The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch – Book Review, Preview

Item: The Lost Lieutenant
Rating: 4
Author: Phyllis Helton

Posted May 19, 2020 by Phyllis Helton in Book Reviews /

The Lost Lieutenant

by Erica Vetsch

Series: Serendipity & Secrets #1
Published by Kregel Publications
Publication Date April 21, 2020
Genres: Historical Fiction, Clean Romance, Mystery
Setting: England Regency Era – UK – 1795 – 1837
Written for: Adults
Pages: 304

Synopsis:

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.

I would like to thank Just Read Publicity Tours for giving me a copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

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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.