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Lady of a Thousand Treasures
(The Victorian Ladies #1)
by
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 unexpect ...more
The death of a longtime client, Baron Lydney, offers an unexpect ...more
Paperback, 480 pages
Published
October 9th 2018
by Tyndale House Publishers
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Start your review of Lady of a Thousand Treasures (The Victorian Ladies, #1)

It’s a rare book that I put on my keeper shelf. Lady of a Thousand Treasures earns one of those coveted spots. Sandra Byrd’s writing is an absolute piece of art. The plot kept me guessing until the very end. The story, the characters, the intrigue all blend into a delicious read, making this tale one that lives on long after you close the cover. If I had to sum up this story all in one word, it would be satisfying.

Sep 28, 2018
Beth
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
romantic,
2018,
own-it,
historical-fiction,
mystery,
new-releases-2018,
cfd-group-buddy-read
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
...more

I am not at all surprised that this book is FABULOUS! *Mild spoiler* I am forever ruined for all other romantic heroes by Lord Harry Lyndey and his speech at the very end of the book. It has to do with the book title. Trust me, you will swoon. This book really is a treasure! Full review soon!
ETA (10/9/18): Actual review below.
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 ...more
ETA (10/9/18): Actual review below.
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 ...more

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 ...more
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 ...more

Like the antiquities prized in this novel, Lady of a Thousand Treasures is a rare treasure of its own. I was swept away from the first page, back to Victorian England and into the haunting mysteries of the Watchfield House. With endearing characters and impeccable research, Sandra Byrd has woven together an exquisite treasure hunt.

Sandra Byrd has become one of my favorite authors. I love the way she weaves a Gothic tale with a good measure of light. In the first of The Victorian Ladies Series, readers learn a great deal about the hobby of collecting and the need to have evaluators to determine the authenticity of pieces of art.
Main character Eleanor Sheffield is the daughter and niece of evaluators Sheffield Brothers. With her father passed away and her uncle ill, she is in a difficult position to keep the family busines ...more
Main character Eleanor Sheffield is the daughter and niece of evaluators Sheffield Brothers. With her father passed away and her uncle ill, she is in a difficult position to keep the family busines ...more

Oct 08, 2018
Paula Shreckhise
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
1800-s,
england,
for-review,
influencer-street-team,
new-releases,
romance,
owned,
read-in-2018,
series,
historical-fiction
Lady of a Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd is a treasure indeed.
I found it hard to put aside this exceptional novel to take care of my daily chores.
Sandra immerses us into the lives of Eleanor Sheffield, a curator and evaluator of antiquities, and the wealthy collectors who seek authentication for their treasures. Eleanor has been taught by her father and uncle how to tell an original piece of art from a fraudulent copy. She has learned to trust her eye to spot a forgery. Can she also trust h ...more
I found it hard to put aside this exceptional novel to take care of my daily chores.
Sandra immerses us into the lives of Eleanor Sheffield, a curator and evaluator of antiquities, and the wealthy collectors who seek authentication for their treasures. Eleanor has been taught by her father and uncle how to tell an original piece of art from a fraudulent copy. She has learned to trust her eye to spot a forgery. Can she also trust h ...more

I’m all about trying out new authors and expanding my reading horizons, BUT I also love having my go-to authors, where I know each book I read will be (and is!) simply fabulous, entertaining, and always added to the bookshelf. Sandra Byrd is one such author and her latest, once again, did not disappoint.
Lady of a Thousand Treasures brings about a fascinating piece of history – the wealthy and their love and obsession with artifacts. I found it fascinating that so much of history was stored in ho ...more
Lady of a Thousand Treasures brings about a fascinating piece of history – the wealthy and their love and obsession with artifacts. I found it fascinating that so much of history was stored in ho ...more

Highly Anticipated Reading . . .
Excellent 1st in new Victorian Ladies historical fiction series by accomplished writer, Sandra Byrd.
A captivating romance of Victorian England by the accomplished author of The Daughters of Hampshire series, Sandra Byrd. Eleanor Sheffield's life is invested in the family business of appraising antiquities and must continue through downturns of economy, her father's death, the failing of her uncle's health, stealth of an employee, and outstanding debts. And the one ...more
Excellent 1st in new Victorian Ladies historical fiction series by accomplished writer, Sandra Byrd.
A captivating romance of Victorian England by the accomplished author of The Daughters of Hampshire series, Sandra Byrd. Eleanor Sheffield's life is invested in the family business of appraising antiquities and must continue through downturns of economy, her father's death, the failing of her uncle's health, stealth of an employee, and outstanding debts. And the one ...more

I do so enjoy a well-crafted story.
"It is only by testing or being tested that we understand whether the substance or the person is at it appears to be or is merely masquerading"
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, on ...more
"It is only by testing or being tested that we understand whether the substance or the person is at it appears to be or is merely masquerading"
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, on ...more

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. E
...more

"Sometimes starting anew is the best way to move forward. Even if it seems like you've lost."
Wow -- I'm gobsmacked! Don't even know where to begin. There's just so many layers to this story and it's so cleverly laid out. Subtle subtext that say one thing but mask a deeper meaning if one has a care to listen carefully. And Miss Eleanor Sheffield is an expert at delivering such charming conversation. There's this incredible scene at a house party over board games (yes -- board games -- who knew th ...more
Wow -- I'm gobsmacked! Don't even know where to begin. There's just so many layers to this story and it's so cleverly laid out. Subtle subtext that say one thing but mask a deeper meaning if one has a care to listen carefully. And Miss Eleanor Sheffield is an expert at delivering such charming conversation. There's this incredible scene at a house party over board games (yes -- board games -- who knew th ...more

This much anticipated series starts off with a winner! Ms. Byrd is at the top of her game providing her readers with an original storyline rich with lyrical prose, filled with twists and unexpected turns, endearing characters and spiritual truths that kept me eagerly turning the pages to a very satisfying end. Sandra Byrd's historical research is impeccable, providing the reader with a wealth of knowledge about the collecting of antiques and historical objects.
Eleanor is given the responsibili ...more
Eleanor is given the responsibili ...more

Oh my word this book is a CHUNCKER, and honestly it was SO intimidating to me. It's almost 500 pages y'all! (Okay it's not actually, more like 450 story wise, but STILL!)
The topic of this book is very intriguing to me, even though I'm not a treasure expert. 😅
Sadly I think I'm going to be in the 1% who didn't really care for this story. It was super slow going for me to get into this book, and even when I did get "into" it I felt it was very drawn out and slow.
There were a TON of scene, people, ...more
The topic of this book is very intriguing to me, even though I'm not a treasure expert. 😅
Sadly I think I'm going to be in the 1% who didn't really care for this story. It was super slow going for me to get into this book, and even when I did get "into" it I felt it was very drawn out and slow.
There were a TON of scene, people, ...more

I have long been a fan of Sandra Byrd's books, because she can immerse you into a Gothic setting and help you feel like you are there (and you'll be thankful you are not, with some of the scenes in the jail I don't think I would be able to handle it!). This novel has it all--romance, intrigue, treasure hunting, hidden secrets, lies, and family devotion.
I loved the character of Eleanor. She is headstrong, confident in her abilities to place value on treasures, yet she is also tender and loving. S ...more
I loved the character of Eleanor. She is headstrong, confident in her abilities to place value on treasures, yet she is also tender and loving. S ...more

Lady of a Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd is the first book to a new historical series called THE VICTORIAN LADIES. It was quite a lovely read! I enjoyed our main character, Miss Eleanor Sheffield, and her knowledge of treasures. And also, her own journey of trusting God and finding her identity as a treasure herself!
The beginning of this book was perhaps a little slow. But still, there was mystery and intrigue to keep one turning pages. *winks* As the story progressed, it was exciting to see ...more
The beginning of this book was perhaps a little slow. But still, there was mystery and intrigue to keep one turning pages. *winks* As the story progressed, it was exciting to see ...more

Although I've heard so much about Sandra Byrd's books, this is the first time I've had the pleasure of reading one. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel set in 18th century England, with the strong and intelligent female heroine Eleanor Sheffield.
Eleanor has been trained from childhood to be an evaluator of antiquities, working alongside her father and her uncle. But upon the death of her father and with her uncle declining in mental health, Eleanor finds herself in financial dire straights, even as ...more
Eleanor has been trained from childhood to be an evaluator of antiquities, working alongside her father and her uncle. But upon the death of her father and with her uncle declining in mental health, Eleanor finds herself in financial dire straights, even as ...more

"He left me and did not return when he said he would. Not once, but twice."
Filled with doubts about the one man who captured her heart and then dared to misplace it, Eleanor Sheffield is commissioned to either place the vast treasures of the recently deceased Lord Lydney into a museum or allow them to remain in their original home; becoming the sole property of his sole heir; the living, breathing Lord Harry Lydney. As a conservator, Ellie must meticulously document the authenticity of every val ...more
Filled with doubts about the one man who captured her heart and then dared to misplace it, Eleanor Sheffield is commissioned to either place the vast treasures of the recently deceased Lord Lydney into a museum or allow them to remain in their original home; becoming the sole property of his sole heir; the living, breathing Lord Harry Lydney. As a conservator, Ellie must meticulously document the authenticity of every val ...more

Lady of a Thousand Treasures is a beautiful, detailed, and sometimes-mysterious Victorian romance. I really appreciated the subtlety of this story; how the romantic relationship built on a history already established, how the slight mystery and story twists all flowed seamlessly, how the themes of eternal worth and value featured prominently. This is the first novel I’ve read by Sandra Byrd, and I have to say that I want to catch up now!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my ...more
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my ...more

I enjoyed this Victorian adventure with all of its “treasures,” not the least of which was the rich, history-filled setting. I loved all the history brought in, not only from the Victorian age but also from even earlier in all the ancient and antique objects with their stories.
I also love that it was written in first person, left me with a most satisfying ending, and had very fleshed-out, flawed, real characters.
The only thing I didn't like was how I didn't know who to trust throughout the enti ...more
I also love that it was written in first person, left me with a most satisfying ending, and had very fleshed-out, flawed, real characters.
The only thing I didn't like was how I didn't know who to trust throughout the enti ...more

I just couldn’t stay interested. It’s me not the book. And it may have been because it was a audiobook.

I got this on a reduced-price day. It's an okay read but I would have resented paying full price for it. The premise of the story sounded good but the author didn't make the best use of it in its development. There's a romance here and a mystery. Neither is compelling.
Main character Eleanor Sheffield is an evaluator of antiques at Sheffield Brothers, a business she's trying to keep afloat after the death of her father and the onset of dementia of her uncle. She's actually the "Brothers" now with ...more
Main character Eleanor Sheffield is an evaluator of antiques at Sheffield Brothers, a business she's trying to keep afloat after the death of her father and the onset of dementia of her uncle. She's actually the "Brothers" now with ...more

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 ro
...more

Dec 01, 2018
Jennifer
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
adult,
borrowed-library,
not-a-mh,
surprising,
clean,
second-chance,
safe,
christian-fiction,
part-of-a-series,
wealthy-person
What a wonderful surprise this book was. Rich in Victorian details, with historically appropriate main characters and a compellingly told story, I found myself unable to put this book down. The realistic doubts and struggles the heroine had, with her perceived place in society and with God, moved me. I was quite frustrated on her behalf and unceasingly grateful that I am alive during this period in history.
The romance was understated and there was a point when I felt despair that it would ever ...more
The romance was understated and there was a point when I felt despair that it would ever ...more

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 ...more
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 ...more

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 ...more
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 ...more

This immediately caught my attention with it's 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
...more

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 en
...more

4.5 Stars
LADY OF A THOUSAND TREASURES is a story set at a time when women were trying to take more control of their lives, but were still very much controlled by men and the whims of society. This creates an interesting backdrop for this story, where a woman who is trained in a "man's" profession is assigned the task of either donating a vast antiques collection worth a fortune to a museum or allowing it to remain with the son and heir after his father's death, a man she was in love with most of ...more
LADY OF A THOUSAND TREASURES is a story set at a time when women were trying to take more control of their lives, but were still very much controlled by men and the whims of society. This creates an interesting backdrop for this story, where a woman who is trained in a "man's" profession is assigned the task of either donating a vast antiques collection worth a fortune to a museum or allowing it to remain with the son and heir after his father's death, a man she was in love with most of ...more
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Christian Fiction...: August's Group Buddy Read: Lady of a Thousand Treasures (The Victorian Ladies #1) by Sandra Byrd | 5 | 24 | Aug 14, 2019 04:15PM |
Bestselling author Sandra Byrd has published fifty books over her editing and writing career. Her traditionally published books include titles by Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, Tyndale House Publishers, WaterBrook Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House, and Bethany House Publishers.
Sandra’s series of historically sound Gothic romances launched with the best-selling Mist of Mid ...more
Sandra’s series of historically sound Gothic romances launched with the best-selling Mist of Mid ...more
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“We should not, therefore, be afraid of testing others--or of being tested ourselves. 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.”
—
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