The Indebted Earl

Author: Erica Vetsch
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Serendipity & Secrets #3
Release Date: March 23, 2021

Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business--or will it turn into something more?

Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man's grieving fiance and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.

When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience.

Sophie is surprised to find she isn't opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed's elderly mother, and she's already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she'll stay behind to oversee his property and wards.

It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he's come to mean to her. Now she'll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love.

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Reviewer: Robbie Pink

In the third installment of Serendipity and Secrets Series, Erica Vetsch continues her sweeping saga with The Indebted Earl. (My reviews of the other two in the series:  The Lost Lieutenant and  The Gentleman Spy.)

Vetsch introduces us to a new tale of a vivid and resplendent Regency Era, transporting us to a time of Dukes, Earls and a life, for those of the aristocracy, of relative ease, except. . . when war, duty, and commitments significantly interfere.

After Lady Sophia (Sophie) Haverly receives word her fiancé, Major Richardson, died in the Napoleonic war, she decides to continue caring for his mother, Mamie.

Captain Charles Wyvern travels to visit both Sophie and Mamie to fulfill what he feels is a debt he owes to his best friend, Major Rich Richardson. Little does he realize what he is getting into.

I had an easy time caring for the main characters as they all were so relatable, compassionate and truly likable. The characters face innumerable grave and daunting challenges with courage, resilience and determination.

The story is bursting with melodrama of the comedic and tragic type. Vetsch also incorporates Biblical themes, though not in a pressuring way. The Indebted Earl provides the reader with interludes of being transported to a different time and place.

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Kregel Publications through Interviews & Reviews, all opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Susan Poll

This was the perfect, slow-building, detail and emotion-filled romance story. Erica Vetsch never fails to deliver a heartwarming romance that reminds you of love, humility, and age-old wisdom that truth and communication are key. 

Captain Charles is so lovable in his stern Naval way. Sophie makes me proud as she sticks to her loyalty and doesn’t compromise her beliefs and strong will. The three girls made me giggle at most every turn, and I completely enjoyed their ruffling of the Earl’s feathers. The building of the mystery and wonderful conclusion make for a bookshelf keeper. 

I received this book courtesy of Kregel Publications through Interviews & Reviews for this, my honest thoughts.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

Erica Vetsch has once again penned a spellbinding Regency tale with her newest book, The Indebted Earl, starring Captain Charles Wyvern and Lady Sophia Haverly. Charles has had his life upended with his war injury, the death of his friend, his obligation to his friend’s fiancée, and the shock of becoming the Earl of Rothwell. He has inherited a neglected estate and three orphaned girls. No wonder he’s in a dither.

Charles is a fantastic hero—honorable, noble, and brave. Sophie is sweet, compassionate, and capable. I enjoyed the interaction and the slowly building respect and admiration between the two. The characters are all well-crafted and engaging, and it was fun to see people from the previous two books in the series pop up in this one. Although this is the third book in the series, it can easily be read alone.

Vetsch has become a strong and delightful voice in historical fiction with her well-researched stories and delicious characters. I’m looking forward to more of her amazing books in the future. This series is bound for my keeper shelf.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Kregel Publications through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Linda Klager

I have finished all three books in this series, and I am sad that these stories have ended. I have thoroughly enjoyed Erica Vetsch's books! I hope she writes more engaging fiction!

Two men are recovering from war wounds in a hospital in Portugal. One lives, and the other dies. Captain Charles Wyvern is saddened when Major Richardson succumbs. Rich (Major Richardson) on his deathbed, asks Charles to tell his fiancé, Sophia Haverly, that he loves her and asks Charles to take care of her. That is where the book's name comes into play because Charles is indebted to Rich for saving his life.

Lady Richardson (Mamie) and Sophie are devastated when they receive the news of Rich's death. Mamie is beginning to show the first signs of dementia, and Sophie lovingly takes care of Mamie. I loved this about Sophie - that she really cares for this older woman and promises to always take care of her even after the death of her sweetheart.

Soon after Captain Wyvern arrives at Lady Richardson's home, another family charges into the house, saying that they are the heirs of this estate. They kick out Sophie and Mamie. Captain Wyvern promises to take these ladies to a seaside cottage to mourn the death of their beloved Rich.

Captain Wyvern is struggling because he has been a sailor and seaman since he was twelve years old. He wants to have a new post on his beloved ship or another ship. While he is waiting for that post, his admiral shows up, saying that his uncle has died and that Charles is the new Earl of Rothwell. Charles is not happy because he wants to go back to being a captain of a ship.

The estate is in shambles. Why do the villagers look wealthy when this estate is in shambles? This is a mystery that unfolds with a lot of drama and danger.

Also, three young girls arrive, saying that the deceased uncle was taking care of their needs. They say that Charles would be their new guardian. Charles is really not sure how to take care of the needs of these young girls. It is very comic how he talks about them and how unsure he is around them in the beginning. I got a chuckle out of his behavior.

This was a thoroughly delightful read. I highly recommend this book.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"His eyes locked with hers, and she felt an odd sensation. Though she was sure they had never met, there was something familiar about him."

Nothing felt familiar about her life anymore. Lady Sophia Haverly's beloved was a "casualty" of war; her dreams buried with him on foreign shores, her home . . . . where was home . . . with her sweet, mentally declining Mamie; the woman she still considered as her mother-in-law, or must she be forced to endure the constant machinations of her well-meaning, overbearing mother, or . . . . . . had a rather crusty, socially awkward, but stalwart sea captain-turned-earl just opened door number three. A trip to the coast sounded like a breath of fresh air. Literally.

Captain Charles Wyvern's burdens had just become heavier to bear. Meeting Major Richardson's dearest "Sophie" was a stern dose of reality. The "if only" banners kept running through his mind until he found himself offering to escort the lovely Lady Haverly, accompanied by the deceased major's Mamie, towards the coast . . . the sea, a constant siren, it was where he belonged, where he would return, it was home. Ironically, nothing could be further from the truth. Upon learning of his change in fortune, three additional female bundles of energy were deposited on the doorstep of Charles' vast Rothwell estate. Five women. No sailors. It was a conundrum for sure.

Prepare to read a story bulging to the seams with a dizzying array of emotions; sorrow, angst, anxiety . . . . humor, love, and eventually, joy. The tender spark of attraction between a titled lady and her captain is fanned slowly, surprisingly, and tenderly, until the blaze is too warm to ignore, and who would even desire that kind of heat to be dampened? Don't even try to ignore the Pembroke trio, for they are most proficient in stealing the show while managing to transform a crotchety captain into a loving father. It turns out that the earl's greatest debts become his greatest treasures.

"Home is where your family is, and as long as I am with you and the girls, Sophie, I can be happy anywhere."

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms
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I looked forward to Sophie’s story and it exceeded all my expectations in a completely satisfying way. I walked away after finishing the book with a smile on my face. 

Sophie’s fiancé Rich is injured at sea saving his captain and friend Charles Wyvern. Through a series of circumstances and a personal debt, Sophie and Charles are brought together with Rich’s mother and three orphaned girls. Though an unlikely group they form a familial bond that isn’t easily broken. 

This was a well written book authentically descriptive in its historical accuracy. Erica is a born storyteller. I loved it. 

I was given an ARC courtesy of Kregel Publications through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Erica Vetsch delivers another captivating tale once again in The Indebted Earl. In her Serendipity & Secrets series, the final book wraps up rather nicely but still keeps readers wanting more.

I was delighted to catch up with Marcus and Charlotte from The Gentleman Spy and see Marcus playing a pivotal role in this novel. Of all the characters in this series, he is my favourite. But our latest hero, Captain Charles Wyvern, runs a close second!

I loved this book and how it connects with The Gentleman Spy. Captain Charles Wyvern, now the Earl of Rothwell, finds himself returned from the war with scars and guilt. His mission is to fulfill a debt to the man who saved his life by making sure the man's fiancé, Lady Sophia Haverly (sister of Marcus), is taken care of and by telling her how he died. After that, he will seek a commission in the Royal Navy and be on his way. But life never goes the way we want it to, and this book wouldn't be good and would be very short if that happened.

Fortunately, complications arise in three young orphans, a forceful mother (Sophia's) and an estate that needs care. A marriage of convenience is the best solution for all. If Charles provides for everyone, he can go back to sea knowing his estate and the girls are being looked after by Sophia. And while that would seem the perfect solution, other things are afoot that need investigating and, unfortunately, land Charles in jail. This is one book you will not be able to put down until you finish it! Filled with humour, romance, faith and adventure, you will be captivated from the first page.

While this is a standalone book, you simply must read the other two first. You won't regret it. This is a series I absolutely loved and will read again and again. I am only sorry that it had to end as I dearly want to see what happens with Thea and her sisters.

I received this book courtesy of Kregel Publications through NetGalley.

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