"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 ...
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"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"--Back cover.
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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.)
Ruth_Ann*BookofRuthAnn
Apr 21, 2020
On fate, trust, love, and overcoming trauma
When I first saw this book I had to look twice at the cover. I had read The Earl's Betrothal by Karen Tuft just the month before and was surprised by the covers being nearly identical. The stories have a few similarities as well.
Both heroes are soldiers recently returned to England after the Battle of Salamanca and suffer from PTSD with recurring nightmares. There also are adorable tots in the stories and the main lady and gentleman are forced to wed under different circumstances. I firmly believe these are coincidental similarities as the rest of each book's plot is unique. I hope you read both these elegantly written Regency novels.
Evan Eldridge is just a commoner. While recovering from a traumatic injury, he receives a request to appear before the Prince Regent as reward for saving the Prince's godson. He has no recollection of most of the battle or saving Percival Seaton. The Prince doesn't just offer him his appreciation but grants him an earldom as reward for his heroic deed.
At court, Evan meets lovely Diana Seaton, Percival's sister and the daughter of a duke, who is being introduced to the Queen as her entrance into Society. He is befriended by Marcus Haverly who is the second son of a Duke. With his new friend's help and further assistance from the Prince, Evan is introduced into Society where he meets Diana again.
He also meets Percival whose lewd friend Viscount Fitzroy ruined Diana's sister last Season leaving Catherine broken and with child. These rakes try to tempt Evan in joining them in their leacherous pursuits
"Surely such infidelity couldn't be acceptable in a society so strict about everyone's actions."
After Catherine was compromised, her father sent her to the countryside to hide her shame. She begged Diana to raise the baby, Cian, as her own and protect him from the duke before she died shortly after giving birth.
The duke threatens to send the baby to an orphanage if Diana crosses him. He schemes to get ahold of half of Diana's inheritance her grandmother willed to Diana's future husband.
Evan attends Almack's the first time that same night upsetting the duke's plans. Unaware of all the rules, Evan attempts to save Diana from the demeaning attentions of Fitzroy by drawing her into a waltz without permission. The Prince appears at this interesting juncture and unwittingly saves both Evan and Diana from censure through his approval. He is struck by new inspiration and "suggests" the Earl of Whitelock, Evan, propose to Lady Diana.
The Duke of Seaton is outraged by the proposal and the ensuing engagement. His anger and abuse terrify Diana. Evan is shocked the duke would strike Diana and insists they marry within seven days to protect her from suffering more abuse. Diana is afraid to trust any men after living with her father and half brother, Percival.
The Prince invites himself to their wedding feast and announces how rich Evan now is because of Diana's inheritance. He also invites himself to visit the new Earl and Countess of Whitelock, Evan and Diana, at their country estate in a couple months time.
Diana hides her nephew in a basket when they leave for the countryside secretly removing him from the duke's residence. She claims the baby is her maid's child when he discovers her hungrily crying nephew.
The Prince's impending visit makes it essential that Evan and Diana prepare their new home. The inheritance will be necessary to accomplish everything needed. Neither Evan nor Diana, nor Evan's army friend, now employed as estate manager, are prepared for how derelict their new estate has become.
Evan's worst fear is being sent to an asylum if anyone learns of his flashbacks, loss of memory, and nightmares. There is something mysterious about what he cannot remember that of course is vitally important.
Diana's secret about the baby's real identity is revealed abruptly one night. Before she finds the courage to tell Evan, the baby becomes deathly ill.
Just as things are beginning to improve, disaster shows up at Whitelock. The fate of many lives rests on the decisions Evan and Diana make.
I was joyfully surprised by The Lost Lieutenant! The painful episodes I anticipated were better than I anticipated with some lovely surprises. I loved that the plot was unique throughout the book and not cliche.
This tale of compassion, faith, endurance, and trust is an entrancing read. I hope you enjoy reading it!
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.