Library of Clean Reads: Erica Vetsch

Showing posts with label Erica Vetsch. Show all posts

Thursday, December 16, 2021

The Debutante's Code by Erica Vetsch (Review and Giveaway!)

This was a fun, lighthearted mystery book by one of my favorite authors. If you like Regency mysteries, be sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Details:

Title: The Debutante's Code by Erica Vetsch
Category: Adult Fiction, 320 pages
Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Romance
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release date: December 7, 2021
Content rating: PG

Book Description:

Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes in this new Regency mystery series

Newly returned from finishing school, Lady Juliette Thorndike is ready to debut in London society. Due to her years away, she hasn't spent much time with her parents and sees them only as the flighty, dilettante couple the other nobles love. But when they disappear, she discovers she never really knew them at all. They've been living double lives as government spies--and they're only the latest in a long history of espionage that is the family's legacy.

Now Lady Juliette is determined to continue their work. Mentored by her uncle, she plunges into the dangerous world of spies. From the glittering ballrooms of London to the fox hunts, regattas, and soirees of country high society, she must chase down hidden clues, solve the mysterious code her parents left behind, and stay out of danger. All the while, she has to keep her endeavors a secret from her best friend and her suitors--not to mention the nosy, irritatingly handsome Bow Street runner, who suspects her of a daring theft.

Can Lady Juliette outwit her enemies and complete her parents' last mission?

Best-selling author Erica Vetsch is back with a rollicking, exciting new series destined to be a hit with Regency readers who enjoy a touch of mystery in their love stories. Fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, and Anne Perry will love the wit, action, and romance.

Click here to read an excerpt.

My Review

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

After reading the three books of the Serendipity and Secrets series and loving them, I was excited to learn of Vetsch's new Regency Mystery series. And I was not disappointed! This was a fun, lighthearted mystery book.

Lady Juliette Thorndike returns from finishing school in Switzerland after seven years. Her life changes drastically when she discovers her parents missing because of their work as government spies. Suddenly, she is navigating her debut into society all while trying to solve the code that will save her parents. Juliette is thrust into the world of espionage, art theft, and budding romantic feelings for Daniel Swann, a Bow Street runner who seems to always be a step behind her. But Lady Juliette is high society while Daniel is not, so is there even a future for them?

There were several mysteries in this novel, and this kept the story interesting throughout. Never a dull moment, it was action-filled and a great start to this new series. I liked both Juliette and Daniel's characters as they used their quick wits to solve parts of the mystery that affected their lives. I have to admit the theme of espionage and Christian morality did not always mix well. Spies commit actions that are clearly against moral standards even if they are done in the name of the Crown!

But apart from this, this was a great book to escape into. There is a more serious theme that runs through the novel, that of parental abandonment, which may be explored to a greater degree in the second installment, Millstone of Doubt, along with some minor unresolved plot threads. I also look forward to seeing how the author will develop the relationship between our heroine and the young policeman she is attracted to.

If you like Regency mysteries, art, espionage, clean stories, and well-written novels, this one will keep you well entertained.

Buy the Book:

Amazon.ca ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Christianbook

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.

Vetsch is the author of many novellas and novels, including the popular Serendipity & Secrets Regency series and the new Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery series

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.

Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Dec 31, 2021

Monday, April 12, 2021

The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch (Book Review and Kindle Giveaway!)

The Indebted Earl is the third book in the Serendipity & Secrets series by Erica Vetsch. I loved all the books and this one ended up being the best one for me. Check out my review and enter the giveaway to win a Kindle HD Fire!

Book Details:

Title: The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch
Category: Adult Fiction, 288 pages
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Christian Fiction
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release date: March 2, 2021
Contact Rating: G

Book Description:

Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business--or will it turn into something more?

Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man's grieving fiance and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.

When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience.

Sophie is surprised to find she isn't opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed's elderly mother, and she's already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she'll stay behind to oversee his property and wards.

It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he's come to mean to her. Now she'll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love.

My Review:

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

The Indebted Earl is the third book in the Serendipity & Secrets series by Erica Vetsch. I enjoyed the first book The Lost Lieutenant and I loved the second book The Gentleman Spy and this third one was the best out of all three for me. Such a great story! The books are all stand-alone so you can enjoy them in whatever order you read them.

This engaging historical romance features Lady Sophia Haverly, the sister of Marcus, the main character from the second book, who makes a short appearance in this one too. Sophia's fiancé Rich dies overseas of battle wounds. His naval captain and friend, Charles Wyvern, returns to England after the war ends and visits Sophia to fulfill his promise to Rich that he would take care of her and his mother. Charles unexpectedly inherits an earldom and becomes guardian to three young girls. Sophie and Charles agree to a marriage of convenience and their life suddenly becomes filled with so much possibility.

I loved the premise of this story that had not one dull moment in it. Vetsch does such an amazing job bringing both the main characters and the secondary characters of the girls and Mamie, the mother-in-law to life. Such good character development, with bits of humor interspersed throughout. The characters are realistic, flawed, and grow with the arc of the story. I was touched by several scenes in this book.

Vetsch writes very well with a good knowledge of the era and its language. The story moved along at a good pace and I could not help but want to read it quickly. I enjoyed it thoroughly from beginning to end.

A feel-good marriage of convenience tale that is sure to please fans of historical romance with a touch of Christian elements. I'm a fan of Erica Vetsch and eagerly look forward to her next book!

Click here to read an excerpt.

Buy the Book:

Amazon.ca ~ ChristianBook.com

Chapters-Indigo ~ Barnes & Noble

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.

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), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends April 20, 2021

Thursday, August 6, 2020

The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch (Review and Giveaway!)

The Gentleman Spy is the second book in the Serendipity & Secrets series and once again, I found myself loving this engaging historical fiction novel that captivated me from beginning to end.

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch
Category: Adult Fiction, 304 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction / Christian Fiction / Romance
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release dates: July 28, 2020
Tour dates: July 28 to August 18, 2020
Content Rating: PG + M (themes of family abuse, prostitution and some violence)

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

He only wanted a duchess for a day--but she’s determined to make it a marriage for life

When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she’s meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life--as a secret agent for the Crown.

But his bride has other ideas. She’s determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society--the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she’d remain in the background as he ordered.

Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?

MY REVIEW:

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

In that first installment, we meet Marcus Haverly who is the second son of the Haverly family and a secret spy for the Crown. He was a great secondary character and I'm happy he got his own story. Marcus' life is about to drastically change when his father and older brother unexpectedly pass away and Marcus suddenly inherits a title and becomes a duke. How will he continue working undercover as an agent when all eyes are on him since he is now one of the most sought-after bachelors?

His mother gets to work looking for a suitable bride among the pretty young debutantes but Marcus impulsively chooses Lady Charlotte, a bluestocking who dresses plainly and loves books. He figures he can leave her to her duties as a duchess while he continues his work, however, the educated Charlotte has other ideas and follows her heart to help women who are forced into prostitution when they become widows of war veterans.

As both Marcus and Charlotte navigate the waters of their marriage of convenience, they of course fall in love. The author builds this romance beautifully with these two characters that are both strong yet cautious as they discover each other's true passions in life. With lots of action, witty dialogue and some humor, this Regency Christian romance satisfies the reader on all counts.

The third and last installment of the series titled The Indebted Earl, the story of Marcus Haverly’s younger sister, Sophie,will be released in March 2021, and I eagerly look forward to that story.

Disclosure: Thanks to Audra Jennings and the publisher 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:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Christianbook.com

Add to Goodreads

Praise for the Serendipity & Secrets Series

“Erica Vetsch brings such a fresh, true voice to Regency romance. She catches all that’s best about the genre while weaving together a fast-paced, intriguing story full of characters I cared about so much. I can’t wait for book two!”
~ Mary Connealy, author of the best-selling High Sierra Sweethearts and Wild at Heart series

“Love Regency? How about a swoon-worthy hero and a plot that twists and turns yet ties up in a neat bow at the end? Then get thee to a bookstore! The Lost Lieutenant is all that and more, from the battlefield of Salamanca to the gowns and suits at Almack’s. This is my favorite Erica Vetsch title to date and earns a place on my keeper shelf.”
~ Michelle Griep, Christy Award–winning author of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series

“A riveting Regency read, with captivating characters, that will tug at your heartstrings.”
~ Carolyn Miller, best-selling author of the Regency Brides series

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.

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 August 18, 2020

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch (Review and Giveaway!)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

BUY THE BOOK:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Christianbook.com

Add to Goodreads

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:

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.

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).