Sense and Suitability By Pepper Basham
If you love clean, Christian romance with a dash of humor, you will adore Pepper Basham (if you haven't already discovered this beloved author. Fans of Jan Turano, and Karen Witemeyer will love Pepper Basham's sweet humor and the way she weaves gospel truths throughout her novels. In her newest book, Sense and Suitability, Basham does not disappoint. Set in England, regency fans will not want to miss this newest novel. (Jane Austin fans will love her references to the beloved author throughout the pages).
Pepper Basham has such a unique way of bringing her characters to life - both their good and bad character traits - so readers are able to identify with them without feeling preached at. In Sense and Sensibility, Emmeline Lockhart and Simon Reeves began a courtship, and were even secretly planning to become engaged. That is until Simon's world comes crashing down around him. Fast forward two years and Emme (Emmeline) while trying to overcome a broken heart has also began breaking societal rules by taking her future into her own hands writing gothic style romances under a male pseudonym - with the desire of supporting herself and having no need for a husband.
Simon, on the other hand, needs a wife quickly (a wealthy one to boot). Simon has not only unexpectedly inherited the title of Viscount of Ravencross, but his father and uncle's debts. Then when his mother passes away, he becomes guardians to his three younger siblings. He know has three precocious children, a crumbling estate, and massive gambling debts. His older sister has run away, and after two years of chasing her across England, Simon has returned as the black sheep. He is not only responsible for bring back his family fortune and good name, but building the fragile bridges of relationships with his impressionable siblings.
Emme, at this point, can only offer Simon friendship and some help and advice along the way. Although a gentle woman, with a small dowry, it is not near what Simon needs (what makes the most sense). Throw in some well meaning Aunts, and Simon and Emme are thrown on the path that is what society dictates and what looks good on paper based on societal norms and expectations.
That, however readers, is not the end of their story. Pepper brilliantly weaves God's sovereignty throughout; and more importantly how God's story intersects with our story creating a beautiful story by the author and perfector of our faith. God has a plan, and his ways and thoughts are not our ways and thoughts. Through friends dear friends and a little help thrown in from Jane Austin's own Sense and Sensibility, Simon and Emme are reminded to trust in God to finish their story. As they grow, they begin to learn to trust each other once again, learning with God all things are possible. If we give God our hearts desires-He fulfills them in unexpected ways (more than we ever thought or imagined possible).
Pepper Basham has become one of my favorite authors, and this newest book scheduled for publication on October 14, 2025 does not disappoint. With her humor and complex characters, Basham always weaves together a beautiful and touching romance - always pointing to the greatest story teller ever. After reading this, I was led to reflection on the greatest love story of all found in scripture: God's redemption story set into motion from the beginning of time in Genesis.
Simba gives this book 4 paws and loves Midas (the cat) and Blast (pet frog) who make occasional, yet delightful appearances throughout. This is that perfect regency romance to curl up with in your favorite chair and be taken on a journey back in time with characters that will touch your heart and lighten your spirit. I want to give a special thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC to read and review. Happy Reading!!
"God says don't worry about your future. He is the author of your story and has already written the final chapter." Max Lucado
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