Isabella is a devout 16-year-old Christian entering her sophomore year of high school. Though beautiful and popular, she has always put her faith first. When she meets Andrew, a charming new student, she is flattered by his attention.
At first, Andrew treats Isabella with respect, and they enjoy spending time together. But as they begin dating, he pushes her boundaries, wanting to go to parties where drinking is involved. Isabella's faith tells her this lifestyle isn't right, but yet she also doesn't want to lose Andrew.
Torn between her attraction to Andrew and commitment to her faith, Isabella faces a crisis of identity as Andrew begins to pressure her for a more physical relationship, saying it is natural for them as a couple. Alone, Isabella must decide: will she stay true to the principles she has always lived by or compromise her beliefs to keep Andrew?
Isabella Moretti woke up early on her first day of classes at Chapel Valley High with butterflies in her stomach and a sense of hope for the future. She felt God's soothing presence quiet her racing thoughts as she read from Proverbs and said her morning prayers.
By the time she came downstairs, the kitchen was filled with the smell of pancakes, which made the day seem even brighter. Her mother smiled and said, "Morning, sweetheart," as she handed a plate to Isabella. "Eat up before you head out, it's going to be a big day!"
Warm and loving, Isabella's mother encouraged everyone to drop their heads in prayer and give thanks to the Lord for another day. "Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of this new day. Bless this food to nourish our bodies and guide us with Your wisdom and grace. Help us to walk in Your ways and shine Your light in all that we do. In Your holy name, amen."
Isabella savored a leisurely breakfast chat after saying grace with her family. She had a moment together with them before the day began as they sat around the breakfast table, the early sun streaming in through the window.
"Crossroads beautifully captures the emotional tension between faith, love, and the challenges of adolescence. Isabella’s story, her strength, her struggle to stay true to her beliefs, and her journey toward understanding self-worth, resonates deeply with readers who value both authenticity and conviction in storytelling." Bertie Selders
"I started reading about Justin and his grief spiral and suddenly my coffee was just sitting there getting cold while I whispered “kid, please hang on” to the page like a slightly unhinged librarian. There’s something incredibly raw about a teen trying to hold onto faith while the whole world cracks under his feet. It feels personal in that way only real-life experience can make it feel. Your book hits that sweet spot. The “new beginnings are terrifying but maybe God shows up anyway” kind of hope. The kind that gives readers permission to breathe again." Intellectual Readers Club
"I was struck by how thoughtfully and compassionately you approach one of the most challenging seasons in a young person’s life: the intersection of faith, peer pressure, relationships, and identity.
Isabella is instantly compelling: a 16-year-old navigating high school, popularity, and her own deep Christian convictions. Her struggle between staying true to her beliefs and wanting to maintain her connection with Andrew feels incredibly real and relatable. So many teens face similar moments of conflict, and your story gives them a character who mirrors their own questions, fears, and hopes.
The dynamic with Andrew charming but increasingly boundary-pushing feels like an authentic portrayal of the subtle pressures young people encounter." Sophia Harper
"Isabella feels so real, the kind of girl teachers root for, peers admire, and parents pray for. You capture that fragile space where wanting to be good, wanting to belong, and wanting to be loved all start tugging in different directions. And Andrew… well, he’s a reminder that temptation rarely shows up wearing horns. Sometimes it just smiles, holds your hand, and invites you to a party you know you shouldn’t be at." Deborah Johnson