Think Amandaland, but With a Suffolk Vibe and a Dash of Faith
‘Isabella is an object lesson in learning to meet the world face on while keeping your integrity and self-worth intact, with just enough self-awareness deficit to remain very funny.’
Ben Jeapes, author and editor
When gifting a beautiful bouquet of flowers, how important is it to know the floriography of each bloom? Is it possible to get a DM from God, along with helpful emojis? What do you do when the person who first talent spotted you crosses an ethical line? And is it ever acceptable to shout at a fellow church member, even if they are absolutely horrible?
In the Deliberations of Isabella M Smugge, the hilarious fifth novel in Ruth Leigh’s Isabella M Smugge series, all of these questions are answered, and a few more posed! As the starry lifestyle influencer looked up to by millions continues to navigate single life and explore the Christian faith, she’s changing, learning and evolving. However, she still knows the value of a good social media post, even if she’s moving away from her self-satisfied content and towards something more profound. The relationship between herself and her playground frenemy, Liane Bloomfield, is improving, she actually wants to spend time with her mother and she is offered an exciting new speaking opportunity.
The woman who only went to church at Easter and Christmas is now the host of a homegroup, close friends with the vicar’s wife and a regular attendee on a Sunday morning. No longer just ticking the boxes, Issy is getting to know God as a friend rather than a spiritual cash machine. As she tackles family issues, romantic quandaries and professional decisions, she’s starting to realise what real faith looks like.
Click here to watch Ruth introduce her new novel!
‘From the moment I invented Issy, a woman who was pretentious, snobbish and up herself, I knew there was more to her than met the eye. I’ve loved chipping away at her seemingly perfect façade and uncovering the warm-hearted, loving but damaged woman beneath,’ says Ruth. ‘At events, when would-be readers ask me what the books are about, I say, “Think Amandaland, but with a Suffolk vibe.” In this novel, our heroine has to face up to some difficult decisions and her relationship with God deepens, but in an entirely believable way. I’m very proud of the way the UK’s premier mumfluencer has grown and changed.’
This is the final book in the series, with the fourth having won the Christian Resources Together ACW Book of the Year Award 2025. It is easily read as a standalone, full of wry wit, pathos and laugh-out-loud moments. Infused with faith without being preachy, it’s a great read for Christians and those of other faiths or no faith #happyreading
‘When we first met Issy Smugge five years ago, she was as shallow as a puddle. This is the most authentic Issy yet. Her faith continues to grow, although she still questions God in a very real way.’
Sarah Nicholson, author
The Deliberations of Isabelle M Smugge by Ruth Leigh (ISBN: 9781912726998) is published by Instant Apostle on 18th September 2026 and is available from bookshops and online retailers. Fiction, paperback, 256pp, £11.99.