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Promise of Forever After #1

Letters for Phoebe

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When Phoebe starts receiving anonymous letters, she never once thinks the most irresponsible man in London is her correspondent. Or that she will fall in love with him.

Phoebe Kimball grew up believing in love, but after failing to find a gentleman capable of capturing her heart, she has turned more practical than romantic. She is determined to find a husband in London this Season. If only the annoying Mr. Fenwick would stop appearing every time she sets her cap at someone! When an anonymous letter arrives warning her that her current target is unsuitable marital material, Phoebe begins a relationship with the letter writer that promises something more than a practical alliance.

Griffin Fenwick does not usually care for women on the hunt for a husband, but Miss Kimball's quick wit and refusal to admit she enjoys his company intrigues him. When he realizes the gentlemen on her list of eligible bachelors is full with scoundrels, he warns her the only way he can - through a letter. As he comes to know Phoebe better, he soon realizes he wishes to put his own name on her list. If only she liked Griffin as much as she liked her anonymous correspondent.

When Phoebe realizes its been Griffin writing her all along, will she put aside practicality for love, or spurn Griffin for even trying to woo her?


Letters for Phoebe is the first in a series of books about five friends. The next four novellas will be written by authors Joanna Barker, Megan Walker, Heidi Kimball, and Arlem Hawks.

124 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2020

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1009 people want to read

About the author

Sally Britton

47 books1,270 followers
Sally Britton is sixth generation Texan, received her BA in English forever ago, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back.

Sally lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and their overly energetic Australian Shepherds, cat, and snake named Nancy. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
Profile Image for Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls).
2,193 reviews5,163 followers
August 16, 2025
4 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Regency

Welp, that was pretty cute and fit my mood for a short regency story. 🥰

I’m glad I decided to read this series in order as it seems like it will be following a group of friends and would be best to read them in their proper order to avoid spoilers.

I did think Phoebe was a bit of a snob at the beginning, but the more I saw her, the more I realized she has many different elements that create her personality.

His parents were the real MVPs of this book! It was great to see Griffin’s relationship with his parents and they were so cute together by themselves, I would honestly love to read their own story.

The change in their thoughts towards the other happened pretty fast, but the book is only 130-ish pages, so that’s not really shocking. The plot was paced well and was neither dragged or rushed at any time, which is a feat in my opinion for a novella.

I was so concerned going into this book there was going to be a third act break-up or a “how could you LIE to me [the person you’ve only known two weeks]?!?!” scene, both tropes I actively avoid because it sends my blood pressure through the roof. Color me pleasantly surprised that we do not have either of those, though there is some hurt feelings to work through. I’ll take it, my friends, I’ll take it.

Overall very cute and I look forward to continuing with the series!



Main Content-
Phoebe doesn’t believe in luck, but her and her friend send a bracelet to each other when they think the other needs their support and a couple of them comment about it being lucky.

Mentions of luck, a good luck charm, & not believing in luck; A few mentions of churches; A few mentions of mythology characters and gods; A couple mentions of fate or believing in events being fated; A mention of Phoebe wearing a cross (necklace).



No language stronger than ‘stupid’ and regency-appropriate phrase like ‘heavens, no’, ‘curse it’, ‘drat and bother’, ‘confound it’, ‘dash it all’, ‘botheration’, and ’turf and thunder’; Griffin at one point thinks that a situation merits more “colorful language” but has no desire to add to his current sins.

Mentions of gamblers, gambling, & bets; Mentions of lies, lying, & deception; Mentions of rumors & gossip; A few mentions of deaths; A couple mentions of a family’s mother being in ill-health; A couple mentions of debtor’s prison; A couple mentions of a drunkard & a tavern; A mention of a war; A mention from a young woman that women don’t need men to save them from everything (which is called a “rather progressive” view).



1 almost kiss (lasting a sentence),
1 kiss lasting 5-6 sentences,
Seeing a married couple share a (hand) kiss.

Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Tingles, Flutters, Nearness, & Noticing (up to a couple sentences); Flirting, Blushes, & Winks.

When Phoebe pulls Griffin into her carriage, he comments on not being forced to be in a compromising position with her (which she replies that she wouldn’t do such a thing with him); Phoebe and Griffin send letters to each other which for the time period is scandalous (she doesn’t know his identity, but still knows there could be a scandal if it was found out).

Mentions of reputations & chaperones; Mentions of blushes & flirting; Mentions of a romance novel; A few mentions of kisses, almost kisses, & kissing; A couple mentions of men possibly keeping mistresses; A mention of someone’s brothers and sisters “producing” many children; A mention of jealousy.
Profile Image for Drache.... (Angelika) .
1,545 reviews230 followers
February 1, 2025
I listened to this lovely book on YouTube, where the author has posted most of her books in audiobook format FOR FREE (how awesome is that?!?)

The narration by Jessica Elisa Boyd is stellar, couldn't be better. I love her voice, how she gives life to the characters. I felt transported to regency London and loved every second.

The story is heartwarming. Despite it being on the shorter side (3 hours 10 minutes) the characters are fully developed, and the relationship development is believable.

As usual for Sally Britton, there's no sex, just one kiss. Lots of beautiful feelings, though.
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,677 reviews582 followers
July 20, 2020
Griffin is my kind of hero! I absolutely loved his personality. He’s fun loving and enjoys making other laugh. His antics entertain society, but Phoebe is disdainful because of his lack of propriety. She’s a bit off-putting at first, but the author skillfully reveals her layers and why she has changed. Although the prologue introduces us to Phoebe and her four close friends at finishing school when they pledge to only marry for love, she is now concerned with finding a good man who will offer security. Griffin’s knowledge of the vices of the men Phoebe pursues leads him to warn her via anonymous letter, and a friendship blossoms through their charming and surreptitious correspondence. I loved how Griffin grew enamored of Phoebe, while she began to appreciate the finer points of his infectious personality. This is a perfect novella with a complete story arc and character development. I can’t wait for the following books in the series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,561 reviews274 followers
July 12, 2020
I love the way Britton writes. Her stories are always well done. I have had a slew of bad books lately where the leading lady is a brat, sadly this character starts as a bit of a snot. I was put off because of all the other dang books I have read that have been like this. So I wanted to give this 3 stars but I am going to bump it up to a 4 because I know if I had read this at any other time I would have loved it. The leading man and lady are opposites and have a hard time at first. The way they come together is so sweet and the end was very satisfying. I am excited to see what each story will bring. This is the first story in the series and tells of the girls involved in each book.
Profile Image for N.
143 reviews109 followers
July 29, 2023
Once upon a time I decried novellas and claimed they could never satisfy. I have thankfully since mended my foolish ways, and this story- and I predict this series- is compounded evidence on how this format can be successfully swoony and completely gratifying.

Oh, how I loved our laser-focused husband-hunting heroine scrunching up her uptight nose at the carefree merriment of our well-intentioned class clown/oft-winking flirt. Add to that he-falls-first epistolary and, say goodnight, I’m a goner. Also bonus points for hidden identity epistolary which, especially the reveal, can be tricky, and here just so well done.

This was baby’s first Sally Britton book! And if this is the great showing-not-telling she can do just with this short format, let the backlist hoarding commence. I’m a fan.

My only note for this one is that my dear Griffin Fenwick (loved how it was acknowledged their names are more YA dystopian than Regency) is a bit of a not-pennyless My Fair Lady Freddy- just a gentleman with nothing better to do than wait outside for a glance of the object of his infatuation. No other individual motivation or ambition, but, whatever, I loved him. And, though I was inevitably lamenting this was not a full novel, it’s probably for the best since a full-length amount of the concentrated charm distilling from Fenwick would probably require some sort of swooning fainting chaise.

They’re constantly thrown together, and I loved how, as playfully engaging as he is, Phoebs does not suffer fools or anyone who would mistake her for one and cuts him down right quick. Which of course makes him pay attention. You know the skies-open moment when a grump finally smiles? When the light-hearted tease gets all serious, yep, similar effect. And then he’s clandestine-correspondenced himself into a corner and has to compete with his own written communications-so very You’ve Got Mail Joe Fox good.

Fabulous start to the series. I know the raving shall continue.

Content notes: brief kissing only.
Profile Image for Lu.
756 reviews25 followers
December 22, 2020
Enchanting! A historical with a hint of ‘You Got Mail’

Letters for Phoebe by Sally Britton is a sweet, romantic, and heartwarming epistolary historical romance.

It is book #1 in the Promise of Forever After series but can be read as a standalone.

I have to say I loved everything about this book.

Phoebe was a practical girl whose hopes for a love match were dashed by an unscrupulous fortune hunter.

In her third London season, she decided to be sensible and choose a husband with her head rather than her heart.

She did not have any unreasonable requirements. She just wanted a man who could treat her as a partner and who would love her for who she was.

Griffin was one of the loveliest heroes I came along in quite some time. He was funny, loving, and so adorable.

He inadvertently introduces Phoebe to a gambler and feels responsible when he finds out she is romantically interested in said gentleman. He then tries to warn her by writing an anonymous note.

The story is everything I expect in a romance: the slow-burn connection, the witty dialogues, the butterflies in the stomach, and the added treat of a lovely note exchange.

I love the duality of practical and sensible Phoebe and spontaneous and adventurous Griffin. They are clearly a match made in heaven.

The side characters were also lovely. I enjoyed learning about Phoebe’s school friends and their ‘luck bracelet’. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series, especially Marah and Lavinia’s stories.

I already owned the e-book, so I read and listened to the audiobook at the same time.

I’m a fan of Jessica Elisa Boyt’s work, and she did a great job once again. I love how clear her pronunciation is. Her tone is very calm and lovely, and there is a clear differentiation between the characters.

It is a relatively short audio (3 hours), which I find very convenient. Despite not being long, the story is very well developed.

Letters for Phoebe is enchanting! One of my favorite reads of the year.

Highly recommended for everyone who loves sweet romances and epistolary stories.

Disclosure: I received a promotional code for this audiobook from the author for an honest review.

*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *

Profile Image for Tandie.
1,567 reviews251 followers
August 3, 2020
A sweet, adorable novella. Letters between Phoebe and an unknown “friend” containing cautionary advice regarding certain gentlemen. Yes, it was predictable. There was witty banter and I enjoyed the characters.
Profile Image for HR-ML.
1,274 reviews56 followers
June 28, 2021
England 1812.

This was a sweet, old-fashioned romance. Phoebe
met Griffin via her sis-in-law & thought him seldom
serious. Phoebe & Griff (who remained anonymous,
his moniker was "a friend.") exchanged a series
of letters. He warned her of the true circumstances
of 2 men she was considering as possible suitors.
Phoebe fell for Griff + anonymous man both. She
started out crusty, but grew in warmth.

Phoebe was one of 5 friends who all attended boarding
school together.
Profile Image for Ela.
2,108 reviews10 followers
December 21, 2022
This was my first audiobook, which I (surprisingly) really liked.

I liked Griffin and Phoebe, but this book could have been a bit longer to show more of their interactions when they’re not conflicted. Phoebe was a bit annoying at the beginning when she immediately saw Griffin as beneath her, but her behaviour quickly changed so it didn’t bother me too much. I wanted to see more of Griffin’s silly behaviour as in this book there is only one scene showing that.

I liked the idea that was shown in the prologue, of Phoebe and her friends, but there should have been more chapters where Phoebe talks/corresponds with them.

Although the conflict at the end was a bit unnecessary, I liked it as it was short.

I really liked this book and I think that I might try more audiobooks in the future.
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,918 reviews240 followers
October 12, 2020
Oh how I adored Phoebe and Griffin! I loved discovering more about each of their characters while I listened to this book. I had my opinions and thoughts of who I thought each character was and how they were going to turn out. But the journey of both of them was just delightful!

Phoebe and her friends make a promise to marry for love. It was interesting to watch Phoebe remembering her time in boarding school with her friends and their promise, then watching her trying to search for suitable marriage material.

Griffin's antics had me laughing at him. And Phoebe's disdainful attitude and frustration with him at their initial meeting. Especially when he continued to stay close by while she was trying to garner an introduction and catch the eye of another gentleman. Phoebe, he's caught onto you and is not going to let you be caught unawares with any gentleman who isn't worthy of you. Although, you have no clue!

Ha! It's great! If you're familiar with The Shop Around the Corner (or You've Got Mail), you'll see the little similarities. Phoebe and Griffin keep getting thrown together in different social situations and Phoebe has to decide if she's going to open her heart to him or not. Especially when this mysterious letter writer is starting to gain more and more of her attention and heart.

There is plenty of humor throughout the book that will keep you smiling, chuckling, laughing out loud while you read or listen. And the sweet romance was charming. I loved the night at the theater. *happy sigh* I promise, you're gonna enjoy your time while reading this book!!! I highly recommend it. Now I need to go figure out the books for Phoebe's friends and read those books.

Content: Clean

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Camille.
Author 35 books564 followers
January 6, 2021
I was quite excited to read Letters for Phoebe, not only because I love Sally Britton’s books, but because romances developing through epistolary plots are so much fun to read. This one was no exception.

Phoebe and Griffen’s initial meeting was not favorable, but through a series of circumstances Griffen begins to write her while keeping his identity a secret. I loved the friendship that developed between Phoebe and Griffen. It was fun experiencing their relationship unfolding in two ways—both through their letters and their interactions outside of them.

Griffen was such a fun hero. I adored his fun-loving personality and how he loved making people laugh. His antics were not only humorous, but so was Phoebe’s response to them. I loved how his endearing personality helped pull back Phoebe’s layers to reveal her true self that she’d allowed to become buried. Despite their differences, their romance was sweet and utterly charming; they fit so well together. I quite enjoyed it and the journey their story took me on.

I’m excited to continue reading this fun new Regency series between five friends who vow to marry for love. I’m sure the other installments are as enjoyable as this one.
6,172 reviews30 followers
July 9, 2020
He’s got the inside track.

Phoebe makes a pact with her girlfriends to marry for true love. That’s put to the test when four years later, she keeps picking the wrong sort of men.

Griffin, an unrepentant jokester has the inside track of the men of the ton and begins to anonymously write to PK warnings of her not so gentlemenly callers.

In person, he thinks she’s haughty, she thinks he’s a clown but on paper, they are warm and friendly.

I enjoyed this unique approach and felt both characters were engaging and complex. Oh, and I’m addition to the pact, they pass along a red bracelet.
For a quick read, there’s nice layers and complexity.
Recommend.
Profile Image for Tiffany  (Bluestocking).
449 reviews18 followers
October 7, 2022
Finally!! A story that broke the funk I was getting into. Sweet, light and entertaining Novella. Griffin and Phoebe’s story had a “You’ve got mail” vibe with a hint of “The sisterhood of the traveling pants” however, instead of pants the traveling object was a bracelet.

I really loved this story. Both characters were likeable, charming and practical. Their relationship progressed organically and their HEA was satisfying. So happy I picked this one up.

Content: Squeaky Clean
Profile Image for Amy.
124 reviews
July 16, 2020
Lovely storyline about two people who meet and don't think highly of each other and start to form a relationship in person and anonymously through letters...at least on one party's account. This was a quick and enjoyable read that was full of whitty banter and a full love story all neatly wrapped up in a novella.

I received a free digital copy of this book. All thoughts above are my own.
Profile Image for Daphne.
1,055 reviews18 followers
April 28, 2022
This was really cute and surprisingly not that angsty! Other than the whole hidden-identity thing, the characters in this book communicated so well so there was absolutely no unnecessary angst and fighting. It was lovely. I'm going to read the rest of the series but I'm skipping book 2 since the protagonist's name is Daphne and I can't handle that. In fact, the character Daphne was in 2 scenes in this book and I really hated it. I'm excited for books 3 and 4 though!
Profile Image for Angie Thompson.
Author 50 books1,112 followers
January 25, 2024
Hmm...this one wasn't bad, but it wasn't my favorite from the author. I guess I never quite understood where Phoebe was coming from--she was so uptight and society-focused in some things, but then willing to defy some pretty big norms in other things. From Griffin's perspective, I gathered that these were supposed to be pieces of an interesting puzzle, but I just never really saw how they came together to make one cohesive person. I did like Griffin for the most part, and I really liked his parents. I was a little confused by the bit with Phoebe's friends and the bracelet--I thought for a while that I'd wandered into the middle of the series again, but I checked, and it's listed as a standalone in some places and as the beginning of a series in others. That being the case, I felt like we could have used more information on the whole bracelet/promise thing and what it meant...as it was, I wrote it off for a while as one of those "oh, it must have been explained somewhere else" things, which it ended up not being. That was slightly confusing. There were a few bits that just didn't feel quite realistic for the regency setting, and maybe that was meant to be on purpose with some of the characters being notedly unconventional, but it just bugged me a little. I guess that sounds like a lot of complaints, but like I said, I did overall enjoy the book and like the characters and their relationship for the most part. So I guess what stuck out most were the reasons that knocked my rating down a little. I do still plan to read more by this author though!
2,582 reviews47 followers
August 28, 2020
Update: I've just listened to the audio-book and the narrator was fabulous adding to the already charming story. I loved it.

******************************************************************************

This is a sweet, clean novella. Some elements of the story reminded me of a Regency version of You've Got Mail.
I liked the characters. Griffin is fun loving but through his association with Phoebe shows himself and others he can move along with more serious things in life. And Phoebe is overly proper and rather stiff at the beginning but she becomes more fun loving from being around Griffin so they balance each other out. The character I most related to was Griffin's mother. Mostly because she laments that she doesn't have grandchildren and I can relate to that.
The plot could have been turned into a full length novel I think but I liked it as a novella. The pace was good and didn't get bogged down. It was a good evening read.
The set up for the series is cute and I look forward to reading the rest of the novellas.

No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this novella and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Martha.
1,950 reviews62 followers
December 1, 2020
This romantic "you Got Mail" Regency story warmed my heart and kept me reading late into the night. Such a cute story.
Profile Image for Avery.
219 reviews12 followers
January 21, 2025
This was such a sweet, fun read! I loved the characters and the depth to them. Sally Britton is so skilled at creating characters that are deep and relatable. I loved Phoebe and Griffin, they were such a sweet couple. It was so sweet how Griffin loved making people laugh. I just loved how their relationship developed. The misunderstanding was dealt with really well. The premise of this story was so intriguing and I loved the execution of it.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,191 reviews15 followers
July 15, 2020
This is going to be a fun series. It reminds me of Sisterhood of the traveling pants, but with a bracelet instead. Interestingly, I found myself comparing this book to You've Got Mail as well. I loved Phoebe and Griffin. I wish I could have seen Griffin's duel. It sounded like fun. This was a fun book. I love the transformation that came over both of them. They are so good together.
Profile Image for Alisha.
1,241 reviews147 followers
July 19, 2020
This is a cute, quick read with strong "You've Got Mail" vibes, so that's fun! I have enjoyed other books by this author more, but this was pleasant as a quick Regency fix when you feel like escaping into that world for just a little while.
Profile Image for Karen.
735 reviews7 followers
September 22, 2020
I have just finished the audible book. It was fun to listen to it a while after reading it. I still really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Ashlee (bookswithnopictures).
1,493 reviews121 followers
July 15, 2020
I finished this too quickly. Sometimes novellas seem rushed or do not explore the characters or plot enough and they suffer. Sally is one of the authors that I count on to do it successfully.
This is the first in a multi-author series that follows a pact five girls make prior to leaving school and each other. They promise to stay connected and to only marry for true love.
Letters for Phoebe is sweet and, while I wish Sally had made it a novel instead of a novella, is not lacking. I want it longer because I found so much to enjoy. I would have loved more letters, more of Griffin's tomfoolery, and more exploration into the girls' friendships.
It definitely has Shop Around the Corner vibes within an overall theme of Sisterhood of the Traveling [Bracelet]. I think Sally putting a regency spin on this enemies-to-more story was smart and well-done. I'm sure we'll see more of their connections in the rest of the series and I am going to (im)patiently wait for the next installment to see how Daphne keeps the pact.
Profile Image for Ana-Olivia.
208 reviews36 followers
July 27, 2022
I just don't understand why Goodreads doesn't have .5's in their rating system already! It cannot be that hard to add that! :(

This short story would definitely be a 4.5 for me would the goodreads rating system allow me to put that in. I would say it's for the fans of clean historical romance, the fans of slow-burn, the fans whose hearts skip a beat on every small interaction between two main characters and who like the satisfaction of them finally getting together in the end in a very uncomplicated and sweet way. It reminded me a bit of Edenbrooke and maybe a very tiny bit of Pride and Prejudice so I found it a very sweet and cute short romance and it made me want to go on to read the entire series.
Profile Image for Marilee .
1,472 reviews236 followers
July 12, 2020
I have enjoyed every book written by Sally Britton but this one may just be my new favorite! The storyline is absolutely delightful and Griffin and Phoebe were witty and their conversations (and letters!) were endearing. Somehow Sally writes characters that are so engaging you wish they were real!

Even though it is a novella , the plot is well paced (not rushed as so often happens in novellas) and was the perfect length to tell their story. I enjoyed every moment of this book and as soon as I finished, wanted to pick it back up and start all over.

A delightful, sweet romance that was an absolute joy to read! Looking forward to the rest of the Forever After multi-author series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author but my opinion is my own.
Profile Image for Mary Ellen.
537 reviews17 followers
August 28, 2025
Pure fluff. But, I have discovered a benefit of reading all the fluff I have been recently. Back in my high school days, I wrote a lot of music. People were often surprised when I said I didn’t listen to very much music. I think the emptiness made me want to fill the hole.

I have been having a lot more creative ideas for a book that has been brewing for decades. Months and months of reading fluff has made a hole that my creative side is wanting to fill. So, I guess I stop feeling guilty for only reading fluff and keep writing!
Profile Image for Mrs Caroline Trevor.
443 reviews10 followers
September 17, 2020
Great

I found this a really good book. Phoebe is a sensible and intelligent character. She used 3 seasons in London in order to find her one true love with a sense of adventure to get Griffin's mind going in the same direction as hers. Griffin Fenwick is an amusing character and very much an intellectual equal for Phoebe.
Profile Image for Maaike.
114 reviews
January 20, 2025
Short, but so very well written. I really enjoyed this one. Griffin was endearing and adorable and Phoebe 100% relatable.

It was nice to have a low-drama story, where friendship became interest which became love (with a tiny bit of complication along the way, but not enough to cause too much anguish).
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