Edify Write

Through a series of emails and text messages, Basham relays the story of a book-lover named Isabelle Louisa Edgewood, who goes by “Izzy.” Working for her aunt as a librarian, Izzy is surrounded by classic books and loving cousins.

After Izzy’s pregnant cousin, Josie, signs her up for a dating app, Izzy meets a man who loves reading just as much as she does, but Izzy’s past romantic relationship left her with damaged trust and a broken heart.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen next. I don’t know how we’re going to make this relationship work, but I do know that he’s worth every fear and insecurity I have…”

Authentically, Izzy, Pepper Basham

Writing Style

Although few people today correspond with their close family members through email, the epistolary writing makes this story immersive and fast-paced. Even as a slow reader, I found myself on the thirtieth page in a little less than thirty minutes. Additionally, this writing style allowed me to see Izzy’s inner thoughts and deep desires very early on in the narrative without infodumping.

Towards the end of the story, Basham switches from the epistolary narrative style to the traditional third-person writing. While this choice made some parts of the story slow-paced, it did illustrate scenes that could not have been as eloquently described in a series of personal emails.

Plot

This narrative takes readers on a journey that includes matchmaking, a long-distance relationship, and even a love triangle.

Shortly after Izzy begins her correspondence with Brodie, the avid reader she met online, she meets Eli, a professor and author. The Lord of the Rings nerd, Brodie, lives across the ocean, while the published author lives in Izzy’s hometown. While struggling to decide if she is ready for any kind of relationship, Izzy also has to choose between Brodie and Eli.

This plot is predictable at times, but it offers readers something familiar and safe, which is what many look for in a romance novel.

Characters

Izzy Edgewood is a typical rom-com protagonist: nerdy, passionate, but also insecure. Still, she is well-rounded and relatable. She makes mistakes, needs help sometimes, and has no idea how her story will end. I found myself smiling when Izzy was happy and frowning when she felt disappointed.

Unfortunately, Izzy’s love interest is not as well-rounded. Like Izzy, Brodie loves books and nature. He is soft-spoken and awkward at times. He is a quiet gentleman, but I found it difficult to connect with him. His reserved personality felt dull, and the only flaw this character has is that he is reticent about sharing some aspects of his life with Izzy. While this shortcoming leads to a misunderstanding between Izzy and Brodie, Basham resolves the conflict rather quickly, closing the opportunity for the reader to better understand Brodie.

Conversely, Izzy’s cousins, Josie, Penelope, and Luke, have fun, quirky personalities that make this story endearing and funny. Because Izzy grew up with her cousins, they act like siblings. Josie acts as Izzy’s protective, controlling, yet caring older sister. Penelope has a creative, dramatic, and bold personality that supports Izzy. And Luke is easygoing, witty, and thoughtful. I enjoyed the sibling/cousin dynamics of these characters and fell in love with their unique personalities.

Themes

This novel explores themes of purpose, identity, and trust. As Izzy navigates relationship and career decisions, she discovers how to be the person God made her to be without becoming someone she is not.

Closing Thoughts

Authentically, Izzy is not the best book I’ve ever read. It does not have groundbreaking themes or a particularly memorable storyline. However, it is still an enjoyable read.

Basham blends humor, heartbreak, and trust to tell a cozy love story that made me smile. If you like literary allusions, family mischief, and a “happily ever after,” you will enjoy Authentically, Izzy.