Miss Lattimore's Letter

By: Suzanne Allain

Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden

Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

The woman who never made a match of her own is making matches for everyone else in this hilarious Regency-era comedy of manners.

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 uninvolved while aiding him in his search (especially since the gentleman surely does not return her affections).

But when her long-lost love and Sir Edmund both seem to be interested in courting 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?

©2021 Suzanne Allain (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Get ready to read well past bedtime with Allain’s classic Regency romance and its shrewd, funny heroine, who turns her talent for matchmaking into a match of her own.” (Library Journal, starred review)

“Realistically varied motivations and small social deceptions build a sense of intrigue, and tender interactions generate a deeper sense of connectedness and hope...every reader will finish the book with a satisfied smile.” (Booklist)

“This is an insightful novel of manners.... 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.” (Historical Novel Society)

Great Book! In the spirit of Jane Austen & Georgette Heyer

I absolutely loved this book! Suzanne Allain’s fun visit to the Regency period was excellent, I look forward to many more. One of my new favorite authors.
Elizabeth Knowelden does a great job capturing the essence of the Regency style.

All the convolutions and silliness

When I think about it this book reminds me of Austin’s Emma. The central lady feels she can get positive results without considering the repercussions of her actions. She does not seem so vane but rather innocent. The matches are fun to track…so many characters seemingly representing various elements of society.

Cute and sweet

Classic style of missed cues. I liked the characters and there progressions. I wish there was a little more depth in the male parts.

Wonderful feel good story!

Absolutely fantastic narration, which fits the story and period perfectly. Such a joy, can’t wait to read the rest of Ms. Allain’s novels. 

Love this title so much

Wonderful writing, I found myself laughing, gasping, and blushing while listening to this title. While the outcome was predicable, it didn’t stop me from listening to all of it until the conclusion. If you enjoy reading Jane Austin, you love this title.

Exceptional story!

I absolutely love both of Suzanne Allains books! What a refreshing twist on a classic storyline. I highly recommend these novels for any romantic...

A wonderful story with unexpected twists.

This was a well written story with beautifully flawed characters. The pain of courtship in a society with so many formal structures, is imaginatively illustrated by the author. I highly recommend this book.

Charming throughout.

A well-meaning letter leads to all manner of complications in this historical romance much in the period style of Jane Austen and just as delightful and intelligent a piece it is. A spinster and poor relation becomes a chaperone for her 18-year-old female cousin which starts this tangled web of slight misunderstandings. Along the way the spinster finds two men vying for her hand in marriage, the cousin cannot make up her mind about two possible suitors and the heroic spinster tries her best to lose her reputation as a matchmaker if society would only let her. Narrator Elizabeth Knowelden deftly manages all the characters much to my listening pleasure.

Sweet and funny!

Creative writing and interesting unique story line . I am looking for more from this author.

Cute story

It was very hard to distinguish the characters. The narrators voice didn’t change much between characters which made it hard to get into. But a cute story, worth listening to.