Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham

Rating: Needs Minor Parent Supervision (Closed-Door Romance)

Reading Level: High School, Adults

A closed-door romance that points often to Jane Austin’s Sense and Sensibility and is written in the same culture and era. The plot is clever, and the romance is technically clean and goes only so far as passionate kisses. I am dreading writing this review because if you’re ok with closed door romance, then you will likely disagree with any of these concerns, and I recognize I’m ultra conservative. :)

Possible concerns: (These are not critiques specific to this book—I think the author did a great job within the genre—but rather they are a critique of the genre of romance novels—even closed door romance novels that don’t go into sexual details.)

1. Song of Songs warns several times against awakening romance before its proper time. The kisses give plenty of details about the feel of his breath close to hers, the rush of heat, the electrifying touch, the taste of his kiss, the feel of his hands on her body, her clutching at his shirt… Even though hands stay in places generally accepted by our current culture for unmarried relationships, there is passion, heat, and emotions that I’d prefer my daughter reserve for enjoying more fully in marriage. I’m guessing that the kisses would be deemed appropriate for many Christian families and are aligned with other closed-door romance novels—I am probably more conservative than most families on this topic.
2. They set an impossible standard for romance. Poor men! They are doomed! Even lovely men like my own AMAZING husband—can’t live to the standard that this novel and others like it set with the prince charmings. I will admit that in this book Basham does write the male hero to have some minor weaknesses, which is refreshing.
3. The idolization of romantic love. Our culture puts romantic love on a high pedestal, and books in this genre certainly continue to support the misplaced identity and sense of purpose. Again, this is more a critique of the genre than of this particular book.
4. This book excites the heart and the emotions. I think of Proverbs warning, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” If young single women read books like this, it will almost certainly bring up desires and longings. The dangers include jumping too soon into dating or marriage because of excitement around the physical benefits, objectifying men as sources of giving her this feeling instead of as truly pursuing companionship with the person in front of them, and disillusionment with current husbands that they are not the Prince Charming that they read about.

Again, the above concerns are not a critique of this author or book specifically but rather more of the genre of closed-door romance novels. Aside from the above concerns that I have with all romance novels (even closed-door romance), I like that the book emphasizes character, self-sacrifice, forgiveness, and valuing character over money, reputation, or society’s expectations.

Parents, I leave it to you to decide whether the timing is right for your daughters. I know I’m probably sensitive because I don’t read this type of book often, so take my warnings with a grain of salt. Nevertheless, I wonder whether it is biblically wise for unmarried women to read even closed-door romance, and for married women to spend too much time with them.

I expect most families won’t mind their daughters reading this genre, but as for me, I’m going to encourage my daughter to consider whether reading something else is one way she can love her future husband and insodoing enjoy more authentic and realistic lived experiences with love and romance.

If you do enjoy this book, you should also check out The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. It’s in the same era, witty and clever, and it’s also got similar romance.

Also, if you like closed-door romance there are some great websites that review more books and support the genre, which is just not for me. Check out booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com and others that support closed-door romance.