Thursday, September 23, 2021

Book Review: Miss Lattimore's Letter by Suzanne Allain

Pages: 256
Genre: Adult Historical Fiction
Pub. Date: August 10, 2021
Publisher: Berkley
Source: Publisher for review
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
 
 
Goodreads says, "Sophronia Lattimore had her romantic dreams destroyed years ago and is resigned to her role as chaperone for her cousin. Still, she cannot sit idly by when she becomes aware that a gentleman is about to propose to the wrong woman. She sends him an anonymous letter that is soon the talk of the town, particularly when her advice proves to be correct. Her identity is discovered and Sophie, formerly a wallflower, becomes sought after for her “expert” matchmaking skills.   One person who seeks her out is the eligible and attractive Sir Edmund Winslow. As Sophie assists Sir Edmund in his pursuit of a wife, she wishes she could recommend herself as his bride. However, she vows to remain professional and uninvolved while aiding him in his search (especially since the gentleman surely does not return her affections).  Three unexpected arrivals soon show up at Sophie's door—the man who once broke her heart, a newlywed who is dissatisfied with the match Sophie made for her, and the man madly in love with Sophie's cousin—all wanting her attention. But when her onetime beau and Sir Edmund both appear to be interested in her, Sophie can’t figure out if she’s headed for another broken heart­­ or for the altar. How can she be expected to help other people sort out their romantic lives when her own is such a disaster?"

 

Sophie Lattimore feels like her chances for love are over and she will forever be stuck as a chaperone; after all, she is 28 years old during the Regency period.  However, all this changes when she overhears a conversation between Priscilla Hammond and Charles Beswick.  It appears that the two aren't together, but, well, maybe they should be.  This is a problem as Priscilla is betrothed to Lord Fitzwater.  Sophie decides to remedy the situation by writing an anonymous letter to Lord Fitzwater saying he shouldn't marry Priscilla, but instead consider Lucy Barrett as she has feelings for him and they would be a better match.  Sophie thinks this anonymous letter will help avoid disaster.  Surprisingly, she is right, but once her identity is discovered, people realize that perhaps she has some legitimate matchmaking skills.  Now everyone wants Sophie's help with finding love.  How can Sophie possibly be a matchmaker, especially with how her own love life imploded. Cue more drama when Sir Winslow comes to her for matchmaking advice, but she then starts to have feelings for him.  Is it too late for Sophie or might she have a second chance at love? Suzanne Allain's Miss Lattimore's Letter is perfect for fans of Bridgerton as well as Jane Austen. It was surprisingly witty, funny, and fans of the Regency period won't be disappointed.

Sophie reminded me of a Jane Austen heroine right off the bat in Miss Lattimore's Letter. She thinks her time for love is over, but after writing that letter she is garnering so much more attention as a matchmaker.  Perhaps she can do this as all four people involved in her original matchmaking scheme have found love and become engaged!  However, the tension begins to build when Sophie herself has a chance for love again except its with one of her clients. Also, things get tricky when one of her former "clients" comes back miserable with his match, and her ex-boyfriend shows up at her door.

Allain brings to life the Regency period very well in Miss Lattimore's Letter, but doesn't give us heroine that is a bashful wallflower. I really enjoyed Sophie and was rooting for her. I wanted her to find happiness and despite her own disastrous love life and I was hoping she could find happiness for others as well.  Allain captures the witty banter of the time period and you can tell that Austen definitely influenced this novel. The best part of Miss Lattimore's Letter was the fact that there were moments that had me laughing out loud, which surprised me! 

So, if you are a fan of Bridgerton, a Janeite, or simply like Regency tales, check out Miss Lattimore's Letter. It was a nice escape, which had me smiling.  Is Miss Lattimore's Letter on your TBR list? Do you enjoy stories that take place during the Regency period? Let me know in the comments below. 

 

2 comments:

  1. This sounds really sweet, and I'm already rooting for Sophie!

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    Replies
    1. It was the perfect escape! I think you'd like it. Thanks for visiting, Angela!

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