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, Christian Fiction, Regency, Historical Romance, Historical, Regency Romance

400 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

[Tatum - nuggetybooks]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Book 2 in Series
- Regency Romance
- Dual POV, third person
- Closed door
- Christian themes
- Forbidden romance
- Protective MMC
- Working together to serve their community

✨ a few of my favorite things:
- THOMAS
- Arianna’s attitude
- Arianna & Emme’s friendship
- Both MCs are NOT afraid to say the hard truth or call people out
- Both MCs have so much attitude, joy, and purpose/passion
- Their chemistry is insane
- The world of St Groves
- How much Thomas takes care of & protects Arianna
- Arianna taking care of Thomas 😭
- The PLOT TWISTS

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m absolutely obsessed with this book. The story had so much heart. It was entertaining and inspiring. It is filled with so much hope and truth of the Bible. It is a wildly fun story to read but also hits right in the heart. The story is highly character driven but there are some major plot twists in there that change the character’s trajectory. I cannot recommend enough if you want drama, scandal, fun, quick quips, and intense longing.

I appreciated seeing the main characters’ character arcs. (You could read this as a standalone but book 1 grants so much more context and gravity for these characters). They both find what truly matters and where their priorities lie. They decide which sacrifices are worth it and which are not.

The side characters are also phenomenal. I did want a bit more Lottie in the end cause I hoped that they would mend their relationship more. But she left lots of room for more books 😉

The whole world the author created is so immersive. I feel like I was dropped right into the time period and this town. I could picture everything because of the authors clear and vivid imagery. I hope we get more from Pepper in this world because I want to be back in St Groves.

This is a closed door regency romance with no cursing, little to no innuendo, and only kissing.

**Thank you so much to Pepper and Thomas Nelson for letting me read this gifted ARC via NetGalley. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**

[Clean Book Hoarders]

This could definitely be read as a standalone, but I was so excited to continue on with these characters from Sense and Suitability. This book is such a wonderful, clean, historical tale. Arianna and Thomas definitely have a swoon worthy romance! The couple faces challenges and struggles, but it was delightful to have characters focused on doing good works for others. I definitely recommend Pride and Practicality!

Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Sara Hickman]

In true Pepper Basham fashion, Pride and Practicality is highly driven by the characters. We have the MMC who wants to do what is right in God's eyes and values justice, a FMC who has a history but is trying to restore her reputation (while also not harming her family), and a cast of supporting characters who bring heart and laughter.

While it isn't necessary, I think reading Sense and Sensibility first lends to the understanding of characters. I loved seeing Lottie in here and hope we get to hear her story. If you are a fan of clean Regency romances, this is a must. You'll be laughing, your heart will hurt, and then it will mend.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this complimentary ARC. All thoughts are my own

[Marlene]

" 'I know it's been a year or two,' she interrupted, her tone quick and light, but her eyes . . . her eyes were pleading. 'But I would never forget your kindness in rescuing me from the rather shameless of advances of a rake?' . . . 'Naive grieving women are easy prey for wolves, Mr. Knight.' "

Pride and Practicality (Release date: Nov 3, 2026, Thomas Nelson) is apparently the sequel to Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham in an as-of-yet unnamed series. The female lead in S&S is an important secondary character in this book.

Pride and Practicality is a standalone Regency romance. I skipped the first book and had no trouble following this one. I requested this book as an arc because:
1) Thomas Nelson is a Christian publisher,
2) and the author writes chaste romances,
3) but mainly because the title hints at a Pride and Prejudice connection.

Rating: 4 stars

Is it clean/chaste? yes
Other content issues?: References to words such as seducer, fallen women, ruined are used to describe the heroine and her situation.
Christian publication?: Yes
Any reference to God or the Bible?: Yes; Biblical references are not heavy-handed and are organic to the storyline.

Backstory: Prior to the beginning of this book, the heroine ran off to elope with a curate. Upon discovering that his intentions were not honorable, she escaped with her virtue intact. However, the damage to her reputation was already done, so she chose not to return home.

The heroine (female lead): The book opens with the heroine, initially dubbed as Miss Pugh, entering a ballroom in distress. She makes a desperate plea for help to a kind young man unfamiliar to her, who gives her some funds and the name of a woman who can give her safe refuge. "Miss Pugh," is, in fact, Arianna Reeves, sister of viscount Simon Ravenscross.

The hero (male lead): Initially dubbed Mr. Knight, the hero Thomas Bridges, the third son of a gentleman, is actually the newly appointed rector of St. Groves with a heart for helping others. Mr. Bridges is a very good rector, and he very much desires to open a school for disadvantaged children . . . which falls in line amazingly well with the heroine's own desires.

What I liked:

*the fantastically drawn main characters, as well as the secondary ones
*the storyline
*the damsel in distress trope
*the theme of doing what IS right, as opposed to what is deemed acceptable by society ("He hated this pretense of propriety masking cruelty.")
*accidental kiss

What I didn’t like:

*The Pride and Prejudice connection felt shoehorned in. I would've preferred it left out. I disliked it. Fortunately, it only popped up every once in a while.


The bottom line: Delightful clean Regency romance. Readers may enjoy the similarities drawn between the original P&P and this story even though I didn't. (I did love the story otherwise.)

I look forward to reading more by Pepper Basham. I might read the first in this series to learn Arianna's sister-in-law's story, Sense and Suitability.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of the book.

[Christine Gustin (christinebookstagram)]

Another delightful historical romance from Basham! If you’re a fan of regency romance with all the steam and zero spice, this is for you!

This book is technically a standalone, but I highly recommend reading it after reading Sense and Suitability.

You’ll love this book if you love:
•Kisses only romance
•Banter (literally the best)
•Regency England
•Sacrificial Love
•Redemption
•Strong and Kind MMC
•Fierce and Strong FMC
•Love for the “least of these”
•Dynamic Families

I really enjoyed this book! The only reason it wasn’t a 5 star book for me personally was that it felt really long. I kept thinking that I was nearing the end and would then realize I had hours left in the story 🤣 If you love long stories, this might be a bonus for you. If you prefer books that you can finish in a few shorter reading sessions, stick it out and finish this book! I adored the ending and I’m so glad I read the whole thing.

Age rating: older teen and adult. Some more mature themes related to abandonment, attempted assault, betrayal and illness. Zero explicit content and no language.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read an eARC of this book! All thoughts expressed here are my own.

[Jessica Brown]

This was such a fun and heartfelt read!! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of reading it 💕

I loved both of the main characters, and their romance was SO sweet!!

The plot flowed beautifully, and the conflict was very well done. I’ll be thinking on this one for a while! 💛

[Julia (Rooted Reading)]

A delightful, witty, and heartwarming Regency romance perfect for fans of Jane Austen! Basham's second Austen inspired Regency "dramedy" is a perfect balance of sparkling banter and emotional depth.

Arianna Reeves returns home to St. Groves and Ravenscross as a "ruined" woman after escaping the grip of a devilish rake. Upon arrival, she realizes that making her way back into society's good graces will prove much more difficult than those of her estranged family.

Thomas Bridges, principled and passionate, is the newly appointed rector in St. Groves. His predecessor was marred by scandal and he knows the line he must walk to keep his position... and his dreams of starting a school for underprivileged children alive. To make matters worse, his mother, famous for her matchmaking, is dead set on his marrying a woman of proper breeding and reputation.

When their paths cross, for the second time, will their ever deepening affection for one another be enough to risk their reputations? Will the good of those less fortunate and the good of their own hearts be enough?

Pepper Basham has done it again, y'all! This story is one of my favorite Regency-era romances. Ever. How can I even put into words all that I love about this book?

First of all, I thoroughly enjoyed Sense & Suitability and it was so good to see the same characters from that book. Thomas, Emme's cousin and literary/business associate, was one of my favorite characters from the first book and I am thrilled he got his own story!! I would suggest reading that book first and then reading this one.

The main characters- Arianna and Thomas- were so loveable and relatable, in my opinion. I loved Arianna's wit, determination, and her seriously big heart for those with less. She is the picture of grace and grit. The way she bravely returns home after her disappearance and owns up to her part in the whole scandal was just perfect. It really gave her so many dimensions that Pepper masterfully pulled from throughout the book. Thomas, my heart! I love him so dearly. He reminds me of my own clergy man, my sweet husband. His tender heart for the children and his fierce devotion to those whom he loves just endeared me to him in such a way! His patience with his mother was another feather in his cap, because- whew- what a character she was. Thomas saw past society and what was deemed "appropriate" and saw God's heart. I think that is a good reminder for us as Christians today- what truly matters and what is trivial?

The BANTER!!!! In true Pepper fashion, this book was full of witty banter not just from the main characters, but from many side characters as well. I laughed out loud so many times I lost count!

This was a clean, kisses-only romance. There were several kisses throughout the book, but none were distasteful, in my opinion. If I were a parent, I would feel comfortable with my older teen (16/17+) reading this book.

If you are looking for a Regency romance that will make you laugh on one page and bring tears to your eyes the next, please give this one a try (after you read Sense & Suitability, of course).

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

[Tennille Marie]

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an ARC copy of Pride and Practicality by Pepper Basham. I absolutely love Pepper Basham! Her books are wonderfully written, the characters are expertly drawn, and the stories are uplifting and light-hearted. This story is no different. I loved that we got to see how Emme and Simon were doing from the previous book and I loved how the story carried on with Arianna, Simon's sister, and Thomas, Emme's, cousin. I loved the characters and watching their tender story developed. The emotional chemistry, the banter, the connection, the longing, all showed that a romance doesn't need spice to pack a punch. If you are looking for a romance with faith, humor, and swoony, endearing moments then this is the book for you. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance. This book is safe for teens.

[Randi Sampson]

Historical or contemporary, Pepper Basham is one of those authors who I know is going to deliver an enjoyable story regardless of the genre. And this one was certainly no exception. Regency is a genre that can be hit and miss for me, but I found Thomas and Arianna very quickly drew me in. I loved how Thomas protected her, even when it would have been easier/more acceptable of the times not to do so. They had a really sweet chemistry between them and their story truly was as heartfelt as it was humorous... truly, a perfect balance of the two. This is the second of Pepper's Austen inspired Regency romances, and while this could be enjoyed as a standalone, I do recommend the first as well. If you enjoy Christian Regency romance with heart and humor, this is certainly one worth checking out.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Michael C]

Thomas, a clergyman, rescues Arianna whose reputation has been ruined by an unscrupulous fortune-hunting curate, and sends her to the shelter of a charitable aristocratic acquaintance. When she finally returns to her family and the town where they live, her reputation follows her. Thomas is a local rector. She and Thomas grow to love each other, and she helps Thomas in his endeavours to help destitute children, but scandal threatens, along with the possible loss of Thomas's living. All of course comes well in a melodramatic ending.

The storyline is promising in outline, and there is a good sense of the spiteful tittle-tattle of the town. Unfortunately, the execution of the book is poor, and there is little else that is good to say of it.

The characterisation is simplistic. There is inadequate portrayal of the changing chemistry between Arianna and Thomas: too much telling, not showing. Some of Thomas's behaviour is highly improbable, including his kissing Arianna when he initially rescues her. He makes no effort to establish whether Arianna has arrived safely at his acquaintance's home and does nothing to prepare his acquaintance for her arrival - this seems uncaring and implausible, and makes the subsequent romance less convincing.

The writing style of the book came across to me as if it might have been suitable for a teenage readership. There is quite a bit of repetition of descriptions of feelings and attitudes, at times in almost exactly the same words. Things are spelt out too much. The book could probably have been edited down to half its length without any significant loss. Adjectives like "feline" are used excessively.

Arianna talks to an almost entirely illiterate young waif in very educated language which he would have had trouble understanding: she would have adjusted her language when speaking to him.

At some key points, major coincidences strain credulity. Thomas feels he need to obtain his uncle's consent to his marriage: this would not have been unnecessary.

There are some historical inaccuracies which a little research would have eliminated. For instance, the elite of the town are referred to as the "ton": that word was confined to the exclusive upper-class set who came together in London for the main social season. Thomas is Rector of Greenleigh Chapel: it would be exceptional for any chapel in a town in this period to have a rector: he would have been Rector of a parish church, not a chapel. And the church would have been dedicated to a saint, and known by the saint's name.

References to Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" recur in the novel (and its title is of course a variation on Austen): these are very forced.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me have a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Jamie Gordy]

Thank you to Pepper Basham, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for giving me access to an eARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Arianna Reeves had fled from St. Groves because of trusting the wrong man. In the process of running, she crossed paths with a man who helped her and sent her to a friend who could help her. This friend later passed away and left part of her fortune to Arianna. At this point, Arianna decided to return home even though she knows her reputation is in tatters. Thomas Bridges, the Curate of St. Groves, is worried about trying to repair the office he is fulfilling, due to the actions of the man who filled the position before him. However, he can’t get the girl out of his mind that he helped all those months ago. Surprise- that girl shows up, and surprise, she turns out to be his cousin’s missing sister-in-law! Arianna wants a good way to use her inheritance, and Thomas, meanwhile, is looking for a way to start a school for underprivileged children. These two must work together to help the poor of the area, even though there are plenty of reasons they need to stay apart.
I adored this book. The number of highlighted quotes I have from this book should attest to this. Although this book obviously alludes to Jane Austen’s novel, Pepper is not trying to retell Pride and Prejudice, which I appreciate. The only real tie-in is themes of the danger of pride and, of course, the Regency setting and the mentions of the book itself. I loved the characters, Arianna and Thomas; they are both such strong characters who are willing to change when necessary. I was curious about Arianna from book one, and I loved Thomas in book one and was hoping we would get his story. I had a feeling that this book would tie them together. This book now makes me curious about a new character, Thomas’s printer friend- I hope we will get his story. Mrs. Bridges is still very much an annoying character, even though she has less of an active role in this book. If I had one small criticism of this book, that would be the complete absence of Emme’s immediate family. I am hoping that at least we will see her sister again in a future book. The faith is very present in this book, but it is well done and natural, and it does not feel at all preachy.
If you love Jane Austen’s novels or books set in the Regency period, specifically faith-filled ones, you will love this book. If you don’t like humorous books, or books that make you take a hard look at your pride and prejudices, then maybe avoid this one.

[Angela]

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for an arc copy of this novel.

Pride and Practicality immediately piqued my interest, but after the first few chapters things quickly went downhill.

I don’t think there is any reason to have Pride and Prejudice allusions in the book or with the title. It’s a cultural zeitgeist for a reason and I think trying to use it to sell this story–both literally in the marketing sense and figuratively with the storyline–is a poor choice. It felt shoehorned in when the novel was mentioned in the story and it didn’t really even make sense in the scene. Ariana is clearly modeled off of Lizzie Bennett, but where Lizzie’s pride is in response to feeling snubbed, Ariana just comes off as foolhardy.

Thomas is his own mess. While prejudice was traded for practicality, I’m not sure Thomas is really all that practical. Practical means experience in practice rather than the theoretical and yet we spent sooo much time in the theoretical with our MMC. He lacks common sense. He consistently makes the wrong decision, particularly as it relates to Ariana. He spends inappropriate amounts of time and attention on her (publicly) and for a man who is so desperate to project a certain air, he doesn’t do much work to that end. Now this could be explained away that his feelings are so strong he can’t help it, and if we go that route then fine. But the practical choice in that instance would be to simply do the logical, appropriate (i.e. practical) thing like talking to his uncle, courting Ariana, etc. Also, why would a clergyman not want to lead by example and welcome an outcast into his flock?? I understand that historically it wouldn’t work this way, but this is fiction and there are already other historical inaccuracies!

The characterizations are really small potatoes. The meat of my issue is how we are constantly being told and not shown. So much introspection happens in this story. It felt like one page of interaction and six pages of internal dialogue for each character; this would be annoying on its own, but adding in that it was constantly retreading ground became grating. I’m convinced Ariana and Thomas simply fell in love with the idea of who the other person is in their heads.

Because of all the above, nothing really happens until about the 70% mark of the story, which made it very difficult to even get to that point. I wanted to love this book as an avid regency romance reader and as a devoted fan to Pride and Prejudice. Alas, this book left me severely disappointed.

[Julianne Harkleroad]

"'Hope,' He said with fondness, 'has a rather mischievous way of sticking it out no matter the odds.'"

This book has bewitched me, body and soul and I love, I love, I love it! 💖😭

Out of the 150 books I've read these last two months, Pride and Practicality is my favorite! I usually devour books, but delighted in slowing down and savoring this one. Very rarely do I find such an intelligently written, humorous ode to my favorite book, peppered with biblical truths, without spice, gore, or language. I was very impressed with the biblical knowledge and clever application throughout the book. While not the main focus of this novel, each mention was encouraging to read, and aligned each character's motives and personality. It takes a well-versed author to pick the smaller stories that fit perfectly for each reference- brava!

I love how both main characters clearly express their interest for the other person to readers, even though proprietary doesn't allow them to explore or pursue those feelings. Readers are left joyfully looking for the stolen moments, hopefully longing alongside our main characters for more. The banter is witty and compelling. The older style of English easy to comprehend. The squirrel scenes are hilarious and I chuckle to imagine cast and crew filming them one day! Pride and Practicality gives happy reading wiggles, huge smiles while staring at my kindle, hand to your heart, butterflies in the belly feelings.

I loved Emme and Charlie! Charlie reminds me of the same energy Harry Windover from the Sarah M Eden Lancaster Series gives! I hope his novel is next!

Addressing themes such as immaturity, assumption, not giving the benefit of the doubt (1 Corinthians 13:7), pride, self-sacrifice, serving others, forgiveness, reconciliation, and real love, Basham hits every nail on the head! I just wish there was already a book club to discuss it with others!

"I cannot preach faith while shrinking from its costs."

Troupes: Christianity, ruined woman, secret identities, knight, redemption arc, forgiveness, reconciliation, villain, fight for love, grand gesture, serving others, HEA
Spice: 0/5 🌶️
Gore: 0/5 🩸
Language: 0/5 👀
Triggers: assault- not vivid at all, near drowning

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Gena Bessire]

One chance meeting can leave a lasting impact.

Arianna Reeves is running from grief, misplaced trust, and a ruined reputation when she crosses paths with Thomas Bridges, who sees a woman in trouble and does what he does best: provides care. It is a night neither of them will forget, despite believing they will never see each other again.

With Thomas’s compassionate help, Arianna lands on her feet and returns to her family, hoping to rebuild her life. She comes home humbled and ready to serve both her family and her community. To her surprise, she finds her brother much changed and a new sister-in-law who is delighted to welcome her back. Although forgiveness does not come easily from her other siblings or the community, Arianna is determined to make amends through her actions.

Thomas is a newly appointed clergyman stepping into a position left vacant after his predecessor’s scandal. He has a difficult path to navigate as he seeks to shepherd his congregation, set a worthy example, and care for the orphaned children in his community, his true passion. Arianna’s unexpected return complicates his carefully ordered life, especially when she repeatedly puts herself in danger while trying to help the same children he longs to protect.

Pride and Practicality is a joy to read. It is filled with humor, compassion, and, of course, two well-meaning people falling in love. I loved Arianna’s strength. She is doing the hard work of confronting her past mistakes and growing from them without allowing shame to stop her from caring for others.

Thomas is equally delightful. I appreciated his tender heart, kind nature, and willingness to sacrifice for those around him. When Arianna and Thomas finally stop resisting their connection, they realize they are working toward the same goal and that joining forces makes their mission far more attainable. This is a beautifully written story about grace, service, second chances, and the unexpected ways love can help rebuild a life.

While you can read Pride and Practicality as a standalone, I think it is most rewarding to read it after the first book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Pepper Basham and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Caren | Hopefulwords]

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Rating: 4.5 rounded up to 5

Pride and Practicality shows exactly why a historical romcom works — it has all of the charm, yearning, and challenges of the time period, along with humor and warmth that make these characters feel like you know them.

The nods to Pride and Prejudice are well done, and I particularly enjoyed a clever reference to Mr. Collins.

The writing is engaging with word choices that make you feel, not just know.

There are familiar characters, if you’ve read Sense and Suitability, but this story can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the return of Thomas’s mother, and while I feel for him and any other recipients of her superior advice, she is a character that I would like to see again in the future.

Some parts were absolutely heartbreaking, and I’m amazed at how those moments are balanced with lighthearted scenes and descriptions throughout the book. I love the deeper message of faith in action, whether that is through forgiveness, mercy, or serving others.

As for the main characters, these two fit together perfectly. I think Thomas may be one of the swooniest MMC’s that this author has ever written! He puts the “gentle” in gentleman, he’s passionate about his calling, and he’s a fierce protector. Arianna is emotionally wounded when we meet her, but there’s a deep strength in her character. She learned difficult lessons, which shaped her, but they didn’t harden her. She’s a kind and generous person who loves deeply.

The banter between them is excellent, and I love how they met and what that brought to the story. Usually, anticipation builds to such a moment, but with these two, there’s this glimpse and then incredible yearning for what they can’t have — a future together.

Overall, this is a beautifully written story, and I’m so glad I read it!

Content:
Faith Themes
Historical Romance
Romcom-feel with deeper themes
Intimacy level: Kisses Only
Language: “Good ****” and the like

[Lana]

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.

[Hr_with_penandpapers]

Oh my my… I loved, loved, loved this book! If your heart beats for the world of Bridgerton, then Pride and Practicality by Pepper Basham absolute needs to be at the very top of your TBR list.

​Trust me when I say this book completely pulls you in. Pepper Basham’s writing is so deliciously atmospheric that I found myself reading the dialogue in my head like a true Regency lady, completely swept away by the elegance, the wit, and the sheer drama of it all. It has everything you could possibly want in a historical romance: high-stakes societal scandal, a forbidden attraction, a lingering villain, juicy drama, and a slow burn that will leave you absolutely breathless.

​The story follows Arianna Reeves, a woman returning home with a ruined reputation after trusting the wrong charming rake, and Thomas Bridges, a principled new clergyman who has a firm sense of conviction but an "inconvenient" habit of defying society’s rigid expectations. When their paths repeatedly cross, the mutual attraction and an unexpected past secret threaten to ruin both of their futures. The chemistry between them is just spectacular...it’s that perfect, high-swoon, slow-burning tension where every single look and conversation feels loaded with meaning.

​The only reason this didn't get a flawless 5 stars from me is because the beginning felt a tiny bit slow. It took me about two or three chapters to fully find the rhythm of the narrative and get into the groove of the setting. But once you cross that minor hurdle? Oh, it is such a spectacular, joyful ride.

​I honestly wish someone could just cast a spell and transport me directly into this world. If you want a romance that sparkles with brilliant banter, deep emotional heart, and a love story that defies the strict rules of high society, please go pick this up immediately. You will not regret it!

[The Lit]

🚨 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

[Perrianne]

Returning home with her tail tucked after an unfortunate incident, Arianna is surprised to find that home is a lot more welcoming than it used to be. This is set in the Regency era which can be a trying time with the Ton eager to shun you for the slightest infarction without batting an eye. As she continues to inadvertently cross paths with Mr. Bridges, the new reverend, eyebrows begin to raise. These two initially seem to be polar opposites, but a quick heart check will let you know that they both have the best of intentions regardless of what the community thinks. Besides dodging the gossipmongers, there are some rescues, danger, serious illnesses, and some covert sweet kisses. Arianna’s family is warm and delightful, but Mr. Bridge’s family may just rub you the wrong way. When like minds pull together, the good that these two have for the community will come shining through.
Pepper Basham is a very versatile novelist who writes her beloved historical Appalachian stories, rom coms, historical, young adult and contemporary romance. I truly admire her versatility and always look forward to her latest novel. She is a multi-award-winning author, including a Christy Award finalist. Hope Between the Pages and The Mistletoe Countess are among my favorites, but she has a generous backlist that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
I received an early e-copy of this book from a Net Galley, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[MJSH]

"I have learned that there is always hope. Improbably, inconvenient, utterly relentless hope."

Oh how I adore Pepper Basham's books. I loved Simon and Emme in Sense and Suitability. And I absolutely loved Thomas and Arianna in this second book in the Regency rom-com series. This book can totally be read as a stand-alone but reading the books in order will allow you to marinate in the marvel that is the Reeves family. I loved Thomas when I first met him as he was helping his cousin Emme publish her books. His story has made me fall even deeper in love with his kindness, tenderness, steadfastness, devotion to the Lord, intelligence, and pure sense of justice and doing good. Even with his faults, Thomas was the perfect, lovable and believable hero. I loved Arianna and her resourcefulness, grit, humility, forthrightness, and compassion for those in need. Thomas and Arianna had such witty and lively conversations that were incredibly fun.
Alongside Regency expectations and delicious rom-com, the author addressed the need for social reform regarding orphans during this time. It was heart-breaking to see little ones suffer because of poverty and misfortune. Thomas and Arianna's vision for helping these children was commendable and I loved seeing grace, mercy, hope and faith become real and tangible.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves heart-warming stories about hope, love, mercy and redemption. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[Viktoriya Bratnichenko]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars

Pride and Practicality by @pepperbasham

It was such an honor to be approved to read an ARC of Pride and Practicality, which doesn’t come out until November! I absolutely loved this beautiful story about Arianna and Thomas, a rector who finds himself caught up in the rumors and gossip surrounding a woman who has been wrongfully accused.

I loved watching Arianna and Thomas’s story unfold. There were misunderstandings, gossip, faith, family, and plenty of sweet moments between them. Their teasing and humor added so much charm to the story, and I found myself smiling throughout their interactions.

I didn’t realize this was book two in story when I started reading, but the story flowed so well that I never felt lost. It actually made me want to go back and read the first book so I can learn the full story of Emma and Simon’s and how they meet and fell in love!

Pepper Basham did such a beautiful job weaving romance, faith, humor, and heart into this story. I loved all the charm, sweetness, and playful teasing throughout the book.

I also recently learned that Pepper Basham is a local author from my own town! How exciting is that? I can’t wait to meet her in person someday and tell her how much I enjoyed her book.

This was definitely a 5-star read for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to read this ARC early, and I can’t wait for Pride and Practicality to be released in November to ass a physical copy to my collection @netgalley @pepperbasham

[Rosalyn]

Acckkk—- what a story!
I loved Arianna and Thomas and getting to know them.
Oh my! Words fail me! This book is such a sweet tale. Of second chances. Of life and love after hard things.
All set in a beautiful (regency?) setting, Pepper Basham has brought these dear characters to life in such an incredible way.
I loved Arianna, and my heart hurt for her. She went through some very, very hard times. She's convinced she is a worthless nobody.
And then... she gets to know her "Mr Knight", the unknown hero who rescued her from a terrible situation.
But, he's a rector?! Oh my.
And yes, the hero of this book is. A rector. Thomas is quite a rector. Handsome, young, caring. It's no wonder Arianna can't stop thinking about him.
I loved watching them really get to know each other.
Unfortunately, the gossips of their town also did. And they had nothing good to say about her.
Everyone is convinced her bad reputation can only take his down.
Everyone except him..
Well, Arianna does have a few loyal friends. But the overwhelming majority is against her.
How does this all pan out? Well, you will have to read the book!
Pepper Basham has once again given us an absolute delight of a book!!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Kait]

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!

[Caro]

I enjoyed reading this book. There’s a lot of talk about providence and praying God will intervene, for example in the case of the sick children. I do not believe that God actively interferes in affairs since it would means he would be responsible for suffering. God is love and with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone. That said, I liked the book a lot, the story was incredibly well written and the relationship is very well developed. The plot of a clergyman with a “scandalous” woman was quite interesting and well worked out. I had some doubts about a clergyman as a main character; whether it would make him stuffy but it didn’t. The story also never gets dull; the writing is great and it keeps you wanting to read on. I liked the Pride & Prejudice reference but this book is not a remake of that but it is it’s own original self. I also loved the characters; their strength, love, compassion and their commitment to the poor. The supporting cast significantly enriches the narrative, from her family to the upper class society, everyone’s character is well developed and a great addition to the story. It is a sweet story with depth, well layered, engaging and fun to read. Kudos to the writer for investing in the story and keeping it clean. I can honestly recommend this book to anyone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, for which I’d like to thank the author and publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jessica]

Pepper Basham has written another wonderful literary escape in “Pride and Practicality”. The plot of this story flows along so well. The characters are just so delightfully relatable and imperfectly perfect. Wrap everything up with the right amount of conflict, adversity, and struggles, and this book is simply delightful while also being personally challenging in its themes. I love the references to Jane Austen’s works as well. I love Thomas’ heart for his flock, and how he lives out the principles of Scripture so well in an age when it sure felt like everything and everyone who was socially acceptable would never dare to express joy or true care for those less fortunate. I love Arianna’s story that really shows redemption and change, while also keeping her strong personality and true heart character intact. Visiting characters from previous stories is always a delight, and I loved glimpsing Emme, Simon, Lottie, William, and Fia again.

I highly recommend this book. It was a wonderful read. I think readers will enjoy so much here. I think others will also love to hate some characters in this book! Well, OK, not hate. That goes against all that this book is trying to show us. But, strongly disliking some characters is highly likely, and sometimes that part of the story is the most impactful, so it is worth the conflict. Pull up a comfy chair, a cozy beverage, and maybe even a snugly blanket while you enjoy a trip to St. Groves within the pages of this book.

[Anne]

Swoon. A Regency-era romance in which the characters are reading Pride & Prejudice by an anonymous author.

It’s hard to try to summarize the plot here without too much detail. Arianna has returned home under suspicious circumstances, which in that time clearly meant she was a scandal. But it turns out her hometown is now the home to a new rector, Thomas, one who helped her escape a terrible fate and directed her to a situation that changed her into the best version of herself. And she’s exactly the type of person he wants to spend his life with. How can he follow his heart and his calling without her? Will the opinions of others keep them apart?

Did I mention swooning? (By me.) Thomas is all the green flags.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the eARC. These opinions are my own.

_____

“I believe if we were all compelled to live with earlier versions of ourselves, none of us would be wise, or strong, or brave in the ways we are required to be now.”

“But difficulty, Mr. Bridges, is often the only road toward anything worth doing.”

“Then what must I do?”
“Live. Inspire hope. And be grateful. Gratitude is a remarkable force for good.”

“Stubbornness, properly aimed, can be an instrument of grace.”

“Hope has a rather mischievous way of sticking it out, no matter the odds.”

[Kay’s Library]

✨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

[Sue]

Pride and Practicality is the follow-up to Sense and Suitability. While it isn’t necessary to read the first book, it does explain Arianna’s family more thoroughly and it introduces Thomas. He is a rector, an actually godly man who lives it what he believes. Arianna has brought shame to her family by running off with a man she wasn’t married to, and worse, leaving in the middle of a devastating time in the family.

This is a story about love, forgiveness, serving others, the importance of family, and trusting that God is sovereign over the good and the bad. There is swooning, A LOT of swooning, and gushing in the inner thoughts of both main characters which can be repetitive and slow the pace of the story. But the characters are lovely people that you genuinely want to root for as they try to overcome societal scorn and pressure.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of the Regency era.

This is Christian fiction so expect prayer and discussions of faith.

Family friendly though some parts of the story may not be appropriate for young readers.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[AnnaScott]

This was a cute book! I loved that the characters read Pride and Prejudice and loved it as much as I do, and the way that Basham wove Elizabeth and Darcy into this story was very creative. Additionally, the wit and banter in the dialogue made me laugh out loud on several occasions.

The story was very character-driven, which really capitalized on the yearning that takes place between Arianna and Thomas and highlighted the lessons that they both were learning. Basham does a great job writing Christian fiction that doesn't feel preachy or superficial, which I appreciate. The only downside to this approach for this story is that some of the "action" scenes felt a bit rushed in comparison to the more reflective sections.

My only complaint is that the main storyline was based largely on a miscommunication, which is one of my least favorite tropes. It made the conflict feel a bit contrived at times, where it felt like a solution could have been so easy if the characters just communicated better. Overall, though, it was an enjoyable read!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own, and I am writing a voluntary review.

[Christian Shelves]

Just when I thought that reading Sense and Suitability would be enough to put me into a visceral state of longing, Pride and Practicality goes and does the same thing to a greater extent! Pepper Basham is knocking these Regency stories out of the park with wildly clever dialogue paired with meaningful discourses on faith and touching scenes that draw forth every sort of emotion. It's no wonder that the Reeves siblings are so memorable in my mind, and that their transformations are well worth the wait. In enduring family scandal, Simon and Arianna demonstrate what it means to overcome past challenges to become the people they are meant to be. Readers who have already met Simon will love meeting his spirited sister who embodies resilience and fortitude through her brave actions.

While I'm gutted at how gossip can destroy people, especially victims, I'm grateful that it is addressed head-on in this story. Using pride and prejudice as references as to how we can end up treating people poorly when either or both exist, I found this book to be quite introspective while journeying with Thomas and Arianna. I love that Thomas represents a clergyman who acts with integrity, and that Arianna is not afraid to reveal how hurtful it is to be the recipient of gossip. They both feel real in how they respond to the people in their society, making their experience even more timeless. Thomas' joy in the Lord is noteworthy, allowing us to see the contrast between true religion and performative religion. If you are a fan of Jane Austen and are looking for a faith-driven story that looks beyond the surface, this romance considers what the real cost of love is and why it matters that we do the right thing over doing what is easiest.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.