For January in my Facebook Reader Group, the challenge was to read a Regency Era book. I chose to read a book which published in 2020 that captured my attention and found its way to the top of my TBR pile as a highly anticipated read for this busy author. I’m usually far too busy writing books to do more than squeeze in one or two reads each month, but my choice for this fun group activity, The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch, did not disappoint.
I was thrilled with the quality of research, first and foremost. The author did her homework. I felt she went above and beyond, bringing much more of the era to life for me than most books do in this genre. Secondly, it was a joy to read a book filled with Christian characters who held Christian views, yet there were antagonists who helped create conflict and challenges in the book who were clearly cut from another cloth. The author does a fantastic job of striking the right balance, and getting our faith as Christians right in the way she develops her characters. It was woven seamlessly into the book, thrilling my soul to read the story. I personally soaked up every aspect of this thought process for the characters in the book, and especially their reactions to various situations they encountered.
The book wasn’t too preachy, and there were times when I couldn’t put it down. One night, I was up way past my bedtime into the early morning hours turning the pages. By the time I was halfway, we had a snow day here in Kentucky the next day, and it took no time at all for me to decide to spend the day finishing the book.
I also commend the author on her plot. It was well-thought out and enjoyable. The book held my attention all the way through the story. I enjoyed the humor in the book, and found myself laughing out loud quite a few times. Most of the time, the author wrote so well, as a reader, I felt as if I was there in the story.
The book is clean, sweet, and romantic, yet wholesome. I would consider it advanced reading, more for ages fifteen or perhaps seventeen and up, unless your reader is advanced enough to handle the complexities of say something along the lines of Pride & Prejudice. The Lost Lieutenant is done so well, it easily holds its own in the world of classic literature. Jane Austen fans would be pleased.
The story centers around Lady Diana Seaton and Lieutenant Evan Eldridge. Evan is thrust into the world of becoming a member of the peerage when the Prince Regent bestows and estate, a title, and a wife upon him. He is indeed quite lost in this new role. I enjoyed the humility in the central and main characters, the espionage, the descriptions of scenery, the fashions, a glimpse into military life, the conflicts and suspense, a closer look at running a country estate for the peerage in England, and the halls of society in London where we have a close encounter with the Prince Regent. The author followed all of the Regency Era rules and brought history to life for me.
I look forward to reading all of the books in the series, especially since the author did a good job of leaving me filled with intrigue and interest about the character of Marcus, returning in Book 2 of the series, “Serendipity & Secrets.” Have you read this book? If so, what did you think?
