Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator of antiquities, trained to know the difference between a genuine artifact and a fraud. But with her father’s passing and her uncle’s decline into dementia, the family business is at risk. In the Victorian era, unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone.The death of a longtime client, Baron Lydney, offers an unexpected complication when … Eleanor is appointed the temporary trustee of the baron’s legendary collection. She must choose whether to donate the priceless treasures to a museum or allow them to pass to the baron’s only living son, Harry–the man who broke Eleanor’s heart.Eleanor distrusts the baron’s motives and her own ability to be unbiased regarding Harry’s future. Harry claims to still love her and Eleanor yearns to believe him, but his mysterious comments and actions fuel her doubts. When she learns an Italian beauty accompanied him on his return to England, her lingering hope for a future with Harry dims.With the threat of debtor’s prison closing in, Eleanor knows that donating the baron’s collection would win her favor among potential clients, saving Sheffield Brothers. But the more time she spends with Harry, the more her faith in him grows. Might Harry be worthy of his inheritance, and her heart, after all? As pressures mount and time runs out, Eleanor must decide whom she can trust–who in her life is false or true, brass or gold–and what is meant to be treasured.
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This book is the first in the Victorian Ladies Series and is about Eleanor Sheffield and her family business. Her father has recently passed and she is trying to keep the business afloat. Her uncle, who was a twin to her father, has recently exhibited signs of dementia. Eleanor is an evaluator of antiquities and very talented. The death of a long time client of the business, Baron Lydney, left a provision in his will that Eleanor is supposed to evaluate the collection that he has. After evaluation, she is to determine whether the collection stays in the family in the care of his son Harry, or have it go into a museum.
Eleanor had had a relationship with Harry and when he never returned to her and propose she became disillusioned with him and does not trust him. Harry does come back but she does not think that there is a future for them, he has brought back an Italian beauty and she is not sure what their relationship is. Harry is nothing but persistent and the more time she spends with him the more her trust returns.
The problem is that her uncle has not paid any bills and the debt collectors are at her doorstep. In those days there was debtors prison if bills were not paid. Because she is a woman and her uncle is not well, the remaining clients of Sheffield Brothers have developed a distrust to her. She must do all she can to reclaim their trust. As time goes by and with her investigation, she does turn out to be a lady of a thousand treasures as she makes her determination about the Lydney collection.
As usual, Sandra Byrd has written another enjoyable first book to what I hope will be a great series. A gothic novel set during the mid to late 1800s in Victorian England, a time where women were not allowed to do much except stay in the home, Eleanor turns out to be a strong woman in a time dominated by men. I love reading about strong women and I love anything by Sandra as she does remarkable research. She always tells a great story and the characters are more than memorable! If you love a great historical fiction novel, then give this one a try!
A Gothic romance with wonderful characters. A compelling read.
Oh my goodness did I LOVE Lady of a Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd. I had never heard of this author before I was asked to read and review her lovely book. I can tell you that I now may be one of Byrd’s biggest fans! I adored everything about this book: the plot is highly engaging, the pace is quick (I could not put this book down!), the mystery kept me guessing, the characters are rich, unique, and realistic, the attention to historical detail and accuracy is flawless, and the many themes are timely. I truly loved every moment in this story.
Eleanor has been surrounded by treasures her entire life, yet she feels as if she has never been a treasure to anyone. This aspect of the story absolutely broke my heart and endeared Eleanor to me in a very personal and relatable way. At one point, Eleanor reflects, “Treasures are to treasure … I am never kept. Prioritized. Valued above all. In the end, I am no one’s treasure.” Feeling as if you matter to no one is exceptionally painful. In my household growing up it was made abundantly clear that I would always play second fiddle to my younger brothers. I will not say that my parents loved my brothers more than me, but I can say, like Eleanor, I did not feel like I was a priority. Over time, this created in me a build up of resentment, anger, and envy. I did feel unnoticed and unloved. I was definitely no one’s treasure.
One day, in a discussion with my step-father, we talked about my low status on the family totem pole. He acknowledged that how I felt was accurate. When I asked why he and my mother prioritized me so low, he simply stated, “Because you are self-sufficient. We don’t need to worry about you.” He proceeded to explain that my brothers were prioritized above me because they needed so much handling, they needed so much hand-holding. I’ve always found this such an interesting thing to admit to a child, but I appreciated the honesty. This conversation helped push me closer to God and His Word. If I couldn’t be a priority to my parents here on earth because my brothers needed so much attention, I knew I could be a priority to my Heavenly Father. And this is one of my biggest takeaways from Lady of a Thousand Treasures — I may not be a treasure here on earth, but to the Creator of this earth, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am a treasure to the only Treasure Collector who truly matters.
Harry, the hero of Lady of a Thousand Treasures, hurt my heart too! It is very clear that Harry has never been the favored child in his household either. His deceased brother Arthur was the cherished son to their father, Lord Lydney. I felt really badly for Harry as he is belittled and ridiculed by his father even after his father has died. What I appreciate about Harry’s character is that he is kind, compassionate, loving, respectful, and loyal even while he is being mistreated by his father. I respect this characteristic so much. It is in my nature to want to scream at the mean people in my life. It is, unfortunately, not in my nature to want to serve and respect them. Harry’s character is a great reminder to me that I need to be more like Jesus towards those who hurt me even when I feel they deserve my scorn. As Roseanna M. White wrote in her blog recently, I need to #BeBetter!
Lady of a Thousand Treasures is a phenomenal read that I highly recommend. It was a blessing to me to get to read and review such a fine, deep, and exquisite novel. If you are looking for a well-written, excellently researched, highly engaging Christian Gothic Romance then I highly suggest purchasing a copy of Lady of a Thousand Treasures today. You will not be disappointed by this story — it’s amazing!
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via NetGalley through TLC Book Tours. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Have you ever felt worthless? All alone? Like life keeps turning round and round and you don’t know what will happen next?
This is what Miss Eleanor Sheffield was experiencing. Her life seemed to be falling apart and all she wanted to do was keep her family business going as best as she could. Yet, at every turn, there were others trying to stop her. But who was it? Was it just because she was a woman, or was it something else?
If you love suspense, historical romance, and learning about all the things which make up pretty treasures, then this is a book you will love to get your hands on.
This book has so many beautiful images of wonderful treasures. I learned a lot about what makes a genuine piece of art. Now I look at my own things differently. It’s fun to think I might have an item which is really worth something.
Sandra Byrd has written another amazing book which not only has treasured pieces of art, it will also leave you with treasures which you can apply to your heart. There are many quotes which have deep meaning. A quote Eleanor recalls a couple times which touched my heart is:
“It is only by testing, or being tested, that we understand whether the substance or person is as it appears to be or is merely masquerading.”
I honestly loved this book and will treasure each word in it. I highly recommend reading it. I received this book from the author to read. All opinions are my own.
Delightful, Delectable, and Daring
In her latest series, Sandra Byrd unveils a veritable feast and bids her reader come and dine Layered with nuggets of truth, intrigue, history, and romance, Lady of a Thousand Treasures is a full-course meal meant to be savored until the last delectable bite.
As an unmarried woman, Eleanor Sheffield knows her place in society but not her worth. She is smart, resilient, and daring. As an evaluator of antiquities, she knows “It is only by testing, or being tested, that we understand whether the substance or the person is as it appears to be or is merely masquerading.”
When Eleanor faces her season of tests, she questions her resolve—and her ability to make the right decision. Does she have what it takes? Can she trust her heart or must she listen to her head? As she works through her problems to untangle the web of deceit surrounding Lord Lydney’s treasures, we see her character shine forth as gold.
I loved Eleanor’s resilience, stories, and willingness to help others. Her outlook on life is seen through her response to losing. “Sometimes starting anew is the best way to move forward. Even if it seems like you’ve lost.” See what I mean? She is a heroine I could cheer for as she eliminated the fake to find the treasure. She passed this reader’s test, and she will forever be one of my favorite characters—along with Harry, of course!
Rich with folklore and mystery, Sandra Byrd did an outstanding job bringing Victorian England to life. Anyone who loves Dickens, Austen, and Brontë will find Lady of a Thousand Treasures a delightful read.
I want to thank Tyndale House Publishers and Sandra Byrd for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
A very enjoyable read. I liked Mrs Byrd’s Mist of Midnight better but I am glad I purchased these books. Interesting read that holds my attention. As a collector of antiques on a smaller scale I thoroughly was interested in the history. Thanks
Lady of a Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd is a blend of Historical Mystery and Romance. Sandra Byrd has been a favorite writer of mine because of her different themes, fast paced stories with strong Christian values. Her readers can visualize each scene and each character. I look forward to reading all the books in this series. Thanks Sandra Byrd for another enjoyable book. JaneW cassiesbooks
Sandra Byrd does it again with her newest book “Lady of a Thousand Treasures!” Her first book in the “Victorian Ladies” series is full of mystery, history and romance!
Sandra Byrd is one of my favorite contemporary authors because she writes history with such a depth and knowledge that few others in the genre achieve. “Lady of a Thousand Treasures” is a Gothic romance set in Victorian England and is a book to savor. The opening scene of a gloomy funeral, complete with a raging storm outside, will immediately hook you. Ms. Byrd uses amazing descriptions, bringing the reader into the story and time period.
I love the main character, Eleanor, who really grows as a character throughout the story, both in her faith and as a person. There is so much faith content in this story, which I love. Eleanor prays, visits women in prison, asks the Lord for wisdom and guidance and quotes scripture. I appreciate the realistic way she at time struggles in her relationship with the Lord. Eleanor is also trying to test what’s true and what’s false, not only in antiquities, but also in people. She struggles with pride and striving to earn others’ approval; which was encouraging to me as well, as I’m often a people pleaser. Eleanor’s love story is so romantic. It’s probably the most well written swoon-worthy romance of the year!
“Lady of a Thousand Treasures” is a keeper for sure! This Gothic, Victorian romance includes a good dose of mystery and danger, and has a beautiful message about leaving our burdens with the Lord and learning to discern the true from the false.
Content: This is a clean read with a PG for content. Some examples of the content are: mention of a man drinking himself to death; the devil is referred to; a man suggests a dalliance with a woman; a few subtle references to a couple’s wedding night.
Rating: I give this book 5 stars!
Genre: Christian fiction; Gothic; Romance; Victorian; Mystery
I want to thank Tyndale House Publishers, Sandra Byrd and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
A fascinating book.
On the first pages of Lady of a Thousand Treasures, I dropped into a society I’d known little about: the mid-1800’s British world of antiquities and those who evaluated and bought them.
The story held me captive. Gutsy, principled Eleanor Sheffield navigates relational earthquakes, life-changing decisions and society’s difficult expectations for women. Betrayal and serious threats to her family’s legacy complicate how she handles the “treasures” collected by her wealthy clients over generations and her recovery of priceless articles lost in the upheaval of war. Eleanor’s search for the stories behind the pieces she consigns and acquires add to their value for buyers and to her sense of purpose in finding those articles homes that assure their preservation.
“I stood to speak while Mr. Clarkson unwrapped Denholm’s piece some feet away. ‘You’ll see that although this is limestone, it is nearly white, not the greenish-gray we’ve come to expect. That means it was from the tomb of a more highly ranked individual. We’ve verified that the stone is correct for the time, and the inscription is written in the hieroglyphics for the era. See here?’ I pointed to the sides. ‘It’s properly chipped. If it’s old, it’s going to be chipped. Think of the people who have touched this, Mr. Denholm. The man who quarried the stone—likely a slave who had nothing for himself, but whose efforts are held here in our hands, thousands of years later. The artisan who carved it—he does not remain, but his work does. Perhaps the widow and children touched the stone as it was laid, thinking affectionately of the man who was gone but fearing what lay ahead of them.’
Mr. Denholm touched the stone in appreciation.
I continued. ‘Then the hands of the discoverer. The hands of those who transported it—tempted, perhaps, to steal such a valuable object but knowing that the probability of death awaited them if they were caught.’
‘Quite right.’ Denholm was still caressing the stone.
‘Then the hands of the man who owned it before you, and finally . . . your own hands.’
At that, he grasped the stone in both hands. ‘Yes. Mine now.'”
I especially love the way the author explores the reasons behind collecting, people’s ageless tendencies to use “stuff” to connect them to whomever they have loved or want to trust. As Eleanor explains to Lord Lydney,
“I think treasures mean so much to me because they remind me of people, even when time has passed and I may no longer believe what I once did. Perhaps it’s much like the relic collectors. They want a fragment of bone or of the true cross because when things seem dark, and it appears God is elusive and does not seem to be responding, they want something to hold on to. Something to prove that the one in whom they trust, at the deepest level, is who they believe him to be.”
Throughout the plot’s mystery, Miss Sheffield’s faith and integrity guide her as she grapples with trust and her uncertain romance with the complicated Lord Lydney. Author Sandra Byrd expertly builds and then untangles all these threads in a most satisfying read.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
A rare treasure is to be found amidst the pages . Sandra Byrd delivers a compelling story that keeps you on your toes. Well researched and informative of the mid 1800’s in England. You can picture all these antiquities that were collected and displayed while guessing who can be trusted. Lady of a Thousand Treasures is to be savored instead of devoured in one sitting. I found Eleanor to be a delightful character. A great start to the Victorian Ladies series. I look forward to reading the next one.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Sandra Byrd delivers a first rate mysterious novel with an endearing romance. I found myself reading late into the night because I had to find out which way this story would end. Byrd added twists and turns that I hadn’t expected. Her heroine is working to establish herself in a man’s world of collecting and appraising antiquities which is unheard of during the Victorian age. I loved the research that Byrd added about different pieces and methods of assessment during this time in history. Her heroine caused me to think about how I value and evaluate the treasures in my life. Lady of a Thousand Treasures is a good book to share and discuss with friends and is also appropriate for a young adult in your life. I can’t wait to see what Sandra Byrd writes next! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are mine.
I do so enjoy a well-crafted story, and I`m glad to say Sandra Byrd’s can definitely be called one. A delightfully well-crafted story.
Exquisite. Full of twists turns and speculations to haunt as any good gothic novel must.
Engaging, as we follow Miss Eleanor Sheffield as she is handed the daunting charge of overseeing the former Baron Lydney’s legendary treasure. Five questions must she answer in honor to accomplish her task, all will test her heart, one holds the key to her happiness. Such responsibilities require a steady and thorough investigation. But with the threat of debtor’s prison and her family’s business success over her head, can Eleanor find enlightenment in time to take the best path?
Alas, Ellie overweighed with the responsibility of determining if Harry, who has already sorrowed her heart, is selfish. Can she still oversee her commision without her own selfishness and pride getting in the way? And, as she traipses her way along society, trying to be a woman of her own fate and pursuits, can love and admiration abound when things are seen for what they truly are, or is credibility to be found only in stories?
Sandra Byrd paints a suspenseful setting that has more than a hair-raising thrill effect, but an achingly searching tone that promises to go through every nook and cranny, leaving nothing in the obscure. As it should be, for as the answers she’s been looking for come to light, Eleanor finds more tangles into the mystery, and her gift as an evaluator might find its most difficult trial so far, that of determining character.
I cannot finish off this review without commending the writer’s research and genius craftsmanship. I truly cannot wait to see what the next book in the series will hold!
This immediately caught my attention with its centuries old antiques passed down from generation to generation. My mother instilled the love of all things old, especially glass items. So when I read about five hundred year Venetian glass, I had to look up pictures! Gorgeous pieces passed before my eyes as I gazed upon the priceless beauties and salivated over each one. I wished I had been in Eleanor’s position, valuating and authenticating objects touched by many hands before her. It would have been pure heaven!
When she’s tasked with the fate of the vast collection left by the late Baron Lydney to his son Harry, can she keep her objectivity professional or will her heart once again be tangled in the man she once thought to marry? Having learned at the feet of her father and uncle to spot the fake from the real, she must decipher his character in much the same way. Will he prove worthy of keeping the family treasure or will some flaw make her decide to donate the collection to South Kensington Museum? I do not envy her choice as the fate of Sheffield Brothers curators is on the line.
“It is only by testing or being tested that we understand whether the substance or the person is as it appears to be or is merely masquerading.”
As with every novel I’ve read by Sandra, she completely enthralls me with her exquisite & provocative writing style. It’s a story to get lost in, paying no attention to time or the real world around you. Her characters are those you can rub shoulders with, her plots entrance you, and the subject matter of A Lady of a Thousand Treasures is sure to please the palate of any antique enthusiast! I never knew which direction it would take off and that added to the bit of mystery of some missing pieces and shady characters. The romance was well paced and kept me near my Victorian couch in case I felt the vapors coming on. A beguiling start to a new series entitled The Victorian Ladies and I anxiously await for more! Oh yes, be sure to read the author’s note in the back and find out what first prompted her to write this story and the intriguing discovers made while researching. Well worth a read!
*I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own. *
The Sheffield Brothers company deals in rare antiquities, sourcing and valuing them for wealthy collectors in England. But with one of the Sheffield brothers dead and the other lapsing into his dotage, it is up to Eleanor Sheffield to carry on the family legacy. When Baron Lydney’s will gives Eleanor the important task of deciding who will inherit his collection, she tries to carry out a calm professional assessment, ignoring the fact that she once had a romantic interest in the baron’s son, Harry Lydney, and that he seems to be renewing his attentions once again. It turns out, however, that Eleanor’s private and professional life cannot help but overlap as she sounds out whether Harry Lydney can be trusted to maintain his father’s treasures and to treasure her own heart.
This book was a fascinating look at curiosities–falsified or true, paid for or stolen–and the origins of the collection now housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum. One of Eleanor’s chief duties is to discern false from true, and to speak the truth about supposed antiquities no matter whose vanity it might prick. Along the way, she must discern false from true characters–but the mark of the maker is not so clear on men as it is on Italian pottery.
The theme of trust is also woven throughout the novel. Eleanor is looking, not only for a love-match, but also a trust-match, and Harry seems eminently untrustworthy, given his past actions. Would it be better for her to marry Clarkson, the assistant who can be counted on to do right by the family business? Does it matter that Harry has repeatedly broken his promise to appear at a certain day or time? The mistrust that Eleanor has of Harry is transferred to the reader, and one feels the same brooding suspicions that Eleanor herself has of his character, along with the mustard seed of faith and hope that he will prove to be noble in the end.
Along with Eleanor’s own feelings toward Harry, she has her own repuation to be concerned with. In an era where only men could manage money, will aristocratic collectors trust a woman enough to let her help curate their collections? Or will misunderstandings and the schemes of those around her destroy trust in her own character and competence?
Lady of a Thousand Treasures is an atmospheric and well-paced story that provides both romantic tension and situational suspense. The Christian themes are woven in deftly in a manner appropriate to the time period. The importance of truth, the necessity of trust, and the strictures on a woman’s role in the Victorian era all combine to create a compelling novel with a heroine strong enough and faithful enough to endure and overcome.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I LOVE THIS BOOK. A favorite of the previous year, I’d say that it has yet to be topped by any other. So many parts of this story resonate with me from the “antiques” theme to a most tender, heart-melting romance. The mystery is deftly and intelligently handled–and checks all the boxes for a book that will never leave my shelf.
Lady of a Thousand Treasures – Eleanor (I love this name. It might be because I want to be like Eleanor in Austen’s Sense and Sensibility when I grow up) worked with her father collecting, verifying, and appraising antiques. When a client of her deceased father’s entrusts her to decide if his enormous collection should go to a museum or his heir, she takes on the task with verve. She starts cataloguing the collection to make sure it is intact for whoever ends up with it as per the will and finds missing or fake replacements. The potential heir, Harry, stole her heart in her teen years, but never followed through on his hints of their future. Now that he isn’t under his father’s control, will he follow through? Can he be trusted with a collection he resents? Who is stealing and replacing pieces with forgeries? How is Eleanor going to pay off her father’s debts, pay her bills, help her uncle who’s mind is quickly failing him, and figure out what to do about all the men in her life who are suddenly interested in her? This Eleanor has Austen’s fortitude, practicality, and inventive problem solving while bringing her own lovely sparks to the page. You will never be disappointed by Sandra Byrd! Happy Reading!
Lady of a Thousand Treasures features a stalwart woman named Eleanor Sheffield. As a result of her father’s death and her uncle’s declining health, Eleanor quickly finds herself in charge of the family antique business. Eleanor battles debt, struggles to procure new commissions, and endeavors to maintain the reputation of Sheffield Brothers on her own. Eleanor also finds herself trustee of a former client’s 1,000-piece antique collection. She has to make the decision between awarding the collection to the client’s son (whom she used to be in love with) or to a museum as a donation (and possibly save herself from financial ruin).
I liked that Eleanor is fiercely determined to be ethical about her choice. She refuses to let her financial situation or her feelings for Harry (the client’s son) influence her decision. It reminded me that no matter the situation, it is incredibly important to remain steadfast in our convictions. Likewise, Eleanor is determined to sustain her faith, even if her trust is as small as a mustard seed. I think her courage and determination is especially compelling to those struggling with doubt.
Something that I did miss about this book was POV from the hero of the story. Lady of a Thousand Treasures is written solely from Eleanor’s POV (first person). At times I felt disconnected from Harry, and I would have liked to know more about him. Harry also had a considerable amount of grief to deal with (his brother’s death, his father’s disapproval, his father’s death) and I would have liked to know how he was coping.
Overall, Lady of a Thousand treasures is an interesting read. I would recommend it to avid readers of historical fiction, especially those who like Victorian romances.
Lady of a Thousand Treasures was sure to make me feel all sorts of guilt for delaying reading her story. I Could Not Put The Book Down! The mystery, the romance, the teasures – all had me wanting more, thus causing me to stay up later than I needed too. (It’s a good thing I don’t require much sleep to be a mom ;P )
Eleanor’s pride in taking over the family business in antiques drives her to make some hasty choices. Some of which have devistating concequences. I will admit, the mom in me shook my head a few times at her choices. Her heart to do right by her family and those she loved and to further the business was evident so I didn’t get too irritated with the character.
I enjoy books that show two points of view – his and hers. This book did not have that so I found myself wanting to know more about Harry and how he really felt toward Eleanor. Not having that POV left me thinking he was a bit stuffy and didn’t feel for her the way I expected him to. This story is written in the first person, and wonderfully done if you ask me, so that might have something to do with a single POV story.
Overall, I found Lady of a Thousand Treasures entertainng and captivating and worth every sleepless hour I endured.
I treasured this delightful & mysterious Victorian romance!
I enjoyed this Victorian adventure with all of its “treasures,” not the least of which was the rich, history-filled setting. I loved all the history brought in, not only from the Victorian age but also from even earlier in all the ancient and antique objects with their stories.
I also love that it was written in first person, left me with a most satisfying ending, and had very fleshed-out, flawed, real characters.
The only thing I didn’t like was how I didn’t know who to trust throughout the entire book. I don’t like being introduced to the hero and immediately doubting his intentions and then wondering through the whole book if he was worthy of the heroine. However, I understand why it was done. It was part of the mystery and could not be done any other way, I don’t think.
I do wish there had been a bit stronger of a faith thread, but there was some, definitely enough to call it a Christian fiction, so I’m not terribly disappointed.
All in all, quite delightful and excellently written!
Favorite quotes:
“’It is only by testing or being tested that we understand whether the substance or the person is as it appears to be or is merely masquerading.’”
“I had learned that every circumstance in life doesn’t have to end happily for the Lord to provide a happy ending.” (p.411)
“’Ellie is now the lady of a thousand treasures. I am a man who only needs one…’” (p.431)
(I won this book in a giveaway. The decision to write a review, as well as the opinions expressed in it, are all my own. I was not compensated for this review.)
Wonderful characters. Would read more from this author. When I had finished, I felt like I had read something worthwhile.