Elsa has always dreamed of one day becoming an ornithologist at the American Museum of Natural History. But she is currently stuck just doing grunt work behind the scenes. However, when a deceased patron bequeaths his bird collection to the museum, Elsa is sent to their Gothic country mansion to catalog the collection. 

The change of scenery isn't the only change in Elsa's life. For at the mansion, she befriends the gardener and her intriguing daughter as well as the gentlemen working as the architectural salvage dealers. All together this group of new friends works to unearth the treasure that holds the key to the future for the gardener and her daughter. 

Elsa also is facing changes to her own health as her childhood illness continues to haunt her. 

Can Elsa overcome the external and internal pressures, as well as the secrets old and new, to secure hope for the future for herself and her new friends?
_____ 
I was so invested in every facet of this story. Elsa's struggles, excitements, and dreams became my own as I felt like I too was wandering through NYC and this Gothic country estate. So many topics were covered in this book, but I felt that they were woven seamlessly together. 

Elsa's struggles with her disability because of childhood polio felt so grounded and real. It added such depth to her character. 

This book has a romance, yes, but the relationships between all the key players are the fabric from which this story is woven. And I was invested in every facet of those stories the whole way through. 

If you want a unique look at 1920's NYC, give this one a shot. 
_____
This is a closed door historical mystery/romance. It is the second in a series but can be read as a stand alone. 

Thank you to the author and Bethany House for the gifted book! All opinions are my own.