If you’ve followed my blog for long, you’ll know I’m a fan of historical fiction. The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch is a prime example of exactly the type of book I enjoy. It has suspense, historical, yet timely personal struggles, and great characters.

Evan Eldridge was injured while rescuing a duke’s son on the front lines in the early 1810s. The problem is, he doesn’t remember anything about that day. Afraid he will be thought insane, he keeps his memory loss, his tension, and his anxiety to himself. He just wants to return to his men on the field of battle.

Diana Seaton is a young woman trapped in an abusive household with the singular purpose to protect her motherless nephew. When her father determines to marry her off to the greatest profit to himself, he uses the child as leverage to keep her subservient. If she can save her nephew, she will do anything, no matter the harm to herself.

However, the Prince Regent has other plans entirely. First he makes Evan an earl, then he arranges for him to marry Diana. Both Evan and Diana see their worlds falling apart at the prince’s meddling. Trapped in a marriage to a spouse they have met just twice, they must keep their secrets close while navigating the shark-invested waters of the aristocracy.

I highly recommend The Lost Lieutenant. Erica Vetsch does a fantastic job of showing the struggles facing someone battling trauma and someone battling abuse. If these are triggers for you, perhaps this isn’t the book for you. However, I admire the way the author shows the characters exhibiting the affects of those struggles in a very non-stereotypical and highly individual way.

I also loved several of the side characters. Marcus Haverly, for example. And it left me hoping throughout the entire story that he is one of the good guys.

If you’re looking for a tale of love and hardship, gentlemen and ladies, definitely check out The Lost Lieutenant. It was so good that now I’m eagerly awaiting book two in the Serendipity and Secrets series.

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I received this book free from JustRead Publicity Tours and Kregel Publications in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”