Captain Charles Wyvern wants to prove true to his word. When a soldier under his command makes one last wish before he dies, Wyvern is determined to do his best to fulfill that wish. As the soldier, Major Richardson, saved his life, this debt carries a lot of weight. Richardson's request to Wyvern was for him to see about his fiancée, Sophie.
Meanwhile, now that the war is over, Wyvern is worried about his next travels as living on sea is the only life he has ever loved. However, when his uncle passes away, Wyvern becomes the Earl of Rothwell. His new title brings on quite a few duties, along with Sophie's immediate needs. What is more is that three girls show up on his doorstep and they are also in need of care. Sophie is devoted to the woman who would have been her mother-in-law. Losing Richardson does not in any way remove the love and care Sophie has for her.
What an interesting group of people - a man with a title who would rather be at sea, a woman grieving her fiancé, an elderly woman who has own needs, and three young girls. How will they all get on, when all Wyvern wants is another commission?
I loved this Regency romance, with strong, affective characters, filled with adventure, a bit of mystery, all while never forgetting how faith is a strong guiding force. I loved the emotional edge this story had, and this played out on several levels. The connection that Wyvern and Sophie had was palpable as it was developed. Their growing love and attention towards the girls warmed my heart, as well as Sophie's relentless and gentle concern for her fiancé's mother. Lastly, I especially loved the conflict Wyvern experienced when all he wanted was to get back to his life on sea, as well as the twist where his very future seemed quite uncertain.
The Indebted Earl
is the pleasing last book in the Serendipity and Secrets trilogy, and the first two books are
The Gentleman Spy
and
The Lost Lieutenant.
I loved all three of these books, especially the continuity that came with familiar characters from the first two books in the series.
Many thanks to Erica Vetsch, Kregel Publications, NetGalley and Audra Jennings, PR, for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.