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.

I will read anything Pepper Basham writes, but this series is my favorite by far. I love these characters, the tender and witty writing and the message. It does just what a good book ought- makes you feel, think, and leave with hope.

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 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!

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.

Pride and Practicality
By Pepper Basham

This book is so good. Beautiful story and still so fun. Thomas and Arianna’s story is packed with the best banter, joy, heartache, and love.
I started this book and my first thought was “this book is going to break my heart first isn’t it?” Haha. I loved the opening scenario and the second chance meeting was perfectly done! Thomas is genuine and kind. He’s good hearted and has a strength to him. She is independent and smart. I loved both of their personalities. After going through all she has, she wants to help people. There were so many parts of this book that had me cheering. No spoilers though, but 5 stars and recommend.

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

Review of advance reader copy received from NetGalley

This book was so good. I really had a hard time putting it down. I love the way faith is incorporated in the story. Thomas and Arianna were so adorable together. They were quite literally the perfect match. I also loved the side characters especially Emme. Her friendship with Arianna was beautiful. Thomas was an amazing character. He was not perfect but the way he doesn’t judge harshly and cares about the destitute was amazing. His determination, love and caring nature were really remarkable. Arianna was really suited for him. I also really loved the friendships present in this book. I loved the way both Thomas and Arianna took care of the children. The way they both take care of each other and break society’s notions of marriage that it should be based only on equal social standing was nothing short of amazing. The way they love each other………..❤️❤️

I give my thanks to the author, publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC

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!

I thoroughly enjoyed this reimagining of Pride and Prejudice. Ms. Arianna Reeves suffers a scandal when she entrusts a clergyman to wed her, only to discover he was after her fortune; finding none, he attempts to ruin her reputation entirely. She succeeds in fleeing from him and runs into another aspiring clergyman, Mr. Thomas Bridges. A compassionate man, Mr. Bridges provides Ms. Reeves with a contact to help her attempt to repair her reputation.

I loved how Pepper Basham crafted such a beautiful love story, filled with witty banter, forgiveness, humor, and action. It was heartwarming to see how Ms. Reeves and Mr. Bridges sought only to help one another, eventually falling for each other in the process. I also adored Ms. Reeves’s family and seeing how strategic her sister-in-law was in setting her up. My only complaint is that I finished this too fast—I simply wanted more of this story!

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.

Pepper Basham has done it again! This was a delightful read from start to finish! The book is full of themes of second chances and redemption. The plot was well-paced and the characters were charming and witty. This is definitely one I'll read again! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

PRIDE AND PRACTICALITY by PEPPER BASHAM is an absolutely delightful Regency romance which closely follows Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, just as Sense and Suitability, the book in which we are introduced to the unforgettable characters, does Sense and Sensibility. The novel is more than just a rom-com. There is depth of character and a strong Christian message underlying the story.
Arianna Reeves is rescued from the rake who destroyed her reputation by Thomas Reeves at a ball in Leeds. They meet up again in St Groves where she has returned to her family at Ravenscross and he is rector of Greenleigh chapel. She is wary of clergymen, but she soon finds that she and Thomas have a lot in common. They have the same passion for helping those in need, especially children……
Although she is afraid that her brother Simon, Viscount of Ravenscross, will not accept her, she finds he has changed since marrying Emmeline, the love of his life. It is harder to find acceptance in the social set…….
The story is beautifully told, with witty dialogue, the characters’ behaviour closely following those in Pride and Prejudice, Scripture references and the scrapes that the indomiable Arianna manages to get into……
It is a story about how love, mercy and grace can change situations…….
I cannot recommend this lovely read highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

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!

This book completely swept me away from start to finish. It has clear, loving references to Pride and Prejudice woven throughout—misunderstood reputations, sharp social judgment, and a slow-burn love that has to survive gossip, pride, and misunderstanding—while still feeling fresh, emotional, and entirely its own story.
The dialogue had so many memorable lines that made me pause, smile, and sometimes just sit with the weight of them. I laughed, I cried, and I stayed fully invested from beginning to end.
Thomas was such a standout hero—steady, faithful, and willing to choose love even when it cost him everything. Not perfect, but deeply good in the ways that matter most, and completely unforgettable in his devotion. Arianna was equally compelling—strong, gracious, and quietly brave, even when her name and heart were under fire.
And I truly loved the depth of this story. It isn’t just romance—it’s redemption, trust rebuilt, and grace meeting people in their most vulnerable, misunderstood moments. The emotional journey felt layered, honest, and so satisfying.
And that ending… just beautiful. Full of hope, joy, and that quiet ache of everything finally being made right. I closed the book smiling, a little teary, and very glad I went on the journey with them.

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.

I loved this book from the beginning and of course it’s Pepper so I will read any of her books
And the title had me hooked too ❤️🤩
I love the clean romance and the beautiful cover . I highly recommend to anyone that loves Pepper’s books and clean romance
Thank you NetGalley and publishers

This book thoroughly undid me in the most delightfully romantic way. After reading the first book in this series, I was eagerly anticipating the second. Pride and Practicality by Pepper Basham did not disappoint. As good—if not better than—Sense and Suitability, this novel thrilled, entertained, and humored me. I found the plot so immersive and engaging that it wasn’t easy to put the book down. I adored the witty banter, expert dialogue, and insightful prose. Pepper Basham has an uncanny gift for making readers feel as if they are right there in the thick of the Regency era, dealing with the impractical expectations of society. Thomas had earned my admiration in the first book, so I was excited to have him as the main character in this one. And it was great to see Simon and Emmeline again in supportive roles. The Pride and Prejudice vibes also added to this book’s charms for me. I loved the whimsical flair given to Austen's classics in these similar stories. Definitely a book I highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was another delightful regency romance from Pepper Basham.

Arianna Reeves knows she isn't perfect and has plenty of regrets. Her bravery and selflessness shine through. And love how she receives grace and love when she least expects it. Thomas Bridges isn't looking for a wife despite his mother's meddling, but when he sees Arianna again, he starts hearing wedding bells, unfortunately, Arianna's reputation doesn't bode well for matrimony to a clergyman.

I loved both protagonists and enjoyed the entire cast of characters (with the exception of a few of the antagonists).

I received a review copy from NetGalley and this is my honest feedback.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pepper Basham for this Arc- opinions are all my own.

Pepper Basham hasn’t let me down yet- her writing is so superb with quotables every chapter and her clean romance tropes inspire me with each book. This regency romance has so many allusions to Pride & Prejudice, and feels Dickens’ like with the passion for orphans and the lower class ostracizing of that time period (and let’s be honest, still happens today!). Arianna and Thomas are protagonists you’re rooting for, and the historical details of the tile are beautifully woven in to remind us of proper expectations, the dangers of fevers, and the clergyman roles of a community. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves regency reads with a reminder that Christians who go to church, but don’t serve their people aren’t really praising Jesus, but themselves. I also loved the capitalization of Hope, Providence, and Grace, just as Victorian novels do.

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 her husband.
So she had a unique point of view I 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.

I really enjoyed getting into this world, it had that Regency romantic comedy and had that overall feel that I was wanting. I was invested in Arianna and Thomas' relationship and enjoyed getting into this world and how it grows. The characters worked well in this universe and time-period and was invested from start to finish of their story. The writing was everything that I wanted and was glad I got to get back into Pepper Basham's writing and hope to read more.

An absolutely beautiful romantic journey is this story! Who knew a rector could be so swoony?! The chemistry between Thomas and Arianna is so tenderhearted with all the emotions. Regency fans get ready to swoon and sigh!!



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

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!