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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I loved this book! I kept turning the pages to try and figure out what was going to happen
I truly enjoy all the historical research Sandra puts into writing her books as well as the strength of her heroines and Christian Faith.
She is a witty writer, always keeps me quessing as to what will happen next.
Really enjoyed it, way written and information it told.
Well researched historical information enriched the story. The hero and heroine were well developed characters, as well as the personalities supporting them. This made for intriguing interactions between all the characters and an entertaining read. Ms. Byrd interspersed several authentic historical individuals and states she strived to present them in ways true to what historical records indicates they might have acted. She did so in a way not detracting from the hero or heroine or the gist of the story.
historical-fiction, christian-fiction, suspense, romance
Excellent character depictions, in depth development, a very good mystery, and all in a Christian background.
A bit overlong for my taste in fiction.
Lady of a Thousand Treasures is the first novel I’ve read by Sandra Byrd. I thoroughly enjoyed her beautiful writing. The plot and scenes were creative and unique. Unexpected intrigue and plot twists surprised me. The story held my attention from beginning to end.
I was fascinated by Eleanor’s knowledge of antiquities and ability to determine an item’s authenticity or lack thereof. Some of her methods were unexpected and I appreciated the extensive research the author must have done in preparing this novel. I also enjoyed Eleanor’s character development as she wrestles with the dichotomy between her love of treasures and her lack of feeling treasured by anyone.
Readers looking for an inspirational tale rich in historical detail and intrigue will enjoy Lady of a Thousand Treasures. I would consider this more of a historical fiction novel than a historical romance. The love story between Eleanor and Harry is gentle and sweet, more of a renewal of past affection than a falling in love story. Lady of a Thousand Treasures is the first novel in Sandra Byrd’s Victorian Ladies series and I am eager for the next installment.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this complimentary book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The Sheffield Brothers firm is well-known among collectors. Trained by her father and her uncle, Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator, able to tell a fraud from a genuine artifact. But in 1860’s England, Eleanor is unable to run the firm as un unwed woman. After her father’s death, her uncle’s health begins to decline, and business can be hard to come by.
The death of a long-time client puts Eleanor in the position to decide the fate of his expensive collection. The late Lord Lydney doesn’t want the collection to go to his only living son, Harry, who he believes is untrustworthy. He suggests she give the collection to a museum, but she must decide.
The decision won’t be easy. Giving the collection to the museum could boost her firm’s reputation, but Harry, the man who stole and broke her heart, doesn’t appear to be who his father believes him to be.
Eleanor must decide what is true, and who is genuine.
Sandra Byrd has given us another fantastic historical novel! I fell in love with her Daughters of Hampshire series, and after reading this novel I can say that I’m likely to love her new series, Victorian Ladies.
Sandra does an excellent job bringing the reader into 1860’s England, and gives us characters that we care for and root for. Eleanor faces difficult circumstances, and lives out her faith through it all.
If you want a clean, suspenseful, inspiring read, this is definitely a novel you want to pick up.
I was given the opportunity to be a part of Sandra’s promotional team for the release of this book. As part of the team, I received a complimentary copy of the book, but was not required to give a positive review.
Where your treasure is. . .
My rating is 4.5 stars
Harry was chronically late. Eleanor had even come to expect it of him. And she felt that his tardiness reflected a lack of care for her. In fact, there were so many little signs, and some bigger ones, that maybe he couldn’t be trusted. People all around her were cautioning her against him.
Poor Eleanor was in a difficult situation. She didn’t really have anyone she could confide in and had gotten to the point that she really felt that no one cared about her. That she wasn’t treasured.
Through many hardships, Eleanor clung tightly to her faith in God. At times that faith was little more than that of a mustard seed, but it was enough to see her through. In addition to her faith, I admired her greatly for her kindness to others, even in her difficulty. More than once, she sacrificed greatly to benefit others.
Despite an overall tone of melancholy, Lady of a Thousand Treasures was a treat to read. The slightly Gothic style and feel of the writing made me think of Jane Eyre. There was a great mystery with danger and unexpected twists. The author wisely told the story only from Eleanor’s perspective to not give away any hints of what was going to come.
In the interest of avoiding spoilers, I will refrain from saying more about the story itself save the fact that the absolutely most romantic moment in the book occurred in the most unexpected place. I would have never expected to give a swoony sigh in a location and circumstances like that.
I learned so much about the collecting of antiquities and reliquaries in the Victorian era. I also got to go inside a prison (Eleanor visited some women there to minister to them). How abominable that one could be thrown in prison for stealing bacon and be sentenced to one year! And that those who had the means were treated better than those without.
I had a delightful time reading this book. It was very different from the contemporary series of the author’s that I have read and yet I believe I enjoyed this one even more.
Read with a Preview at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Lady of a Thousand Treasures is the fabulous beginning to Sandra Byrd’s newest series, The Victorian Ladies. She is among one of my favorite authors and this book does not disappoint. I enjoyed Eleanor’s story. The historical details were so vivid, I felt like I was transported back to her time.
I am giving Lady of a Thousand Treasure five plus stars. I highly recommend it for those who love well written historical fiction. I can not wait to continue The Victorian Ladies to see what will happen next.
Lady of a Thousand Treasures is a great read. It should not be missed!
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Lady of a Thousand Treasures is another winning novel by Sandra Byrd. I was held fast by this story of Ellie Sheffield, a talented evaluator of antiquities, as well as a lady who has fallen on hard times. Trained by her father to spot the difference between a genuine artifact and a fake, Ellie is determined to keep her family business afloat. Of course, during this time, few women are trusted in this area of expertise, so Ellie work beneath the guise of her uncle, a talented man in his own right, but whose health has recently declined.
One thing that I always admire about Byrd’s characters is that they are fully creatures of their time. That is, they don’t unrealistically try to usurp all of the proprieties that society has thrust upon them. Ellie wishes to continue working, and in truth, must do so to support herself, but she is always fully aware of the precariousness of her situation. Did I wish she would speak out sometimes? Yes, of course! Would it have totally ruined the historical context? Yes! So, even when it was to her detriment, I only felt empathy for her, because she truly was doing all she could do.
Once Ellie is appointed a temporary trustee of a wealthy client’s collection upon his death, she is tasked with the difficult decision of what to do with the priceless collection – donate it to a museum, or allow it to pass to the man who broke her heart and her faith in him, Harry. Circumstances and people themselves conspire to work against Ellie, and despite being nearly alone in her troubles, she can’t make herself forgive and trust him. Ultimately, when disaster strikes Ellie has to find a place of strength inside herself, apart from everyone – her dear father, her uncle, and even Harry.
I truly felt that I learned so much while I read this story. The historical details are exquisite, of course, but as the reader, I also got an up close and personal view of how antiquities were forged and how the experts determined the real from the forgery. I don’t want to say too much about the plot, just that there is a bit of everything here – mystery, danger, despair, hope, and yes, a lovely romance. And that ending is so very lovely and well-deserved indeed!
I was so eager to read this story, and now I’m so sad that it’s over. However, as this is book one of the Victorian Ladies series, my reader heart can rest assured that another wonderful historical is to come. Highly recommended to readers of inspirational, historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a review, positive or otherwise; this review is my honest opinion.
I was thrilled to be able to read Lady of a Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd. I love her books and was very excited to begin this new series and witness how she would bring a new cast of characters to life.
This book began right in the thick of things and held many compelling emotions from the start. I found Harry to be a bit charming, and his past of mysterious disappearances intrigued me. Ellie had a good head on her shoulders and I know she intended to do her best in regards to his father’s collection. I was very curious to know more of how she would go about the task. So many copious details and points of interest to follow kept me fully engaged in the story.
Ellie continued to demonstrate that she was a force to be reckoned with when it came to her business sense and drive. There were certainly plenty of bumps in the road along the way that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. There were many times when I wondered if her (and my own) trust and confidence were being misplaced, but she always tried to follow her instincts and do what she felt was right. I was completely along for the ride.
This book has a very mysterious air about it that really hooks the reader and makes it difficult to put down. It was such a rich story and really pulled me in deeply. I felt many of Ellie’s emotions race through my own body as well, as the story went along. The powerful words and quality story-telling by Byrd made this possible.
I was right alongside Ellie and feeling much of the same fear and anxiety through the debt situation and dire straits that came later. Everything was stacking against her and I admired her strength, as all I seemed to be able to muster was hopelessness. I love when a book can elicit such strong feelings within me. It truly demonstrates the power of well-written words. The race to the end held suspense, truths, and beauty. Sandra Byrd has surely created a masterpiece with this book. I cannot wait for the nest book in this series. The amount of research and the way facts were weaved in with the fiction was truly incredible. I highly recommend this book.
I have been a follower of Sandra Byrd since finding her series the Ladies in Waiting. She has perfected her craft in Lady of a Thousand Treasures. The book begins with the main character, Eleanor Sheffield, attending the funeral of the father of her once fiance. As she discovers her last duty to her late father’s friend and her former fiance’s father, Lord Lynley, she struggles doing that which she loves most as well as keeping her father’s business alive. As strange and frightening things begin to happen the story draws you in and makes putting the book aside even to sleep difficult. Sandra brings to light the limitations of what a woman could and could not do in the Victorian era. You will have your desire to know what is next awakened by all the characters until the last word. I promise!
This was a wonderful book! I was drawn in with the first chapter. Eleanor Sheffield is a character with depth, flaws, a generous spirit, wanting to trust the Lord and yet finding it hard at times. I found myself worrying about her as the story progressed and had to get up early this morning to find out what was going to happen! I love how the history of the times is woven so naturally into the story- I learned a lot about the Victorian era and great Britain- the habits, the laws, the way the classes mixed and didn’t mix. I love it when a book satisfies on so many levels- emotional, intellectual, spiritual. I’ve been thinking about this book all day (I finished it this morning)- the history, the way women were so limited in that era, the stories of the treasures Eleanor sees and works with. I highly recommend it!!
Lady of a Thousand Treasures hits the mark!
Lady of a Thousand Treasures is a novel full of journeys for the reader. First off, it’s a journey back in time and to Victorian England where we meet our heroine Eleanor Sheffield, who is surprisingly (for the time) a woman who is a curator and evaluator of antiquities. As it has been a family business, her father, who is deceased and her uncle, who’s health is failing, as is his memory, as He is suffering from Alzheimers, the only person able to represent the Sheffield brothers is Eleanor. Her journey at being a woman trying to keep her head afloat in business as there are major debts that suddenly come to light. Another journey she is on is her journey in her faith and finding her value. Lastly, her journey in love, and the conflicting emotions involved with it is a journey fraught with twists and turns that this lovely Victorian gothic novel delivers in spades.
Eleanor is a character that you just want to stand up and cheer for as she continues to face the challenges that come her way with courage, compassion and great faith in God. Her journey in business as well as in love intersect as the death of a loyal client places Eleanor suddenly in charge of disseminating his collection of antiquities. His legendary collection will either be donated to a local museum for all to enjoy, or be given to his son Harry, whom he has very little regard for, and who also happens to be Eleanor’s former beau, and the one who still has her under his spell. A lovely part to the novel, is Sandra’s flashbacks of this couple, to show you their past and brings meaning into what is happening in the present in their relationship. This is very well done as you effortlessly slip back and forth into the different timeframes. With Harry you are initially a bit off balance as Sandra is a master at writing a hero that keeps you just a little bit off balance, in terms of you constantly asking yourself, is this guy a good guy, or a bad guy?! There are many other characters who play special roles here, Orchie, the family servant , a treasured friend Marguerite, who speaks the truth in love, as well as the delightful Lady Charlotte Schreiber. She is a particularly wonderful character because she was a real person in Victorian England. Sandra Byrd did that wonderful thing that good historical fiction writers do, in that they do a vast amount of research and then incorporate real people of the time into the story. It just brings it alive and transports us into the past in such a special way.
This wonderful novel has all the makings of a great gothic tale and journey as well ,a likable but flawed heroine thrown into a very tough situation, people who aren’t really who they claim to be, secrets, treasures disappearing and a wonderfully romantic storyline. These are the kinds of books that just transport you to another time and place and where the pages keep turning because you really want to know how it all comes out in the end. Surprises, intrigue and much more awaits you in the pages of this book.
To leave you with a quote from this book that I just loved- “You have your Maker’s design all over you. His mark is stamped in your loyalty, your kindness, the way you put others before yourself.” This wonderful line begs the question,”how is the maker’s design over your life showing to others, because if you know Him, it is assuredly there.
5 stars
Special thanks to the author and Tyndale publishing for a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.
Lady of a Thousand Treasures is a rare delight. From the very first chapter, Sandra Byrd pulls you into Miss Sheffield’s world, one dimmed by loss but sparkling with a hope of love returned. Victorian England was not an easy place for a woman virtually alone to succeed. The struggles that Ellie faces in a man’s world aren’t unlike what women in the workplace deal with today, but the story remains authentic to the time in sensibilities, setting, and characters.
Speaking of characters—the dashing Harry Lydney. *sigh* He has broken Eleanor’s heart in the past and it seems as though he may have returned to do it again. This hero has got to be one of the best of ALL TIME! He is always a gentleman but has a slight aura of mystery surrounding him that is quite intriguing! He’s wonderfully complex and compelling, and while Eleanor is the heroine and the focal point of this book, and amazing in her own right, I couldn’t help but favor Harry—prince of my heart. Insert heart eyes here.
Lady of a Thousand Treasures is one of the best books I’ve read this year. I am eagerly awaiting the second book in this series. It promises to be yet another delight from Ms. Byrd’s pen. Bring on the swoony heroes!
~ My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, A Favorite! ~
*I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.*
I grew up reading gothic romance books by Daphne Du Maurier, Phyllis Whitney, and Victoria Holt. I still have a fondness for books featuring English manors, a heroine in trouble, a handsome hero who the heroine isn’t sure she can trust, and strong elements of mystery and romance. I am delighted that Sandra Byrd is carrying on this writing tradition with the added element of faith in the lives of her characters. Eleanor Sheffield is trying to carry on the business of Sheffield Brothers after the death of her father and while her uncle’s health is declining. She has the difficult job as trustee of the estate of a former client, Lord Lydney, being tasked with deciding whether the numerous valuable collections in his home, Watchfield House, should be inherited by his son, Harry, or be donated to the South Kensington Museum. Though she has loved Harry since she was a young girl, Eleanor vows to make an impartial decision based on what is best for the collection. She makes a list of five questions that must be answered to help her make her decision. There are many twists and turns in the story with hardships Eleanor must face. One of the factors that makes this book so interesting is the descriptions of the valuable old artifacts, such as a Book of Hours and Venetian glass. I highly recommend LADY OF A THOUSAND TREASURES for lovers of historical fiction.
I received a complementary copy of this book but that did not influence my opinion.
This book is a treasure! The story is written perfectly! It felt like it came to life for me! I really enjoyed reading this! This was the first book I have read by this author and I’m glad that I read it. The characters were great. I loved trying to figure out Harry’s true character with Eleanor. I would recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Lady of a Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd is an eccles cakes. These traditional cakes are stuffed with Christmas tastes, like nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, citrus, and raisins. The low notes of butter and flour harmonize alongside the kick of citrus. Each bite is an event.
[Copy received. Opinions my own.]
Eleanor, an evaluator of antiquities, learned everything she knows from her deceased father and working alongside her uncle for their Sheffield Brothers company. But age is catching up to her uncle. Then, a client dies, requesting that Eleanor be the one to choose whether his magnificent collection of antiquities passes to his surviving son or to a museum. It doesn’t help that Eleanor used to love his son, and a donation to the museum would almost certainly solve her business problems.
I think Sandra Byrd has a gift with her stories. She not only creates a cast of interesting characters, but she also knows how to layer her plot. Eleanor fought for herself and those she loved, but she also knew when to ask for help, admitting when she was wrong. Her weaknesses were the other side of her strengths. And hello, villains. The best villains are those who are multi-faceted, begging the question, “Are they really a villain or just for this side of the story?” I think Sandra Byrd grasps the humanity of her heros and villains, revealing sometimes why they are who they are.
If you enjoy British history with a strong female character, then Lady of a Thousand Treasures is for you.
Eleanor Sheffield is a young woman who has been well-trained by both her father and her uncle as an evaluator of antiquities. She is very good at what she does and quite capable of managing her family business…a position she will be thrust into if her uncle’s health continues to fail. The biggest problem facing her is whether or not she will be accepted by the high class clientele her father spent a lifetime cultivating. She has no husband and lives in a time when it is not acceptable for a single female to run a business alone.
As the story opens, Eleanor is preparing to attend the funeral of one of their best clients…who happens to be the father of the man Eleanor has given her heart to. It has been some time since Eleanor has seen Harry and, even though she wants to believe he is the man she always thought him to be, her heart is filled with doubt. Why has Harry been away so long with no word to her? Has he perhaps found someone else? Why has he never proposed to her? Does he still care for her as she cares for him?
After the funeral, Eleanor is faced with another dilemma. Lord Lydney has appointed her as conservator of his vast collection. The disposal of his priceless family treasures will be totally at her discretion. She finds herself torn with indecision as she wrestles between donating all the items placed in her trust to a prestigious museum or allowing them to remain with Harry. Donating the items to the museum would further her reputation and almost guarantee her some much needed business…allowing them to stay with Harry at the family home also seems right. How will she ever make this decision??
In the months to come, Eleanor is in for quite a bit of turmoil in her life as she juggles the need to keep her father’s business afloat with the decision of how best to dispose of Lord Lydney’s massive collection. I cannot tell you more without giving away too much but this, dear reader, is where the story really draws you in.
Sandra Byrd is known for her well-researched historical novels and Lady Of A Thousand Treasures is no exception. It is so rich in descriptive detail, you feel as if you are living the story along with Eleanor…easily one of the best books I have read in quite a while. Lady Of A Thousand Treasures is a fast-paced page turner that will keep you wanting to skip ahead, but don’t do it…savor every page!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers. No review was required and the views and opinions expressed within are my own.
My first book by Sandra Byrd is an easy five star because it is enthralling right from the first page. Eleanor is trying to make the right decision about the priceless treasure that she is a trustee of. Will she make the right one?
This Gothic Historical Romance reminded me so much of Victoria Holt books, which by the way has been a favorite of mine ever since I was 13 years old.
A faith filled book where Eleanor grows spiritually and has to deal with her pride among other things. Another heroine and hero to fall in love with. I had lots of hope depending on Harry. Is he the man he acts like he is or not?
Mystery, danger, romance and faith with a plot that keeps you guessing means a wonderful book. You don’t want to miss this Sandra Byrd book. It’s a keeper for sure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.