This is an intriguing Victorian historical mystery that has an unusual storyline. I don’t remember that I’ve read another book in this time period that the storyline revolves largely around the collection of antiques. Eleanor struggles to keep her family’s firm on a solid foundation of both trust and financial stability. She comes to a point that she is not sure who she can trust, and finds that she is being betrayed by friends she trusted most. Even as Eleanor’s situation deteriorates to the point of her worst fear becoming a reality, she holds on to her “mustard seed” of faith to carry her through. There’s danger and romance all through this book. I was interested in finding out if Eleanor’s faith would be enough to help her hold on through the darkest of times.

The author’s historical research for this book gave the story depth. It’s a longer story, but well worth reading.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I’ve read Sandra Byrd before and have loved her, she’s written a couple of different series all with a Christian base. I’ve always enjoyed her stories as they have a little romance and mystery mixed together with a sprinkling of Christian ideology.

This book has been one that I have been looking forward to reading since I heard about it. I love the Victorian era and Byrd’s stories are always well written and interesting. I was asked t review this book by two different tour groups and was excited to start it as soon as I got the copy!

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 (summary from Goodreads).

I liked the idea of this book from the start. I love antiquities and I loved seeing how that worked its way into the plot of this book. I loved Eleanor, she was sweet and trusting and always seemed to remain true to herself and her heart which I also loved.

When the book started, I was totally put off by Harry. The author did a great job at crafting a seemingly weak character and put a lot of doubt in for the reader. At one point I even felt like how will she ever redeem him? He wasn’t a romantic interest that I could warm to right away, instead the author challenges the reader to look past what things appear to be and to try and look for the good in the character. I will admit, it wasn’t easy at times but as the book continued, Harry’s character grew on me and by the end I was besotted.

I truly enjoyed reading about the antiquities business and the accounting of family heirlooms in the Victorian era. It was clear that the author did a lot of research on this subject and it shows in her descriptions and believability in the narrative. It was interesting and I would have kept reading just for that part of the book.

The one thing that I struggled with in this book was the constant emotional descriptions. I liked that Eleanor was at odds over her feelings about Harry, her treasure shop, her faith…..it seemed like she questioned everything and was constantly at odds over her feelings. A little bit of that is fine but I felt like the entire book was her constantly questioning herself and her feelings which slowed the plot down for me.

This book is a lengthy one (almost 500 pages) and while I was able to read it in more or less one or two sittings, there were times when I was frustrated by the pace of the novel. There were too many times that Eleanor was questioning her decision and tasks throughout the novel and it slowed things down.

While this wasn’t my favorite Byrd novel, I still liked it and will gladly read the next book in the series as well as anything else by her, but this just wasn’t my favorite.

Challenge/Book Summary:

Book: Lady of a Thousand Treasures (The Victorian Ladies #1) by Sandra Byrd

Kindle Edition, 480 pages
Published October 9th 2018 by Tyndale House Publishers (first published October 2018)
ASIN B07B7QTZYN
Review copy provided by: publisher/author in exchange for an honest review:, all opinions are my own
Recommendation: 3 out of 5
Genre: historical fiction, romance, christian fiction
Memorable lines/quotes:

This is the first time I’ve read a novel by Sandra Byrd and I quite enjoyed it.
The novel is told from the point of view of Eleanor Sheffield, an antiquities evaluator who has been trained by her father and uncle. With her father’s recent passing, and her uncle’s decline into dementia Eleanor is at a loss as to how to keep the family business afloat and wonders at its future. In Victorian England, an unmarried daughter doesn’t inherit or have the opportunity to own a business of her own.
The story begins at the wake of one of her father’s most loyal patrons, and a most unusual request given beyond the grave. Eleanor must evaluate, catalogue, and decide the fate of his thousand piece collection. Her choices: donate the entire collection to the museum or leave it to his second and least trusted son, who also happens to have been Eleanor’s beau who left her not once, but twice.
Throw in a band of Italian thieves, beautiful heiresses, a conniving employee, and elements of mystery to make Lady of a Thousand Treasures intriguing. Eleanor must answer questions and dig for the truth but all is not as it seems.
The plot is solid and the characters are likeable, though one questions the integrity of some. It’s rich with history and tastefully mixes historical figures with the fictional world. I learned so many things about the Victorian collectables world.
I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Byrd.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Historical fiction may be my favorite genre, and that is really saying something, because there are few genres I won’t read. If nothing else, historical fiction is the genre that I can lose myself in best. There's something about another time and place that I can never see, but can imagine living in its idealistic setting, that takes me entirely away from the present.

With Lady of a Thousand Treasures, it is really easy to slide into this story. Not only does the mystery and intrigue begin immediately, but the reader can instantly sympathize with Eleanor’s struggles. I think most women can effortlessly relate to a woman trying to forge her life and career in a world created for men. We can also relate to the confusion and insecurity of a complicated romance.


Eleanor was a slightly frustrating character, but so honest and heartfelt that I liked her a lot regardless. The frustration mostly comes from her indecision, which is probably unfair. I know I am far worse when trying to make small decisions, let alone life altering ones. So, I am going to tell myself to give some grace. Everyone has flaws, and I would hate to read a book about a perfect character.

The overall story was emotional, heart-warming, and mysterious. I could really feel the struggle Eleanor faced and was rooting for her, even when I wasn’t sure what to root for. She also taught me a great deal about antiques, which is something I love about books. I get to escape into a good story while learning. Be still my bibliophile heart.

I don't dive into this type of historical fiction very often, but this read was so much more than I expected and quickly made me a fan of Sandra Byrd.

Eleanor is in a difficult position. At the death of a long term client of her uncle's business, she is declared the proprietor over every collection on the estate. It is her decision to either donate the pieces to a museum or other appropriate place, or leave them and allow the son, Harry, to keep them. As Harry does not enjoy a positive image, the decision appears easy for those around her, especially since Eleanor expected to be engaged to him, but he lied to her and returned from abroad not only half a year later but with another female in his company. This is, however, only the beginning of Eleanor's difficulties.

The author does a wonderful job of allowing the reader to be swallowed up into the time. The descriptions create a believable and vivid world without growing heavy or mundane. Even the antiques which Eleanor constantly handles are well explained and prove the author did her research without growing boring or feeling as if the facts are being forced into the story. It's a lovely mixture, which makes the setting rich and believable.

Eleanor is an extraordinary woman, although she holds just enough of vulnerability to keep her interesting and easy to empathize with. Although she runs into difficult situations time and again, she never demands pity or a loss of hope. Her ability to continue forward and maneuver through the situations makes her a true heroine to follow until the last page.

The tension remains steady as the layers of troubles grow and mystery increases. It's not a fast-paced book but holds the reader in the pages. Eleanor experiences occasional flashbacks, which let emotions, memories and hints slide in when needed. I'll admit, I caught myself skimming these at times.

The romance is subdued and if the reader expects much tension on this end, they will be disappointed. Harry is a mystery for himself, one that Eleanor must discover the truth about. While his attitude and hers make sense, especially as the tale unfolds, there is a lack of spark even at the end. This does, however, allow the other aspects of the story to maintain the attention they need.

This is an engaging read with a wonderful historical richness as well as a grabbing plot. Friends of Victorian fiction with a strong heroine and bit of tension and mystery are sure to enjoy this one.

With the flair and panache of a lush Dickensian feast married with a stark and realistic look at the quick drop to a life of debtor's prison, Byrd spins a gilt-tinted world of betrayal, mystery and opulence. A slow-burn love story woven in expert prose, Byrd uses her unparalleled sense of verisimilitude to build on a faith- driven book that drives the theme that not all that glitters is gold. A rare treat, Lady of a Thousand Treasures works best at differentiating itself from other historical romances due to its careful execution of the world of antiques and appraisals. Its heroine has ingenuity and agency not often afforded women of her era and it is this unique tenet that loans the book its immediate spark.

While the hero takes a longer time to warm to, it is due to his deep characterization and the role he plays in the outcome of a whirling world of deception and riches. By the end, you will want to return to the beginning to see how each careful scene plays out again and again.

Attention to the most minute historical detail and period appropriate dialogue aid in creating this well-formed Victorian world.

A fine piece of historical romance, intelligently wrought and meaty enough to spread over several chilly autumn nights.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21) — this verse kept running through my mind as I read the newest historical romance/mystery by Sandra Byrd. As I have come to expect from this talented author, Lady of A Thousand Treasures, is outstanding! Set in the Victorian-era, this novel uses as its premise the collecting-fever of the monied men and women of the time. The historic details whisk you back to the resplendent drawing rooms displaying the artifacts of ancient civilizations and priceless art, while also exposing the downtrodden poor that the rich sought to ignore. I loved this complexly crafted work and highly recommend it.

Eleanor Sheffield struggles to keep her late father’s valuating business afloat despite the dwindling commissions of patrons and the infirmity of her uncle. Her entire life has been dedicated to examining and valuing treasures — Roman coins, glassware, pottery, etc. — but a woman of her time is expected to take second place to father or husband. Given a challenging task by her childhood friend’s deceased father, she endeavors to act in a just manner, but there are many foes known and unknown that are acting against her.

Lady of A Thousand Treasures has an air of mystery from the outset. Indeed, there are a number of puzzling circumstances that Eleanor encounters. She is doggedly determined to meet every challenge, a trait that is both admirable and foolish. Her pride in her strength and self-sufficiency leads her to trouble time and time again. The novel is told in the first person, and the reader gets a genuine look into Eleanor’s motives and thoughts. She holds nothing back. Her take on those around her is not always accurate, but enough is shared for the reader to come to his/her own conclusions. I found myself questioning all who Eleanor encounters. Even her lifelong friend (and true love) is open to doubt. Attention to historic detail gives this book a great deal of authenticity. The scenes involving life in prison are particularly eye-opening. Eleanor’s faith is tested throughout the novel, and she sometimes wavers in her trust in God’s goodness and provision. I found that made Eleanor even more real and relatable. Her feeling of being un-treasured touched my heart. Her assertion that “I am no one’s treasure” truly struck a chord.

Lady of A Thousand Treasures is a treasure of its own. A beautifully written book, it will keep you enthralled until the very last page is turned. I was sorry to have to leave Eleanor’s world. I know this story will stay with me for quite a long time.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

This book is an absolute treasure. I love historical fiction and this story was the perfection combination of history, romance and mystery. I enjoyed the characters and the way the author was able to bring them to life. The plot kept me interested until the very end and the writing flowed easily. The setting is just gloomy enough to give off all the Gothic romance vibes but also not overly done. Overall I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for more books by the author!

For me, this was an OK read. I did enjoy it, however it dragged in places and I found myself skimming a few times.. I called one of the mysteries very early on. For me, it was the characters that made the book. I loved Ellie. She was independent and and stayed true to her task. I also loved Harry. He was so sweet and I loved his commitment to prove he was all in with Ellie. His "surprise" in the end was too cute and did save the story for me.. I think lovers of historical fiction with a splash of romance will want to check this one out.

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.

Another rich, historical story from Sandra Boyd! I loved traveling back in time with this story. It's such a gorgeous, vivid story with delightful characters.

A Lady of a Thousand Treasures is a rare treasure indeed. The well crafted details draw you into the story and make it nearly impossible to put down until you've finished.

As with any great gothic romance novel, there are plenty of mystery, unexpected twists, haunting speculations, intriguing characters and lies to keep you well entertained. All of which is wrapped up beautifully in historic 1866 England in a very authentic and immersive way.

The almost poetic prose mixed with suspense and romance makes this an amazing read that anyone who love's reading historical gothic romances filled with delicate little treasures should add the to there TBR pile.

I am eagerly awaiting to see where the rest of this series will take us.

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.

I loved all the amazing historical details in this story! It was fascinating to see how a middle class family interacted with the wealthy upper crust of society, accepting commissions and providing them with rare and valuable collectibles and antiques. Eleanor is in a highly unique position for a woman of her time, and I admired her perseverance under the pressures she is facing from all aspects of her life. While I found this book enjoyable to read, it sometimes felt like it would never end. Ellie's constant questioning of and wavering over Harry's character made it harder for me to connect with him, and while it provided a higher element of intrigue, it also detracted from the romance of the story until the very end. I felt quite a bit of anxiety and worry over Ellie's struggles and it seemed every time she would overcome one obstacle, another would surface, or multiple ones, until she is completely overwhelmed and in desperate circumstances. The societal politics of the collectors and procurers was forefront to the plot as Ellie works to save her uncle's company.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Eleanor Sheffield has taken over the family business of evaluating antiquities. She gets tasked with determining if the late Lord Lydney’s treasure should be donated to a museum or given to his son, Harry. It’s not an easy decision. Lord Lydney blames Harry for his other son’s death. Eleanor at one time thought she’d be getting married to Harry. Lord Lydney and Harry have different explanations for some key events. Eleanor must sift through the treasures and facts and determine the right thing to do.
This is a fascinating story. I enjoyed learning more about the process of evaluating antiquities and what the flaws or perfection of a piece reveal. I’ve not been drawn to this type of thing in the past but I know I’ll look a little more closely next time I’m at a museum because of this book.
There are several mysteries that need figuring out. Some were pretty easy to solve while others didn’t open up until the very end. This story has a gothic Victorian feel. Reading of hidden treasure and secret passages made me want to go explore an attic or an old mansion.
As in life, the relationships herein are complicated. People are betrayed by those closest to them. I appreciated Eleanor’s heart to serve women in the debtor’s prison even as she fought to take care of her own family matters. Eleanor is a woman who gets things done and takes care of her own. I wasn’t always sure what to make of Harry but his true character is revealed in the end and makes for a satisfying conclusion.
Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House for providing me with a complimentary e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I have so many thoughts running through my head after finishing this book, this may get a little long-winded (there’s just that much to say). But I’ll do my best to rein it in!

First, let’s talks about Eleanor Sheffield. This young woman is a contradiction, much like the glass she collects, which she describes as “both fragile and strong, liquid and solid, opaque and clear, vibrant and strong. Complex as the best of us are.” Eleanor herself is strong yet vulnerable, self-sufficient yet prideful, suspicious yet trusting, and so much more. A woman in a predominantly male world, our heroine has a lot to prove.

Then there are the collectibles, the collectors, and the collections. Sandra Byrd presents all of this throughout the book in a way that is both entertaining and fascinating. With a bit of historical research, the author manages to make these physical objects another character in the book.

Now, let’s get to the heart of this story: Character. Not the player in the story but the heart and intentions of that person. From the first chapter, Eleanor’s task of determining where the Lydney family collection will go after the death of the patriarch requires her to comprehend Harry Lydney’s character. Is he the man his father claimed him to be, the one she remembers with fondness, or someone else?

As the story unfolds through Eleanor’s eyes, not only is Harry’s character revealed, so is Eleanor’s and a few others. As masks are removed and the truth is uncovered, integrity, honor, duplicity, and more are discovered.

Lady of a Thousand Treasures is a treasure chest full of gems of insight into history and the human heart. If it’s not already on your TBR list, you best go add it now because you don’t want to miss this one.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. 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.

This was my first book by the author and it won't be my last. I just adored this fun gothic victorian romance. It sucked me from the beginning and had me guessing till the very end.

Sandra created such a gothic atmosphere in this book. I felt for the heroine, Eleanor as you were never quite sure who you could trust or what the motives are behind each individual person. It was a great study on staying true to how you are while working your way through seeds of doubt.

Eleanor was such a real character. She was charged with determining what was the right thing to do with an art collection. However, this was not an easy answer as seeds of doubt where planted all around her. Eleanor had to determine what was real and what was false but that proved harder then she realized. It was easy to find yourself in Eleanor shoes as she tries to figure out the truth and weed through the lies and doubt. The author did a great job of keeping an air of mystery through the book that had you never quite know who to trust.

I loved how the author showed that no one is perfect and all people make mistakes or bad choices, but that one mistake shouldn't define someone, but instead we need to look at the whole life of a person in order to determine their character.

A really great mystery that will keep you guessing till the end!

*******Received an ARC from the publisher, via Netgalley******

Victorian London. Eleanor Sheffield evaluates antiquities, but her family business is in trouble when her uncle’s declining health means she is left alone to run things as a lady alone – which is out of the question, of course. Into her care comes a legendary collection of antiques, and Eleanor gets to decide what to do with them: give them to museums and charitable institutions, or allow the man who broke her heart to inherit their priceless worth. Told with an eye for historical detail, a riveting sense of time and place and with sumptuous descriptions of both the treasures in the hand and of the heart, Sandra Byrd proves herself once again to be a powerful force in historical fiction. Loved every minute of it. – Clara Shipman

This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #3 - October 2018

Excellent, excellent read! If I could, I’d give more than five stars.
Author Sandra Byrd pens one of the best Victorian romance novels I’ve read.
The historical research conducted in preparation for writing this book is obviously quite extensive.

Eleanor Sheffield is her father’s daughter. With her father’s recent passing, Ellie must step up to the plate and keep Sheffield Brothers running. An antique appraisal business, Ellie’s father is renowned for his skill and knowledge in the world of antiquities. Eleanor is quite a talented appraiser in her own right, unfortunately Ellie struggles to gain respect for her work simply based on her gender.

With the death of a local wealthy baron, Ellie has the opportunity to prove herself more than worthy. She is appointed as the temporary trustee of the baron’s vast and glorious collection of beautiful antiquities. Yet, the monumental task comes with one rather large problem, the baron’s son, Harry, once broke her heart. Even though Harry says he still loves her, Ellie maintains a safe distance between her heart and the man who once almost destroyed it.

As Ellie begins the laborious, yet delightful, task of cataloging and evaluating the late baron’s antiques, strange things begin to occur. A figurine belonging to a set of twelve, disappears and then later reappears. Locked doors for which she has no key. Antiques that are not listed on the baron’s catalog at death, appear. When her uncle, her father’s brother and the other half of Sheffield Brothers, is brutally attacked, and the shop broken into, Ellie realizes there is far more going on.

Somehow Ellie must find away to protect Sheffield Brothers reputation, getting the shop back to good financial standing, while protecting the life of her uncle, along with her own. As the time of evaluating the late baron’s death comes to a close, Ellie faces an extremely important decision...as temporary trustee, it is her decision that determines where the extensive collection will be housed.

Will it stay in the baron’s estate, and therefore, inherited by Harry or will the collection be donated to the auspicious museum that desires it. Someone is trying to sway her decision, one way or another, but who?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions, therein, are solely my own.

@justreadtours
@NetGalley

Eleanor Sheffield knows antiquities. A talented evaluator, she has worked alongside her father and uncle since she was a young girl, and knows all the tricks counterfeiters use to reproduce original artifacts. With her father’s death and her uncle’s increasing dementia, Ellie’s business is in jeopardy. As a woman working in valuations during the Victorian Era, Ellie must have a male’s stamp of approval on her work. When Baron Lydney, one of their major clients, dies leaving her as his trustee, her future begins to really teeter on the brink of disaster.
Ellie and Baron Lydney’s only surviving son, Harry, grew up – first as friends, then as sweethearts, but Harry left her and she hasn’t heard from him in years. Now, she must decide – donate the Lydney collection to the South Kensington museum, or leave it “in situ” for Harry to inherit. With the first choice, her future in valuations and procurement would be secured. With the second, she could be accused of simply following her heart, not using her knowledge.
As Ellie and her employee, Mr. Clarkson, begin to inventory the Lydney collection, it becomes increasingly clear that someone is lying to her. Can she take the word of a dead man who believed his son to be without honor? Or, does she believe her eyes that tell her not everything about the Lydney collection is as it should be? Is Harry really interested in her again, or is his interest merely a ploy to distract her from the business at hand?
It will take all of Ellie’s discernment capabilities to ferret out the truth from the lies, the genuine from the counterfeit. With debtors prison steps away from her door, her decision will have ramifications for the entire Sheffield household. How can she tiptoe her way out of the mess her uncle has left in her hands, when she is apparently being sabotaged both within and without?
This book must have taken tons of research to write! I loved learning about the various parlor games played during Victorian times. I also loved looking for the collective nouns that Sandra Byrd sprinkled throughout the novel – “A murder of crows, a rake of mules, a threading of voices, a singular of boars, a cherish of children”. After reading about half of the book, I wished I had highlighted each one to go back and savor it again. While I love reading stories set in the Victorian era, I don’t think it could have been much fun to be a woman back then. As far as I’m concerned, Ms. Byrd is one of the best at bringing this era to life, and at evoking the dark, mysterious feeling of an old mansion.
History buffs who love a mystery, will love Lady of a Thousand Treasures. While there is romance here, it takes a back seat to both the time period and the mystery of the story. I would absolutely recommend Lady of a Thousand Treasures! Sandra Byrd has written another gem! (An amethyst, perhaps? Read the story to find out about the ADORE ring. Such a cool detail!)