Book Title: PRIDE & PRACTICALITY
Character Name: Charlotte Reeves
How would you describe your family or your childhood?
Chaotic. No one knows what to do but me. I’m glad to report that my brother, Simon, who happens to be my guardian, has finally learned the error of his ways so I can stop trying to take care of everything on my own. His new wife has certainly helped.
What was your greatest talent?
Taking charge of things, but I suppose my siblings would say “eavesdropping”. I certainly hope they see it as a talent. I’ve helped a lot of people by being in the right place at the right time.
Significant other?
(grimace) Not you, too? Simon and Emme have already told me that I will likely have to start going to balls soon. To be honest, I’m only excited about it because I can finally watch people who don’t live in my house, but finding a . . . husband? No, thank you.
Biggest challenge in relationships?
If you mean relationships as in my family, then it’s trusting people. I’ve either lost too many people or felt abandoned by them to entirely trust them to do what is needed. That’s why listening in on conversations is so important, so I can make sure everyone is pulling their own weight.
Where do you live?
Ravenscross Hall near St. Groves in Derbyshire England.
Do you have any enemies?
I hope so. It makes life so much more interesting.
How do you feel about the place where you are now? Is there something you are particularly attached to, or particularly repelled by, in this place?
Our family has had a difficult past few years, but I think things are improving, especially with Simon’s marriage and now Arriana is back home. Though, she’s interested in the rector, which seems a great waste of time, if you ask me. Her past and his profession? I don’t see how it can ever happen. But I’m happy to report that our family, with Emme’s help, is certainly improving and I feel less like I have to fix everything for everyone.
Do you have children, pets, both, or neither?
Sometimes I feel as though my little sister, Fia, is a pet, but no . . . I have no pets and am not interested, especially at fifteen, in having any children.
What do you do for a living?
I’m fifteen. I live.
Greatest disappointment?
The way I’ve made Simon’s life, and probably Arianna’s too, more difficult with my . . . behavior. I’m much too quick to react than think, I’m afraid, but – if we’re being honest – sometimes they deserve it.
Greatest source of joy?
I love riding horses and reading. But if you want a more serious answer, then I do love my family. Especially now. And, but don’t tell anyone, I like helping children, but I didn’t know that until Arianna returned.
What do you do to entertain yourself or have fun?
As stated above, I love to ride horses and read. I also, according to my family, find a great deal of enjoyment in listening in on conversations I shouldn’t.
What is your greatest personal failing, in your view?
That I’m neither independently wealthy or a man. Either of those would give me much more power and control than I currently have as a fifteen-year-old young woman born to a family of questionable means (at present) in 1814. Besides, men can duel and shoot pistols without it staining their reputations. (Regardless, I’m going to learn both if given the chance).
What keeps you awake at night?
Fia’s pet squirrel. Otherwise, I sleep just fine.
What is the most pressing problem you have at the moment?
Did I mention the ball?
Is there something that you need or want that you don’t have? For yourself or for someone important to you?
It would be nice to be conveniently rich. Then I could have more control over my future, but also help my family.
Why don’t you have it? What is in the way?
See the answer to #13
PRIDE AND PRACTICALITY by Pepper Basham
A low-spice, high-swoon Regency rom-com
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.
In Pride and Practicality, Pepper Basham delivers a Regency romcom 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.
Christian Historical | Christian Romance [ Thomas Nelson, On Sale: November 3, 2026, Paperback / e-Book / audiobook, ISBN: 9780840717719 / eISBN: 9780840717894 ]
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About Pepper Basham
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus. Her debut historical novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015 and has garnered awards such as Reader’s Favorites Award, finalist in the Grace Awards, and shortlisted for the Inspy Awards. Her second historical novel, The Thorn Keeper, released in Feb 2016 and her first contemporary romance, A Twist of Faith, released in April 2016 with a 4 star review from Romantic Times.
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