The Regency seems to have permanently taken up a spot on our screens, with Bridgerton, Sanditon, Persuasion, and Mr. Malcolm’s List all out in the first half of the year. (And I am all for it- there can never be enough Regency material for me.) Mr. Malcolm’s List has had a theatrical release here in North America already and a UK release scheduled for the end of August. So if you are waiting to see MML or want to immerse yourself in the Regency period after seeing it, I would recommend Miss Lattimore’s Letter!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Miss Lattimore’s Letter, Suzanne Allain
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?
Why You Should Read This…
Suzanne Allain wrote the fantastic Mr. Malcolm’s List, and then followed it up with Miss Lattimore’s List. Both are funny, light-hearted, and incredibly entertaining Regency romances. Miss Lattimore’s Letter is set in Bath, one of my favourite cities to visit! Allain has clearly done her research on the city, and I felt like I was back walking those golden, neoclassical streets.
The book definitely does have Jane Austen vibes, but is still its own novel; it is not merely rearranged Austen. I would say that it is certainly lighter in tone than Austen! (And with the state of the world what it is right now, I appreciate having lighter material.)
Both Miss Lattimore’s Letter and Mr. Malcolm’s List are clean romances, so it would be appropriate for young teens and up.
Is Miss Lattimore’s List on your to-read list?
Cheers,
The Historian
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