Sense and Suitability - Book Review

I'm a hopeless Jane Austen fan. I can't tell you how many times I've watched and rewatched the movie adaptations of her books and argued which Pride and Prejudice movie/Mr. Darcy is the best (I'm Team 1995/Colin Firth; but if you're not, we can agree to disagree).

I'm also a huge fan of Pepper Basham's books, so when I found out she had written a book with JA influences, I was thrilled. Then I got an advanced copy of the book a full three months before it released. Cue celebratory dancing!

If you're a Pepper Basham or Jane Austen fan, this book is for you!

Plot Summary

This year's season at St. Groves is shaping up to be the worst for Emmeline Lockhart. Not only is her aunt intent on finding her a rich husband, but Emmeline's almost-fiancé Simon Reeves will be entering the season looking for a rich wife. Between that and hiding her scandalous career as an authoress, she's settling in for a miserable time.

Simon Reeves has done everything he could to pay his inherited debts and take care of his younger siblings, but it hasn't been enough. Just as he resolves to bite the bullet and marry for money, he meets Emmeline again. Things are further complicated when his aunt gives him an allowance on condition he finds a governess, marries by the end of the season, and avoids scandal at all costs.

Since Emmeline and Simon can't avoid each other despite their efforts, they agree to be friends and she volunteers to help him find a suitable bride. But the chemistry between them makes it difficult to keep things platonic. Will duty dictate their actions, or will love find a way to bring them together despite the circumstances?

Personal Thoughts

Emmeline is a great heroine. She's big-hearted, passionate, and a force of nature and I loved her. Her talent as a writer has to be kept hidden because of society's rules, but in the end she decides to embrace her profession, no matter what others say.

At first, I wasn't sure if I would like Simon. I mean, he left Emmeline by sending a note saying "sorry" and that was it. But he turned out to be a good guy, just one who made mistakes. He had the reputation of a rake, even though he wasn't one. In the end I felt bad for him. Between juggling his finances and his siblings, he had his hands full.

From the beginning both acknowledged to themselves they still had feelings for the other, yet both had a reason for not pursuing the match. Emmeline knew her being an author would bring scandal to him and Simon knew she wasn't rich enough to please his aunt or pay his debts. Thus began a "friendship" while Simon continued searching. The tension between them was strong and the chemistry stronger. So I celebrated when they finally were able to be together.

Not only were the main characters engaging, but the side characters were so entertaining! Simons' younger siblings were all adorable in their own way, but Fia (the five year old) was my favorite. Between her carrying around a frog named Blast (short for Blast-It-All) and gathering "diamonds" for Simon's debts, she stole my heart. Then there was Aunt Bean. Her lessons on "how to catch a husband" were one of my favorite parts. Also the villain Selena was horrible *shudders*.

This books isn't a retelling of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility per se, but it had similar themes to Austen's work.

Notes

This book is best for teenagers and adults.

Steam Level: 💋💋💋

For those of you who have read Sense and Suitability, what did you think of it? For those of you who haven't read it, would you? Tell me what you think on social media here or in the comments below!