He’s doing what he can to save the Prince Regent’s life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well? Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero–he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn’t think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a … a hurry. Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn’t have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there’s something he can’t quite remember. It’s important, dangerous–and if he doesn’t recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone’s very life.Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith.
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What a wonderful beginning to Ms. Vetsch new series Serendipity & Secrets. I just love the name of the series and that cover just draws you in. Swoon worthy hero that is suffering from the terrors of war but shows grace to Diana will grip your heart and have you reaching for your fainting couch. I would love to see this made into a movie. If you love Regency Romance then you definitely don’t want to miss this top notch read with descriptive words that has you imagining the setting. I can picture the run down manor and then how resplendent it looks after all the hard work. I loved Diana’s grit and determination to protect her nephew and to get things done. This is well written and has well developed characters that you don’t want to let go. I am sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for book two. A keeper for your favorites shelf.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
One of the best books I read in 2021
If ever two people needed to talk to each other, it is Evan and Diana. Both had secrets and issues that if disclosed would have made life and love between them so much easier. And the book a hundred pages shorter. I liked them both, and enjoyed watching them grow into responsible loving adults. My favorite is Marcus, I will probably read his book next. And Louisa and Shand – who didn’t see that coming.
Two of the biggest problems I had was (one) Diana’s father the Duke of Seaton. He was heavy handed with his words and his hand and could serve as a trigger point for sensitive readers. Second point is the religious aspect of the story. It was frequently mentioned.
This was a new author for me. She seems a bit wordy, a little too introspective with the H/h. Perhaps it will be better with Marcus.
Diana is the daughter of cruel Duke Seaton. Somehow she has managed to be better and kind. Evan is a soldier, wounded while on the battlefield saving the Prince Regents God son. When he’s awarded a title, he’s overwhelmed by all that means and the demands society now has placed upon him. Then, because no one says no to the prince, it is suggested by the prince he marry Diana. Much has to be worked out with two strangers coming together through marriage and Evan settling into a titled life. It was a very interesting book, the customs, the expectations, and the mystery as to what Evan forgot when he was injured. I look forward to reading more in this series! I liked the characters, well, save a few. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.
From the very first line, Vetsch captivated my attention. I didn’t want to do anything but keep turning pages to see what happened next. There’s something enthralling about rooting for a character facing impossible odds with such high stakes. And that’s exactly what the heroine, Diana, faces in The Lost Lieutenant. It’s been a long time since I read a villain so decidedly dastardly as Diana’s father and her brother seems set to follow in his father’s footsteps. As a reader, I enjoyed rooting for their plans to be thwarted. Even better, Vetsch crafted the complex and compelling hero, Evan, to join brave Diana in battling her father–although Evan has no idea of his role in the battle (which of course makes it that much more entertaining to read). Added to all of that are Evan’s struggles with PTSD and the looming question: What can’t Evan remember? Throughout the story the reader is fed tiny clues regarding Evan’s missing memories, but not until the big reveal do we truly understand what happened and why it matters. I absolutely loved how Vetsch kept me guessing what would become of Diana, Evan, and Diana’s little secret. The journey, climax, and conclusion of The Lost Lieutenant are all certain to entertain and please any fan of historical Christian romance. I highly recommend this novel and can’t wait to read the next! In fact, I’ve already preordered my copy of The Gentleman Spy which releases on July 28, 2020!
I did receive a free copy of this novel but was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own.
I love this book! Set in England in 1813, this emotionally rich story checked all the boxes for me—a smoothly flowing, steady-paced, captivating plot; well-developed, engaging characters; and beautifully drawn settings. Vivid descriptive language and sensory imagery add to the enjoyment of the read. The prose is crisp and concise reflecting excellent storytelling skills. Historical details are skillfully woven throughout the narrative. The romance with its ups and downs develops sweetly despite secrets and personal struggles, and the faith element is infused effectively into the story. I look forward to reading Ms. Vetsch’s second book in the Serendipity and Secrets series, The Gentleman Spy, releasing in July. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Be still my Regency loving heart! Erica Vetsch brings to life everything I adore about reading books set in this time; dashing heroes, dainty ladies, the ton of London, elegant balls, impeccable manners, elegant speech, leisurely carriage rides and the like. I was wholly immersed in “The Lost Lieutenant” from page one.
I found Evan Eldridge to not only be a fine soldier, but a very reluctant Earl of Whitelock; a title foisted upon him by the Prince Regent for saving his godson in battle, and nobody says no the Prince. Talk about trying to fit a square peg into a round hole! He’s uncomfortable with his new role and really doesn’t like the ton of society. Selfish & snobbish aristocrats the lot! He just wants to lead a quiet life and return to his duties, but once again his plans are thwarted when he takes a bride at the insistence of the Prince and in spite of her overbearing father. Diana Seaton—daughter of the Duke of Seaton—carries secrets of her own that could jeopardize both her life and that of her new husband. Thrust into a situation to which neither her nor Evan can control, she must make the best of things for the sake of those she’s protecting. I really enjoyed watching things unfold for these two, it had me turning pages well into the night.
This story has it all for me; a dash of danger, intrigue, romance, a tense undercurrent of mystery, villainous characters we love to hate, and all of the above named reasons for loving Regency fiction. I had fallen in love with Vetsch’s writing in the past and I really think she found the perfect niche with this adventurous new avenue. Her talent shines here and I can not wait to plunge into the next all encompassing historical in “A Gentleman Spy”!
I agree with other reviewers, Vetcsh is right up there with Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, Roseanna White and Kristi Anne Hunter when it comes to writing a fine Regency tale!
*I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Publishers on behalf of the author. I was under no obligation to leave a favorable review and all opinions are mine alone. *
‘He was a fraud in a society of frauds.’
Erica Vetsch begins a new series with this book and it is absolutely exceptional! A most excellent Regency. Evan Eldridge has suddenly been conferred an earldom by the prince regent and must learn how to conduct himself properly in the ton. He’s also been given a wife the prince regent and one just does not say no to the prince regent. Diana Seaton, daughter of the Duke of Seaton, is the one Evan must marry, but even though she jumps at the chance to leave her abusive father’s home, she is afraid there she must stay.
I have read many of Vetsch’s books before, but she totally shines here! Brightly shines, I may add. She has created wonderful characters and even the bad guy characters are well done. The plot is perfect and her hero is swoon worthy to the absolute max! The secondary characters were also well done and two will have their own story soon. At least, I hope it’s soon. I stayed up into the wee hours reading this book until I could stay awake no longer. I rushed through chores to get back to it and finish. I love feeling this good about a book. I highly recommend this book!
*My thanks to Kregel Publishing for a copy of this book. The opinions stated here in this review are entirely my own.