Antiquities and romance in Regency times!

The Cloverton Charade (The Houses of Yorkshire #3) by Sarah E. Ladd        

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Olivia Brannon is a valuer for an antiquities house, Brannon Antiquities & Company.

She’s grown up living and breathing the past. Her father trained her. Olivia is knowledgeable and skilled.

When her father died her uncle took over the company. Olivia is relegated to the background.

Now Mrs. Agnes Milton, a serious chinoiserie collector wants Olivia to go to Cloverton Hall in Yorkshire to assess her personal collection with a view to selling.

Olivia is to go as Mrs Milton’s guest to a house party. No one is to know her real reason for attending. Olivia is giddy with anticipation and excited to leave the back room assessments she’s been forced to do since her uncle inherited the business.

Lucas Avery meanwhile has been asked by the new heir, George Wainbridge  to value his uncle’s collection quietly.

Olivia and Lucas know each other. The firm, Flanner Auction House used to be owned jointly by their fathers until an argument between the two resulted in a split.

Having to dodge the inquisitiveness of the other house guests is exhausting. Olivia finds it tiring trying to fit in.

Meanwhile Avery has discovered fakes amongst the famed Milton collection. Somethings not right! Avery quietly calls on Olivia to verify his findings. Some of the items Avery and Olivia knew were the real deal when they were sold to Milton.

Someone has been stealing from the collection! The finding will prove to be both shocking and dangerous 

An unusual regency novel that delves into an area that was so prevalent during regency times, the collecting of antiquities. The British acquisitiveness is still being negotiated around the world. 

A winning combination, mystery and the flutter of Olivia’s heartstrings when thinking about Avery,  give an excellent read!

A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.