by Suzanne Allain
Penguin Random House, 2021. 262 pages. Romance
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?
This is a delightful Regency comedy of errors. Like Allain’s
previous work, Mr. Malcolm’s List, Miss Latimore’s Letter introduces us to
another hapless heroine who eventually comes into her own. In what could almost
be called a Proper Romance, Allain builds tension between love interests to you
keep you turning pages, but doesn’t get spicy in an off-putting way. The
writing is fresh and fun while maintaining the rules of Regency etiquette. I
found myself giggling several times at the hijinks that ensue when matchmaking
is attempted. Overall, this was a great book to escape into for a few hours and
return revived and refreshed. This book is definitely for fans of Sarah Eden
and Julianne Donaldson.
If you liked Miss Lattimore’s Letter, you might like:
by Sarah Eden
Shadow Mountain, 2022. 363 pages. Romance
London,1866 - Dr. Barnabus Milligan has always felt called
to help people, whether that means setting a broken bone or rescuing the
impoverished women of London from their desperate lives on the streets as part
of his work with the Dread Penny Society. Three years ago, he helped rescue
Gemma Kincaid by marrying her in secret to protect her from her family,
notorious grave robbers who were intent on keeping her working in the trade.
But their unconventional relationship is nearly over before it begins when, six
months after they exchange vows, Gemma realizes her love for Barnabus is
unrequited. To protect her heart, she leaves, telling Barnabus to contact her
if his feelings for her ever grow beyond a sense of duty. When Gemma finally
receives a letter from Barnabus, inviting her to return home, she hopes to find
a true connection between them. But she quickly learns that he only wants her
help to foil the Kincaids, who have been terrorizing the boroughs of London,
eager to gain both money and power. Heartbroken once more, Gemma agrees to
help, but she warns Barnabus that she will not stay for long, and once she
goes, he'll never see her again. Yet as the couple follow the clues that seem
to connect the Kincaids to the Mastiff, the leader of London's underground
criminal network, Gemma and Barnabus both realize they might make a better
match than either of them suspected. Perhaps the marriage that had once saved
Gemma's life, might prove the means of saving Barnabus--and his lonely
heart--as well.
by Josi Kilpack
Shadow Mountain, 2022. 288 pages. Romance
York, England, 1819. As a once happily married woman,
Rebecca Parker lived a charmed life, but now widowed and working for a living,
she feels alone and living a mundane existence. That is until the day a valet
speeding by on a horse nearly runs her off the road. Mr. Malcolm Henry is
apologetic, gentle, and very handsome. She's instantly drawn to him, which is
why, rather than stopping him from kissing her, she finds herself kissing him
back, reigniting a nearly forgotten passion in her. But love at first sight
only happens in fairy tales--never to an ordinary woman like her. Still, she
cannot stop thinking about Mr. Henry and the kiss they shared ... But while
working in the kitchens during a fancy dinner party, she sees something
strange: the valet--the valet she kissed--is sitting at the right hand of the
baroness. She realizes that Mr. Henry is not the earl's valet; he is the
earl--Kenneth Winterton. Heartbroken, angry, and betrayed, Rebecca isn't sure
she can trust Lord Winterton, much less accept his apology. But when Lord
Winterton proves he is as kind and gentle as "Mr. Henry" was, she
finds herself willing to give him a second chance. But will he still take a
chance on her, when choosing a commoner means he might lose his inheritance?
AG
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