Lady of a Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd

About Lady of a Thousand Treasures:

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, the family business is at risk, and unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone.

The death of a wealthy client offers an unexpected opportunity when Eleanor is appointed the temporary trustee of the baron's legendary collection. She alone 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.

Harry claims to love Eleanor still, and though she yearns to believe him, there are circumstances that make her question if this is true. Yet, she also distrusts the late baron's motives, especially after he uncle and her home are attacked. With her family's finances dwindling and the threat of debtor's prison closing in, Eleanor knows that donating the baron's collection would win her favor among potential clients, saving the family and its firm. But the more time Eleanor spends with Harry, the more her faith in him grows. Can she risk bestowing upon him the treasures, and her heart, after all? 

Ultimately, 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.

My thoughts:

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.

Visit the publisher's website to read an excerpt from Lady of a Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd.

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."