Overall, I enjoyed reading the book by a new-to-me author. It's a marriage of convenience story between Diana and Evan, who come into each other's lives by the matchmaking hand of the Prince Regent (Ol' Prinny was a hoot! Loved his character).

Both Diana and Evan keep secrets from each other in the beginning. They both have trust issues, she coming from a life ruled by a cruel father, and Evan suffering from PTSD from the war in the Iberian Peninsula.

As Diana and Evan work together to restore their new home and get ready for a royal visit, they discover how well suited they are for each other, despite the problems that come their way.

I'm looking forward to Marcus's story.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is 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.

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.

This book was a little heavier than most of the clean regency novels, as it dealt with abusive relationships on the side of the heroine, and severe PTSD from the hero. However, it was still a sweet story of two strangers learning to love and trust each other. The plot was exciting from beginning to end, with lots of twists and turns. And of course, the whole time you had the mystery of Evan's lost memory that made you just want to keep reading and reading. SO, I loved the plot! The one thing I had a little bit of trouble with in this book was connecting with the characters. While I liked them both and appreciated their flaws and growth, I didn't love them. They were just kind of "meh" for me, even though they were good characters. Does that makes any sense whatsoever? I would have also appreciated a little bit more conversation between Evan and Diana that was not focused on one of their MANY misunderstandings/quarrels. HOWEVER, overall it was a lovely, clean read, and I'm glad that I spent my Saturday with it.

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.

I have long wondered how I am lucky enough to have read some wonderful books. Of course, this one has joined the books I love. It is an unusual tale of a common soldier at Salamanca, during the War with Napoleon saves a man's life and the Prince Regent makes him an earl. He goes to a ball with his new friend, Marcus Haverly. Diana Seaton the duke's daughter, the sister of the man that Evan had saved, was presented to him by her father. The Prince Regent decides they look wonderful together and tells them they must marry soon. Marcus helped him adjust to the title but he had a hard time.
Diana lost her sister in childbirth and she had promised to care for the child as her own. She loved little Cian. Her father was a cruel man as was her brother. He was brokering a marriage for her. He planned to sell her to the highest bidder.
There were some interesting twists to the story. There was also some humor but they had a hard time trusting each other. When you read the book you will understand better. I read this in one sitting, it was that interesting. It was well written, entertaining, and very easy to read. The characters were unsure of themselves but kept going onward. I highly recommend this novel and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

I have enjoyed every book I’ve read from this author! I’m so excited to read Gentleman Spy the sequel to this book! Thank you for the opportunity to read it through Netgalley.

#TheLostLieutenant #NetGalley

What a wonderful novel! ( and such a beautiful cover!!) The plot is so intricately woven it unfolds with many layers right under your nose. I loved all the characters. They were so true in the person they were wether bad or good. I loved the relationship between Evan and Diana. The growth in both is slow and steady which is so nice in this Insta world. I can't wait to read more Vetsch novels.

Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC in exchange for a fair review. These opinions are my own.

I was thrilled to know that the author had a new book releasing. The story is set in Regency England where Lords, Dukes and such preside. The breathtaking details had me transported back in time as I witnessed the waltz and dresses flowing gracefully across the ballroom. Evan is quite the catch for some lucky woman. I must go back a bit and explain just who Evan is. The funny thing is Evan doesn’t remember much since his injury while serving his country. He somehow managed to save a noble’s life. Everything that was common in his life is about to change. I loved his gentlemanly ways and his integrity. He is someone you can count on to protect those he loves. Evan suddenly finds himself with a title and attention he never wanted. I could hear the announcement, “May I introduce you to the Earl of Whitelock,” as the trumpets sound with authority.

If there was ever a damsel in distress it would be the lovely Diana. The Duke of Seaton who is Dians’s father is the most vile man in the world. His greediness is horrible as is his hatred for Diana. He will do whatever it takes to get her inheritance and Diana is helpless as she wants to protect an innocent baby. I think I wanted to slap The Duke of Seaton many times during the story. The writing is superior as the characters are very well developed.

I won’t give many details about the plot so without further ado I give you an arranged marriage, evil men who are out to destroy Evan and Diana, an innocent child, love and secrets. I loved reading about the place Evan and Diana were to reside in. Let’s just say any fixer upper show would run the other way once they caught a glimpse of the place. I hear a challenge ahead for the couple. I also enjoyed reading about Evan and his flashbacks. It is an important part of the story that will find Evan worrying about the consequences if his mental state is found out. Well there you have it. All the makings for an adventure worthy of one of my favorite 2020 reads .

I received a copy of this book from Read With Audra Blog Tours. The review is my own opinion.

This is the first novel I've read by Erica Vetsch, and I am wondering what took me so long! The title of the series just grabs you and this cover just makes you swoon.

Marriage of convenience tropes are popular in the Regency genre types, but Ms. Vetsch breathes new life into the familiar trope with this book. Her characters are vibrant, unpredictable, and very likable. She created a very meddlesome Prince Regent that added loads of drama to the story.

Ms. Vetsch sets her book amid the Napoleonic Wars which is a new historic time period for this reader. I walked away learning something which is why historical romance is a favorite genre of mine.

As a new reader to Erica Vetsch I am a fan and looking forward to more books by this author.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is my first read by Erica Vetsch. I had heard great things about this book and the cover appealed to me so I knew I had to read it.
It. Was. Amazing.
The characters were deep, strongly written, and humanly flawed. Both are very relatable and the reader will find herself connecting and empathizing with both in turn. They are flawed because they both bear secrets and feel they cannot trust anyone with them. Not even each other.
This book ranks right up there with my favorites by Michelle Griep and Julie Klassen. Regency storytelling at its best.
If you are looking for a book to draw you in, with romance, mystery and intrigue, look no farther than the Lost Lieutenant.

This was a lovely book! Set in Regency England, Evan was a soldier who was given an Earldom by saving the Prince Regent’s godson, even though he doesn’t remember the incident. Diana is caring for her nephew, Cian, while trying to outmaneuver her father in how she can keep Cian. There was a common villain in both story lines, who was suitably terrible, with a nice plot twist toward the end regarding his motives. I LOVED the secondary characters, at least the ones I was supposed to, and I’m happy to see Marcus will be getting his own story since I think his character was fantastic. Louisa, who becomes Diana and Evan’s housekeeper, had me laughing at loud at times.

The growing relationship between Diana and Evan was lovely, with a wonderful message in the book about love and acceptance, particularly as they learned more about each other’s “secret”.

I’m certainly going to add Erica Vetsch to my must-read authors list!

Set in England in the 1800's, The Lost Lieutenant quickly grabbed my attention and kept my interest in the plight of the two main characters. It was a light-hearted romance with thoroughly likable characters and the introduction of some very interesting side characters that I look forward to reading more about in future Serendipity and Secrets books.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed reading The Lost Lieutenant, it was interesting from start to finish.Evan is pretty much told by the prince to marry Diana. As they get to know each other, they begin to truly love each other. For most of the story poor Evan can't remember the day he was injured, but he knows it is important. He deals with flashbacks to that day, but he can't make sense of them. Diana has promised to take care of her late sister"s son, Evan knows nothing about.. When they learn they can trust each other with their secrets, they finally tell each other everything. Excellent story that I hated to see it end!

"The Lost Lieutenant" is a romance set in 1813 in England. Lieutenant Evan Eldridge saved a noble's life, but he can't remember exactly what happened due to a concussion. The Prince Regent makes him an Earl as a reward, but Evan wishes he could just go back to soldiering. He feels overwhelmed and that God must've made a mistake when allowing this to happen. Then the Prince further changes Evan's life by commanding him to marry Diana. She has an abusive father who uses her promise to take care of her sister's illegitimate child as a way to control her. She risks her new marriage if she brings the child with her, but the child's life is in danger she doesn't.

Both Evan and Diana were kind, compassionate people who cared about others, like the baby and discharged, wounded soldiers. Though they had misunderstandings and secrets to work through, they built each other up and supported each other's talents. Historical details about the war and the Prince were woven into the story and created suspense about the marriage working, potential social ruin, and a dangerous spy uncovered yet not remembered by Evan. There were no graphic sex scenes. There was no bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel.

THE LOST LIEUTENANT by ERICA VETSCH is a regency romance with all the attributes of a really good novel. It is the beautiful love story of two people who are put in a situation that is totally foreign to them and not at all what they have chosen.
Evan Eldridge, who was injured at Salamanca and suffers from nightmares and the inability to remember something important that happened before he passed out on the battle field, is made the Earl of Whitelock by the Prince Regent at the ceremony where Diana is presented to Queen Charlotte at the start of her London season. Apparently Evan saved Diana's good for nothing brother Percival's life and won the Prince Regent's undying gratitude for saving his godson.
Percival is not the only nasty character in Diana;s household - her father, the Earl of Seaton, is cruel and controlling, brokering his daughter on the marriage market in order to make as much money out of her as he can. He has no love for anyone and particularly cannot abide baby Cian, his dead daughter Catherine's son. Diana adores the unwanted child and is prepared to do anything to keep him safe and honour the promise she made to her beloved sister on her death bed.
We are drawn into the life of the time, with all the rules and regulations of high society, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Gossip is rife, and reputations are at risk. We are reminded that what is in a person's heart is more important than what the world sees on the outside.
There is a lovely Christian message of unconditional love and restoration of that which is broken. There is danger and intrigue and some nail biting suspense. It is altogether a delightful read and one I highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by the Independent Publishers Group. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

5 Stars

The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch is about a war hero that finds his bravery rewarded by the Prince Regent in more ways than one. Not only is he made Earl of Whitelock and encouraged to wed the Prince Regent’s goddaughter, but he realizes his new title comes with a very large estate and inheritance.

Without giving spoilers, Evan and Diana learn to trust and love each other as they navigate their new life together. This book has it all: faith, romance, gowns, fancy balls, drama, shooting competitions, a hero and a heroine. I simply didn’t want to put it down.

I loved and appreciated the added element of faith in this love story. This is the first book by Erica Vetsch that I have read, and now I want to read more of her novels.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kregel Publications for an advanced copy in exchange for a fair review. I truly enjoyed this book, and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

Seaton Estate, Berkshire - 1813

The Duke of Seaton is a mean, cruel, greedy, and bitter man. He has lost three wives, none of whom he loved. He had married them for monetary profit. Each wife had given him a child. His daughter, Catherine, was compromised by a rake during her debut resulting in a pregnancy. She died giving birth to her son, Cian. His other daughter, Diana, simply wants to care for the baby as she had promised her sister and whom she loves dearly. However, her father insists that she be presented at court and she will marry the man he has chosen for her. After which, he will take the inheritance her grandmother had left for her. They will take Cian with them to London and her father will place the child in an orphanage. They will be accompanied by her arrogant brother, Percival, who had been slightly wounded in the war, but who still unnecessarily carries a cane.

Lieutenant Evan Eldridge is convalescing in the hospital from wounds he received in the war. He is still plagued with nightmares. The son of a vicar, he simply wants to get well and rejoin his troops. When the Home Secretary comes to visit him, he is surprised. The man conveys that the Prince Regent has invited him to a ceremony at court for saving the life of his godson during battle. The man is Percival Seaton even though Evan doesn’t remember the incident.

At court, Diana is presented to the Queen and the Prince Regent awards Evan the title of Earl of Whitelock, Viscount Sharingham, plus lands and holdings. Evan is shocked by this and meets Diana and her brother, Percival who weakly thanks Evan for saving him. The Prince Regent also declares that Evan and Diana shall marry and she shall receive her inheritance from her grandmother. This news leaves her father furious, helpless, and ready for revenge.

When Evan and Diana arrive at Whitelock, they are shocked to find the place dilapidated. However, Diana is ready for the challenge of refurbishing the place in time for the Prince Regent’s visit after Easter.

This is a totally delightful book full of emotion and budding love. There is also evil and hatred. The descriptions of it all are magnificent. This book is not to be missed. I cannot wait to read more by this wonderful author.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch is the first in her Serendipity & Secrets series. A fresh take on the marriage of convenience trope, the novel features Lieutenant Evan Eldridge, who has saved the life of the Prince Regent’s godson and is given an earldom as a reward. But the Prince Regent isn’t satisfied with just that reward, and before he knows it, Evan is married to the Prince Regent’s goddaughter.

Because no one says no to the Prince Regent.

The characterization is impeccable. Evan and Diana jump off the page. They’re real, they’re relatable, and they’re root-worthy. Vetsch grabs you from the first line and thrusts you into Diana’s world and Evan’s recovery. She sends you on the journey with them, and you don’t just witness their setbacks, you feel them. While I didn’t always agree with Diana’s and Evan’s decisions and subsequent reactions, I could understand why they did it, and that’s important. Their backgrounds are fleshed out enough that you can see how the abuse affected Diana. How the war affected Evan. And how they’re unprepared for the new life given them.

The plot is interesting. If you’re not already intrigued by a solider becoming an earl overnight, there’s a mystery, secrets, and a rundown manor that has to be repaired before the Prince Regent’s visit. Not to mention the fact that Evan can’t remember something important. And if he doesn’t, someone could end up dead.

Talk about suspense!

Vetsch manages to keep you on your toes and keeps you guessing. She does a great job of using her supporting characters to add intrigue and humor as well as give the main characters the push they need. (My favorite is Marcus, Evan’s society “tutor” and friend.)

I loved this book, ya’ll. I was engrossed in it from the moment I read the first line, and I stayed up way too late reading it. But it was worth it! If you love Regency romances, marriage of convenience tropes, and historical romance in general, you’ll love this book.

Very enjoyable read. Interesting characters - enough suspense and uncertainty to keep the pages turning. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.