I love historical romance, especially ones set in England or Ireland. When I was given the opportunity to read and review The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch, I was excited to get my copy and begin reading. I immediately was transported into the story – and, to be honest, I laid in bed the entire day and read it in one sitting. (Yes, it was the weekend!) I couldn’t put the book down, because I felt like I was transported into Sophie’s world.

I loved this book – as I said earlier, I laid in bed an entire day and read it cover-to-cover. At first, I was worried the story would just be the same “old story line.” but it’s not! Erica throws in a few curveballs that make the story fun and exciting. The characters were amazing… my favorite is Lady Sophia’s brother. His mannerisms and comments had me laughing all throughout the book. The story was so well written, every scene was exciting and felt like I was just off to the side observing the action in real life. I just hope maybe she will follow up with a sequel or two, to tell the other minor character’s stories.

I definitely recommend reading this book – just make sure it is the weekend, so you can read it non-stop!

Thank you NetGalley for the free ARC to facilitate my review.

I have enjoyed every book of this series. I first fell in love with the cover and then the stories within the pages.

This third book was a perfect ending to the series, although I am very sad to see it end.

All of the chaos that Ms. Vetsch created was hilarious and quite entertaining.

Charles and Sophia's love story was fun to watch. Adding in the wards from the previous Earl was perfection. I love when kids are in the story.

Vetsch has quickly become a historical favorite of mine and I will continue to reach for her books.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I wasn't required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Charles blames himself for the death of Major Richardson, his friend and Sophia's betrothed - and that friend extracted from him a promise to help her as much as he could. Sophia's betrothed left his mother in her care when he went to war, so when news of his death is brought and she wishes to get away to the seaside for a while, Sophia accepts Charles' offer to escort them. But Charles is not only steeped in guilt at his friend's death, he's also facing a new and unexpected challenge - he's just inherited an earldom, and apparently three young wards! Fortunately the ladies stay on for a few days to help out, but the more Charles sees of Sophia, the more conflicted he feels about her. Will Sophia ever be able to forgive him for his role in her betrothed's death? More importantly, will he ever be able to forgive himself?

An engaging cast of characters, an intriguing hint of mystery and suspense, and an enjoyable story! The whole story is very neatly and satisfyingly tied up, but without ever feeling forced or rushed in any way, and the kids - well, they're kids, with all that entails. While it was clear from the start what needed to happen, the path was less obvious, and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. Note that, though part of a series, this can be read alone without a problem (I haven't read them, but I'd love to go back and do so). Clean and well written, this is a great story. Recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Erica has done it again! This is the third instalment in the Serendipity and Secrets series, and we follow Sophie, whom we have previously met waiting for her fiancé to return from war. The war is finally over, but he was badly wounded and won’t make it home. As he lay dying, he asked his captain, Charles, to take his things, and news of his love, home to his fiancée. This task would have been troubling at the best of times, but the captain feels responsible for his death, and indebted to him for saving his life. Back in England, Charles must deal with his guilt, the disrepute of his family name, and having an earldom thrust upon him, when all he really wants is to be back at sea.

This is another wonderful regency romance from Erica Vetsch. Beautiful characters. Suspenseful storyline. Highly recommended!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC ain return for my honest review.

I’m so excited that the conclusion to Erica Vetsch‘s debut series is finally out in the world! After meeting Marcus’s sister in the last one, I’m glad we got to have a story for her. Lady Sophia Haverly recently lost her fiancé, and is visited by his friend Charles Wyvern. Not only has Captain Wyvern recently come into a title and home, 3 young sisters are dropped off on his doorstep. I do love a good marriage of convenience story, and this one was no different! Gorgeous cover aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful slow burn romance. I’m so delighted for this new Regency author and can’t wait to see what she writes next! I definitely recommend this series to Regency fans.

Four and a half stars. This is one of the best Regency romances I have read in a long time. Starting with Charles and Rich to Sophie and Mamie the characters are well developed with no one being over the top with the exception of the new Baron Richardson. He doesn’t get much space in the story anyway. The youngest sister, Betsy, is a scene stealer reminiscent of Shirley Temple.
While the plot is not original, the writing is excellent and the descriptions made it easy to visualize the settings. I highly recommend this clean romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Kregel Publications through NetGalley and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5

📝Review📝
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would! I love regency romance novels and have read many, but this one was the most unique one that I’ve read to date!

If you enjoy regency romance novels but are not really into the detailed love making bits...THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU! Now, I personally love a little smut in my romance books, but I still really loved this book. It seemed a tad long at times, but I was genuinely interested throughout the entire book!

You will especially love this book if you like wounded navy men, a headstrong female protagonist, slow-burn romance, likable characters, and even a little Jesus!


⚓️Mini Summary⚓️
Captain Charles Wyvern has been a seaman basically all of his life, but when his best friend’s dying wish is for him to take care of the fiancé he leaves behind, how can Charles refuse?

Lady Sophia Haverly, sister to the Duke, is a loyal woman and grieves with the passing of her fiancé. However, after meeting Charles, she agrees to a marriage of convenience so her mother will cease her match-making attempts and just let Sophie mourn in peace.

Upon the sudden passing of a distant relative, Charles inherits an Earldom! But it doesn’t come without its challenges! Suddenly thrust into this position, he not only learns he is now responsible for three young ladies, but becomes tangled up in a smuggling scheme! Guess you’ll just have to read it to find out how everything unfolds!


❗️Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, but my rating and review are all my own.

@omg_look_at_her_books

The Indebted Earl was an enjoyable conclusion to Erica Vetsch's debut Regency series. It might be unusual, but I think I might have enjoyed this one the most. It provided a clever take on the marriage of convenience trope whcih was not trite or corny.

Charles and Sophie are both hurting people, and both are suffering from what we would call survivor's guilt over the death of someone they loved. The same person, as it turns out. .Sophie's fiance was by turn Charles' best friend from the navy. What begins as two people having to adjust to new circumstances becomes an interesting story of two young people learning to grow and as they take on the responsibiluty of an estate and three young girls.

The irony is that both were seeking solitude and an escape, but life does not always give us what we want. The slow burning romance, and messages about learning to trust made this a memorable and meaningful story. Unlike the others, where some of the themes felt a little forced this one seemed more natural and more lighthearted.

I also appreciated how the protaganists in this story had connections with characters in the last two, but still stand alone. My only complaints were a few details that didn't really fit the setting and were obviously put in for the benefit of modern readers.
There;s no way, for example, that someone in 1814 England would have to explain who Nelson was to their fellow countrywoman. Nelson was a national hero. and a celebrity. I doubt there was anyone who didn't know who he was.

Thanks to Audra Jennings Blog Tours for sending me Netgalley widget for this title. I was not required to write a positive reivew and all opinions expressed herein are my own.

THE INDEBTED EARL by ERICA VETSCH is a most enjoyable historical novel with romance, intrigue and suspense, some unforgettable characters and a good Christian message of forgiveness, unselfishness and trusting God's plans for one's life.
Will Captain Charles Wyvern ever be able to forgive himself for his friend, Major "Rich" Richardson's death, and will Rich's fiancée, Lady Sophia Haverly be able to forgive Charles for his involvement in the ill fated attack?
The story starts in 1814 in a hospital in Portugal, with Charles being asked by his dying friend to promise he will look after Sophie. Charles has been a sailor since he was twelve and feels very ill equipped to accomplish this mission.
I like to see Sophie's care of Rich's mother, Mamie, and her involvement with the three orphan girls who arrive at Charles' English country estate.
I highly recommend The Indebted Earl to anyone who enjoys a good historical romance.
I was given a free copy of the book by Independent Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I have really enjoyed this series by Erica Vetsch. Like the first two books in the series, Vetsch has brought engaging characters, lots of emotions, and an interesting plot line. I am a sucker for marriage of convenience stories. There's just something about seeing two characters come together because they "have to", but find themselves right where they need to be.

Here's the thing. Even though they had just met, it really was like Charles had known Sophia forever thanks to the letters she wrote to her beau. I thought that was actually a nice way to start the book - seeing Sophia pinning over her love (not Charles!), grieving his loss, and yet connecting with Charles in a new and unexpected way. I also appreciated how dedicated she was to her would-have-been mother in law. That shows a different kind of love and loyalty than just romance, and sometimes I think that books need more of that!

All in all this was another good read from Vetsch. Historical fiction fans will enjoy Charles and Sohpia's journey. And the kids make it fun as well! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have waited a while for the author to write a new book. She has surpassed my expectations with this wonderful story. It is easy to fall in love with the characters because they are so well developed. Oh my did I enjoy reading about Charles. He is such a swoon worthy captain with integrity and a big heart. He takes his job seriously and is always looking out for his crew. A tragedy strikes which finds Charles having to deliver sad news to a woman who has been waiting for her fiancée to return. The moments Charles and Rich spent together as they lay in hospital cots was very emotional. Charles has made a promise to Rich that he now needs to honor.

Sophie is a sweet woman and I loved that she was taking care of Rich’s mother with no hesitation. Their relationship is very special and I admire Sophie for stepping up and making sure that Rich’s mother was well treated and met her needs. Her selflessness is very important as the story shows how she always puts others before herself. I did like how the story took an unexpected turn when a marriage of convenience is brought up. Sophie must have some misgivings as she is still mourning the passing of Rich. Her heart is hurt when she learns some unexpected details of Rich’s death. Will she be able to forgive?

The story gives us a look at two people who come together to fulfill a promise and the trials they face along the way. There are several surprises in the story that will take readers on an emotional journey of forgiveness, joy, faith and trust. This is my favorite of the series. I think the author writes with great knowledge of this time period and helps readers visualize the land and people with a clear view. There are a few moments I cried as I so wanted things to work out. The book is everything I had hoped for and well worth the wait.

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

A deathbed promise leads to a marriage between a taciturn sea captain and a life-loving duke's daughter.

The Indebted Earl is an age-gap, sweet historical romance with a tad of adventure, spirituality, and courtroom drama.

Charles Wynern was a captain in the navy who had lived his whole life on a ship. Baron Richardson, one of his officers, got seriously hurt while saving Charles' life and, on his deathbed, asked the captain to take care of his ailing mother and fiancee.

The captain had never met Lady Sophia Haverly, but he had always admired her sunny disposition and the witty letters she wrote to her betrothed. Half of the crew was in love with Sophia and waited anxiously for the bits of her missives that Richardson would occasionally share with the men.

Sophia and Charles were very different, but they bonded over their grief, and those bonds deepened over the love they shared for Charles' wards: three lovely orphan girls.

Charles was conflicted by his unrequited love for the young Sophia and the pull of the sea. Things got worse when some unknown enemies started a plot against him.

There is a light element of faith, with the main characters having doubts and looking for God's guidance in their moment of grief and uncertainty.

I loved the contrast between Charles's deep insecurities and his unwavering protection and support of Sophia and Richardson's mother. He was such a mature and honorable man. His tenderness for his wards was so endearing.

Sophia was a remarkable heroine: young yet constant, reliable, loyal, and most of all, always very kind.

The side characters were lovely. It was especially nice to see the portrait of a positive and loving relationship between mother and daughter-in-law (they were not precisely in-laws, but it made their relationship even sweeter).

The Indebted Earl is a lovely story with relatable characters, family love, romance, and a bit of courtroom drama. It is my first book by this author, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her stories.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 04/20/2021 as part of the book's blog tour*

This is Erica Vetsch's first foray into Regency fiction and she's done an awesome job! At the beginning of the book, I was a little put off by the age difference between Charles and Sophia but once I accepted the fact that it was common and normal for the time period and just a part of the story, I enjoyed the book so much more. Just think Colonel Brandon and Marianne (for all you fellow Jane Austen nerds), we love the story of Sense and Sensibility despite the age difference between the characters. The build up and anticpation in this romance made for a very satisfying ending and I just felt like shouting a hallelujah when they finally declared feelings and got that long awaited kiss! And don't get me started on just how adorable Penny, Thea and Betsy were, especially their interactions with the captain! It's good thing I sit while reading otherwise I would've melted into a puddle of oohs and awwws!

Captain Charles Wyvern wants to prove true to his word. When a soldier under his command makes one last wish before he dies, Wyvern is determined to do his best to fulfill that wish. As the soldier, Major Richardson, saved his life, this debt carries a lot of weight. Richardson's request to Wyvern was for him to see about his fiancée, Sophie.

Meanwhile, now that the war is over, Wyvern is worried about his next travels as living on sea is the only life he has ever loved. However, when his uncle passes away, Wyvern becomes the Earl of Rothwell. His new title brings on quite a few duties, along with Sophie's immediate needs. What is more is that three girls show up on his doorstep and they are also in need of care. Sophie is devoted to the woman who would have been her mother-in-law. Losing Richardson does not in any way remove the love and care Sophie has for her.

What an interesting group of people - a man with a title who would rather be at sea, a woman grieving her fiancé, an elderly woman who has own needs, and three young girls. How will they all get on, when all Wyvern wants is another commission?

I loved this Regency romance, with strong, affective characters, filled with adventure, a bit of mystery, all while never forgetting how faith is a strong guiding force. I loved the emotional edge this story had, and this played out on several levels. The connection that Wyvern and Sophie had was palpable as it was developed. Their growing love and attention towards the girls warmed my heart, as well as Sophie's relentless and gentle concern for her fiancé's mother. Lastly, I especially loved the conflict Wyvern experienced when all he wanted was to get back to his life on sea, as well as the twist where his very future seemed quite uncertain.

The Indebted Earl is the pleasing last book in the Serendipity and Secrets trilogy, and the first two books are The Gentleman Spy and The Lost Lieutenant. I loved all three of these books, especially the continuity that came with familiar characters from the first two books in the series.

Many thanks to Erica Vetsch, Kregel Publications, NetGalley and Audra Jennings, PR, for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

With The Indebted Earl, Regency storyteller extraordinaire Erica Vetsch has penned a heartwarming, captivating conclusion to the Serendipity and Secrets series. This book can easily be read as a stand-alone; however, because they are so good, you will want to read the other two books in the series also! The well-drawn characters are endearing and capture your heart. The intriguing plot draws you in from the beginning and holds on to you to the end. Figurative language and attention to historical detail bring the story to life. I love the marriage of convenience trope which is executed beautifully as the romance develops sweetly and tenderly. Faith flows naturally throughout the story. This book and the series are now on my “best reads” list. I highly recommend this “not to be missed” series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A lovely conclusion to the series. The final installment can most easily be read as a stand-alone. A marriage of convenience story, with shared grief bringing people together. The villain(s) appeared somewhat early on and were easily spotted, but that in no way detracted from following the mystery unfold.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Erica Vetsch’s final book in the Serendipity and Secrets series is hands down my favorite of the three.

There was so much to love about this Regency romance. A wounded Naval captain, a grieving fiancé, a would-be mother-in-law and three unexpected wards, and a marriage of convenience.
The romance in The Indebted Earl progresses at an excellent pace from friendship to admiration to love and the action picks up with suspicious village and a bit of intrigue.

I didn’t want to say goodbye to Sophie and Charles by the time the book ending. Series finales are always bittersweet, but finger crossed we’ll see many, many more books from Vetsch.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

"Duties are not burdens when they are performed out of love."

I have been a huge fan of Erica Vetsch's Serendipity & Secrets series and this latest installment is such a delightful addition to a wonderful series. It can totally be read as a stand-alone but reading the series in order will help the reader appreciate all the subtle nuances in the plot and characters. Sophie is an unusual duke's daughter in this Regency era, full of independence and stubbornness but also brimming with compassion and tenderness. Her patient loving care of her fiance's aging and struggling mother is so heart-warming and tender. Her grief at all she's lost is real and raw yet her determination to forge ahead and make the best of her situation is incredible. Charles is a swoony hero - brooding and stern with a strong sense of duty, loyalty, and integrity yet a pure softie underneath his gruff exterior. This unlikely friendship between a high society lady and a Royal Navy captain is angst-ridden, refreshingly honest, and filled with longing as it turns into something more. Throw in an unwanted peerage title, an unexpected guardianship of three girls, and a strangely mysterious vibe and undercurrent in the town of Charles' inheritance and you have a perfectly crafted tale that will keep you up way past your bedtime.

It's a must-read Regency romance with a twist of mystery and suspense!
I received the book from Kregel Publication via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

This is one of my long-awaited reads in 2021! I’ve been waiting since I read the first and second books to be able to finish the series and my oh my! The characters, the plot, the cameos from characters from the characters in the previous books in the Serendipity and Secrets series by Erica Vetsch all wrapped this up in a tiny little bow and gave several hours of pleasure.

The different take on a marriage of convenience trope was well executed and gave newer touches to a romance trope I’ve long enjoyed.

The Indebted Earl is a regency romance not to be missed that showcases things you don’t often find touched on in romances like it. I only wish it hadn’t ended so soon.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Erica Vetch is one of those authors whose name has been publicized in my reading groups as a Christian Regency author not to miss.
I finally got the opportunity to taste Ms. Vetch’s ability in this last book of the series, The Indebted Earl, #3 Serendipity and Secrets.
I loved Sophie from the moment I met her. Sweet, strong, and determined to take care of her almost-mother-in-law who is settling into dementia, Sophie has a loveable, calming influence on those around her. She is also fiercely loyal.
The captain was not quite so easy to love, but Vetch doesn’t set out to make him super loveable. He’s rigid, unbending, operating with military-like precision, and not good at showing affection. So, Vetch pulls off a coup as she convinces the reader to love him and root for this marriage of convenience between Sophie and Charles.
Both Sophie and Charles are realistic individuals. They struggle with God’s will going against their own carefully constructed plans. Vetch allows both Charles and Sophie to question God, to cry out to Him, to wonder where He is in the valley of suffering. “Why, God? Why did You allow this to happen? How can this possibly be Your will?”
Eventually, they will stretch and grow through their trials.
Readers of previous books will discover characters from former novels put in appearances, but I enjoyed the book as a standalone. (However, I do plan to rectify that situation.)
Several twists move the storyline along in surprising directions and a bit of suspense kept me eagerly reading.
My attention was especially captured by the young children, all three with unique personalities. I adored each of them. Will Sophie and Charles attach themselves to these orphans or wash their hands of them?
Vetch touches on the subject of suicide (briefly) and deals tenderly with dementia.
For me, The Indebted Earl lived up to its hype. Highly recommended.
I received a copy from the author and publisher through Read with Audra. I am voluntarily leaving my thoughts, which are solely my own.