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
This is the captivating story of two misfits brought together by chance, held together by circumstance, and bound by love.
Evan is an injured soldier who has found favor with the Prince Regent through actions he can’t remember. Headaches and flashbacks are never far away, and now having the title of Earl of Whitelock he must try to navigate high society, and keep his condition hidden. He’d rather be back in the battle.
Though he may have been seen as a man of low birth to some in the story, he had personal integrity that drew me in from the very beginning. I rooted for him to get the girl from the moment he saved her from unwanted attentions.
Though Diana was the daughter of a duke, she had both insecurities, and a great capacity for love, raising her nephew in less than perfect circumstances. Her inner strength shone through every challenge. She was the perfect match for Evan.
I love how these two brought together by no choice of their own, and both with secrets compliment each other. They both have strengths that help the other, forge a deep respect for each other, and find their way to love despite their many obstacles and different social upbringing.
I recommend this book to readers of Regency romance. You won’t be disappointed.
Their lives change forever at the whim of one man…
I’ve been a bit leery of Regency era fiction in recent years. It seems like if you’ve read one you’ve read them all, though there are definitely exceptions. But, I put aside all reservations because The Lost Lieutenant is an Erica Vetsch novel and she had won me over years ago with her historical westernish romance. I’ve never regretted reading one of her books and that still very much holds true.
I was continually surprised by The Lost Lieutenant and I really enjoyed that fact. It’s not one of the myriad Austen retellings nor an endless round if teas and dancing. There is so much more to Erica Vetsch’s characters than that. They both hold secrets, ones that could mean serious heartbreak, but if they are going to make their unexpected and certainly unplanned marriage work they are going to have to learn to trust each other.
One of the other pleasantly unexpected parts of the story was the suspense thread, especially near the end of the book. I loved it! When it got to the showdown I was riveted to the page and couldn’t have put the book down even if I wanted to, which, of course, I didn’t.
I really liked The Lost Lieutenant and I think I’ve discovered my new favorite Erica Vetsch novel. And, the best part? This is only book 1 in the very engaging Serendipity & Secrets series, I can’t wait for the next one!
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
What a delightful feast for the literary senses. Characters were on point and I loved how we got a ton of Evan’s perspective. He wasn’t overpowering and domineering, but he wasn’t passive–he was a perfect blend of confident but kind. The plot was intriguing, and the pace well meted out. And the writing style–just beautiful. It was old fashioned (the number of words I came across that I’d never read were many, and that does not happen often, but it wasn’t archaic in the slightest!), but not all “yays” “nays” and “thou’s”–it was timeless and perfect. A truly beautiful historical novel.
Absolutely charming and wonderfully romantic! The Lost Lieutenant is a story of a marriage of convenience, a familiar trope for regency novels but this one comes with several plot twists and turns that make it stand out in its genre. I enjoy time period novels that have spies and secrets and the suspense blended in perfectly with the rest of the storyline. I loved the relationship between Evan and Diana – they are probably the only couple in all history who grew closer during a house remodel instead of farther apart! It worked for them because they learned to trust in and value each other.
I enjoyed the overarching theme that “nobility starts in the heart, not in the pedigree. It’s a matter of action, not standing.” Erica Vetsch is a fantastic addition to the realm of regency authors, and readers of Kristi Ann Hunter, Sarah Eden, and Julie Klassen will enjoy her book. I truly could not put it down and am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary copy. My opinions are my own.
I loved this story and it was hard to put this book down. This made me laugh and cry. I think it would be very hard to say no to a prince from any country. Evan and Diana learn to get close to each other by becoming friends and learning to trust one another. I am looking forward to reading more about Marcus in the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book from the Read with Audra program for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
A Regency romance that includes the Prince regents as a side character. I think that’s the first time I’ve actually seen him featured on the page. And boy did he have a hand in these characters lives— a bit like Pharoah to Joseph— land, wealth, and a wife! Loved watching how the hero grew into the responsibilities foisted upon him and how the two newlyweds went from strangers to partners. An enjoyable read!
I have never read anything by Erica Vetsch. I have heard of her stories, but she wrote mostly cowboys stories, and I’m not a huge fan of them, so I stayed away from them. But when I heard she was writing a Regency story, which I have enjoyed a number of authors who have written in this genre, I decided to give her writing a chance. With The Lost Lieutenant, Vetsch crafted a delightful, unique storyline filled with the socioeconomic class and a mystery worth filling the pages for. I enjoyed the heart of the heroine and the hero. They learned to trust and depend on each other, even through all the struggles they have been tossed into. Vetsch’s writing was wonderful. She crafted an unforgettable story with delightful characters, and I can’t wait to read the next novel in this series coming out later this year. I believe fans of Sarah E. Ladd, Julie Klassen, and Carolyn Miller should pick this novel up. Definitely something for the keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy of The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch through the JustRead team, but the opinions stated are all my own.
This is not my usual genre that I read but I have read all of Erica’s other books that I thought this would be my chance to try something different. The characters are very engaging & interesting. The story moves along well with you wanting to keep turning those pages to see where the story goes. I was intrigued with all the surprises in this story. Very well written.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book since I had never read Erica Vetsch before, but I loved it! There are so many things this book gets right. Evan and Diana are excellent characters on their own, with obstacles and struggles to overcome, but readers can do nothing but root for them as a couple fumbling their way through attempts at connection with one another.
Added to that dynamic are several aspects of suspense. Diana is keeping a secret. Evan holds essential information in memories he can’t access. And a new friend, Marcus, seems to have a few mysteries of his own. There’s never a dull moment in this novel! Readers will laugh, cry, gasp, and swoon. I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All expressed opinions belong to me.
Do yourself a favor and get this book, if you enjoy regency fiction. I just wish I could give it more than five stars. It kept my attention from the beginning to the end. I will say I couldn’t read it when I went to bed because I wasn’t getting enough sleep. I always had to see what happened next, and it kept me wound up. I loved it!
Author Erica Vetsch wrote characters that you’ll either love or hate. There’s really no middle ground. And the plot. Oh the plot was wonderful! Yes, marriage of convenience is often used but this was different. A wounded lieutenant with a new title. A bride forced into a marriage. This tale is not predictable. I also learned a bit about the Napoleonic wars and spies.
Grab a copy. Quick! You’ll be glad you did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Ever since hearing about this new book and series, I have been in excitable anticipation to read it. I was not disappointed. This marriage of convenience between two unlikely souls had me up late into the night.
The characters are not the cookie cutter regency kind. Evan Eldridge is a wounded war hero who is struggling mightily with missing memories and nightmares. He is thrust into the role of Earl as the way the Prince Regent rewards him. Though Evan, a common man, would like to just get back to the battle and his men.
Diana Seaton has been raised among the ton and trained to take her place among them her entire life. Her family home life has not been a happy one being abused by her family and to be used as a pawn for their greater gain. Living a fearful, subdued life she has only one concern and she will do her best to protect that secret.
Evan and Diana are thrust into a marriage at the Prince’s request. And what looks like a shamble of a mess- the marriage, the estate,- actually gives way to a beautiful story of two people who would have never chosen this fate and they grow together in true love and affection. I really enjoyed watching their growth as characters along with the sanctity of their marriage.
So there you have it, a novel of regency England with mystery, danger, and love to keep you reading through the night.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch boasts a marriage of convenience, characters harboring secrets, and plenty of villains. As these elements weaved together, the plot moved steadily. Despite a few predictable moments, I enjoyed the character development that Evan and Diana spurred in each other. With abusive family members, memory loss, and PTSD to contend with, tension laced the couple’s new life together from the start. I especially loved Evan’s healing journey and appreciated the gentle, healing ambiance that kept the story from feeling overly dark or heavy.
The Lost Lieutenant stands as the first installment in Erica Vetsch’s Serendipity and Secrets series. Though the novel functions as a stand-alone, Marcus gets substantial attention in this novel and takes the lead role in the next one. I confess I am curious about him and I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Unique and captivating:
What an interesting and enjoyable book! The author has a skilled way with words and I enjoyed the beautifully descriptive prose.
I formed a quick bond with the main characters and was invested in finding out what was to become of them. Diana is a young debutante with a controlling and uncaring father. As typical of the day, she is at the mercy of the men in her life and unable to direct her own future. Evan meanwhile was injured during the Napoleonic war and is most surprised to be awarded a peerage for his actions. He is like a fish out of water and it was fun seeing him trying to navigate in this alien and sometimes hostile world. When Evan and Diana find themselves thrust together it was lovely seeing them come to care for one another although the journey was rather bumpy. A wonderful reminder for us all that honesty and trust is vital in a relationship.
One thing I did wish was that the faith element had of been more pronounced throughout the book. I did however really enjoyed the mystery and intrigue aspects and found myself eager to find out what really happened on the battlefield. I look forward to the next book in the series and finding out more about Marcus.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
I have a new Regency book to add to my favorites list! The Lost Lieutenant was a fantastic read, which I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. It combined two of my favorite things…the Regency Era and a marriage of convenience.
I enjoyed the hint of intrigue that ran throughout the novel, as Evan struggled to regain his lost memories and recover from his battle injuries. But the best thing about this story for me was the way these two main characters were thrown together and ended up married, as you cannot say no to the Prince Regent!
Evan and Diana’s marriage was such a balancing act. It was fraught with secrets on both sides, which led to mistrust and damaged emotions. But it was also filled with attraction and admiration, as they worked together to restore White Haven, their new home.
I loved this story from start to finish and am so excited to read the next book in the series, especially after reading the sneak peek in the back of this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Let the gushing begin. 🙂
I loved this story. This is what fiction should be. It was entertaining and took me away from real life whenever I opened the pages. The good characters were good without being weak, the bad characters got what was coming to them, and the romance was sweet and filled me with hope. Full review is at my website.
I received this book complimentary from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed are my own.
The cover of this book didn’t do much for me – at least the guy on the cover, nor did it seem like a book I would normally read: regency. And then there is the fact I wasn’t familiar with the author. However, it did sound good, and the description made it sound suspenseful.
Once I started reading the book, I couldn’t put it down. Yes, it is regency. It has nobility with all of its rules and proper ways to talk and act, but it was an awesome read. It had enough suspense to pull me in and keep me reading, even thought it isn’t what I’d call a suspense novel.
I loved the two main characters, Diana and Evan. Thrown together in a marriage ordered by royalty, each carrying secrets, and each determined to do the right thing. I thoroughly enjoyed their back and forth and progressing relationship, along with the descriptions of what was expected of nobility.
The book had a great plot and settings, and the author made even the restoration and repairs interesting that were needed on their new residence. I found the whole book quite interesting and entertaining, and it is one that I read in one setting. With breaks, of course.
And it had a great ending. I enjoyed the book enough that I am already eyeing book two that is due out in July. Even though this isn’t a book that falls into my usual reading genre’, it was definitely worth reading, and is one I recommend.
I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.
Oh this was a swooning fest of regency suspense and coming to find oneself. The twists and turns were not predictable and were written in a way to leave you guessing. It was a wonderfully refreshing read. The banter is engaging, the romance tickles the fancy and makes you cheer for Diana and Evan as they discover how strong they really are, and the descriptions will make any regency lover swoon. I consider this a bookshelf keeper and one I know I will reread again in the future. Can’t wait for the next!
I received this book from the publisher through Interviews & Reviews. This is my honest opinion.
“One does not say no to the Prince Regent.”
When I first saw this book I knew that I had to read it. The Lost Lieutenant is a novel written by Erica Vetsch and I loved it. The cover immediately drew me in and once I read the blurb, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. It is one of my new favorite Regency Christian novels!
The Lost Lieutenant is about Evan, a soldier turned Earl. He was given the honor of becoming an Earl of Whitelock because he saved the life of someone the Prince Regent cares about. He saved the life of the Prince’s godson, if only he could remember saving the Prince’s godson or even what he was doing. The next thing Evan knows, he finds himself an earl, the master of an estate, and a husband to a woman he knows nothing about.
First of all, the cover features Evan, which I loved. It is not often that you see a male on the cover of a book like this, but it was perfect. Evan drew me in from the beginning, I felt for him as he tried to gain back his memories, learn how to be an earl and be a good husband. But things are always more complicated than they look.
Diana was a perfect match for Evan. She had been so used to evil men that she didn’t know what to think about Evan. But as she got to know him, she saw that he was a kinder man then she could have thought. Once they truly got to know each other, they began to care for each other. Evan trusted Diana, he helped build her up. While Diana helped him stay positive and helped in as he tried to get his home together.
I can’t say enough about how much I liked this book. It was so hard to watch Diana and Evan struggle through their marriage and getting their home together. But I wanted to cheer when everything started to work out. This book had a knight in shining armor, an evil to defeat, and a love story.
I would definitely recommend The Lost Lieutenant. It was a clean regency christian book, that left you wanting more. I am so excited for the next book and I can’t wait to read about Marcus!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Who can resist a cover like this one? The stance that the model has is perfect for the hero of the story, Evan, who is much like a modern day wounded warrior.
Which made this story all the more loved by myself since my dad is a wounded warrior, and the struggles that Evan faces are much like many men face even today.
The way the lead characters managed to have so many secrets without really trusting each other at first was painful to read, though the ending? It was sweet, aside from the sad parts … So, it was bittersweet?
Vetch did a wonderful job of making this a need to read historical Christian fiction romance that had action, friendship, coming to trust God more, and a darling romance.
I don’t want to give away anything but I loved the hidden mystery that wasn’t a full suspense but kept me guessing on what had and would happen.
This soldier turned earl has quite the conundrum and story.
Follow along with a stumbling earl, a worried love, and a hidden baby?
Last off, I cannot wait for the next book in the series, The Gentleman Spy coming later this year!
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
A lovely Regency romance full of intrigue, faith, and depth, Erica Vetsch’s “The Lost Lieutenant” is a beautiful story that will keep readers riveted from the first pages. Vetsch’s attention to historical detail is astounding, and she writes in a way that never takes the reader out of the story. Each character is so superbly written the reader feels as if they know each of them intimately, from their desires and fears to their questions and flaws. The inspirational messages at the root of the story will impact readers for the better. Although it occasionally seems as if the same issues are consistently brought up, Vetsch has a way of making each encounter with an issue bring new elements to the story that will keep the reader quickly turning the pages. This story is a true delight and is a must-read for any Regency lover.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.