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.
more
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
The Lost Lieutenant is the first book in the Serendipity & Secrets series. I love this book. Evan never dreamed or wanted to be in the situation he is in, owning a mansion, having the title of an Earl, and especially being married to a stranger.
As difficult as this relationship is between Evan and his new wife, the story is so interesting to read. Diana stole my heart from the beginning! Her dad and brother has just been evil to her, and now they had no day over her. And I was never so glad. Both Diana and Evan we in a situation they didn’t ask for, but I was cheering them on all along. And hoping they would be as good for each other as it seemed. This book and book 2, you can read my review above this, is the only books I have read from author Erica Vetsch, and I am wanting more from this author and will surely be looking for other books by her. If you enjoy books written about the famous Regency era, you will love this one!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Romance, clean, period; series, but stand alone read; mild Christian faith elements
Gorgeous, lush, period reads. The machinations of the ton, the Prince Regent, and two unlikely people thrown together at the whim of the Prince Regent. Gorgeously detailed, wonderfully sympathetic characters with honest, true hearts, and the gradual, gorgeous, sweet fall of these two deserving hearts. Mild faith elements, PTSD mentioned, and some other themes, just add to this detailed, compelling novel. Strong side characters, and detailed setting and dilemmas made for the perfect period romance. Definitely one to re-read, savor and enjoy many times.
Fans of Regency and Marriage of Convenience stories will be delighted by this tale of a hero — who can’t remember the event that made him a hero — and a woman with her own secrets united by the Prince Regent’s wishes.
Guys, I really enjoyed this one even more than I expected, and I had high expectations. I loved the mystery, the complex connections, and oh my goodness, the relationship development between Evan and Diana. They both had so much to learn in those early days, and Erica Vetsch handled it so well. This was the type of story that shows marriage as it can really be, not all rainbows and butterflies. Watching these two learn each other’s strengths and to play off of them was so heart-warming. I loved this story so much, I went ahead and bought the second book and read it as soon as it arrived in the mail.
I highly recommend this book to readers of the Regency era, marriages of convenience, and complex plots mixed with danger and intrigue.
I love regency era novels. They are so fun and remind me of a simpler time. Here we get a taste of moving up in rank which isn’t always what it’s cut out to be. He gets a nice house that needs a lot of repairs and a wife that was chosen for him. Wouldn’t he have preferred to catch his own? Well, there is no getting to choose in this society. It’s all about keeping up appearances.
I do have to say that the wife is well suited for him and that helps make the story more interesting. Evan and Diana are wonderful characters that are fully fleshed out so you’re not left guessing about where they stand. Evan has issues with his memory from the act that got him his social up. Diana is recovering from her father’s abuse. Together they can make a good marriage if they work on it.
But the most fun of the whole book is how the Prince Regent pops in and out and seems to meddle his finger in so much. I kept laughing at this and it was so fun.
This is definitely a great read and I highly recommend you get a copy. And then you’re going to want to get the second book in the series. So much fun and lots of laughter as you read these books. Maybe don’t read it in public if you can’t control your giggles. You might get some side-eye.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Thoroughly enjoyed The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch so much that I immediately preordered the next in the series, The Gentleman Spy!
The Lost Lieutenant, the first in the Serendipity & Secrets series, is set in one of my favorite historical time periods, the end of the Napoleanic Era, moving into the beginning of the Regency Era. Any reader who enjoys the Regency Era is going to love this series!
Injured in the war, Evan Eldridge was simply itching to get out of the hospital and back on the battlefields. When he learns that the Prince Regent has bestowed the title Earl of Whitlock, with an unheard of estate, Evan finds himself befuddled and making errors that other members of high society are horrified at his actions. To Evan, his seemingly normal behavior, is now all wrong and placing him right in the middle of a contentious situation.
To further show the new Earl of Whitefield, his gratitude for his brave rescue of a peer, the Prince Regent announces he will see Evan and a lovely new bride, leaving her father seriously disgruntled as he watches his plans for his daughters inherited fortune, go to another man. An usurper, a phony; someone who is truly not part of the upper echelons of society.
When the new Earl learns that someone plans to harm him and is new bride, they all escape the city for the countryside estate. What they find there is not quite was expected.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Just Read Tours and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely shared.
Wow, what an awesome book! Erica Vetsch is a new-to-me-author, but the description of this book intrigued me so much that I jumped at the chance to request a review copy!
I loved this book so much! As soon as I started reading I knew I’d love it, and love it I did!
Diana was a lovely heroine, I found myself relating to her sense of responsibility, devotion to those she loves, and penchant for list making! Another thing I loved about her was how down to earth she was, there were times that I actually had to remind myself that she was in fact the daughter of a Duke, she’s definitely not your stereotypical regency aristocrat, and I absolutely loved that! And Evan, oh my stars, the man is a total swoon-fest! He’s so incredibly sweet, kind, protective, adorably clueless at times when it comes to understanding women, and a delightfully flawed person who I was cheering on from the beginning!
The romance in this book is stellar and gave me all the feels!
I loved the unique way Evan obtained his title, I don’t think I’ve read a storyline even remotely similar to that before and I was so happy that it wasn’t the standard and predictable “some obscure and very distant relative dies suddenly and a distant relation who perhaps never met the deceased has suddenly inherited a peerage.” storyline, that’s all well and good, but it was so refreshing that Erica Vetsch chose not to go that route, and I absolutely loved that!
This book swept me away to 1813 London and Sussex and held me thoroughly and completely captivated from start to finish!
And I just have to say that as a horse owner and lifelong horse lover the thread about rescuing former military horses touched my heart deeply, and I love that the author included it!
The Lost Lieutenant is a story that I was so looking forward to and it did not disappoint in the slightest, I loved absolutely everything about it!
The Lost Lieutenant was my first read by this talented author, but it most definitely will not be my last!
I loved Marcus in this story and I am so excited to read his book, The Gentleman Spy when it releases!
The Lost Lieutenant is an awesome Christian regency romance, and I most highly recommend it!
(5 Stars!)
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!
3.5 Stars
THE LOST LIEUTENANT is a sweet start to this new series. Endearing characters, both veiled and seen villains, sweet romance, moments of faith, and a story that is a twist between Cinderella and the marriage-of-convenience trope will entertain readers. Recommended to historical inspirational romance fans.
I had such high expectations when I began this book after seeing so many positive reviews, loving the cover, and being intrigued by the premise. I really loved the characters and enjoyed the overall plot. Both the main characters are charming and arresting. I also liked the hero being the Cinderella in this story (the first time I’ve seen a male character play that role) and how he went from an injured soldier to a wealthy member of the peerage. The plot was paced well and the story held my interest overall.
I also had some issues. There was quite a bit of repetition. Either those parts needed to be edited out or reworded so they didn’t feel so much like the same thing was being repeated. I felt there was some needed development in several places. There was a bit more suggestive content than I thought necessary. Finally, some parts were too prettily tied off – making things feel very unrealistic.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I enjoyed this story overall. There were areas and parts that I felt needed more development or editing, but the characters were wonderful. I’m very much looking forward to reading Marcus’s story in the next book as I really loved his character in this one.
Content: Some suggestive references in regards to a married couple and some innuendo.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through JustRead Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Erica Vetsch is a new to me author who skillfully entered and captured the Regency period. The opening lines created one of the best hooks to make me feel as though I was already immersed in the story. Diana is poised, graceful, and deeply committed to honoring her sister’s dying request. Evan is a veteran, struggling with PTSD, and captured my heart and my full attention. The two are thrust upon each other in marriage, compliments of the Prince, and must learn to navigate the newness of all that this entails. I loved watching the love bloom between these two wounded hearts. The writing is enthralling and captivating and I highly recommend this for all clean Regency fans.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher on NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own and freely given.
The Lost Lieutenant is the first book I’ve read by Erica Vetsch. I enjoyed the blend of the historical time period, a blossoming romance and faith woven together in this beautiful read.
When Evan Eldridge saves the life of a peer on the field of battle, he watches as this one event changes the landscape of his life overnight. Now the Earl of Whitelock, Evan has to learn to adjust to a new title, deal with a derelict estate, a stranger for a bride and navigating the reality of the trauma he experienced in war. With the realization that he is missing something important from his memories, can he figure out what it is before it’s too late?
Diana, escaping marriage to a terrible man is thrust into marriage with a stranger. After living so long under the cruel thumb of her father and brother, she is reluctant to open her heart to her new husband the Earl of Whitelock. As the pair work together to repair the rundown estate, navigate their new relationship and the twists and turns of a dastardly plot – it’s a story that will keep you turning page after page.
A wonderful read, I look forward to Book 2 in the Serendipity & Secrets series.
A big thank you to Kregel Publications (Independent Publishers Group) for providing a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #TheLostLieutenant #Goodreads
** This review can be found on NetGalley, Goodreads and Amazon
“Love was more than regard, more than trust, more than companionship. It was getting everything without reservation, without secrets.”
A friend gifted me The Lost Lieutenant because she knows I adore Regency era stories. Well, this one was an incredible tale! I was captivated from beginning to end. My emotions went for a wild carriage ride that came to a spectacular happily ever after ending. I’m looking forward to the next book in this exciting series filled with intrigue and blessings. There’s a sneak peek of The Gentleman Spy at the end and oh my….Marcus Haverly is going to be amazing.
A few gave it a lower star ratings because there were a few historical inaccuracies. Plus, a few points of the story isn’t flushed out as well it could be to make for a more well rounded story. I get that & see their point. Towards the end there was a bit of fantastical demise albeit exciting end for the villain. Minus those complaints it’d be a 5 star story. Those historical inaccuracies usually really bother me but I think the author has a talent for writing and the love story kept me interested. The 1st two chapters sucked me in & I genuinely wanted to know how it’d end for the h & H. My interest & the writing was piqued enough that when Marcus’ story comes along I’d read it.
The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch is the first book in the Serendipity and Secrets series. It is a Christian Fiction Romance.
I am so glad to read a book by Erica Vetsch. I have been seeing this particular book on Facebook book groups and on Instagram pages of book bloggers. I am pleased to be given a copy by the publisher.
This is a Regency book set in England. I am a big fan of Historical Fiction books so I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
I love Evan, Diana, Marcus and Shand. I was always looking forward to seeing their scenes in the plot. I favour Evan the more.
I love the hymn Diana sang to baby Cian. It is my favourite hymn.
I wish this book can be made into a movie. So much action and suspense. Indeed,this is a Christian fiction novel.
Theme of second born males acting as spares was buttressed in the book. I was shocked to discover that such ideology existed during the time and the setting of this book.
I love Marcus so much. You can’t help noticing him in this book.
My favourite quote from this book is “You don’t say no to the Prince Regent”.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Independent Publishers Group through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Curse or blessing?
Evan Eldridge can’t remember saving the Prince Regent’s godson in battle. But the rewards are great if you catch the eye and gratitude of Ol’ Prinny. Evan suffers from what is now known as PTSD and memory loss but is quickly saddled with an earldom and an arranged marriage.
Diana has her own set of fears and trials. She will do anything for her dead sister’s son and bargains away her agency for his safekeeping. When I was a kid, we used to say, “secrets, secrets are no fun. Secrets, secrets hurt someone.” Diana has a lot of secrets and often to her own detriment, she keeps them with understandable cause. Diana has been emotionally and mentally abused, but she’s strong in her own way. This type of character can be glum or mousy, but I really like her gumption and willingness to make the best of her circumstances.
This book is enjoyable if a little fantastically unbelievable. It’s hard to imagine that it could actually have happened but if you aren’t looking for historical accuracy, it is an entertaining, quick read.
This is my first book by Erica Vetsch and I’ll happily pick up another. She has a diverting voice with a nice change of plot devices in an extremely popular genre.
Thank you, Kregel Publications and NetGalley for the advanced copy! All thoughts in this review are my own.
What a wonderful book!! This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be the last. I’ve heard so many great things about this book and loved the cover, so I knew I had to read it. I was completely intrigued from the first chapter. I love Regency Romance and this book is now one of my favorites. The marriage of convenience story line was different than any I’ve read before. I really enjoyed the romance, mystery, faith and the strong characters. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
**I was given a complimentary copy from the publisher and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.**
“I think he’s finally realized that nobility starts in the heart, not in the pedigree. It’s a matter of action, not standing.”
What a delightful Regency romance with a hefty dose of intrigue and suspense! I’ve always enjoyed Erica Vetsch’s writing but have only read her novellas in different collections. This is my first full-length novel by the author and I’m definitely coming back for the second book in the series! The plot is fascinating, the slow build-up in the intrigue is quite delicious, the characters are truly charming, and the writing is fun and witty. If you enjoy well-written historical romance, particularly those set in Regency England, you will fall in love with this book and the characters.
Evan is a war-hero who is steadfast, loyal, and faithful even if he’s struggling with memory loss and PTSD. He’s awarded an earldom for his bravery on the battlefield. Diana is a sweet, intelligent, and creative daughter of a duke who’s never been loved or cherished. As Evan and Diana get thrown into a life together, their secrets and fears emerge and collide. The slow-building suspense about what Evan can’t quite remember from the battlefield is perfectly interspersed with sweetness from Evan and Diana’s budding relationship, revolting threats from Diana’s own family members, and comical and well-timed meddling from the Prince Regent himself. These two wounded hearts and souls find a safe harbor in each other and in God’s grace. Marcus, Evan’s friend, is a great secondary character in this story and I am looking forward to his story in The Gentleman Spy (book 2 in this Serendipity & Secrets series).
I received a copy of the book from Kregel Publications via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
By the first chapter, I was drawn into both the hero and heroine’s underdog plights to escape their unknown and potentially bleak futures. The characterizations were fascinating. The vile were vile, the lovely were lovely, and the honorable were outstanding. With it’s perfect blend of angst, suspense, and swoon, I loved it from beginning to end. I think I had a dreamy smile on my face for a large portion of the story.
I really enjoyed this book about a wounded war hero, Lieutenant Evan Eldridge. Not quite recovered from his leg wound and still suffering from PTSD and memory loss from a concussion, he is summoned to a ceremony at court by the Prince Regent. The Prince Regent, in appreciation for Evan saving his godson Percival Seaton, in the battle at Salamanca, (something Evan can’t even remember) confers on him the title of Earl of Whitelock, which comes with lands and funds. Evan doesn’t want to be an earl; he is quite content being a lieutenant in the Ninety-Fifth Rifles, the best sharpshooter, the son of a small town minister. But, as he will often be reminded, one does not say “no” to the Prince Regent. While he is still recoiling from shock, a former soldier, Marcus Haverly, takes him under his wing to teach Evan what is expected of him as an Earl. Evan also meets Lady Diana Seaton, a beautiful young woman with a horrid father and brother who have plans to marry her off to whomever will agree to split her inheritance with them upon the marriage. Diana is caring for her sister’s infant son after Catherine’s seduction and disposal by their brother’s despicable friend, and death at childbirth. She is willing to put up with her father’s demands in order to save Cian from the orphanage that her father threatens. The Prince Regent interferes and says Evan and Diana would be a great match. There is more interference, intrigue, secrets, and hard work as Evan and Diana restore their wreck of an estate and resolve their problems. The Regency period is quite interesting to read about but I sure wouldn’t have wanted to live then. Marcus is a very interesting secondary character. He’s a good friend to Evan and Diana but we do see hints that he is more than just a second son (the spare) of a duke. I’m delighted that we can read his story in the second book in this series, The Gentleman Spy.
I received a complementary copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Having read several other books by Erica Vetsch, I knew that The Lost Lieutenant would be a good read…I was pleasantly surprised to find it not just good but great. It is a wonderful beginning to Vetsch’s new series, Serendipity & Secrets and I had a hard time putting the book down. The characters are realistic and relatable, and well-rounded–all their flaws, foibles, and faults are there along with their strengths and humanity. Basically thrown together by the Prince Regent (and one knows one cannot say no to the Prince Regent!), Diana and Evan’s journey to love and romance is one fraught with tension and secrets. As the author writes, Evan never imagined himself in the midst of an aristocratic fracas with “an unwanted title, a social faux pas, or a forced marriage.” And as he deals with what is now known as PTSD, but known in the early 19th century by the French term, ‘Vent du Boulet’, or wind of the bullet, he knows there is something important he has to remember. Why can’t he remember? Does it even matter anymore? The vivid descriptions of the various scenes draw the reader right into the story. The Lost Lieutenant is a story of struggles to be overcome and the restoration of not only a ramshackle manor but of two young people who have lost control of their lives. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series. I won a copy of the book in a contest and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
A story of intrigue in the Regency era
Injured in the Peninsular War, Evan suffers from what we now call PSTD. He has memory loss in addition to the nightmares and other symptoms yet fears being relegated to an asylum if these things became known. This son of a humble minister has a kind heart and yet can’t fathom a life that doesn’t use his only skill, sharp-shooting. Thrust into a world of pretense and intrigue, he is so far outside his element he is lost.
I enjoyed getting to know Evan. He is fiercely protective and chivalrous. Despite his inexperience at dealing with the gentry, he knows how to lead. When presented with challenges, he responds with grace and wisdom. I especially loved his method of gaining the laborers needed to repair the broken-down estate he had been awarded!
Diana had been mostly ignored by her father. At least when he wasn’t traumatizing her with threats and violence. Yet she remained gentle and kind. I did enjoy watching her flourish under Evan’s kindness.
The events Evan couldn’t remember haunted him with a sense of importance. And as he attempted to protect his new bride, little did he suspect the secret that linked his enemy with hers.
While classified on Amazon as Christian fiction, there are but a few mentions of God and prayer, mostly Diana questioning His love for her because her prayers are unanswered. She does finally come to believe they are. I would classify this more under the “Inspirational” genre than Christian.
More drama than action, The Lost Lieutenant is an intriguing start to the series and sets the stage nicely for Evan’s friend Marcus’s story which will come next. If you enjoy Regency adventure/suspense, this is an interesting series to consider.
Read my review of The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
One of the best Regency books I have had the pleasure of reading.
Erica Vetsch plus Earls, Dukes, the Prince and a damsel in distress is a recipe for Regency Gold! This start to a new series is beyond impressive. She even writes her reprehensible villains with panache.
Evan Eldridge and Diana Seaton find themselves in daunting circumstances which are compounded by an edict to wed from Prinny himself: “You don’t say no to the Prince Regent.”
A grateful Prince bestows a title on Evan along with a holding that is in shambles. He finds he is ill equipped to be a part of society, much less manage an estate. Evan is still dealing with injuries incurred in battle. “The nightmares stalked him, the sense of impending doom, the panic he tried to lock away but that swarmed over him like a breach in the line every time he let down his guard.”
Diana is in an untenable position, a veritable pawn in the hands of her father. She has secrets to keep from her new husband.
Ms. Vetsch writes plausible situations and fresh characters. She gives Evan and Diana a background of faith that they draw on and has them struggle to do what is right and what is expected of them.
Ms. Vetsch has proved why I come back to the Regency Era time and again. She writes a romantic, compelling tale that has you yearning for more. She includes a good portion of the first chapter of the next book to whet your appetite for the continuing story.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*