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PEOPLE has an exclusive first look at Pepper Basham’s new romcom A Brewed AwakeningThe small town love story is rooted in Basham’s upbringing in the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with pop culture favorites like Pride and Prejudice and The Great British Bake OffThe novel will arrive via Thomas Nelson, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, next year
Pepper Basham is bringing English charm to Appalachia in her latest novel.
The celebrated author cooks up a new romance in her latest book, A Brewed Awakening, out next year from Thomas Nelson, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. PEOPLE has an exclusive first look at the cover.
Set in Wisteria, a quaint mountain town in North Carolina, the novel follows Daphne Austen, who runs her late grandmother’s English tearoom Tea Thyme. She leads an orderly existence, until an “aggravatingly handsome Brit” named Finn Dashwood opens a pub next door, per the book’s official synopsis.
The cover of ‘A Brewed Awakening’ by Pepper Basham.
Thomas Nelson
Finn left England with his young daughter after his marriage fell apart, and is looking for a new beginning of his own. But the two business owners soon find their disagreements transforming into full-blown prank wars and a competition to cater a high-profile wedding. Daphne and Finn, along with their growing chemistry, soon find themselves the subject of their small town’s attention.
Basham is the author of contemporary and historical romances, most recently including Loyally, Luke, Some Like It Scot and Sense and Suitability. The opposites-attract love story in A Brewed Awakening, Basham tells PEOPLE, draws from some familiar influences.
“A Brewed Awakening has been both a joy and a surprising challenge to write,” Basham says. “It carries a little bit of Pride and Prejudice, a dash of The Great British Bake Off, a smidge of Hallmark and it’s topped with a generous helping of small-town Appalachian charm.”
The book is also rooted in the author’s upbringing in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and highlights the strength of community. Basham saw this up close around her home in Asheville, N.C., in the wake of Hurricane Helen in 2024.
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“We experienced the devastation firsthand, but also the extraordinary resilience of neighbors pulling together in hope and generosity,” Basham says. “That spirit of community became the heartbeat of this story — a romcom filled with personality clashes, mouthwatering food, small-town rivalries, unexpected romance and most of all, hope.”
Read below for an exclusive excerpt from A Brewed Awakening.
Pepper Basham.
Michael Kaal Photography
“If we go with your beef tenderloin and the herb-crusted chicken, I thought these might be the perfect finish.” Her gaze searched his. “But I’m not sure. The whipped cream on top feels like it’s missing something.”
That small question — that invitation — meant more than she probably realized.
He polished off the last bite and allowed the flavors another rumination before looking back at her. “Do you trust me?”
Her smile faltered a little. “Yes?”
“That sounded like a question.”
“No.” A breath. Then a firmer nod. “Yes. I trust you.”
Her answer knocked the grin right back into place. “How about a burnt sugar caramel drizzle? Served warm. Just enough bite to contrast the sweetness.”
She studied him, and he could practically see her analyzing flavor balance in real time.
“Slow-cook the sugar until it flirts with bitterness,” he continued, watching her closely, “so it deepens the whole flavor profile. Think dark honey, a touch of toffee — cuts through the richness like a well-timed wink.”
He winked to demonstrate.
Her smile bloomed — full, amused and just this side of playful. She folded her arms. “Are we still talking about the cheesecake,” she asked, “or … something else?”
Oh, she was flirting back. And his wall-pinning thoughts rushed to the front of his mind. He stepped closer. “I was talking about dessert, Miss Austen. What exactly were you talking about?”
Color rose in her cheeks. She gestured vaguely toward the container. “The dessert. Obviously.” Her gaze lingered on his mouth. “Of course.”
“You know,” he murmured, gaze dropping to her mouth for half a heartbeat, then he gestured inside. Just a few more minutes with her. Or an hour? Or … maybe forever? “It’s raining. You’re here. And you brought cheesecake.”
“Ooh …” The word shivered out of her and her attention gave his lips a once-over before she glanced behind her as if someone might be watching. “It’s late. I’d better get back to my apartment.”
“Probably smart.” He nodded, drawing in a calming breath. “Or I’m going to kiss you right here on the porch and scandalize the neighborhood.”
Her bottom lip dropped and a tiny squeak emerged. He almost carried through on his threat. She took a step back, despite the way her attention kept shifting to his lips.
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The woman was going to drive him mad.
“Are you still fine with watching Lucy tomorrow after school? I know the timing is all wrong, but I need to meet with the food inspect—”
“You know I never mind spending time with Lucy.” Her grin spread. “She can help me taste test a few items for the bridal breakfast.”
“Thank you.” He shifted a step closer, almost close enough to slip his palm right around the waist of those ridiculous pajama bottoms.
She half turned, hesitating like part of her didn’t want to go. “Of course.” Her voice went breathless again. “I’d better … you know.” She pointed toward her apartment. “Go.”
Finn watched her dash back into the rain, take the steps up to her apartment, and with a lingering look at him from across the distance — and a smile — she closed her door.
Copyright: A Brewed Awakening. Copyright © 2026 by Pepper Basham. All rights reserved.
A Brewed Awakening will hit shelves on May 6, 2026 and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.