Although I had heard a lot about Pepper Basham, I hadn’t read her work until I picked up Sense and Suitability. A five-star read, this wonderful novel put her on my short list of favorite authors. This book was the perfect choice for me, hitting so many personal chords that my heart could not help but swoon from the intimacy. Basham’s talent in handling the exquisite homage to Jane Austen’s novel, Sense and Sensibility, instantly brought to mind all the delightful details of the beloved book, illuminating similarities without overshadowing the story she was telling.

The main characters in this book, Simon and Emmeline, were worthy of an Austen romance. Clever humor and witty banter, along with the constraints of society, beautifully weave together the story’s literary tapestry. Romantic frustration, manipulative propriety, and financial strain also thread the plot with tension that renders the narrative unpredictable.

I adored all the layered characters, from hero Simon with his need for maturity to Emmeline and her secretive writing endeavors, to all the antics of side characters like the siblings and meddling aunts. Flavorful, fun, and deliciously sweet, this story had the power to draw me into its world from the opening pages. Any fan of Regency romance will truly enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own. Click on the book cover for purchase link.