Penelope Hunter loves her job as the events manager at one of Savannah’s premier historic venues–until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is intent on seeing Penelope fired, especially if she insists on being seen with Tucker Westbrook.
Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a … built a thriving security company. His work is nearly as stabilizing as his friendship with Penelope, who has been by his side since childhood. But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot–and on the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.
To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must join forces to find the truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure. But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job–and falling helplessly in love.
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A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson is a sweet, fun read. I have read the other books in this series and I was excited to pick up this book as well. If you are looking for a clean, sweet romance with a mysterious thread, this is the book for you. I think the plot was a bit predictable, but the characters were likeable and the mystery was fascinating. Overall, it was a great read. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
Started out slow but picked up. Enjoyable read
I loved Liz Johnson’s characters. They were realistic and I enjoyed being a part of their lives during the duration of the story.
A great blend of humor and serious content. I love the foot in mouth approach the relationship starts on. I enjoyed the laugh out loud moments, but relished in the deeper moments between Penelope and Tucker. Some great messages on the idea of forgiveness, letting go and moving on. The treasure hunt is intriguing and kept me guessing while trying to solve myself. All in all, a wonderful story with a happy for all conclusion. A great installment to this series.
A romantic comedy full of Southern sass and tradition.
Stood up on her wedding day, Penelope Hunter is shocked when three years later her ex and his new fiancé come to her to help plan their upcoming wedding. Meanwhile she is helping her best friend Tucker Westbrook with his uphill campaign for sheriff, against an opponent determined to drag Tucker’s name through the mud. Can they solve a mystery over 150 years old to clear his name and help win his bid for sheriff?
Penelope and Tucker have been best friends for as long as they can remember, they’ve been with each other through thick and thin. I loved their easygoing rapport, and how they just know each other so well, bringing out the best in each other. Aunt Shirley is a hoot, and I loved how she didn’t wait for an adventure to find her, but sought them out herself. She says it like it is, but knows her timing too.
I really liked how Tucker has worked hard for all of his accomplishments, there are plenty of things that didn’t come easily for him. I admired his work ethic, and how he is always there to stand up for PJ. I loved how Penelope is a normal sized girl, she is beautiful, but still worries about her weight and isn’t super model thin. She is a brilliant event planner, and I loved her compassion for others.
Overall this was a completely enjoyable read, I loved the witty and humorous narrative that made me laugh out loud multiple times. Penelope and Tucker are a fantastic team, and I loved them together as they searched for treasure while keeping up their charade. I also enjoyed the historical storyline as well, following Caroline as she finds herself caught between new love and loyalty. Engaging with strong themes of faith, with great chemistry, colorful characters, and love!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Liz Johnson rounds out her Georgia Coast Romance series with best friends Penelope (PJ) and Tucker. Their story starts off with an arrangement of convenience, but as these friends embark on the façade, they acknowledge deeper feelings for each other (at least to themselves) while concern over ruining their friendship lingers.
There is a bit of mystery throughout the book as this duo digs through Tucker’s family history to find out whether his family truly were traitors. At times, their discoveries come quickly and conveniently.
But, at least for me, the growing relationship, the inclusion of Penelope’s ex-fiancé, and the setting of Savannah, GA are what made A Dazzle of Diamonds shine.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
A Dazzle Of Diamonds by Liz Johnson is a most charming contemporary Christian romance with a mystery thrown in too. It is the third book in the Georgia Coast Romance series but can be read as a stand-alone.
There is a family reputation to delve into following a hundred and fifty year old accusation. It seems like the sins of the fathers have travelled down the years as lives are tarnished due to their ancestor’s behaviour. Letters from 1864 and a diary will reveal the truth.
There is the theme of treasure. For some treasure is in wealth and status. For others they realise that true treasure is always to be found in people – people from all sorts of walks of life. “Kids with faces and names and hopes and dreams.” Making a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged brings treasures beyond measure.
Hearts need to be opened to discover self-worth. Too often we believe the lie that says we are not ‘good enough’ instead of looking to God who says we are loved.
Life hurts. We are never meant to carry a baggage of hurts that weighs us down. We must choose “to let the hurt go.” Part of the healing is in the forgiving. “She’d forgiven him because… she’d been forgiven plenty too.” We were never meant to live in the prison of unforgiveness. We were meant to live free.
We make our plans for our lives but God’s plan is far greater. We would be wise to follow His path.
There is a beautiful friendship within the novel. The love, care and kindness are tangible. I adored the rapport between the characters.
I read A Dazzle Of Diamonds in just one sitting. It was a pure delight, a real gem of a novel.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
A very enjoyable book that has kept me entertained throughout the whole story with romance, mystery and faith all rolled into one.
Penelope is an interesting character and one I grew to like as the story went on. She even gave me a few laughs as well. Some of her antics I can relate to.
Aunt Shirley comes in as my second favorite person. She’s full of wisdom and I love her form of hospitality. An interesting character for sure. She’s someone I could be friends with.
The mystery and history part of the book is what I enjoyed the most. I like learning things.
I always look forward to Liz Johnson’s stories because no matter where the place she writes about she draws me into the book and I find myself not wanting to leave afterwards.
I did not like Tucker’s nemesis, Some of the things he did was just down right mean.
The cover of this book is just gorgeous I give this book five stars although I wish I could give it more. I want this for my keeper shelf.
I highly recommend this book. You will love it as much as I did.
My thanks to Revell/Baker publishing group for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own
Two best friends try to solve a mystery that dates back to the Civil War to save her job and hopefully get him elected.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to leave a review. All opinions are my own.
What a fun story! Penelope and Tucker made for a charming pair and their relationship and the mystery kept me invested in the story. I liked the reading the letters of Tucker’s ancestor and wondering how they would find the treasure. It’s a quick, easy and very enjoyable read. If you like a good romance with a bit of mystery(a treasure hunt always gets my vote!) then definitely pick up this one(and the rest of the series too!)
I received this book for review and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
“This was why people didn’t fall in love with their best friends. Because when it didn’t work out, the only person she wanted to go to for comfort was the one person she wasn’t speaking to.”
Penelope Hunter and Tucker Westbrook have been best friends all of their lives and they’ve always trusted that the other would be there. And then…their efforts to disprove rumors about Tucker’s family leads them into unknown waters and dangerous territory and suddenly, their friendship turns into something much deeper. Their affectionate quick hugs become pulse-altering, heart-racing embraces and their pecks on the cheek seem no longer enough! Has their relationship changed to ‘always being there, as in marriage”, or will their search for answers drive them apart?
A Dazzle of Diamonds is wonderfully romantic and there is also an intriguing mystery woven throughout the story. I especially enjoyed the entries from a diary and letters written during the Civil War that shed light on the activities of Tucker’s family during that time. These records of a secret romance certainly add interest to PJ and Tucker’s current emotions and the details about the treasure are totally surprising!
Author Liz Johnson has created some wonderful characters for A Dazzle of Diamonds, the third book of her Georgia Coast Romance series. PJ and Tucker experience both spiritual growth and emotional maturity and Tucker’s Aunt Shirley is truly a “gem” as she offers her wisdom and guidance. “Ask God to show you his plan. It’ll be better than any plan you could make.”
If you are looking for a book that causes you to think, makes you feel good, and leaves you smiling, then this contemporary Christian romance is the book for you!
I received a copy of this book from Revell. A favorable review was never required and the opinions expressed are solely my own.
Every time I read one of the Georgia Coast Romance, I want to go to Georgia. Not only is the setting absolutely stunning, but the characters make me feel as if I belong there. I don’t just read about them, I kind of jump into the story and feel like I’m right there with them. I’d love to spend more time with them in fact – hint hint Ms. Johnson 😉
Then you add in the romance, and I loved it! Not all best friends to romance stories work – some can feel forced, or just awkward. And while there were a few awkward moments here, it was the good kind of awkward, and I found myself rooting for these best friends early on. Honestly, I couldn’t decide if I liked them better as friends, or romantic interests. They were good both ways!
I also like the way Johnson brings in the art of research into her stories, in a fun and unique way. I think that’s been my favorite part of this entire series. I kind of wish she would just keep writing more and more, because I enjoy them so much. Makes we want to go on some sort of treasure hunt of my own to see what I might find! I highly recommend this book, well the entire series actually!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Title: A Dazzle of Diamonds (Georgia Coast Romance #3)
Author: Liz Johnson
Pages: 352
Year: 2020
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
In the final book of the series, the author writes a very engaging mystery with a budding romance. There are two main characters, Penelope Jane and Tucker Westbrook. Penelope Jane, or PJ, is a very energetic woman who was left standing at the altar. Tucker and PJ being best friends have been there for each other through peaks and valleys.
Tucker owns a security firm that he started after returning home from serving his country overseas. He is now running for sheriff, but his family’s history and integrity is being called into question because of a letter from the past. The letter is what starts Tucker and PJ on a mission to find out the truth and what happened to the “package” left in a seamstress shop during the Civil War. Tucker wants to clear his family name and PJ wants to help him do so as she is his greatest advocate. When the two decide to pretend to date, it leads to all sorts of interesting scenes in the story.
There are many wonderful secondary characters that bring depth and heart to the book. I have read all three novels in the series including the two published before this current one titled Sparkle of Silver and Glitter of Gold. Each one can be read as a stand-alone, but it was, for me, more enjoyable to have read them in sequence. Liz Johnson writes stories that draw the reader into the pages with themes of forgiveness, friendship, romance and touches of mystery and intrigue. If you’re looking for books that have hope in them and to steal away time in a fictional world, you will have found a treasure if you read Liz Johnson’s A Dazzle of Diamonds!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
A Dazzle of Diamonds
Georgia Coast Romance #3
By Liz Johnson
Penelope Hunter and Tucker Westbrook have been best friends forever. She’s seen him through the tough times with his dad and been the stabilizing influence in his life as he adjusted from life in the military to one of a civilian. He’s been the shoulder for Penelope to cry on when her wedding day found her jilted at the altar.
But when Tucker finds himself goaded into running for county sheriff he and Penelope find themselves in a race against time to prove that Tucker’s family wasn’t traitors. Penelope’s job is riding on clearing Tucker and the Westbrooks’ name. There is just one little problem – Penelope may have accidentally let her ex-fiancé and his fiancée think she and Tucker are dating – whoops.
To keep up appearances and prevent further tongue-wagging Tucker and Penelope agree to pretend to date. Pretend dating, investigating the Westbrooks’ past, and searching for rumored 150-year-old treasure finds these two best friends spending a whole lot more time together – time that could forever alter their future friendship. But will it lead to something more or destroy what they have always had?
This is the third book in the Georgia Coast Romance series and I think this may be my favorite. Penelope is a fun person to get to know. She is passionate about her work and cares about those around her. Tucker seems to have it all together but he is always seeking to prove his worth to his dad and those around him who are more than a little critical of him. This book is set in the present day with glimpses into 1864 Savannah through the journal of a young woman – a journal that is important to Penelope and Tucker’s search for answers. But sometimes the answers we seek aren’t the ones we find or truly want in the end.
This book is easily read as a standalone – there are several characters from the previous books who are in this one but not so prominent as to require knowing what came before to enjoy it. The pacing and overall tone are good and well-balanced. Overall a nice way to take a trip to Georgia from the comfort of your own home.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations except that I provide my honest opinion all thoughts expressed are my own.
I’ve read many books by Liz Johnson, and they never fail to capture my attention and my imagination. A Dazzle of Diamonds definitely captured my attention with the first paragraph. “Penelope Jean Hunter loved every wedding she’d ever been to. Except her own.” Then it proceeded to capture my imagination with its best friends to more trope. Penelope and Tucker have been best friends for years, and they are both so endearing and charming. They are not without their quirks and flaws, but they are such fun together. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing their relationship develop and change through their adventures.
Liz Johnson writes such deliciously delightful stories filled with wit and charm. The characters and settings come alive on the pages, and I can easily envision them in my mind. This series has been such fun. The books can be read as standalones, but I’ve enjoyed seeing some of the characters from previous books pop up. If you enjoy clean contemporary stories laced with adventure, romance, and a dash of suspense, you won’t be disappointed.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author and Revell. All opinions are my own.
This story certainly lives up to its name – it is dazzling! I loved Penelope and Tucker’s relationship and the chemistry between them. Marriage of convenience, or in this case dating relationship of convenience, is one of my favorite storylines, and it’s done beautifully in this story. The Southern charm and history of Savannah lends itself to the treasure-hunting element of the book, this time focused on smuggled goods from the Civil War. It’s a beautiful story of friendship that turns into a love story, and whenever I had to put the book down I couldn’t wait to jump back in!
Penelope, who always has a plan for everything, is afraid that pursuing a relationship with Tucker will ruin their lifelong friendship and send him running like her father and ex-fiance. Tucker, a strong yet gentle veteran, believes that he isn’t worthy of her and feels like he has something to prove, to his father and to the whole city as he runs for mayor. The history of the treasure and long-ago love story woven in adds just the right amount of sparkle to the story. This is the last book in a series, but all three books can be read as stand-alone novels. I highly recommend this book (and series), especially to fans of Courtney Walsh, Becky Wade, and Rachel Hauck!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Revell!
In “A Dazzle of Diamonds”, Liz Johnson brings the timeless beauty of history to life through the reading of an ancestral journal and ancient letters that lead the blazing trail to a thrilling treasure hunt.
After serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker built up a thriving security company. His work and his friendship with his childhood friend, Penelope, are the stabilizing factors in his life. After being goaded by the lone candidate, Tucker ends up on the ballot for county sheriff and confronts a bitter smear campaign, claiming that his family, the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.
To restore his good name, Tucker and Penelope collaborate to unearth the hidden truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure. But as they spend time together, much to her chagrine, Penelope almost loses her much-needed job, and falls head over heels in love.
The theme of overcoming the hurts of the past, to finding who we are in Christ, is intricately woven into this novel. The struggle over love and riches, past and present, is truly intriguing. Aunt Shirley’s priceless pearls of wisdom are instrumental in Tucker and Penelope’s healing.
This story of overcoming adversity to receive God’s healing appeals to readers today, inspiring us to conquer our hurts and accept God’s healing touch in our own lives.
In this captivating historical novel, Liz Johnson has crafted a fascinating dual timeline mystery involving lost treasure, ancient journals and 150-year-old letters, priceless keys to solving the case, set in the historic, picturesque setting of Savannah, Georgia.
The ever-growing relationship between best friends, Penelope and Tucker is absolutely charming, as they discover their true feelings for each other. Tucker’s ancestor, Caroline and Josiah’s own love story, running on parallel lines, is equally satisfying, poignant and heartmoving.
In this delightfully enchanting story of faith and love during the lowest of times, championing the cause of the poor, needy and downtrodden, Liz Johnson creates breath-taking backdrops and romantic plots filled with quirky, memorable, and down-to-earth characters, who tug at your heartstrings. Tucker, smart, loyal and compassionate, suffers from a pitiful self-image, with the constant urge to prove himself worthy. Penelope is a fun-loving, vivacious woman, who suffered a crushing blow to her heart, when her ex-fiance abandoned her at the altar. Tucker and Penelope, best friends forever, takes a historic dive into the past, to salvage the future that unites them. Their friendship and love for each other is very genuine and so incredibly sweet. Tucker’s Aunt Shirley’s deep sense of maturity, unconditional love, and sage advice weaves the plot and characters seamlessly together, embedding the healing traits of forgiveness, reconciliation and true worth into each character and subplot.
Radiant rays of light illuminate the themes of healing, forgiveness, faith, perseverance, and generosity to present a totally relatable story that is full of life, love and heart.
A Dazzle of Diamonds holds our rapt attention from start to finish, captivating us with its well-crafted, thought-provoking plot and endearing, sweetly romantic characters.
With sweet, endearing moments of gentle, heartmoving romance, a passionate twist of suspenseful mystery, and engaging glimpses into the historic past, “A Dazzle of Diamonds” is thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying. An intriguing treasure hunt, likable characters, and unique plot makes it truly memorable and entertaining. With a plot that seamlessly blends present events with past clues, Liz Johnson cleverly presents two captivating stories of love, courage and second chances. The well-planned and well-paced plot fully immerses the reader in the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of the characters, as they encounter unexpected possibilities and fresh perspectives. As their genuine insecurities and fears affect their judgments and choices, they must turn away from the pain of the past to embrace healing and wholeness.
I highly recommend this beautifully inspiring novel to all readers who wish to find true, lasting and fulfilling satisfaction in the delightful pages of a book.
One thing I love about Liz Johnson’s books is the opening line that grabs me each and every time. Johnson also has a way of making her main characters relatable. They seems like real people that I would want to go out for coffee with. Her transitions between character perspectives are seamless. You’ll love this new book with its story of friendship that lasts.
A Dazzle of Diamonds, by Liz Johnson, is the third book in the Georgia Coast Romance series. With moments of gentle romance, a twist of mystery, and engaging glimpses into the past, this novel is thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying. An intriguing treasure hunt, likable characters, and unique plot points make this book truly memorable and entertaining from the first page to the last.
With a plot that cleverly blends events of the present with clues from the past, this novel tells two captivating stories of love, courage, and second chances. The plot of this novel is well-paced, inviting, and fully immerses the reader in the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of the characters themselves. These characters prove to be relatable, likable, and interesting. As they encounter unexpected possibilities and fresh perspectives, they certainly make the story sparkle. Because they have genuine insecurities and fears that affect their judgments and choices, they find they must turn away from shame and rejection to embrace healing and wholeness instead. Like rays of light shimmering on precious gems, the themes of healing, forgiveness, faith, perseverance, and generosity combine together to illuminate a relatable story that is full of heart.
A Dazzle of Diamonds easily held my attention from beginning to end. It is well-written, thought-provoking, endearing, and sweetly romantic. It is a book I wholeheartedly recommend to all readers who enjoy clean, contemporary romantic fiction.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Bumps Along the Way of Life!
Penelope loves her event planning job, and her best friend, Tucker, well not love love—at least she hadn’t thought so. What she really wants is to do is help Tucker get elected as sheriff. In order to do that, she will pretend to date her best friend, while she looks for a treasure that has been missing for over 150 years.
She also tries to clear Tucker’s name in a campaign that turns dirty, and had her job threatened because of it. In the midst of all that, her latest wedding planning clients turn out to be her former fiancé, who left her at the altar, along with his new girlfriend.
I really liked this book. It had a lot of depth and pleasantly surprised me with all the twists and turns it took. Problems of not measuring up and parental rejection provided a touch of realism to this modern-day story.
The mystery part about the treasure kept me guessing, and, the 19th century intrigue added to this clean tale told from a Christian viewpoint. I recommend this 5-star book to lovers of mystery with added romance.
Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Dazzle of Diamonds, for the purpose of review. The opinions are my own.