My Review:

Definitely a well-researched historical novel! Sandra Byrd has done her work with Lady of a Thousand Treasures, and it was really interesting for me to be introduced to the world of antiquities in the 1800's (a man's profession at that time). She is a master at introducing and pulling you in to a world from the past that you knew nothing about. I'm no Einstein when it comes to England's Victorian period so I may be wrong, but the facts seemed reliable and from the author's note at the end, it seemed that there was a lot of research involved. 

The book (set in first-person, and only viewed through Eleanor's eyes, so you are uncertain whom to trust) also was good at keeping you on your toes. You may have an idea of who (if anybody) Eleanor will end up with at the conclusion, but as for me, I was never entirely sure. Just as the heroine must ask questions and try to figure out who is right, who is the true person in her life (like she does with the antiquities she examines and evaluates), you must also go with her on her journey and learn along with her the clues that will lead up to the ending. 

Like I mentioned before, though, the book was set in first person. Which I've never totally been a fan of, but am slowly warming up to, if used right. It was used correctly here, to some degree, and made you unsure of the ending, pulled you into Ellie's mind and world. That also was a bad thing, though, because the dirty London streets, the Sheffield family's declining wealth and approaching doom coupled with the first person made me a bit  depressed and claustrophobic at times and made me want to finish the book and move on to something else (call me weird, but that's how it was for me). Several scenes also tended to feel a bit slow as well. 

In the end, no one can deny that Mrs. Byrd is a good writer, and you'll gain knowledge if you do decide to purchase and read this novel. It had its inspiring moments, and Eleanor Sheffield is a heroine you can admire. 

Note: I got this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Description:

My Review:

This book combines several different elements I've always enjoyed in a book- a love for history, an old, historic setting, and a treasure hunt. Whether or not the so-called treasure Millie and Ben so desperately need is a real thing, or just the thoughts of an elderly lady whose mind is slipping, is called into question several times in the story. How can they know if it is even real? And can it even be found? 

Millie and Ben's down-to-earth, relatable stories and lives are something I think most can relate to. They struggle to pay the bills, have cars that aren't always reliable and sometimes have trouble in believing in happy endings and love. And they just so happen to be on a treasure hunt- probably not something you will ever be able to do (sadly) but still, a fairly realistic treasure hunt all the same. It's also a motivating page-turner, making you want to read more and find out if all their hard work will pay off and a treasure be found. Pages from Millie's great-grandmother's journal, written in the 1930s, is also compelling motivation to keep reading. I really was rooting for all of the characters in the story, and reading the journal pages pulled me in even more. You can't help but hope for a happy ending, even if Millie isn't always sure she believes in one. 

Liz Johnson always pulls a heartwarming contemporary tale, and this time is no different. Not everything that happens may be entirely something that you'd encounter in real life, the ending may be a bit too much of a sugar-sweet ending, but I'm a sucker for those.



Note: I got this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.