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Faith, Family, Friendship
Being Afternoon Rebecca follows Rebecca as she balances faith, friendships, and online dating, capturing the beauty of everyday moments and the struggles of self-discovery in a small-town setting. How much of Rebecca’s character is drawn from personal experience?
Not a whole lot, if I’m honest. I served as Children’s Ministry Director at a couple of churches, but her experiences differed widely from mine. She is a fictional character, and most of her experiences in this book are fictional accounts. This goes for book one, Afternoon Rebecca, and the many sequels to follow, two more available now.
The dialogue feels so natural. How do you approach writing conversations that feel real and engaging?
I created these characters and their personalities, so I pretend I’m standing close to them, listening to what they’re saying to each other and what they’re doing as they talk. A lot of voices go through my head as I’m writing these tales.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The importance of faith, family, friendship, and fair play.
What’s one message or feeling you hope readers take away from Being Afternoon Rebecca?
That one can be a devout Christian and still live a full life. Rebecca lives life according to her beliefs, never wavering (or trying not to). She is still a coach for a minor league softball team, trying their best and playing their hardest to win every game and eventually the Corn League Championship. They, the St. Sister Sister Saints, play hard and always according to the rules, having fun as they do so.
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Set in a fictional county in Central Indiana, Being Afternoon Rebecca is part romance, part friendship, part adventure, part sports, and all entertaining.
Being Afternoon Rebecca
Mike J. Kizman’s Being Afternoon Rebecca follows Rebecca, a young woman navigating faith, friendships, and the awkward-yet-sweet world of online dating. The story kicks off with her first date with Jeff, whom she meets through a Christian dating app. As the novel unfolds, we see her juggling her role in the church, her friendships, especially with her best friend and roommate Maxine, and her position as a bullpen catcher for a local softball team. The book blends romance, faith, and small-town charm while offering glimpses into Rebecca’s struggles, doubts, and moments of personal growth.
One thing that really stood out to me was how effortlessly Kizman captures everyday interactions. The dialogue feels natural, full of warmth, humor, and little quirks that make the characters feel real. Take, for instance, the lunch scene between Rebecca and Maxine at Scott’s Dogs and Diner. Their playful banter about Rebecca’s “weird” way of eating a gyro had me grinning. These small, mundane moments add richness to the story, making it feel like you’re eavesdropping on real conversations rather than reading fictional ones. There were a few moments where the book leans more toward telling rather than showing. At times, emotions are spelled out rather than unfolding naturally through actions.
Another strong aspect of the book is the balance between faith and personal struggles. Rebecca isn’t some flawless heroine. She’s full of self-doubt, second-guessing everything from her feelings about Jeff to her role in the church. One of the best moments is when she reassures a young girl struggling with prayer, telling her that “it’s not about asking for what you want but about establishing a relationship with God”. It’s such a simple but powerful reminder, and it showcases Rebecca’s wisdom and kindness.
Being Afternoon Rebecca is a heartwarming read perfect for anyone who enjoys faith-based fiction with a slice-of-life feel. It’s not overly preachy, nor does it shy away from the messiness of relationships and self-discovery. If you like stories about friendship, small-town charm, and sweet romance with a touch of humor, this book is well worth picking up.
Pages: 194 | ASIN: B0CWSMZYP9
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