Saturday, September 3, 2022

Miss Latimore's Letter

Miss Latimore’s Letter

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:

The Bachelor and the Bride

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.


The Valet’s Secret

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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