Book Description:
In a world ruled by reputation, compassion may be the most scandalous act of all. Perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Eloisa James looking for a low-spice, witty Regency romance. “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a reader in possession of a good humor, must be in want of a Pepper Basham book–and Pride and Practicality is one of her best.” –Karen Witemeyer
Arianna Reeves knows how quickly admiration can turn into exile. One poorly placed trust, one disastrously charming rake, and she is no longer society’s darling–but its favorite cautionary tale.
Now returned home–uninvited and unmistakably whispered about–Arianna is determined to make amends with her estranged family and do something useful with her thoroughly ruined life. Even if polite society would prefer she did it at a very great distance from anyone respectable.
Thomas Bridges, a principled clergyman with an inconvenient habit of thinking for himself, is already walking a narrow line. His congregation expects propriety, his mother expects matrimony, and both have very firm opinions about his future. Thomas, however, would prefer a life guided by conviction . . . even when it proves impractical.
When Arianna repeatedly–and quite disruptively–crosses his path, Thomas faces a dilemma no sermon prepared him for. She is not at all what she ought to be: not dull, not foolish, and–most dangerously–not someone he can overlook, but a kindred spirit who shares his passion for service and his troubling habit of defying society’s expectations . . . all with good intentions, of course.
As their forbidden acquaintance deepens into something far more perilous than friendship, Arianna and Thomas must decide: preserve their reputations, or risk them entirely for the good of others—–and their own hearts.
Because in a society that measures worth by perfection, choosing grace, mercy, and love may cost them everything–and give them more than they ever hoped to find.
In Pride and Practicality, Pepper Basham delivers a Regency rom-com brimming with lively banter, heartfelt charm, and just enough mischief to keep propriety on its toes. With a kisses-only romance that sparkles with chemistry and a story rich in faith, humor, and second chances, this delightful tale invites readers to laugh, sigh, and fall in love with a romance that is as meaningful as it is joyful.
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading Pride and Practicality, a delightful regency romcom set in Derbyshire, England. Arianna returns home after being away for a year, an unexpected heiress with her reputation ruined because she mistakenly trusted a clergyman. The wolf in sheep’s clothing who ruined her was a curate in training to become a rector.
Thomas is the new rector in Arianna’s home village and his cousin recently married Arianna’s brother, the viscount. They are strangers when they meet in the Prologue. Thomas rescues Arianna from a tricky situation at a ball. They’re drawn to each other and his kindness, without strings attached, changes the direction of her life.
I love journeying with Thomas and Arianna in the story. Their romance is sweet and complicated by Arianna’s prejudice against clergymen. Arianna’s homecoming is challenging. Her family is broken and she’s dealing with trauma and loss, including grieving her mother.
Thomas struggles to manage his ridiculous matchmaking mother who refuses to consider Arianna as a potential match because society has shunned Arianna. His faith is challenged because he has a servant heart and a calling from God to care for the poor, including the orphaned children. Arianna shares his passion for helping the neglected children, despite the opposition they encounter from mean-spirited parishioners who only care about their own comfort.
I loved the LOL funny romcom moments involving quirky side characters. The scene in the early chapters where Thomas and Arianna meet again for the first time since the ball is hilarious. The story is underpinned by faith themes that are beautifully written and sensitively handled, including the consequences of spiritual abuse. I loved Arianna’s healing journey and the satisfying romantic story ending.
I recommend Pride and Practicality to regency romance readers who like romcoms with adorable characters, family drama, pride and prejudice themes, and strong faith elements including redemption and forgiveness themes.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
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