MISS LATTIMORE’S LETTER is a standalone historical romance by Suzanne Allain. Although this is the first book I’ve read by this author, I was thoroughly charmed by this story and these characters. Sophronia “Sophie” Lattimore is no ancient spinster, but she does seem resigned to the fact that any romantic reality may have passed her by. Sophie goes through the experience of being the poor relation acting in some servile capacity. Some keen observations, overheard conversations, and a well-written letter have her crowned “Lady Cupid” and have some looking at her to play matchmaker for them, even though her romantic prospects seem to be non-existent.

Sophie is minding her own business while acting as chaperone for her cousin Cecilia, and being a wallflower by default, when she overhears a conversation between Miss Priscilla Hammond and Mr. Hartwell. Believing she is acting for the greater good, she engineers Priscilla’s marriage to her true love Mr. Hartwell while simultaneously steering her away from a match with a prominent member of the ton. Priscilla and Mr. Hartwell end up becoming characters that keep popping up throughout the book, and in Sophie’s life – whether she wants them to or not. Romance readers will make comparisons between MISS LATTIMORE’S LETTER and Jane Austen’s EMMA, but while both stories have heroines who either consciously or inadvertently matchmake, both are considerably different. Sophie is a mature twenty-eight, but realistically flawed, and the romantic doubts lead to a few farcical scenes. Sir Edmund Winslow confides to Sophie that he is searching for a wife, but it’s unclear to her whether he genuinely wants help finding somebody else, or whether he is using this to get closer to her. She finds Edmund hard to read. Thankfully, for the reader, this story is told from alternating perspectives and can see how strongly he feels for Sophie. As much as the characters can be frustrating at times, you empathize with them and root for them. The introduction of “the one that got away” from Sophie’s past, throws a wrench in the emerging tender feelings between Edmund and Sophie, but also acts as a catalyst for quite a few things in MISS LATTIMORE’S LETTER. While the somewhat rakish Mr. Maitland didn’t do right by Sophie in the past, and acts like kind of a player now, you get the impression that he doesn’t see himself as any kind of villain. As the story progresses, I felt like Mr. Maitland wanted to try to do what he thought best, while not inconveniencing himself that much and while satisfying himself as best he can. Not particularly altruistic, but not a blackhearted villain either.

MISS LATTIMORE’S LETTER has complex characters, an engaging story, and a mix of the ridiculous and the sublimely romantic. I loved the side story involving Sophie’s cousin Cecilia and her evolution as a character, and her romance. I didn’t expect to see her with the man she happily ended up with. Suzanne Allain throws some redeeming qualities at characters you didn’t expect to sympathize with, while still making their feelings and behavior believable. I look forward to reading Suzanne Allain’s next book.

Review will be posted on 9/23/21

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.

Miss Lattimore's Letter was a little slower getting started than I had hoped for in my current read, but I stuck through it and ignored my slight bit of eye rolling over certain parts that were a little unrealistic, but I enjoyed it once I got into it. Multiple couples weave in and out of the story, more like a Jane Austen novel than a lot of modern day romances I've read. A clean, diverting read. I would recommend.

I really really liked this book! It was so much fun. I genuinely liked all of the characters and how they interacted. This was the perfect light-hearted read!

Since Sophronia Lattimore is an impoverished spinster serving as her cousin’s chaperone, she has ample opportunity to observe the conduct of those around her, and when she perceives that some might be pursuing the wrong potential marriage partner, she writes an anonymous letter. The result, however, is not only a happier realignment for all parties, but for Sophie an unwanted reputation as a matchmaker when her identity is discovered. Among those who seek her advice is Sir Edmund Winslow, a very eligible bachelor of whose attractiveness she is very well aware. Will she too find the happiness her advice has steered others towards? For that matter, will they?

This is an insightful novel of manners. No threats of violence or graphic sexual encounters so popular in many modern Regencies, but rather wellborn young people negotiating the perils of strict social conventions that often hinder more than help their serious search for a loving, or at least compatible, marriage partner. And ‘in possession of a good fortune’, of course. A title would be nice. Jane Austen’s influence is readily apparent in language usage, character conduct, and, most importantly, the subtle wit and irony that provide so much entertainment.
HNR, Issue 97 (August 2021)

Strongly recommended.

Miss Lattimore's Letter is a fun, romantic and enjoyable book. Perfect as a vacay read! I loved all the characters and how everyone interacts with each other. I always enjoy books set in beautiful places with long dresses and big hat gentlemen🎩👒😊

I had known about "Mr. Malcolm's List," the regency romance that inspired the color-conscious short film that is now going to be a feature film, so once I saw this book by the same author was being published by Berkley, I rushed to read both.

While "Mr. Malcolm's List" was very brief and somewhat farcical (author Suzanne Allain, who is also writing the screenplay will probably add more scenes) "Miss Lattimore's Letter" is a much fuller story, but still an easy, breezy read.

After Sophie Lattimore comes upon some intel, she writes a letter to a gentleman to inform him why he's about to propose to the wrong woman. When it gets out that Sophie had a hand in directing him to a much happier fate, Sophie is in demand, especially by a certain attractive Sir Edmund Winslow. Naturally Sophie becomes attracted to the very man she's trying to help, while an old flame reenters the picture, making this chaperone who was on the shelf suddenly one leg of a very confusing love triangle – if she can figure out if the men reciprocate her feelings.

I can understand why Allain's work has attracted so much attention. Both "Mr. Malcolm" and "Miss Lattimore" have strong and fun premises that establish a narrative tension right away. And even though she has a modern and arch sense of humor and voice, the bulk of the story is still firmly in the Jane Austen camp in that it's relatively clean – there's some light necking only. Safe for my mom to read!

The characterizations aren't terribly deep though. I do feel I got to know Sophie a bit more than I did Selina in "Mr. Malcolm" but I did find myself a bit frustrated by how the action was often dictated by other people - you know, those "love to hate them" meddlers, seemingly selfish relatives and villains you just want to push in front of a fast-moving four-in-hand. Also, I was disappointed because I expected there to be a LOT more of Sophie having to consult for other couples.

The main love story didn't do all that much for me either. I think maybe some better chemistry interactions would be in order (although I do think the dialogue was better in this book than in "Malcolm.")

Allain does pretty well with the world-building in Regency London, and we also get a nice jaunt to Bath! Overall, this was a light and fun read but didn't really make that much of an impression on me. Would I watch a movie version of this though? Yes! I think an onscreen adaptation would add a vitality that this is missing.

Review based on an ARC courtesy of Berkley Publishing and Netgalley

Sophie Lattimore, is living with her aunt & her cousin. She was taken in, be use there was no where else to go. She is close with her cousin but really doesn’t feel like this is gone. Non the less, she a 28, spinster.. still socializes with young people and happens to get herself in a love triangle.. She feels so fortunate, at her age & her place in society to have both men’s attention.. While fending off love for herself, she helps her cousin, who is in her own love triangle and a friend who needs love advice too.. she finds her self a match maker of sorts and she is really enjoying life..This is a light hearted, historical comedy and it was very enjoyable. It was a quick read, the characters were well developed and the settings were well depicted. Does Sophie, find lover herself? Can she help her cousins and her friends?? I am sure you will enjoy the ending.. just a perfect read for these difficult times..

I enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and I enjoyed how the relationship developed between Sophie and Sir Edmund. This was a lighter, quick read so if you're looking for something that fits those categories consider picking it up. I thought the characters were well developed, the story was well written, and I got my HEA in the end.

I'll be sure to look for more stories from Allain in the future!

This was such a fun read!
If you love historical romances that give you that fun jane austen feels with some fresh twists than this book is for you! I simply could definitely pick up and reread this whenever

Miss Lattimore's Letter was a little slow getting started, and I had to set aside a bit of eye rolling over the reputation she got as a matchmaker after one anonymous letter, but I enjoyed it once I got into it.

Multiple couples weave in and out of the story, more like a Jane Austen novel than many modern day romances (although way more focused on romance than on manners). I enjoyed the Bath setting. A clean, diverting read. I will be on the lookout for future books by the author.

First off. This cover is gorgeous. Like absolutely eye catching.

Secondly, the writing of this novel was like a modern day classic. It was done so well.

I truly enjoyed it so much!

Sophie Lattimore is her young cousin's companion in Society and wrote an anonymous letter to a young man she thought was about to propose to the wrong woman. This gave her some notoriety, enough that Sir Edmund Winslow approached her for help in finding him a wife. While she'd like to be considered, she doesn't believe he has any interest in her. The man who'd spurned her affections a decade ago seems to have some interest now. Is it going to be a repeat of her past or will she finally marry?

Miss Lattimore's Letter is told much in the manner of Jane Austen novels, and those famous novels are referenced here as well. We have the obvious romantic rivals for Sophie, who went from being the poor relation to the toast of the town. Frederick Maitland had never proposed to Sophie ten years ago, instead marrying a woman with money he mocked even after death. He's superficially handsome and everything that Society says that Sophie should want. Edmund is a bit stuffier in comparison, but genuinely cares for Sophie's opinion and gets so flustered around her that he ruins his chances whenever he progresses.

This is very much a novel of social etiquette, with misunderstandings and hurt feelings because of expectations of marriage. The only things Frederick has going for him are his looks and fortune, and he takes that to mean Sophie will practically fall over herself to marry him. Everything falls together in the final quarter of the novel, and all turns out for the best for all the characters involved.

This was an entertaining Regency romance in the vein of a cross between Jane Austen's Emma and Persuasion with a touch of the Bridgerton series thrown in for good measure. If you enjoy all the intricacies of Regency courtship this book will be right up your alley. Almost-spinster Sophie Lattimore becomes an unintended matchmaker much to her dismay and goes on an adventure to Bath with her younger cousin Cecilia where both ladies must choose between two eligible bachelors but have a hard time making up their minds. Highly recommended for a light romantic diversion and fans of Mary Balogh, Julia Quinn or Martha Waters. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy.

4.5/5

With the recent popularity of Bridgerton, and the upcoming film adaptation of Mr. Malcolm's List, there is no better to write Regency era historical romance. And Suzanne Allain is one of the best for a reason! Miss Lattimore's Letter is such an entertaining and fun read, it is everything I would expect in the best way. It is a lighter read, which is perfect in the stress of 2021. And it is set in Bath, one of my favourite cities, and Allain has clearly done her research on it! (It felt like I was back there, which rarely happens when I read.)
This is a clean romance, so there aren't any sex scenes/profanity if younger readers are interested!

A quick historical read with a romcom bent, MISS LATTIMORE’S LETTER has a nice flow and a lot of quirky characters that make for a delightful story.

Miss Lattimore, or Sophie, was taken in by her uncle’s family after her parents died. She never felt like their house was her home, and she’s more a companion for her younger cousin, Cecilia, who is only eighteen and not sure who to wed. Sophie tries to guide her but also thinks her cousin shouldn’t rush into a match if she’s not sure.

Sophie’s resigned to being a spinster and puts herself in the role of matchmaker for those in high society by writing an anonymous letter to a lord. Everyone knows Sophie’s the writer of the letter, although she had only confided in a few. She’s now not only sought after by others to help with their love lives, and is even asked to dance—something that never happens!

The story takes place in London, Bath, and the countryside. We get to see the ton both at their finest and not at their best. Several suitors turn up for Sophie: a widower she knew years ago who had hurt her very badly and Sir Edmund, who has his own secrets. But do these men want Sophie for herself or to find them a match?

What struck me as interesting is that we’re only shown the letter in full at the end of the story, when the letter is the entire basis of the story. MISS LATTIMORE’S LETTER is an entertaining romp through historical London, with plenty of romance, humor, and banter that make this a worthwhile read.

First, I read this in one go and LOVED IT.
Second, if you love Jane Austen, you’ll love this.
Third, I’m rooting for a movie adaptation please. I’ll even take a TV special. If not, I’ll go rewatch all of Austen’s.

The characters, wit, love and HEA were perfect. MISS LATTIMORE’S LETTER is a light twist of Jane Austen’s classics: Pride & Prejudice and Emma kept coming to mind. (However, they are my favorites so) The writing style is a contemporary twist on Austen’s writing.

I highly recommend if you like a full cast of characters with full personalities and a lot of love.

Side note: the narrators can be confusing. It tended to switch from paragraph to paragraph. But still flowed well!!

Miss Sophronia Lattimore is a spinster, destined to watch her younger cousin thrive society. When she encounters a couples secret conversation, she decides love must prevail. Writing an anonymous letter, Sophie changes the course of not only her life, but everyone’s around her. Maybe she isn’t destined for spinsterhood after all.

Steam: very light & closed-door

This was such a cute historical romance. Sophronia is content to being her cousins chaperone until she writes a letter informing a gentleman he’s about to marry the wrong person. She becomes known as an expert match maker after the letter helped two couples marry happily.

A Sir Edmund Winslow seeks her help in finding a bride… but Sophie soon finds herself wishing to be his bride.

This was a very light and sweet historical romance. I really enjoyed Sophie’s character and the family dynamic along with the romantic relationship!

I highly recommend if you enjoy lighter historical romances. Thank you @berkleyromance for my copy!

2.5 Stars

Miss Sophronia Latimore wrote a letter in the service of a friend to prevent the man she loves from marrying the wrong woman when the right woman has always been in front of him. Sophie gets outed as the author of this infamous letter, and life will never be the same for her.

The one thing Sophie was sure of was that she was done living as a poor relation and lonely spinster. She was determined to end her stay in Bath with an engagement. She was just not sure to which gentleman.

I absolutely love matchmaker stories and was so excited for this one. Unfortunately, there were some pretty big problems that hampered my overall enjoyment of this story.

First, there is a love triangle between the heroine, Sophie, and two suitors, Mr. Maitland, a man from her past that she fancied herself in love with, and Sir Edmund Winslow, who she is helping to find a bride. This was executed poorly because Sophie spent more time on page with the man that she did not end up with than the hero. I honestly could not believe or understand their relationship because they barely had any conversations with each other. No chemistry. Zip. Nada. Zero. It felt like their relationship was an afterthought instead of the star of the story.

There were also an excessive amount of side stories going on at the same time. I think this story could have been better had the focus been on the main couple and growing their relationship organically instead of focusing so much on the side romances.

Romance is so much more than the telling. It’s in the showing. Those little touches between a couple that convey the depth of their emotions for each other. I kept hoping that on the next page I would feel anything between these characters. I never did. I felt the author spent most of the time explaining their feelings instead of showing us how they couldn’t stay away from each other or kept thinking about each other.

Fans of Elizabeth Everett and Evie Dunmore may enjoy this book by Suzanne Allain.

~ Michelle

Cupid’s pen produces a few inkblots.

Whilst I enjoyed Sophronia Lattimore and Sir Edmund Winslow, at many times I felt I was watching a Wayang Kulit play (Javanese Shadow puppets) or a mashup of other novels I read, particularly Austenian.
Interfering in the romantic life of two couples, from her chaperone / wallflower position Sophie decides to take action to change their fate. Imagine her surprise when society decides she’s a talented matchmaker. Letter writing is such an art!
Since her father died, Sophie has lived in her aunt’s household, at her pleasure. Sophie had once looked for an engagement wth an ardent suitor, only to have the bounder up and marry a wealthier woman. Of course her society concluded that it was Sophie’s fault the gentleman had looked elsewhere. So the rotter gets off scot free. Grr!
Sophie is Austen’s Emma-like in her interference in others life, although Heyer-like in her willingness to look at her efforts and consider the truth about her so called wisdom.
The opening scene is rather funny. Alain does convey a lively sense of humor and wit at times, although I still don’t feel fully satisfied with the story as a whole. It’s in this scene that Sophie meets the socially reclusive Sir Edmund. Rather endearing.
Where Alain loses me completely is where Sophie’s ex-suitor (ex-swine IMO), Mr. Maitland, re-emerges as a widower and she contemplates him as future husband material. Really!
The road to happiness is strewn with pebbles, not quite boulders, and misinterpretations.
An enjoyable read nonetheless.

A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley