Cover Image: Lady of a Thousand Treasures

Lady of a Thousand Treasures

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Fabulous Victorian era novel showing a strong woman!

As the daughter and niece of the Sheffield Brothers, well know evaluators of antiquities, Eleanor has become quite adept at differentiating a fake from the real thing. If only she could have done that with Harry Lydney, the man who broke her heart. With the sudden passing of her father and the decline of her uncle’s mind, Eleanor finds herself with the potential of losing the firm that she loves since a woman is not allowed to run the business alone. When Harry’s father, Baron Lydney, a longtime client of Sheffield brothers passes, Eleanor is named the trustee of his antique collection. She must now decide whether to have the artifacts donated to a museum or allow them to pass down to Harry. If she donates them, she will build credit with potential collectors that could revive Sheffield Brothers. But Harry also claims that he still loves her and tries to show her that he is worthy of the collection. How will Eleanor decide this time?

Typically I’m not a huge fan of Victorian era fiction, but the synopsis for this one intrigued me. I’m glad that I gave it a try. The historic setting that Byrd provided brought the whole novel to life for me. I also really enjoyed getting to see a strong female character that wasn’t fully entranced with romance through the whole book. Eleanor was very intelligent and it showed throughout. Faith was also a great element in this book. I can’t wait to see what the next installment brings.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Eleanor Sheffield is an identifier of antiquities, trained by her father and her uncle. Since the death of her father and the continuing decline of her uncle's mental state, Eleanor finds herself responsible for keeping her humble household afloat. In addition to that she has been tasked by her late father's loyal client, Lord Lydney, upon the recent occurrence of his death to deliberate over the fate of his treasures, whether they will go to a museum or go to his heir and only living son, Harry--who broke Eleanor's heart.



Eleanor must rely on her faith to make her decision and keep her family's business above water, valuable pieces go missing, some reappear, while her uncle's business associate Mr. Clarkson presses his suit. Eleanor struggles to be taken seriously in a man's world, and she had few friends that she can rely on. Also, Harry seems interested in rekindling their romance, but does he really care for her, or does he have ulterior motives?



Spellbinding. I was swept into this book from the first page, and didn't want to put it down. Ms. Byrd weaves a captivating tale of mystery, high stakes, romance, faith, and misdirection. I loved how the author's skilled use of language, through structure and vocabulary brought Eleanor's Victorian world to life, the dialog is excellently crafted, fitting for the time period, yet by no means stiff. This book was remarkably well researched, and I loved how it showed me a side of upper class society that I had never thought of very deeply, and how their collections showed off their taste, standing, and status.



Eleanor is a relatable heroine, flawed, vulnerable, strong, compassionate, honest, and honorable. She is determined to make the best of the situation handed to her, and to represent her father and uncle's business well. She takes her duty seriously, and her deep knowledge of antiquities help her to test what rings true and what is false. I liked how she visits the ladies in prison, praying with them, and treating them as equals. She is a faithful friend, and talented appraiser.



There are so many well built characters, and even though I didn't like them all, I could definitely picture them in my mind's eye, like Harry, Marguerite, Orchie, Alice, Mrs. Denholm, the ladies in the prison, Uncle Lewis, and more. There was so much going on in the book, one mystery after another, and just when it seemed that there was finally someone she could trust, their character was again thrown into question.



I liked the way that snapshots of Harry and Eleanor's past was shown, so that I could see the significance of little gestures, which made the story richer and more moving as a whole. As well as the way that the stories behind many of the pieces was woven into the fabric of the story, showing the love that the collectors and acquisitioners had for their passion.



Overall, a well crafted novel, that was hard to put down, and brimming with intrigue, and tension filled scenes. Very well researched, with a strong heroine, definitely worth the read, and perfect for fans of Victorian Era reads! I could say so much more, but I don't want to give any surprises away.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

Was this review helpful?

Lady of a Thousand Treasures is an engrossing book! Eleanor Sheffield, an evaluator of antiquities is of the working class people but mingles with the wealthy upper crust society. She procures and evaluates collectible items. With her father dead and her uncle incapacitated she runs Sheffield Brother's with the help of an assistant. The story moves quickly through the streets and homes of London to a vast country estate. I love Eleanor's spirit, she never gives up despite many harrowing situations. I believe this to be my favorite of all of Ms. Byrd's novels. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and hope that it will be Marguerite's story! So brew a pot of tea and settle in for a fantastic read!

I was given this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I was unaware that this was a Christian Romance novel when I requested it. This is not my favorite genre, and I struggled with this novel because of that. However, I will definitely recommend this to patrons who are interested in this genre. Byrd is a very talented writer, and it is clear that she did a lot of research for this book. Her descriptions of Ellie's work/individual pieces were very detailed, and the historical depictions seemed accurate to me (though I am no expert!).

Because of my feelings towards this genre, I had trouble connecting with the main character, but again, I am quite sure that those who are interested in Christian Romance, and even those who are new to the Romance genre and are looking to start with something less "bodice-ripping," would really enjoy this novel. Will be adding to my list of Christian Fiction RA recommendations.

Thank you to Sandra Byrd, Tyndale House Publishers, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This book is close to my heart because my husband and I are treasure hunters, too! The history and provenance included for the treasures featured throughout the book were especially delightful to me! Harry has quickly become one of my favorite heroes. His love remains true to Eleanor in his quiet, persistent way, and talk about a romantic! Wow! I was floored at how cruel the former Baron Lydney could be to his son, but as Eleanor repeatedly reminded herself, the truth was eventually uncovered. Lastly, the "ADORE" ring was extremely clever and a most romantic gesture! Another fantastic read by Sandra Byrd!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

With an alluring cover and the title Lady of a Thousand Treasures, this novel by Sandra Byrd was one I had to try! As a rule, I find first-person narratives difficult and less enjoyable. However, in this case, our protagonist Eleanor has a lovely voice and the story flows so beautifully that within a few chapters I was so immersed in the story I no longer noticed it.

Having an appreciation for antiques and rare collectibles will definitely enhance your experience of this book as it is packed with fascinating tidbits on historical pieces as well as the obsession some have of creating world-renowned collections. Whilst being informative, it doesn’t become burdensome to the story plot nor do the characters become caricatures.

At its heart, the novel explores integrity and what builds and destroys trust, within oneself and others as well as in God. I so hope this author will continue to delight with more novels just like this one! It’s five out of five for me!

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

This story is filled with plenty of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Eleanore Sheffield’s life has centered around her love of antiques. Growing up her father taught her all he knew about evaluating and obtaining antiques and priceless treasures for the nobility. But now that her father has died and her uncle’s health is rapidly declining, the upkeep of not only the house but the business has fallen on her shoulders.

With the death of Baron Lydney; Eleanore is tasked with not only cataloging but deciding the fate of the items in his vast estate. Should the items be donated to the local museum or should the items be awarded to the Baron’s only son, Harry? Who should she trust?

While this story is as artistic as the countless antiquities described within the pages, the plot seemed to drag in places. This story has an abundance of information and details, and I would suggest that it may be best enjoyed by someone who can carve out large chunks of time for reading it.

For me personally, I recognized several places in the story where the Christian viewpoint would have added greatly to the story, however, it was missing. There were a few mentions of God and trusting in His plan. However, it seemed to fall flat when the characters didn’t act on the knowledge.

Sandra Byrd writes with beautiful word imagery, and really sets up the scenes for the story beautifully. The mystery was expertly woven throughout the story and kept me guessing as to how it would turn out.

While I enjoyed certain aspects of the story, I never could fully get into the story and identify with the characters. I give this story 3-stars.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

Was this review helpful?

received a digital arc from Netgalley in exchange for a review. Set from September 1866 - May 1867 Victorian England during a war in Venice between Watchfield house owned by Lord Lydney in London and Sheffield antiquity shop. Told from Eleanor's point of view. Due to an illness that makes Eleanor's Uncle mostly indisposed, Eleanor is now running her family owned business in a time where women need protection from men and aren't really welcome in the workforce. The final task for a prepaid annual antiquity maintenance commission from the Late Baron Lydney to Sheffield Brothers is to determine the fate of his estate. If his son Harry, Eleanor's childhood friend and delinquent love interest, is proven to be dishonorable then the family collection should be donated to the South Kensington Museum. Tasked with the final decision on if her former beau should be disinherited, Eleanor inventories the final treasures while investigating Harry's trustworthiness.

Eleanor is trying to stand on her own as a professional and gain a positive reputation valuing authentic or determining fraudulent items for wealthy collectors, networking and making new friendships with female entrepreneurs.Part of the value of each piece is the story passed down with it. I absolutely love all the stories and history lessons behind each item Eleanor inventories, repairs, curates or examines. Everyone Eleanor meets have their own agenda so there are many misleading statements during her assessment making it hard to keep work and romance separate. I really enjoy how earnest Eleanor is, visiting women in prison and wanting to trust and build relationships. Trusting in God, Eleanor must determine if there is a scheme and who the fraud is, if items are stolen or treasures passes on from generations, and finally if Harry deserves to inherit.

If you like learning about history in new and fun ways or enjoy a good mystery with a slight romance then I definitely recommend this book for you. I can't wait to read more in the series.

Was this review helpful?

I read the following review by Rosanne L. on this site and it is so right on that I have copied and pasted it. Great review, Rosanne!

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.

Was this review helpful?

Eleanor has been tasked with chronicling the antiquities of one of her parents, Baron Lydney. She is to determine whether his remaining son is worthy of the collection. When she was younger she was in love with the son, Harry. This book takes the reader to England, and Italy, and back again.

It took me a while to "get into" the book, and truly I never did. Sandra Byrd is a great author, but in order to get the details into the book, she let the plot drag. I am not going to say this is a "bad" book, it could be that I was having a bad day when I tried to read it.

Three Stars.

I want to thank Tyndale House Publishers for allowing me to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

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. *

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

Miss Eleanor Sheffield officer, the family form of Sheffield Brothers’ is very difficult mtelligent. They authenticates antiques and treasures. They also, sell things to other collectors. Lord Lydney has been collecting pieces for years with the assistance of the Sheffield Brothers. When he dies, he specifies that Eleanor will decide what happens to them. Will they go to a museum of stay at the former Lord Lydney's estate where Harry Lydney is the new Lord. Harry and Eleanor have a history. They grew up together and it was expected they would marry one day until Harry goes away to the war. When he comes back, he brings a beautiful Iltalian woman with him. The treasures had been appraised and what will she do with them? Eleanor and her Uncle are all that is left of the firm although there is someone helping in the shop. Mr. Clarkson seems to think that he is not only part of Sheffield Brothers but Eleanor's keeper as well. While the inventory is being done, certain priceless things have disappeared. What happened to them? Eleanor looks guilty, debts are being incurred and it could be debtors prison or jail for her. What about the Italian woman? So many secrets and deception. I loved this book. So much history. The author included real facts and websites that you can look up. I received this book from Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishing for a honest review and no compensation otherwise.

Was this review helpful?

Who is the thief? Which is a man of honor?

Wonderfully complex and pleasing Victorian-era mystery! Eleanor Sheffield is an expert at recognizing forgeries, but can she discern who speaks the truth, who is manipulating her, and who is the true thief? While desperately trying to keep her family’s antiques firm afloat, care for an uncle with dementia, and provide for those who depend upon her, Eleanor must decide whether to donate an estate of a thousand treasures to a museum or allow it to remain with the previous owner’s heir. She must discover the truth behind her directive and the letters from her former fiancé’s father. Is Harry who she believes him to be or is he a womanizer taking advantage of her good will? Can she objectively choose justice while her heart is involved?

Even as Eleanor inventories the treasures, tracks down lost items, and puzzles over past events, she must keep her firm afloat, slowly selling the few family treasures that remain. While the debtor’s prison looms over every decision, she strives to make her place in a man’s world. Friends and mentors may not be able to save her. But perhaps someone else can.

Lady of a Thousand Treasures is a Victorian romance/mystery wrapped around snippets of history and antique collecting factoids and expertise, while sprinkled among the plotlines are historical figures and insights into a lady’s place in society. Eleanor must overcome the prejudices of her time, use every bit of wit about her, and not lose herself to the poisonous lies of false friends. It’s a road fraught with peril that threatens not only herself, but her loved ones.

While Eleanor strives to live by her Christian faith and it is an integral part of the story, it is woven into the storyline so deftly and unobtrusively that it makes it that much more believable. I have a prejudice against books where religion and scripture are a jarring, disruptive, and annoying intrusion, rather than a treasured, believable part of a character’s life. The whole Christian element is done with such taste and style that I think even non-believers will find it consistent with the characters, true to the actors’ era, and not “preaching” or in-your-face offensive.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy historical, Victorian, or Regency romances, clean romance, gothic novels, mysteries, and skilled storytelling.

I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the publisher through NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I have read Sandra Byrd's Renaissance series with Anne Boleyn and Queen Elizabeth and her Daughters of Hampshire series, so I was ready to dive into the first book into her new series about Victorian ladies and their treasure. A good historical novel teaches me something about history and makes me believe that I am in that time period. Byrd does a wonderful job at inviting me into the Victorian age with her words and description. Her writing hits it out of the park and allows me to feel fully engulfed into the setting.
The plot really didn't wow me. The conflict centers around missing treasure, but it seemed like an oversight to the intitial storyline. Sometimes the story read like an invertory list for the Victorian shop. I got bored pretty easily and wanted so much more to the plotline. It didn't capture my attention.
The characters' romance between Eleanor Sheffield and Harry didn't ring true. I honestly had no idea what Eleanor saw in Harry. They were in love when she was younger, but then he cheated on her while away on a different country and took a long time to come back. I saw no enduring qualities for Harry. He tried to come off as the hero, but I had a hard time liking him at all. The romance felt wrong and forced for the story.
I did enjoy the aspect of dealing with the aging uncle. The story felt a little more full because of the love and respect shown to him as he hung around the side of the story.
Overall, A Lady of a Thousand Treasures was populated with characters that I had no sympathy for and a plot that didn't capture my imagination as much as I wanted the plot to. Byrd's writing is top-notch, and I really enjoyed her ability to bring the Victorian era back to life for me, but I struggled with the plot overall.
I received a complimentary copy of A Lady of Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Was this review helpful?

LADY OF A THOUSAND TREASURES by SANDRA BYRD is a historical romance novel which takes place in England in 1866.
We meet our heroine, Eleanor Sheffield, at Lord Lydney's funeral at Watchfield House. Lord Lydney has given Eleanor, whose family business has been employed by him for many years in the curatorship and valuation of his treasures, to decide whether his son, Harry, is honorable and worthy of inheriting them, or whether the whole collection should be given to the South Kensington museum where it could be admired by many. In fact a donation to the museum would not only impress the members of the Burlington Fine Arts Club, but it would more than likely encourage more commissions from rich collectors for Sheffield Brothers, which had fallen on hard times.
Lord Lydney did not think much of Harry, whereas his deceased son Arthur had been his favourite. Eleanor has been disappointed in Harry, who went away for six months without any explanation, especially when she thought he was going to propose, but she is determined to make an honest decision.
At her father's death and her uncle's slow fall into dementia, Sheffield Brothers is run by Eleanor, who is an expert valuator and restorer in her own right, and Mr Clarkson who works with her.
I love the description of life at that time and also the comparison between worldly treasures and a person's worth to God and to others. The Christian message is firmly woven into the story, which is full of intrigue and well worth reading. I see that some of the characters are based on real people living at the time, and that almost all the items mentioned are real pieces.
As we see that some of the treasures that Eleanor is asked to evaluate are discovered to be fraudulent, we are reminded of the importance of integrity in our lives and actions. We also see that some people's pride will not allow them to admit that they have been duped into buying a reproduction! They feel their reputation is at stake!
I can highly recommend this book and will definitely be reading it more than once.
I was given a free copy of the book by Tyndale House Publishers from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?