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. ( )

(4.5 / 5)

When her fiance Rich succumbed to injuries sustained near the end of the war between France and her home country of England, Lady Sophia Haverly did not not expect to ever fall in love and marry someone else. Instead, she would continue to care for her elderly almost-mother-in-law, who developed a strong desire to return to the seaside, where she'd grown up. She finds assistance in this endeavor in the form of Captain Charles Wyvern, close friend of her late fiance, who tells her that Rich died saving his life, leaving him indebted to helping Sophia however he can. The captain, while desperate to head back out to sea, has his own reason for going to the coast--his uncle has just died, and he's inherited the estate and title of earl. When he finds that the estate is in bad shape, not to mention the three young girls he's inherited as wards, he seeks help from the young woman to whom he owes a great debt.

The third book in the series stands as tall as the first two. I loved how the captain was so out of his element on land, while Sophia equally did not take to the sea very well. The three girls, aged between 5 and 16, added a layer of life to the story that all worked together so well. Sophia, not much older than the eldest girl herself, found herself in the role of mothering the kids simply because she fell in love with them so quickly. And her relationship with her late fiance's mother-in-law, Mamie, as well as Mamie's relationship with the three wards, made this book about so much more than the main romance.

In fact, my biggest frustration with the book was the repetitiveness that came with Sophia starting to let herself move on from her loss. She kept sort of chastising herself for holding another man in high esteem and possibly wanting more from that, always ending with a question of whether that was how it should be or not. This may be completely realistic, but the repetition wore on me just a bit. That's pretty much where the half point rating detraction came from. On the other hand, 5-year-old Betsy's attachment to the captain's hat is wonderful!

Here at the end of the series, my favorite character overall has been Marcus Haverly. He also played the most significant role throughout, being the male lead in the 2nd book, while also having decent roles in the first and third. I love that his alter ego gets to play a role in all three books, too, and wish Erica Vetsch would somehow write a little more about him (maybe a short story in which Sophia and Charles learn of his former occupation?).

While I found parts of this story predictable, and one particular part far too convenient, I loved it overall. It's a great ending to a great series, which I highly recommend to fans of Christian romance, historical or otherwise, and fans of Regency romance. And if you do plan to read these books, or already have, make sure you also look into the book Joy to the World, a collection of 3 novella-length Christmas stories. Vetsch's contribution to that book takes place directly after this third book in the series and ties up the story of a character that has been involved in the series.

I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback. ( )

Book 3 in this series did not disappoint. It was full of some very unpredictable moments and some harrowing moments of adventure. Erica Vetsch has a knack for writing characters that grab your heart. I loved Sophie and Charles and their tender moments together. Sophie was truly an adventurer willing to meet the things thrown in her path with courage and a determination. The moments with Charles and the girls were very sweet and they loved him and his captain ways. He was building a new crew of his own without realizing it and they were truly a loyal crew by the end of the story. I cannot recommend this trilogy enough. Erica’s books are some of my favorite Christian novels to date.

See the full review at my blog... link in my bio. ( )

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 Publishers. All opinions are my own. ( )

Do you remember the anticipation of waiting for Christmas to come, so that you could see what was in that one beautiful present? That's how I've felt waiting for this third book in the Serendipity & Secrets series, and I must tell, I'm not disappointed! Author Erica Vetsch has given me, and her many other fans, a wonderful gift with this story that introduces Captain Charles Malvern and Lady Sophia Haverly, and reunites us with special friends from The Lost Lieutenant and The Gentleman Spy.

Erica Vetsch has a special affinity for the Regency era and she easily transports readers to that time of spacious estates, lavish parties, and Lords and Ladies. The Indebted Earl has a beautiful setting and an intriguing plotline that is filled with twists, turns, and unexpected complications. I was especially tantalized by Charles's inheritance of not only an estate, but three young girls in need of a home. How does a bachelor deal with an instant family? Perhaps find someone willing to enter into a marriage of convenience? Little does he know what's in store when Lady Sophia says yes!

I loved watching Charles and Sophia progress from needing each other, to respecting each other, and finally, genuinely liking each other. They are both people who have trust issues. Are there deeper feelings waiting to be explored?

I found myself reading The Indebted Earl quickly so that I could discover the outcome, but I will read it again. Very slowly, so that I can truly savor this delightful story! If you're a fan of Regency fiction, you will want to read this book.

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publishers. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts. ( )