No Matter What
No Matter What is an introspective coming-of-age comedy rooted in real life, faith, and the challenges of growing up. The story follows a teenager navigating the pressures of high school while wrestling with questions of identity, belief, and purpose—questions that shape not only who we are, but who we become.
The novel began as a short story written for a college class and later grew into a full-length work, shaped by years of pastoral ministry and the author’s own experience as a father walking alongside his teenagers through similar seasons of life. With moments of humor, tension, and honest reflection, the story bridges generations by blending personal experience with biblical truth.
Both gripping and thoughtful, No Matter What invites readers to consider what it means to stand firm when faith is tested, relationships are strained, and the future feels uncertain. It is a story about conviction, perseverance, and choosing who you will be—no matter what.
Coming April 14th from Clay Bridges Press.
Coming April 14th!
Meet the Characters
Jay McGee is a high school junior who can't seem to fit into any box—athlete, honors student, or church kid. The only attention he really wants is from Coach Mays, the only basketball opinion that matters, and Nicole Ellis, his five-year crush. When he blurts out something he can't take back, it sets off a series of events that force him to search for his place with Nicole, with Coach, and even with God.
Nicole Ellis is the girl Jay has watched from afar since sixth grade—the cheerleader with the dazzling smile who somehow always made him feel like he mattered. She's everything he thought he wanted: beautiful... and kind to the nerdy kid with glasses. But when her perfect image shatters, Jay realizes he never really knew her at all—and that might mean showing up for someone real, not the dream.
Coach Mays is the 5'3" gatekeeper to everything Jay wants—the man whose approval matters more than anyone else's. He's got black eyes that burn through excuses, a mustache that hides his rare smiles, and standards of perfection no one can meet. Jay would run through walls for him, even as Mays's voice becomes the brutal inner critic that tears Jay down.
John Agee is Jay’s best friend. Discussing theories of life over 99¢ Blizzards or endless chips and Dr Pepper on Friday nights, they try to navigate girls and sports together. Principled and forward-thinking, John is a steady presence, as they meet life’s triumphs and humiliations with humor and heart.
Roger is Jay’s older brother and his guide from a little furth down the road. Having faced disappointment before Jay ever did (and still figuring it out in college), Roger offers perspective, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom. He challenges Jay’s assumptions about love and success, helping him see that growing up means learning what’s worth chasing—and what isn’t.
What Readers Are Saying
"No Matter What is a fun trip back into the lost world of 1990s teen culture. In many ways, reading each chapter is like being transported back to my own high school experiences of balancing the various aspects of life without much wisdom or experience, often bumbling along into goofy incidents. The central theme of Jay's attraction to Nicole captures what it really felt like to pursue a girl before cell phones and the internet changed it all. If you remember those good old days (or not so good, at times), you'll enjoy this fun novel. If you're like me, you'll be laughing aloud at many points throughout the story." (Jonathan N.)
"This book is a delight to read. The dialogue flows naturally and the characters instantly draw you in. I became invested in Jay’s life very quickly! Stephen has a gift for writing authentic and entertaining characters and their stories. I ended up not being able to put the book down so I could see how the book ended! Heartwarming and heartbreaking, relatable and humorous, this book is a must read." (Melissa H.)
"No Matter What is a heartwarming story geared towards teens and young adults, following Jay as he navigates the ups and downs of high school life and all the pressures that come with it.
What stood out to me the most was how Steve wove Christian values seamlessly into the story. The book delivers meaningful content without feeling forced, making it both uplifting and relatable. I appreciate how the characters were brought to life through their backstories and experiences, it made me feel connected to them and invested in their journeys. This book not only entertains but also encourages the readers to reflect on their own choices and values. A wonderful read for young people( and adults, too) looking for a story that inspires hope, faith and resilience." (Trudy C.)
"No Matter What follows a teenager trying to stay true to his faith while dealing with the ups and downs of growing up. He faces typical pressures like fitting in and dealing with criticism. He also battles self-doubt. Additionally, he worries about friendships, sports, and how others see him. Along the way, he realizes that even the classmate he once admired has struggles of their own. It’s a story about how faith weaves its way into everyday conversations and the challenges life throws our way. I’ve grown attached to Jay and his world, so I’m really looking forward to what comes next for him." (Debi B.)
"No Matter What examines the challenges of life as a faith-bound teenager coping with social pressures, criticism and self-doubt. Eschewing the impulse to be judgmental, the protagonist works through anxieties about potential relationships, sports performance and how he is viewed by others, all the while realizing his idealized classmate is all too human. The author approaches these dilemmas with a firm grasp on reality and society, and how conversations about religion find fertile ground in everyday life." (Stephen F.)
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