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freireh25 's review for:
Sense and Suitability
by Pepper Basham
I haven’t read historical romance in such a long time, but lately I found myself craving romantic stories — and stumbling upon Sense and Suitability was such a wonderful surprise. Pepper Basham delivers a charming and witty homage to Jane Austen, blending Regency romance with a fresh, modern sensibility in a way that feels cozy, uplifting, and full of heart.
This is a short novel where the plot moves quickly, keeping you engaged from start to finish. I truly loved our heroine, Emme, and her “secret,” which made the story even richer. Her passion is something she’s willing to fight for, and that determination gave her character a special spark. Simon, our hero, did frustrate me at times with the way he acted toward Emme, but thankfully his character arc developed nicely by the end, making his journey satisfying to watch unfold.
Basham also shines in creating secondary characters who all have weight, purpose, and distinct personalities. Their roles enrich the story and deepen the world around Emme and Simon. I especially found myself wanting to know more about Arianne — and I sincerely hope that if there’s a sequel or companion novel, we’ll get to follow her story next.
My only small complaint is that I was hoping for the scene of the first proposal to be expanded — either given a longer chapter or even a chapter of its own. It felt like a moment that deserved just a bit more space to breathe. That said, everything else was so enjoyable and heartwarming to read.
With sweet, faith-filled themes of family, forgiveness, and self-discovery, Sense and Suitability offers a delightful balance of heart, humor, and historical flair. Perfect for fans of Austen retellings, clean historical romance, and feel-good love stories with thoughtful characters, this novel is a lovely addition to your TBR.
This is a short novel where the plot moves quickly, keeping you engaged from start to finish. I truly loved our heroine, Emme, and her “secret,” which made the story even richer. Her passion is something she’s willing to fight for, and that determination gave her character a special spark. Simon, our hero, did frustrate me at times with the way he acted toward Emme, but thankfully his character arc developed nicely by the end, making his journey satisfying to watch unfold.
Basham also shines in creating secondary characters who all have weight, purpose, and distinct personalities. Their roles enrich the story and deepen the world around Emme and Simon. I especially found myself wanting to know more about Arianne — and I sincerely hope that if there’s a sequel or companion novel, we’ll get to follow her story next.
My only small complaint is that I was hoping for the scene of the first proposal to be expanded — either given a longer chapter or even a chapter of its own. It felt like a moment that deserved just a bit more space to breathe. That said, everything else was so enjoyable and heartwarming to read.
With sweet, faith-filled themes of family, forgiveness, and self-discovery, Sense and Suitability offers a delightful balance of heart, humor, and historical flair. Perfect for fans of Austen retellings, clean historical romance, and feel-good love stories with thoughtful characters, this novel is a lovely addition to your TBR.