Pride and Practicality

by Pepper Basham

A newly appointed rector and a woman whose reputation is in ruins work together to save the orphaned children of St. Groves while fighting an attraction that could ruin his career and her restored future. An opposites-attract Regency rom-com, Pride and Practicality will delight fans of Eloisa James and Julia Quinn looking for a low-spice alternative.

Thomas Bridges, the new rector of St. Groves, has a simple plan: gain the support of local wealthy parishioners to finance a boarding school for the orphans of St. Groves. With his stellar reputation and good heart, everything seems to be working well, even if he has to avoid his mother's matchmaking with the eligible ladies of the town. But his plans are rerouted when the "lost" sister of Lord Ravenscross returns and she happens to be the same woman in which he shared a secret and unexpected kiss eight months before.

Arianna Reeves has returned home a secret heiress, trying to redeem her past. With money to spare, a desire to earn back the favor of those she loves, and a hope of being useful she not only puts herself in harm's way to help the children of St. Groves but creates an "anonymous benefactress" to support Thomas Bridges' plan. However, their mutual attraction threatens to not only defrock Thomas but also ruin all their best-laid plans for the children.

When a man from Arianna's past comes to St. Groves with a plan to expose Thomas and Arianna's secret, their characters and hearts are tested. Could the truth about one unexpected kiss ruin their futures? After all . . . it was just a kiss, right?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Regency, Christian Fiction, Christian Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance

368 pages, Paperback

Expected publication November 3, 2026

About the author

Pepper D Basham has been telling tales ever since she was a little girl. When her grandmother called her a “writer” at the age of ten, Pepper took it as gospel and has enjoyed various types of writing styles ever since. A native of the Blue Ridge Mountains, mom of five, speech-language pathologist, and lover of chocolate, Pepper enjoys sprinkling her native Appalachian culture into her fiction wherever she can. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of the New River Valley in Virginia.

Reviews

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

At this point, I think it's safe to say that Pepper Basham has become one of my favorite authors.

"Pride and Practicality" is the third book I've read by her, and it's also the third one I've given five stars. There is just something so special about the way she writes. Her prose feels beautiful and almost poetic at times, but never in a way that takes away from the story. Instead, it makes every emotion hit that much harder.

If I had to summarize this book in a single word, it would be love.

There is so much love woven throughout these pages. Romantic love, familial love, love for one's community, love expressed through service and sacrifice. It made the story feel warm, hopeful, and deeply meaningful.

I absolutely adored Thomas. His determination, his faith, and his desire to help others were some of my favorite aspects of the book. He wasn't perfect, but he always tried to do what was right, even when it was difficult. And Arianna was such a wonderful heroine. Brave, clever, compassionate, and far stronger than society gives her credit for. Watching her rebuild her life and find her place again was incredibly satisfying.

What I loved most, though, was how perfectly Thomas and Arianna complemented each other. Their relationship developed with such tenderness and sincerity that I found myself smiling through so many of their scenes together.

I was also delighted to see Simon and Emme again, and I really enjoyed the storyline involving the school for underprivileged children. It added another layer of heart to a story that was already overflowing with it.

And perhaps my favorite thing about this book is that it proves, once again, that a romance doesn't need spice to be powerful. The emotional connection, the chemistry, the longing, the respect, and the love between these characters were more than enough.

I truly, truly loved this book. Pepper Basham has done it again.

[The Lit · Rating 2 out of 5]

🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
​I am giving Pride and Practicality by Laura Carter a 2-star review. 🛑 DNF at 47%
​I wanted to like it, the premise was good, and the book itself seemed right up my alley. However, it just didn't click for me on this pass, and I had to put it down just before the halfway mark.
​ARC Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an early digital review copy (eARC). All thoughts and reflections shared here are entirely my own.
​The Review
​Pride and Practicality introduces a classic narrative of contrasting ideals, centering around family expectations, personal ambitions, and the difficult choices made when protecting one's heart. The story places its characters in a structured environment where societal or familial pressures demand logic, while personal desires pull them toward emotional risks. It carries the blueprint for a sweeping, classic-feeling romance where head and heart constantly battle for dominance.
​The Good
​The underlying premise of the book was genuinely good, and on paper, the setup felt like something I would completely obsess over. The themes of balancing duty against passion are timeless, and the book had a lot of potential to be a beautifully structured comfort read.
​The Not So Good
​Unfortunately, the execution didn't quite hold me. I simply couldn't fall for the characters, and I found the pace rather slow. Without that magnetic emotional pull to make me invest in the leads, the lingering plot developments began to drag. This might just be me, or one of those times when you should really read something else and leave this for later. I might try again later on once the book is published, but I'm honestly not sure really

[Kait · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was tremendously sweet. I found myself slowly falling in love with the story, and I’ve been trying to ascertain why it went/felt that way. Not because I didn’t want to like it or thought it wouldn’t be any good, but because I like to understand what’s behind my rating!

I think this is what it is: so many romances, even closed door ones by Christian authors, rely a great deal on the self-worth message and how the characters are pulled up by their own realizations or the efforts of people in their lives. I neither dislike nor disagree that self-discovery and the love of others can change how we perceive ourselves– I am tremendously thankful for the people in my life who show me the right/best way to go! But the message of self-worth reads so differently when those ideas are openly rooted in the Christian faith, a religion whose main tenant is that we can’t be saved by anything other than a renewing of our minds to believe in Jesus, not ourselves.

Anyway, this Regency era story of Arianna and Thomas, of falling in love against the prejudices of society, does a good job of doing just that, without being preachy (the people are expressing faith-filled sentiments which felt realistic *and* thoughtful) or not employing enough swoony kisses and excellent banter (this is a romance, after all). Another winner from Ms. Pepper Basham, for sure!

I received an ARC from Tyndale Fiction in exchange for my honest review. “Pride & Practicality” comes out this November!

[Kay’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Spoiler Free Book Review✨
Pride & Practicality by Pepper Basham
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book just further proves why Pepper Basham is on my list of favorite romance authors of all time!! 😭💕

The way she blends humor and faith into her stories is truly a gift. One moment I’m deeply moved by her words, and the next I’m absolutely cackling ✝️🤣

I loved Pepper’s take on a story inspired by the parable of the prodigal son - with a prodigal sister at the center of the story instead. She crafted such a beautiful story of redemption, forgiveness, and trusting in the Lord’s plan. 🥹

The romance was incredibly swoony, and the MMC was so endearing and romantic - especially as a rector (a Regency-era pastor) 🤭 I cannot imagine it would be easy to write a church leader falling for a “fallen woman” but Pepper did so beautifully 💕

The faith content, humor, romance, and redemption made this story absolutely top tier for me. I loved it so much! 🥹😭💕🤩🤭

•••

NOTE: I would recommend reading Sense & Suitability before this one, though it isn’t strictly necessary. It follows the same family and you’ll have more context by reading it first👌

•••

‼️Content considerations: attempted sexual assault (not on page, eluded to), corrupt church leadership

[Sarah Lepper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for allowing me an early read and review of this book.

I LOVED “Sense and Suitability” so I was VERY excited for the chance to read this book early. I will start by saying that I had a hard time putting this book down to take care of my real life 😂. There was a lot going on in this book, sweet, grieving Arianna was misled and made some poor choices with her battered and young heart, which led to quite a bit of hardship before she found her way back home. I loved getting Thomas’s story, he is a good man with a good heart and it was good to see him choose his conscience over propriety. I was truly intrigued to know how dear Pepper would make their HEA work since they had so much working against them and I could not have recited the turn of events. The conflict was bold without being irritating, the sweet and devoted love was so refreshing and adorable.

Possible triggers:
Assault and past mention of assault
Orphaned children and severe sickness due to living conditions
Mentions of past abuse
Woman being ostracized due to manipulative man and her reputation being tarnished

[Sherry Deatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper Basham has done it again, she has pulled me into a book that I didn't want to end. And it felt like a long book too, even though in reality is was about an average number of pages for her.
Pepper always puts something personal in her books. And this one the male main character was a member of the clergy as is her husband. So she had a unique point of view
did truly enjoy the book and the main characters.
But a few things were noteworthy:
The book should have had the word prejudices in the title because it was more about that than pride or practicality,
Also, Arianna has been gone for one year. Yet the things she'd accomplished during that time were more that I felt would happen in a year.
It was definitely swoony. But near the end I was weary of too much swoon.
But I truly loved the humor, the faith and the romance. The desire they had to help lower class children and adults was admirable.
And the desire to see others as equal not because of their class or money.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

[Elizabeth (Steeped in Pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story swept me away from the very first chapter. With loving nods to Pride and Prejudice -misjudged reputations, sharp social scrutiny, and a slow‑burn love tested by pride and rumor -it still manages to feel fresh and tender.

Thomas is a standout hero: steady, faithful, imperfect in the most human ways, and unforgettable in his devotion. Arianna is just as compelling—gracious, strong, and quietly courageous even when her name and heart are under fire. Together, they create a romance that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

What moved me most was the depth beneath the love story. This is a tale of redemption, trust rebuilt, and grace meeting people in their most vulnerable, misunderstood moments. The emotional journey is layered, honest, and deeply satisfying.

And the ending… simply beautiful. Hopeful, joyful, and full of that quiet ache of everything finally being made right. I closed the book smiling and a little misty‑eyed, grateful for the journey.♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little worried going in that this would be an adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” like so many authors try to do. However, this was more of an homage, with an original, heartfelt story between a “fallen” women and a rector. Arianna returns home after running away following a scandal. She was helped along the way by good samaritans and wants to repay their kindness. She runs into Thomas, the local rector who also helped her on her journey. They have instant chemistry and a shared goal of helping those less fortunate. But her reputation causes many issues and prejudices. I loved the naturalness of their romance. Additionally, the message of loving your neighbor and helping others really came across. The story has some kissing, which while scandalous in regency era, should not elicit pearl clutching from modern readers. This is one to check out.

Thank you, Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Jini · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Loved (loved!) the two main characters, their chemistry, and the plot. I am a sucker for kids and projects in romance novels.

My issues: It's pretty evident when an author doesn't quite research enough about an era. There are far too many Americanisms thrown in. In contrast, the early conversations between the leads veer too much into classic prose. Gives a bit of a whiplash. Also, after a while the Pride and Prejudice references feel too shoe-horned. The novel works just fine without it. Also, reading another review, I realized that thankfully this is a second novel in a series. Far too many characters show up as if we are supposed to already know about them.

All in all, definitely liked this book a lot. I only wish there was some mention towards the end of Thomas also taking in an interest about that other school. What about those kids?

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arianna Reeves learned a painful lesson when she placed her trust in a man, she now calls a “charming rake.” Though she escaped his unwanted advances, she returns home with her reputation bruised and the cold judgment of many in her community. While her family welcomes her back with grace, the wider public whispers that she is no longer fit for polite society. Most believe she should keep a careful distance from the locals—especially from clergyman Thomas Bridge, whose well meaning mother is determined to find him a wife, despite Thomas’s own desire to marry for love.
What follows is a fast paced story filled with twists, misunderstandings, and a tender, growing friendship between Arianna and Thomas. Pepper Basham once again delivers a tale sprinkled with humor, faith, and heartfelt moments. Once I began reading, I found it wonderfully difficult to put down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Pepper Basham hit! The story itself draws on 'Pride and Prejudice'. The struggles between our two leads, the era of time it takes place in, how people at that time viewed each other, etc., and the reference to this common classic work.

I loved the characters and their arcs. I liked the faith elements and the battle the heroine was having with stereotypes both with how other people see her but also her view of the clergy.

I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts.

[Kelsey Fredericks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride and Practicality is my favorite book by Pepper Basham yet! The plot of this book has so many different elements and the pacing is perfection! I loved Arianna and Thomas individually and as and a couple. Their banter is so fun to read and this story is filled with adventure and the importance of serving your community and its children. I highly recommend this book if you love historical romance- this will keep you on your toes in the best way!

Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

[Bookworman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

2.5 stars. Sigh... This story dragged for me and I kept checking my percent of progress through it. I loved the overall idea of the book as well as the MCs and supporting characters but it just didn't have the same feeling as Book 1. So excellent story idea but not so much on the execution.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this sweet regency series! This book continues the healing for the Reeves family from the difficulties and dysfunction of their childhood: first Simon, the elder brother, and now Arianna. You do need to have read the first book to really understand the situation here.

Thomas and Arianna are both wonderful leads and I loved seeing their unconditional and servant-hearted love for each other growing throughout the book. Beautifully done again by Pepper Basham!

[Kristina Pauls (ARC Reviewer)]

PUBLISH DATE: Nov 3, 2026

PUBLISH DATE: Nov 3, 2026
BOOK TITLE: Pride and Practicality
AUTHOR: Pepper Basham
PUBLISHER: Thomas Nelson Fiction
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES:368
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride and Practicality was the perfect follow-up to Sense and Suitability!

This book follows to story of Arianna Reeves--the sister of Simon (from Sense and Suitability) who ran away and brought scandal on her family. Now, she's returned and desires to settle back into society. The local rector (and Simon's new cousin-in-law) is smitten right off the bat. I loved watching the two fall for one another and support each other through scandal and controversy and hardship. It was a really fun read and a perfect regency romance.

***I received an advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley and the thoughts are honest and entirely my own***

[austengirl_710 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet and delectable! I love this rollercoaster to bits! So fun! I love Arianna and Thomas so much (though i already loved our delightfully naughty rector from Sense and Suitability) These people feel like real people that i want to befriend. Their struggles are real and captivating. And a delightfully vile villain to round it out. Highly recommend!!

[Debbie Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the engaging and amazing story. When Arianna meets Thomas, a minister, he saves her, gives her money to work for a friend of the family, kisses her, and can't stop thinking about her. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and another must read riveting romance story by the awesome author, Pepper Basham.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is one of my favorites and her latest -- with that splendid cover and lovely hopeful Austen-adjacent story -- inspires and captures the heart of readers who adore beautifully written Christian romance. I recommend PRIDE AND PRACTICALITY with allelulias and applause!

[Debb Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. 100% recommended if you love romance and Austen.