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Afternoon Rebecca is a charming romance novel about two small-town Christians navigating online dating, faith, and vulnerability, set against the quirky and heartfelt backdrop of Indiana life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It came to me many years ago when I was a dishwasher for a local Italian restaurant. Originally, it was going to be called Fine Dining, and the ending was to be revealed: they were on a Love Connection-type show and the previous chapters were them recounting their stories on the show and agree to another date when done.
How did you go about crafting Jeff’s internal monologues to feel so authentic and relatable?
I thought back to when I was in the dating world and tried to remember how I’d think about the possibility of her having a male roommate or avoiding simple questions like how she got her nickname.
Did any of the quirky details, like the parrot’s Biblical recitations, come from personal experiences or observations?
Most of the conversation between Jeff and Rebecca was based, however loosely, on my real-life experiences, up to and including how she got the nickname, Afternoon Rebecca, and the song. “Can of Peas” is an actual song I wrote in 2020, and I accompany it by playing my ukulele.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Being Afternoon Rebecca. It picks up the day after the date and goes through most of the summer. It’s her, her job, playing on the softball team, and her budding relationship, among other things. It should be out by the end of January. At least five books are expected in the series. The sequels are longer, all expected to come in well over 700 pages each, unlike the 140 or so of the first.
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Get to know the couple as they learn about each other and enjoy a Tuesday afternoon dinner together. As they dine, Rebecca’s best friend and roommate, Maxine “Max Little, anxiously awaits updates from Afternoon Rebecca as she scopes out the potential love of her life.
Set in a fictional county in Central Indiana, Jeff and Rebecca’s tale is more than just a love story. Hear the narratives of the restaurant’s staff as their many short stories are woven together in an effort for Jeff67 and Afternoon Rebecca to have their happily ever after.
Afternoon Rebecca
Afternoon Rebecca is a charming, slice-of-life romance about Jeff Linn and Rebecca Firkins, two small-town Christians navigating the world of online dating. It chronicles their awkward but heartfelt journey from their first messages on Church Chat to a tentative first meeting at a restaurant in Centerville. The novel explores themes of vulnerability, faith, and the small moments that build meaningful connections, all set against the backdrop of quaint Indiana towns.
The writing is lighthearted and rooted in the quirks of Midwestern life. Kizman’s prose shines in its humor and detail, particularly in how he captures Jeff’s nervous, rambling internal monologue. For example, the scene where Jeff debates his shoelace while waiting for Rebecca is both endearing and relatable: “Not wanting to trip like a klutz when meeting Rebecca, he stands… drops down to one knee, and begins to retie his laces.” It perfectly sets up their whimsical first interaction, with Rebecca jokingly addressing his kneeling as a marriage proposal. These vivid moments breathe life into the characters and pull you into their world.
The depth given to Jeff and Rebecca’s internal struggles is something I liked, though I did find that the first few chapters focus a bit more on description. Jeff’s preparation for the date, for instance, delves into vivid details like his parrot’s Biblical recitations and his neighbors’ lawn habits. While these moments add color and charm, I felt like they slow the momentum compared to the lively dialogue-driven scenes at the restaurant.
What truly impressed me were the novel’s heartfelt observations about faith and relationships. Rebecca’s backstory, including her reflections on trust after a failed relationship and her connection with her church community, was beautifully handled. These moments, coupled with the light humor sprinkled throughout, make the story resonate deeply.
Afternoon Rebecca is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys wholesome, faith-based romance with a touch of humor. Its small-town charm and lovable characters will appeal to fans of Nicholas Sparks but with a more grounded, quirky vibe. This book is especially perfect for readers looking for a cozy escape that celebrates the joys and challenges of forging authentic human connections.
pages: 143 | ISBN: 196623905X
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