Audiobook Review: Miss Lattimore’s Letter

Author: Suzanne Allain

Narrator: Elizabeth Knowelden

Audiobook Length: 6 hours 45 minutes

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?

Miss Lattimore’s Letter is a fun regency romance. The story follows twenty-eight year old spinster Sophronia (Sophie) Lattimore, who lives with her aunt and her cousin, Cecilia in Bath. She became a spinster after not securing an engagement during her own coming out Season. As it is Cecilia’s first season out, she is counting on Sophie to chaperone her. When Sophie overhears a man about to propose to the wrong woman, she writes an anonymous letter informing him of the right potential match. The letter is discovered by society and soon Sophie finds herself with the reputation of a matchmaker.

Because of her new reputation, Sir Edward Winslow who seeks her services approaches her. Over time, Sophie finds herself having romantic feelings towards Edward, but the situation becomes more complicated when a man from her past reappears. During her own Season, she was courted by Mr. Frederick Maitland, but he did not propose to her and ended up in a marriage with another woman. Now as a widower, he has re-entered her life to court her again. Sophie finds herself torn between the two suitors as she tries to navigate the best choice for her. Sophie’s love life is not the only focus of the story as Cecilia is dealing with her own love triangle between Mr. Hartley and Lord Courtney.

The story is full of a lot of fun and exploration into the pressures on regency era couples. Lifelong matches are typically made in a short period of time, so some people end up with those with relationships that will not last. One such case is one of Sophie’s matches who is not satisfied with her current relationship. It is an interesting insight into the romances from this time period and the pros and cons of this type of “dating,” where some relationships end up working and others do not. As the novel follows more than one character, there is an element present for every reader.

Overall, the novel is fast-paced and easy to understand each plot and subplot. There are multiple emotional growths for individual characters, friendships, family, and, of course, romances. The writing is witty and there are many humorous moments included throughout the pages. As the novel is on the shorter side, at times, I did wish for it to be expanded, especially some of the dialogues. There was a lot to enjoy in this novel and I look forward to reading more from the author in the future!