The Lost Lieutenant is the first book in the Serendipity & Secrets series and it's an engaging historical fiction novel that captivated me from beginning to end.
BOOK DETAILS:
Title: The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch
Category: Adult Fiction, 304 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction / Christian Fiction / Romance
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release dates: April 21, 2020
Tour dates: April 21 to May 12, 2020
Content Rating: PG + M (themes of family abuse, PTSD and some violence)
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
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 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.
Read an excerpt from Kregel by clicking here!
MY REVIEW:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani
Evan Eldridge, a recovering soldier has his life turned topsy-turvy when he is suddenly given a title, extensive lands with property, and unexpected of all, a young bride with a fortune. The world of aristocracy is thrust upon him as he tries to adjust to this new life while dealing with PTSD and fleeting memories on the battlefield that hint at something dangerous and urgent.
Evan tries to keep his memory loss and panic attacks a secret from his new wife, but well-bred Diana Seaton has a secret of her own. Both must learn to trust one another as they navigate their new life together. I loved this couple with their insecurities and their trust issues. Both are strong characters that grow by the end of the book.
I found this novel to be well-written, with excellent secondary characters. The setting of a wounded soldier, a common man, who is now given the very different life of a gentleman was interesting and original in that it exposed the dark side of the Regency world and its aristocracy. I admired Evan for staying true to his beliefs and moral integrity, and I was quite touched by his advocacy for wounded animals and war veterans. It wasn't lost on me that the restoration of the manor house was symbolic of the restoration of both Evan and Diana from their past hurts to a new life of hope and love.
I found this novel to be well-written, with excellent secondary characters. The setting of a wounded soldier, a common man, who is now given the very different life of a gentleman was interesting and original in that it exposed the dark side of the Regency world and its aristocracy. I admired Evan for staying true to his beliefs and moral integrity, and I was quite touched by his advocacy for wounded animals and war veterans. It wasn't lost on me that the restoration of the manor house was symbolic of the restoration of both Evan and Diana from their past hurts to a new life of hope and love.
The bad characters are very one-sided though and seemed to always be sneering, making them almost caricatures of typical villains. Their demise was a little too obvious, too. The romance builds nicely, is very chaste, and was a bit anticlimactic. Apart from this, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel especially the author's portrayal of the spoiled Prince Regent which added a touch of humor to the story.
This first installment in the Serendipity & Secrets series has the perfect combination of two wounded people, a rich historical setting, and a plot that races to a very satisfying ending.
This first installment in the Serendipity & Secrets series has the perfect combination of two wounded people, a rich historical setting, and a plot that races to a very satisfying ending.
The second book in the series titled The Gentlemen Spy will be released at the end of July so I'm excited about that. I'm now a new fan of Erica Vetsch and look forward to reading all the books in this series!
Disclosure: Thanks to Audra Jennings for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.
Disclosure: Thanks to Audra Jennings for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.
BUY THE BOOK:
PRAISE FOR THE LOST LIEUTENANT:
“An enchanting tale, The Lost Lieutenant was quick to capture my heart and engage my hopes. A wounded hero meeting a heroine on the run is always a perfect recipe for romance; throw in a spy for good measure, and you’ve got a winner from Erica Vetsch! This is a Regency novel that will have fans begging for more.”
~ Jaime Jo Wright, Christy Award winner of The House on Foster Hill
“Original, engaging, and oh so romantic, The Lost Lieutenant is a delightful tale sure to satisfy Regency fans and inspirational readers alike. Evan, a battle-scarred war hero, earns his place alongside the leading men of Austen and Heyer, and Diana is a heroine you’ll relate to and root for as she falls in love with her unintended earl. Rich historical details, authentic faith elements, and a dash of intrigue combine in this winning first installment of the Serendipity & Secrets series, certain to gain a permanent place on your shelf . . . and in your heart.”
~ Amanda Barratt, author of My Dearest Dietrich
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Twitter (@EricaVetsch), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!
Ends May 12, 2020
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