Spinster is such a loathsome word. But — Miss Sophia Grant has to confess — this is what she has become. With the first strands of graying hair and legs weakened by childhood illness, she does not expect to become anyone’s wife now. Besides, Papa would never allow it. Still, she has her many younger siblings around her. And her writing, of course. Her days are full of everything that matters. That is, until the letter comes.

Tobias Mannerly is entirely smitten with the written word. It fills every corner of his thoughts and imagination. Perhaps that is why he has not yet found love — no woman can reach his heart the way poetry does. Words are his passion, especially those in the latest poem by a certain Miss Sophia Grant. How they speak to him, call to him! He must write to her. She must know what power she wields on the page!

The letter by an ardent young literary admirer awakens feelings Sophia believed lost to the past. Mr. Mannerly’s devotion persuades her to reach for love again. But how can Sophia tell her beau that she can never marry? If her father even suspected her feelings, he would be furious. Losing his wife has made him fragile. Clinging to his remaining family has made him unreasonable. It seems an impossible situation.

It is just the sort of challenge love is made to overcome, if only Mr. Mannerly can convince Sophia she deserves a happy ending.