And wrapping up the book with one of my favorite Return of the King quotes ever?! I mean!!! I legit have not found someone that appreciates Faramir/Eowyn as much as myself in a long time and just want to say I found a kindred spirit here. :D Happiness is mine.

Most of the book is epistolary, which I can't say is my favorite--but it works here. (Though wonky eARC formatting didn't help, but so it goes. :D And it took a bit to really keep all of the characters straight.) Thankfully I've had enough exposure to the format with other excellent books (such as Amy Lynn Green's _The Lines Between Us_) to know it could be done well, and this successfully won me over. It was interesting to switch back and forth between epistolary and prose, but on the same token, there are some things that just don't translate well to letters--whether to further the story, or because who would really write such details, the way a reader optimally needs them, in a letter? LOL!)

Izzy was a fantastic MC, and I related to her both as a character (with all her quirks; sometimes it felt like reading myself in book form!) and with several aspects of her story arc. And Brodie ... oh, Brodie. :) :) That is all.

An excellent read. 5/5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was my first time reading something by Ms. Basham, so I didn't know what to expect. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. It did take me some time to really get into the book as the story is told through a series of emails and texts, so it was a bit difficult for me to focus on the story at first. It's a unique way of storytelling that I haven't experienced before, but once I got into it, I found It to be a fun, cute, an entertaining read and totally loved it. Izzy's matchmaking cousin sets up a profile for her on a dating site and that's where she meets Brodie, who through a series of messages appears to be the perfect well-read, book loving guy for her. He is also just as much of a Lord of the Rings enthusiast as she is, which is a huge mark in his favor. Izzy lives and breathes books and she works at a library, and of course loves Lord of the Rings. She has her doubts about him at first, but as their messages get more and more detailed, she becomes totally smitten.
I loved Brodie as the hero, so completely bookish and swoon-worthy and that dry sense of humor. He and Izzy made the perfect couple. I also enjoyed the relationship Izzy had with her cousins, teasing each other, telling it like it is, but always looking out for each other. A really adorable story that gave me all the feels!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Authentically Izzy was a delight to read and Pepper Basham never disappoints! I loved stepping into Isabelle’s world and seeing her sweet relationship with her cousins, who were like sisters and a brother to her. I also enjoyed the character of Brody. What a dream of a lead male and Skymar sounds like my kind of place! I loved all the book references as well! 

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

Izzy Edgewood is a bookworm, Lord of the Rings lover, and quote queen who would love to find her Prince Charming. However, she always feels like she needs to become someone she is not in order to be wanted by others. When her cousing Josephine makes Izzy sign up for an online dating website, Izzy meets Brodie, a fellow bookworm and Lord of the Rings fan who lives an ocean away on a small island. The two quickly connect through their mutual interests and love of family, but can they find something more than friendship when they live so far apart?

This was, for the most part, a heartwarming clean romance. I loved that most of the story was epistolary. The one thing that annoyed me about the story was that there were a few instances where the main characters looked down on those who prefer more commercial fiction to classics and literary fiction. I don’t like when people judge others based on what they prefer to read. Apart from that, if you want a romance that abounds with references to other books, check this one out.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book.

"What does a woman who adores books, tolerates small groups of people, ad has a magical love for bringing together the right people and the right books do with her life?"
Izzy is a book loving librarian who has never left her small town of Mt. Airy. When her sister signs her up on a dating app, she is understandably upset. What she doesn't foresee is connecting with someone whose love of books matches her own, and who seems to be the love she has hoped for. With this new opportunity, she is faced with needing to step out in faith in several ways to face her fears. Will she be able to take a leap of faith, and what will she find if she does?
I loved this book! Izzy was a character who totally endeared herself to me in both her love of books and love for her family. I enjoyed the letters and emails between her and her family as well as with her romantic hero- who was so delightful! I loved the way Izzy's journey unfolded and the way she grew. Her ability to forgive and empathize with others was lovely. The families represented in this story, as well as, the countries/hometowns of our characters were wonderful! I loved getting to visit two different places, and the secondary characters were so fun to get to know!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves books and love stories!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was really good in the beginning and really draws you in but unfortunately, I had to dnf at 45%.. nothing was happening to move the story along. The emails seemed a bit outdated. I just wish that more was happening to keep you intrigued. The beginning was very good. Even though I had to dnf this book, I would still read other books from this author.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher f9r sending me this for my honest review.

Strong characters. I love when a book is written in a different way other than just the standard paragraph form. The emails and messaging were fun. The love between Izzy and Brodie is so gooood. Y’all need to read this book.

Authentically Izzy is a book I was eagerly anticipating and, while I did enjoy it, I was a little disappointed. The story is told almost completely through emails/texts and, while fun in the beginning, I got to where I felt like I was missing out. Later on in the book we did get to have moments of normal format, which I liked so much better. I enjoy letters and all, but usually not entire stories. LOL

The characters were nice and I liked the romance. It seemed like they were perfectly matched and it was fun to see their relationship grow.

All in all, Authentically Izzy was a story I liked.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

This was my first book by Pepper Basham, and I really loved the writing style. There is absolutely no narration, with only letters and correspondences between the characters, which is new, but super fun.

I found the interactions between Izzy and the other characters interesting to read, with no filter, and it's own unique flavor. I did somewhat miss the descriptions that are given in usual narration, because I just couldn't picture Izzy as a thirty year old. In my imagination, she was still a broody teenager, who loves reading. Josie gave off more motherly vibes than a concerned cousin. I don't if this was just me though...

Not having read the Lord of the Rings and some of the other references in the book, I was completely clueless when it was mentioned, which is quite often. Probably, this is one of the best parts about this novel for fans of the references.

I received a complimentary copy of Authentically, Izzy from NetGalley and St Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.

Authentically, Izzy is the first book that I have read by Pepper Basham and it won’t be the last. I absolutely loved this sweet romance that starts off with email correspondence and then naturally evolves into an in person dating romance. I fell in love with both Izzy and Brodie’s characters and found them very relatable. I saw myself a lot in Izzy and even a little bit with Brodie as well. I highly recommend this story to anyone who considers themself a book nerd and who also likes a sweet romance. I can’t wait to read another book by this author.

AUTHENTICALLY, IZZY is an epistolary novel that introduces the reader to two shy but sweet people who somehow find each other, thanks to Izzy’s cousin, Josephine and her matchmaking schemes. Izzy is a book nerd, her own words, who works in a library. Where else would she work? Since the death of her parents, she has lived with her Aunt and three cousins. Her cousin sets up a profile on a dating website because she feels Izzy spends too much time with books and not actual people. She feels its time for Izzy to date once again. After a few first rough baby steps, Izzy meets a man called Brodie The Hobbit. Here is where the story really picks up and the fun begins!

AUTHENTICALLY, IZZY is exactly why I love Pepper Basham’s books. She always leaves me with a big smile on my face and screaming for more. That’s how wrapped up I get into her writing. Pepper has become one of my very favorite go to authors and I devour her books like a fine box of chocolates. I try to take my time and read slowly to make it last, but usually half way through I lose all control and flip the pages like a mad woman!! Readers of anything bookish are going to love this story and AUTHENTICALLY, IZZY will fill your heart with total book love. When Izzy and Brodie start emailing on a regular basis you can’t help but find yourself filled with anticipation as they build a strong relationship with each other. Brodie soon finds himself in Mt. Airy, North Carolina visiting Izzy and everything Andy Griffith. When its time for Izzy to visit Brodie who lives near Scotland, it becomes a problem for her. Her parents died in a plane crash.

Pepper Basham has once again left me in tears and crying for more. I now know I will devour everything this awesome author writes and do it all easily with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. I really loved AUTHENTICALLY, IZZY Wow wow wow!! From the very first page I was emotionally invested in Izzy and I just wanted her to be happy and to smile again. She was so devastated when her life was turned upside down once again and I cried when she cried and I love when an author does that to me. I felt like I was right there with her and I was holding my breath at the end of AUTHENTICALLY, IZZY praying nothing bad was going to happen. Please, you have to give Pepper Basham a try! You won’t be sorry. I can’t wait to read more by one of my very favorite authors. I have made it a quest to catch up on the rest of her books because her writing is just that good. She makes her readers feel every emotion her characters are feeling to the point where you feel as if you are right there, struggling along with them.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was one of my favorite books that I have read recently. It was super unique in the way the story was told but had me captivated throughout the story. So captivated, in fact, that I reached out to the author via facebook and begged her to publish more of the characters stories :)

The story of Brodie and Lizzy was enchanting and amazing! I can't say enough good things about this book and can't wait to read about more of the characters featured in this story!

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC, the opinions are my own.

Have you ever been in one of those seasons in life when you just need a fun, little pick-me-up...let's say in the form of a heart-warming, romantic, endearing book? That's where I was not long ago when I decided to take a chance on Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham. I wasn't sure that an epistolary novel was going to be able to accomplish what I was searching for, but all my skepticism was laid to rest once I got started. I was instantly taken in.

Several aspects of this book really worked for me. First of all, I loved the characters. They were authentic, funny, and relatable. Movie quotes were sprinkled throughout the dialogue, and I got (most of) them. The epistolary style didn't take away from any of the chemistry between Izzy and Brodie, but I loved that the author stepped away from it during some important moments. It drew attention to those parts of the book in all the right ways.

Another aspect I loved is the way Pepper created a sweet, wholesome story, but still gave us romance lovers that tension and (clean) contact that we want. Thank you!

I can't wait to read the second book in this series!

With the first half overwhelmingly relying on an epistolary rather than "live" story, I struggled to invest in the purpose of the story. I didn't have this urge to root for anyone in particular. I hate saying that because, generally speaking, I love epistolary romances. This setup right out the gate was a bit rough though.
While I did struggle, I liked the end result and will keep Pepper on my want-to-read author list. This one simply wasn't wholly for me.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

Have you ever read an epistolary novel? I highly recommend Authentically Izzy.

An epistolary novel is where the main part (or sometimes all) the story is told through written communication. Letters, emails, texts, journal entries, transcripts of phone conversations…you get the idea. The technique can be really powerful and a lot of fun.

Pepper Basham is a master of this. Book obsessed librarian Izzy is surrounded by colorful cousins. (Please tell me Luke and Penelope are both getting stories). Her quiet, predictable life turns inside out when one cousin signs her up to a dating site.

Izzy finds love. Unfortunately, bookstore owner Brodie, lives halfway around the world on and island with strong Scottish heritage.

Basham’s books (I’ve read quite a few, because she’s a gifted storyteller), are often characterized by wonderful characters and Authentically Izzy is no different. Izzy is another heroine to root for, and Brodie, a swoon-worthy hero to fall for. The humor as the cousins interact, when their personalities clash, is hilarious. The controlling Josephine, laid back and philosophical Luke and frothy Penelope are a perfect counterpoint to bookish and considered Izzy.

As romance develops and plane rides follow, family dynamics grow more complex. But through it all, Izzy and Brodie fight for the love they’ve found and as ever, Pepper Basham delivers a wonderful ending.

Did I mention, highly recommended?

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. And Pepper is a friend. I’m very glad she’s also a great storyteller or this would be extremely awkward!

“Dear Izzy—I feel certain there’s a book-loving man living relatively nearby waiting to speak bookish to you ’til death do you part. You just haven’t met yet.” .... um if there is a similar man that is also living nearby me please let me know. No but actually this story was so cute. I think from start to finish not only the love story an its development, but the character development as well as the family dynamic and banter was just so fun to read about. I thought that all in all this story was such a fun read and I definitely plan on reading more from this author in the future.

A beautiful, sweet and uplifting romance. You will definitely enjoy every page! Pepper Basham has a way with words I enjoyed her writing style!