The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch ~ I Read with Audra Book Tour, Review, and Giveaway

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.

Click here to read an excerpt.

Review:

A captivating read with a well-rounded plot, and full cast of characters, as well as some familiar faces along the way. 

Captain Charles Malvern returns from sea with a sense of responsibility to repay the the sacrifice of his comrade Major Richardson, by fulfilling a promise. In addition he finds himself saddled with a title, property, and three young wards. 

This book starts on a sad note, with the death that sets everything into motion. Charles is out of his depth on land, but he is a problem solver, I liked how he works hard to take care of his wards, and takes time to get to know Sophie, as well as being considerate of Mamie. He has a strong sense of loyalty and duty, with a determination to see things through. And despite his lack of experience with children, especially young girls, he does a wonderful job with them, and I loved how Betsy saw through his tough exterior, wrapping him around her little finger. 

Sophie is going through a lot with the loss of a fiancé, but I admired how she befriends the three girls, and becomes their advocate, friend, and protector. Who are all wonderfully unique and well written. I also really liked the relationship between Sophie and Mamie, who love each other like a mother and daughter. 

An engaging read with well developed characters, well realized setting and plotlines. A satisfying read, with well done dialogue, and excellent romantic tension. Ms. Vetsch does a great job of capturing the feel of the time period through the way that the characters behave and through their vocabulary. It is an excellent addition to the series, and it could be read as a stand alone--but then you'd be missing out on two other fantastic books! Entertaining read that becomes harder to put down as the stakes raise. A story of faith, family, and romance as Sophie and Charles learn to trust even when things don't go according to plan.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate. 
 
Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
 
A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.
 
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).