Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Pride & Practicality by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Pride & Practicality
Author: Pepper Basham
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: November 3, 2026
Genre: Clean Regency Romantic Comedy
In a world ruled by reputation, compassion may be the most scandalous act of all.
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.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Faith Gateway | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub
My Review of Pride and Practicality
I simply adored this delightful, heartwarming rom-com from Pepper Basham. I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating; Basham’s sense of humor totally vibes with mine. I love her Regency romance books! (Actually, I just love her books no matter what genre!) I was thoroughly entertained by the entire book with its laugh-out-loud moments and its tearful ones. Yes, there were times when I wanted to throttle certain characters, but that comes naturally when you’re totally invested in what’s going on.
The characters are wonderful! Both Thomas and Ariana have the hearts of a servant. Thomas wants to build a boarding school for orphans. Arianna wants to help the poor in any way she can. At times, she puts herself in danger by heading to the rough streets in St. Groves which, naturally, causes Thomas excessive worry which makes him upset with Arianna which, in turn, makes her upset with Thomas! Much to his relief, she does agree to take someone along when she visits the poor.
These two are just so good together! The wit and playful banter between Thomas and Ariana filled me with complete joy! They share some swoon-worthy kisses that prove the depth of their love. After all, Thomas is a rector, and he could be risking his vocation by choosing a “fallen” woman. Poor Ariana! She’s the one who was wronged, yet she’s the one who gets the bad reputation. That’s just how it was in those days.
The side characters add so much to the storyline. Thomas’s mother…insert eye-roll, Ariana’s family (you’ll recognize them if you’ve read Sense and Suitability, and I highly recommend it too!), Thomas’s uncle, Jasper, Helena, and on and on. These characters add colorful moments to the story that make it that much more real! Really.
I wanted to jump into the story, find my own swoony hero, slap some characters, dress up, dress down, and get messy helping out with the orphans! Forgiveness, love, care for “the least of these,” repentance, and grace are woven throughout the book very naturally, and you never forget that you’re reading an inspirational book. Furthermore, it really IS inspiring. Never forget that we are blessed to be a blessing. You can’t take it with you, and moths and rust destroy our earthly treasures. Pride and Practicality is a beautiful picture of loving and caring for others.
I highly recommend this book, and I can’t wait to see what Basham gifts us with next. (I have a feeling, but I’m not going to guess.) If you’re a fan of Regency romantic comedies, you’ll love Pride and Practicality!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Also Available
About the Author
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a Cranford Collection copy of Pride and Prejudice, a matching journal, four Pride and Prejudice inspired bookmarks, and a copy of Pride & Practicality!
(1) additional winner will receive a signed copy of Pride & Practicality!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 4, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 11, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
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