This blog is often laden with historical themes and some of the weightier questions those themes present. Today, I want to offer something a bit lighter.
N.Y. Dunlap writes romantic comedies, but since she’s part of our Brave Authors group, you know she’s not afraid to address heavier themes in her own way.
I’m going to turn it right over to her. After a short introduction, she’s going to treat you to an excerpt from her debut novel, The Misadventures of Itchy Izzy.
“What if you have a friend who never met Him yet?”
The above quote is from my debut novel, The Misadventures of Itchy Izzy.
Peter Stephens faces a difficult decision as he reunites with his childhood friend Isabelle Chevalier, following her mother’s passing, and Isabelle’s attempts to cope with her grief. Isabelle’s mother’s sudden death adds a layer of complexity to the above question. If Isabelle starts believing in God, that makes her question if her mom might not be in heaven. I realize this seems to have taken a dark turn, but my story is rooted in light, love, and full of funny moments. I hope you cheer for Isabelle and I hope The Misadventures of Itchy Izzy reminds you to never lose hope.
Here’s a short excerpt from the story:
The trials Peter endured gave him moments to see God’s love in action. With a half-smile, he steered the conversation back to a lighter note. “I distinctively recall you giving me the nickname One-Note Pete.”
Picking up her glass of juice, Isabelle hid a bright beam. “I was awful, wasn’t I?”
“I wouldn’t say that.”
“Well, I will. I said it after we heard my grandmother and Aunt Sofia arguing about—”
“The Opera, as they often did.”
“Yeah,” Isabelle nodded. “Sofia said one note. I was seven, Peter, sheesh. Are you holding it against me?”
“Yep. You thought I was boring.”
“On the contrary—” she wagged her index finger “—you were consistent. Nevertheless, I was seven.”
“Who are you reminding? Is this for my benefit or your guilty conscious?” He chuckled and plucked another empanada, this time shrimp. “Here’s to One-Note Pete.”
“Yep. On a warm summer’s night, I bequeathed you with the name.” She giggled.
“So is your boyfriend—”
“Ex.”
“Forgive me.” He couldn’t keep his eyes off Isabelle. “Is he one-note as well?”
“You, my precious, Peter, were never one-note, not the way Aunt Sofia said it. Not after I gave you wings to fly, and yes, Conrad is and always will be One-Note Conrad. It has a nicer ring to it than yours ever did.”
Peter clinked his glass with Isabelle’s. He replied, “Don’t flatter me. My title knocks his out of the ballpark.”
Isabelle gawked. “I just love how you confidently embrace the title.”
“Do you… love Conrad?” Peter placed the unbitten empanada onto his plate. They were at the part Peter couldn’t let go of. He’d loved Isabelle for a lifetime, and he’d racked his brain about giving her time to grieve her mother. But this one thing would pester him to no end.
“I like how you’re wrapping the conversation around to Conrad—not an ounce of shame.”
“What? Why be bashful when I’ve known you for ages, Izzy. I remember your first crush.”
She snorted. “I was eleven, don’t bring it up—”
“You had a thing for bad boys. I’m invested in your happiness.” Seeing the sadness in her eyes broke his heart. Peter had told himself not to ask about the ex during their banter. But the ease of their conversation had done him in. “Do you plan to forgive Conrad?”
“Forgive him? That’s simple. Done. But that doesn’t constitute returning to him, Peter.” Isabelle arose from the table, grabbed her glass of juice, and settled on the shag rug next to the fire. “But that’s not your concern. Do you think I’ve changed? You think I’m One-Note Izzy to his One-Note Conrad.”
“I do.” Peter settled next to her, leaning back against the couch. He couldn’t admit that she was spot on and wrong all at the same time. To make matters worse, Conrad broke her trust while she grieved her mother’s illness and death. Izzy may have grown up, but she hadn’t changed that much. Peter was sure of that. She still had a fondness for the wrong guy.
Thank you for reading an excerpt of The Misadventures of Itchy Izzy. Grab your copy on Kindle Unlimited or at the temporary price of .99 cents!
About the Author:
N. Y. Dunlap is an emerging Christian romance novelist who loves to string together words in a creative, poignant way. God called, and she listened. You can expect to read romantic stories that abide by faith, hope, and love.
Nicole graduated with a Master’s in Educational Counseling from Azusa Pacific University, where the motto, “God first,” encouraged her to work with inner-city youth and their families. Nicole lives in Sunny California with her husband and three children.
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