Introduction
Get ready to meet a Young Adult author with a truly unique background in today's "Author Spotlight"! Sophie Bernbaum brings a fresh voice to coming-of-age romance with her debut novel, Just Eloise. This story delves into the messy, hilarious, and heartfelt realities of navigating friendships, first love, and figuring out who you really are.
From Stand-Up Comedy to Young Adult Storytelling: Sophie Bernbaum's Journey
Sophie Bernbaum's path to writing young adult fiction wasn't exactly conventional. Before crafting stories about teenage angst and first love, she lived fascinating "past lives" as both an elementary school teacher and a stand-up comedian! This diverse background, combined with her experience as a neurodivergent mother of three, gives her a unique lens through which to view the world and capture the authentic voice of young adults. When she's not writing or parenting, Sophie enjoys simple pleasures like going out to restaurants, listening to Taylor Swift on shuffle, and indulging in a well-deserved nap. Her number one literary inspiration is the legendary Judy Blume, though she also draws from contemporary authors like Rachel Lynn Solomon, Jenny Han, and Jessica Anya Blau. It's this blend of real-world experience, humour, empathy, and a love for relatable storytelling that shines through in her writing authentic YA stories.
Just Eloise: Finding Yourself Amidst Love and Loss
Sophie Bernbaum's debut novel, Just Eloise, captures the turbulent experience of navigating adolescence when your sense of self feels lost. Sixteen-year-old Eloise Bloom is reeling from her best friend moving across the country, leaving her feeling adrift and unsure of who she is without her other half. In an attempt to project confidence and navigate this new loneliness, she crafts a persona – her "Best Self."
This carefully curated version of Eloise starts making connections. She tentatively opens up about past hurts, like the loss of her father, explores shifting friendship dynamics, and even finds herself falling for the charming senior, Trevor. But presenting a facade creates a tangled web. Does Trevor like the real Eloise, hidden beneath the polished exterior? As she grapples with this question, along with deep-seated fears about the future, a sudden revelation shatters her carefully constructed world. Stripped of her persona, Eloise must finally confront the daunting, yet essential, task of discovering – and embracing – who she truly is when she's Just Eloise.
What Readers Are Saying About Just Eloise:
Sophie Bernbaum's debut novel is capturing the hearts of readers with its authentic portrayal of teenage life, relatable characters, and emotional depth. Here's a selection of what readers are saying:
- "Oh my goodness. This book was impossible to put down. I felt Eloise in my soul and each experience she had was so authentic. Need more!!!" - Kaila Fleisig, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "This was such a great story! I could not put it down! Eloise['s] character is funny and witty. The love Interest had me so giddy making me feel like I was sixteen again...You will laugh and possibly cry. Highly recommend this book." - Deanne, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "I loved this coming of age, raw, emotional, hilarious book!...This story is full of so many raw emotions, it made me laugh, tear up, feel frustrated, and really reminded me of my teen years." - Christine Fancher, 4 Stars, Goodreads
- "Sophie Bernbaum absolutely nails the teen voice. Eloise is funny, awkward, and painfully relatable. The dialogue is chef’s kiss—realistic and snappy, but never forced. The relationships, from sibling dynamics to friendships to romance, all feel so authentic." - Kori Lynex, 4 Stars, Goodreads
A Call to Connection
Want to keep up with Sophie Bernbaum and her writing? You can connect with her on her website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Goodreads.
You can purchase her book through the Amazon affiliate link below:
Conclusion
Sophie Bernbaum is a wonderful new voice in Young Adult fiction, capturing the complexities of teenage life with humour, heart, and raw honesty. Her background as a teacher and comedian undoubtedly informs her ability to craft relatable characters and authentic dialogue. Just Eloise is a compelling debut that explores the universal journey of finding yourself, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys contemporary YA romance and coming-of-age stories. I look forward to seeing what Sophie writes next!
Thanks for reading!
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