Lady Of A Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd

Lady of a Thousand Treasures
by Sandra Byrd
Publisher: Tyndale
ISBN: 978-1496426833

I feel like life has been so busy lately that I've had very little time to do one of my favorite hobbies...read! I think we can all agree that's a travesty. Thankfully, I was chosen to be part of Sandra Byrd's Influencer Team to help kick off the release of her newest book, "Lady of a Thousand Treasures." I was bummed that I was out of the country when her book officially released! On the other hand it was fantastic to see all of the great reviews she's been receiving. I was finally able to finish Lady of a Thousand Treasures after stealing bits of free time here and there!

Summary:

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.

My Review:

I love a good historical novel. When I read one with as much detail as Lady of a Thousand Treasures, I fall in love and get lost in the story! Not sure about you, but I adore antiques. They're such a tangible connection to the past. Author, Sandra Byrd, paid so much attention to the details, I figured she must've earned a degree in antiques! Is there such a thing? lol

The story starts off with Eleanor Sheffield learning that she has a huge decision to make. One that will make a difference in the life of the man she once hoped to be betrothed to. Have you ever thought you knew what was right and true, but then everything around you was pointing you in a different direction? That's what Ellie had to deal with throughout her decision making! That's a lot of pressure for a woman who's trying to keep her family's antique business running!

Unfortunately for Ellie, making the decision about the collection isn't the only pressure she has. A man who was brought in to help with the business seems to have an interest in Eleanor and seems to want to help keep the company afloat. Poor Eleanor has so much going on, how she's able to keep on top of everything seems impossible.

Sadly things start to come apart as we dive deeper into the story. No one seems to be who they claim to be. Thankfully Ellie has a couple of people in her life who are on her side who, without question, are for her! That doesn't help her world from crashing down around her as she tries her best to keep it all together!

Lady of a Thousand Treasures will have you hoping for the best in people, but finding out they're not always who they claim to be. God is always who He claims to be and unlike the people in the story, we see how faithful he is to Eleanor. Why does life have to be so difficult? Eleanor seems to wonder the same thing. For all of her trying and doing things on her own, nothing appears to go right. When God isn't in control and we're not letting others into our lives to help, things tend to take a turn for the worse. Seeking God and sharing burdens with others typically gives a better outcome. Read this book and see for yourself!

About the Author:

After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published fifty books. 

Sandra's delighted to kick off her new historical romance series with Tyndale House Publishers, Victorian Ladies, with Lady of a Thousand Treasures. The three-book Victorian Ladies series follows her historically sound Gothic romances, Daughters of Hampshire, launched with the bestselling Mist of Midnight, which earned a coveted Editor's Choice award from the Historical Novel Society. The second book, Bride of a Distant Isle, has been selected by Romantic Times as a Top Pick. The third in the series, A Lady in Disguise, was published in 2017. Check out her contemporary adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, which was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2011, and The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr was named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2012. 

Sandra has published dozens of books for kids, tweens, and teens, including the bestselling The One Year Be-Tween You and God Devotions for Girls. She continued her work as a devotionalist, with The One Year Home and Garden Devotions, and The One Year Experiencing God's Love Devotional. 

Please visit www.sandrabyrd.com to learn more or to invite Sandra to your book club via Skype.

The Captain's Daughter by Jennifer Delamere

The Captain's Daughter
by Jennifer Delamere
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0764219207

As a fan of historical Christian fiction, I was excited to receive this book from Litfuse Publicity to review.

Summary:

Warm-hearted Victorian romance brings 1880s London to life.

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.

A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he's glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can't wait to leave behind.

My Review:

As a first introduction to Jennifer Delamere's writing, I have to say, it was a delightful experience! The Captain's Daughter starts off with the reader getting a quick introduction to three sisters: Cara, Rosalyn, and Julia Bernay. The sisters have had it rough, but they're looking towards the future hopeful.

Rosalyn's situation starts off with promise, but when we meet her, things have clearly gone south. Circumstances have her landing in London, and things get even worse, which doesn't seem possible. God is at work in the midst of it, and provides at just the right time. With the author's writing, you can sense the turmoil Rosalyn's going through, but you also want to help her out by steering her in a different direction. lol

We're introduced to Nate Moran at the start of the story as well. Poor guy, trying to help Rosalyn, ends up not being so helpful. Thankfully soon after they're able to meet properly and under better circumstances. Nate seems to feel a pull towards Rosalyn, but with being burned once before and planning to head back to India, he tries to keep an emotional distance from Rosalyn.

I was really pulled in by the storyline of the opera house. It was fun recognizing names of the people Ms. Delamere wrote about like Gilbert & Sullivan and George Müller. I think because the story covered such a short period of time the reader is easily pulled into the theater world of the story. There were characters I enjoyed like Jessie and Mrs. Hill as well as ones who rubbed me the wrong way like Tony Hayes. It was fun also getting to know Nate's whole family. Makes me hope the author writes more about her, although I'm hoping the next book in the series will either be about Julia or Cara.

As for the summary, I was a little confused as to the "talented musician and singer" part. Rosalyn sings a sweet lullaby to her sister in the prologue, but you don't really get that she's grown up to be that person. It seems like she mostly would sing to herself since she spends years as a companion to a widow. When she sings for the first time for fun, you wouldn't think she was a seasoned musician and singer, but that's not really how she's written in the story. As she continues to work at the theater, you can see her natural talent shine through and her joy being part of it all.

If you're looking for an easy summer read, this should definitely be on your reading list. I finished it in a day! I'm already looking forward to book two in the London Beginnings series!

About the Author:

Jennifer Delamere's debut Victorian romance, "An Heiress at Heart," was a 2013 RITA award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, "A Lady Most Lovely," received a starred review from "Publishers Weekly" and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She's been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

Find out more about Jennifer at jenniferdelamere.com 

Behind The Scenes By Jen Turano

Behind the Scenes
by Jen Turano
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0764217944

I didn't realize when I was sent this book for review from Bethany House that I hadn't read any of Jen Turano's books before. The cover of the book piqued my interest and the premise definitely drew me in!

Summary:

After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, Miss Permilia Griswold has finally figured out a way to pass the time at all the New York high-society events she attends. Under the pseudonym "Miss Quill," she is the author of society gossip columns filled with tidbits only an insider in society--albeit one on the fringes--would know. 

When she overhears a threat against Mr. Asher Rutherford, the owner of one of the most up-and-coming department stores in the city, she's determined to warn him. But the irritatingly handsome man doesn't believe her, leaving her no choice but to take matters into her own hands. What she doesn't anticipate is that she'll end up putting herself at risk in the process--or that she and Mr. Rutherford, a man with secrets of his own, just might end up joining forces after all.

My Review:

This book cracked me up! I was literally laughing out loud, and texting my daughter about how much I was enjoying the story. Jen's writing is really delightful. I was surprised that much of the first part of the story covers a high-society event where Permilia & Asher form an interesting bond. He's one of the few men this wallflower is actually able to talk to about anything! Very telling I'd say.

When she tries to warn Asher about the murder plot, she's already proven herself a "little" over the top so he doesn't believe a word she says. That is until strange things like arrows and bullets are directed his way. Permilia shows up at some of the strangest times, but always just in time.

The extra characters in the story were fun. Permilia's wallflower sidekick, Gertrude, and Asher's odd friend, Harrison, are a great addition to the story. The strange sisters, Mabel & Henrietta, are so odd, we're not sure if they're to be trusted! They certainly add an interesting twist to the story.

I actually really enjoyed all of it until near the end. And let me say that the end isn't bad. It all happens so fast and seems just so thrown together. It has a different tone than the rest of the book with all kinds of things happening at once. I kind of had a hard time keeping it all straight. Not how I envisioned it all culminating. 

The very end brings everything back full circle to the rest of the story I enjoyed. I'm definitely going to check out the first book in the "Apart From the Crowd" series and the next book coming out this winter. Aside from the end part, I really enjoyed Jen's writing.

About the Author:

Jen Turano, author of eight books and two novellas, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.

The Elusive Miss Ellison Review & Kindle Package Giveaway

The Elusive Miss Ellison

by Carolyn Miller

Publisher: Kregel Publication

ISBN: 978-0825444500

I really enjoy being part of book reviewing groups! It's nice to be introduced to new authors. I received my book from Litfuse to review for my readers!

Summary:

Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions.

That's the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister's daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won't take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia's pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother--who stole the most important person in Livvie's world.

Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he's just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there's already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect.

That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn't the only heart that needs to change.

These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society's opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.

My Review:

Now, I have to preface this by saying, read my whole review, not just the beginning.

When I first started reading The Elusive Miss Ellison, I wasn't very impressed. I cringe saying that knowing that a novel is an author's baby. I just felt like it was forced, contrived. Gah, really, I hate saying that, but I have to be truthful. It seemed like the author was trying to hard to make it sound old British instead of it feeling natural. I decided by the end of chapter 1 that I would give the author a chance and read into chapter 2, and maybe on to chapter 3.

I was actually glad I kept reading! Much of what felt like forced writing seemed to fade away. I was able to start enjoying the story and the characters. I still had a bump here and there with how things were written, but it was rare. I liked Lavinia and her desire to take care of the poor, and loved how she didn't give a hoot about Nicholas's title.

It took a little bit, but I came to like Nicholas. There was a turning point about halfway through the story that solidified his character for me. From that point on, I was looking forward to him and Lavinia finally figuring out that they belonged together.

By the end of the book, I was surprised that I had ended up liking it so much. What started off with me being concerned about continuing the story found me looking forward to reaching the end, but in a good way, knowing I'd enjoyed the overall story.

I would give her other books a read to get to know the author and her writing better.

Regency romance fans have another must-read novel to add to their lists: Carolyn Miller's The Elusive Miss Ellison. Enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister's daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God's grace and the true strength of love. These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society's opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.

Settle in for a cozy night of reading with a cuppa and a Kindle from Carolyn!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The Elusive Miss Ellison
• A Kindle Fire
• Two William Morris mugs (winner's choice)
• A box of tea

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on March 22. The winner will be announced March 23 on the Litfuse blog.

About the Author:

Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn'’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.