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 sparkling romance with a touch of mystery
My rating is 4.5 stars
When accusations of treasonous behavior by one of his ancestors threaten Tucker’s campaign for Sheriff, he and his best friend, Penelope, set out to disprove the slander by seeking the treasure his family was accused of stealing.
I was captivated from the start by Liz Johnson’s clever way with words. Witty, tongue-in-cheek moments fill the pages along with sweet aah inspiring situations. PJ and Tucker experienced intense emotions as they struggled with feelings of inadequacy and their growing realization of their feelings for one another.
It was also fun to also have Carolyn’s story told through her journal. The answer to the mystery of the missing treasure was slowly revealed along with hints of a romance.
Read my review of A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I needed a quick, upbeat, and sweet read and this one totally fit the bill. Wit, humor, friendship, and history is balled in one.
Penelope and Tucker’s friendship was a comfortable fit. And then… the pretend dating. Yeah, there were several times I, being my very unromantic and unsappy self, rolled my eyes at them.
There was a good picture of “unforgiveness in denial” coupled with bitterness. But it didn’t stay there. The end was packed with a solid lesson in Biblical forgiveness and following God’s plan.
Okay, the romance. I make no secret that I’m not the biggest romance fan. If you like full-blown romance with lots of kisses, noticing, and feelings, you’ll adore this book. I still liked the book even though it had a big dose of romance.
Would I hand it to a teen? Probably not, just because I know a lot of teens who have best guy friends and secretly hope for a story like Penelope’s and Tucker’s. But that doesn’t always happen, and it could fuel some unrealistic expectations. But for women who like a sweet, romantic read, this one would fit your bill perfectly.
*I received this book from the publisher and happily provided my honest review*
Penelope Jean Hunter likes to make lists to check off. Well, I do too and this story checks all my boxes:
Favorite trope: childhood friends to more…Check.
Witty words…Check.
Quote: He had been sleeping about as well as a cat in a washing machine.
Strong but flawed heroine, PJ …Check
Best friend, loyal hero, Tucker…Check.
Quote: He was so tender yet strong. Protective yet empowering. He would do anything for her.
Swoony kisses…Check. Almost a whole page for one kiss!
Dual timeline with a diary from the Civil War… Check.
Age old treasure to find, complete with a spooky tunnel… Check.
Quirky, lovable and wise Aunt Shirley…Check.
Quote: The adventure is in the unknown. God has amazing things in store for you, but if you knew what they were, you would miss out on the anticipation of discovering them.
Biblical lessons…Check.
Quote: Ask God to show you His plan. It will be better than any plan you could make.
This story was so much fun. PJ and Tucker are the cutest couple. It is a great ending to the Georgia Coast Romance series. It can be read as a stand alone. I have been waiting to read this since I read the other two books.
Ms. Johnson sparkles in A Dazzle of Diamonds. I cannot wait to see what her next series is about.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads blogger program. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
He was such an idiot. How had he never noticed PJ when she was right in front of him?
I was completely dazzled by A Dazzle of Diamonds! It will be on my top reads list for 2020 because Liz Johnson is a fabulous word weaver. Everything I love in a story is contained within the pages; angst, humor, mystery, and romance. Penelope and Tucker have been inseparable since childhood and go together like peanut butter and jelly. They’re best friends supporting one another through thick and thin. When a client of Penelope’s misunderstands their relationship and assumes Penelope and Tucker are a couple, the friends-to-more trope takes off like a rocket into outer space.
In the course of Penelope and Tucker searching for a lost Civil War treasure, they’re given a diary written by one of Tucker’s ancestors, Caroline, who lived back then. These passages are just wonderful. It’s a two-for-one love story in A Dazzle of Diamonds. I recommend it to all who enjoy a funny yet emotional love story that will bring laughter and perhaps a tear or two. This is only the second book by Liz Johnson that I’ve read but now I must go back and read the first two in the series.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher. No compensation has been receive
Newly released, the third book in the Georgia Coast Romance Series, A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson. I am really interested in reading books regarding beaches and the coast, so this book coming out now was perfect timing and Liz Johnson is a really good writer.
A Dazzle of Diamonds revolves around Penelope Hunter. She is the event manager at a well known historic wedding venue. She loves what she does, until her ex-fiance enters the door with his new bride to be. Not only does she have to deal with the problem of planning his wedding, her friend Tucker Westbrook has issues of his own. He lost his cool when dealing with the man, only man, running for county Sherriff and now his name is on the ballot.
Penelope and Tucker work together to clear his family name of a smear campaign that said his family were traitors to the South during the Civil War. A lost Civil War Treasure, planning her ex-fiance’s wedding, and to top it off a social matriarch who is going to take her big wedding elsewhere if Penelope continues to be seen with Tucker!! Add in the beautiful Georgia coast and you have the setting for a great story!!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tucker and Penelope are meant to be together, they just don’t know it yet and neither one are brave enough to broach the subject. You see, they are the very best of friends and have been since childhood and want nothing to mess that up. Even themselves. But when Penelope’s ex-fiancé walks back into her life with his new bride-to-be, she just can’t handle that kind of news. So she asks Tucker to be her fake boyfriend. The plan is solid and good for both of them. Even Tucker’s political run.
What could go wrong? Maybe realizing you are already in love with each other. Throw in a treasure hunt, the gossip mill running rampant, family secrets, and an old journal from the Civil War times and we are certainly in for a treat of a time-slip novel.
This is a well done story on the whole fake relationship trope. Both Tucker and Penelope were great characters, from the South, and with a lot of backbone. They made a great team no matter what they did. I enjoyed watching them fall in love and Tucker, when he wasn’t thinking, could be very swoony. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
I have enjoyed the Georgia Coast Romance series from Liz Johnson. To be honest, I don’t read a lot of romance novels but these books have it all–romance, mystery and some history. I couldn’t wait for A Dazzle of Diamonds, the 3rd book in the series. It did not disappoint either.
Penelope Hunter is working as an event manager at one of Savannah’s historic venues when her ex-fiancé walks in with his new bride-to-be and she is expected to help plan their wedding. Her best friend Tucker Westbrook is running for Sheriff and needs help with his campaign after his rival tries to smear his name. Together Tucker and Penelope join forces to find the truth to the rumors that Tucker’s ancestors were traitors–and they scheme to help Penelope as well.
I think Johnson’s books just kept getting better and better in this series. No, you don’t have to read the whole series but I encourage you to even though A Dazzle of Diamonds could stand on its own. I smiled, laughed and I cried with the characters in A Dazzle of Diamonds. I so liked Tucker and Penelope and was pulling for them from the start. I also liked Tucker’s Aunt Shirley. Even the less likeable characters became a little more likeable as the book went on. I thought the conflicts seemed realistic and I liked that some of the characters made some changes that seemed fairly realistic. Aunt Shirley offered great advice. I also liked that both Tucker and Penelope were looking to God for help in the midst of their flaws. Johnson’s writing was spot on throughout the whole book with both the characterization and the plot. I could easily visualize all of the characters and would love to see this book as a movie–as long as they stay true to the book. I also love all of the covers to this series but this one is my favorite.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
‘Penelope Jean Hunter loved every wedding she’d ever been to. Except her own.’
Penelope Jean Hunter is one of my favorite characters I’ve read. She’s smart, stylish, organized, and always has a solid plan for anything life throws her way…until that plan involves being in a fake relationship with her longtime childhood friend Tucker Westbrook.
Set in idyllic Savannah, GA this book will make you feel like you are immersed in the deep south and feel confident using southern phrases like “bless your heart” and “y’all” like a southern belle.
The storyline had surprising twists and turns of well written dialogue through Civil War era letters that Penelope and Tucker discover and try to decipher in order to clear the Westbrook family name.
The romance was sweet and the ending was picture perfect.
From the first line to the last I was hooked.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publishing company for a free copy of this book for my honest review.
Will past secrets be their making or breaking?
Well, I think A Dazzle Of Diamonds may be my favorite Liz Johnson book yet. Which, is saying a lot as I’ve loved the entire Georgia Coast Romance series from the very beginning.
The humor, the historical mystery, the family drama, and the best-friends-to-lovers romance, is perfect. A Dazzle Of Diamonds is charming, sweet, and definitely a little convicting as Penelope “PJ” and Tucker learn some valuable but sometimes difficult life lessons.
I also really enjoyed the historical sections of the story. Liz Johnson brought elements of the Civil War in Savannah, which was something I knew little about, to life. And besides, who wouldn’t love a 150 year old mystery with family secrets and a lost Civil War treasure? I know I sure did!
If you are looking for a good beach read, or a stay-at-home story, or novel to entertain yourself while traveling, or if you are taking part in a summer reading program, A Dazzle Of Diamonds would be a perfect choice. Liz Johnson has you more than covered with this delightful book…
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I lack the adjective to describe the book cover. It is alluring, enchanting and captivating.
The characters in the book have a way of dragging you deeper into the book.
Penelope is my favourite character. I like her roles and personality in this book.
You will also get to meet Tucker. He is a “snack” in Emmaline’s words.
“Ask God to show you his plans, it is better than any plan you could make”. Aunt Shirley’s words hit home.
Themes of love ,friendship and forgiveness were explored in this book.
“Love is love because it is given freely“. This tugged my heartstrings.
This is a good book. I love the book title. I am giving it 4 stars rating.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
“she sat back and just let herself enjoy his voice, deep and rich and warm as his embrace.”
A dazzling display of Johnson’s unique way of writing timeless beauty, whether historical or contemporary. In this novel, she brings history to life through an ancestral journal and letters that lead to a search for treasure. This friends to love story will draw your heart into an adventure not to be missed. Johnson drew me from the very first page with a desire for this couple to have their happy ending. Though this is the third book in her Georgia Coast Romance series, it could easily be read as a standalone.
“The adventure is in the unknown. God has amazing things in store for you, but if you knew what they were, you’d miss out on the anticipation of discovering them.”
The theme of overcoming all those lies we tell ourselves from hurts of the past, to finding who we are in Christ’s eyes, and through the eyes of those who love us is beautifully woven into this novel. I love how much Penelope and Tucker grow in this story. The struggle over love and riches, past and present, friendship and love was intriguing and kept my heart engaged. Aunt Shirley has pearls of wisdom that really brought so much to their healing. She was a blast to read. I love the hope this story brings of overcoming adversity to grabbing ahold of all God has in store for them, and us.
I would recommend this story to all who love contemporary romance with a message of hope, but also love history and a mystery, too.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher, Revell. All opinions have been given honestly in my review.
This was a fun, adventurous story mixed with the ever-present realities of personal drama and social whoopsidaisies. I thought it was interesting to see how Penelope and Tucker’s relationship blossomed from best friends “who” love, to best friends “in” love. The awkward, shaky moments where they were realizing their feelings were “more” all while being afraid of losing what they’d always had played out in a realistic way that added real depth to their characters. There were points where some of the history they were investigating seemed a little far-fetched or too easy to discover at times, but the characters continued to keep me vested in the journey. Overall I enjoyed each and every one of the books in this series and this one was no exception. I would easily recommend them to Contemporary romance fans or even those who enjoy time slips since there is an element of that genre to these too. I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next!
*I received a copy of this book from Revell Books. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I am addicted to Penelope and Tucker. They were so much fun to get to know. I loved their relationship and how they cared about each other. I wish I would have had a friend like either of them growing up. From the very first page I was hooked. It was nearly impossible for me to stop reading. Liz Johnson enchanted me with tales of Savannah and the mysterious history surrounding the area. Missing treasure, thieves, ancient diary entries, and secret hiding places had me dreaming of what might have been. I loved every minute of this story, and can’t wait to see what Johnson does next. She has a habit of taking my breath away, and causing me to highlight quotes to swoon over again later. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys either modern romance or historical romance. This book has a bit of both, and I couldn’t get enough of it. I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson is a romance with a bit of history and mystery. I really enjoyed the characters, and their long history of just being friends that moved into a romance of love. I also enjoyed the story line and of course the sweet HEA.. What I think I enjoyed most, were the diary entries and the letters from the civil war era. These gave clues to the mystery/treasure that the hero Tucker, and the heroine, Penelope were trying to solve. and recover. This is an easy read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is my new favorite book by Liz Johnson. I was fascinated by Caroline’s story, and I enjoyed watching Penelope and Tucker’s relationship grow and change. I highly recommend this whole series.
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell Books, for providing an advanced review copy through Library Thing. A positive review was not required or requested, and all words are my own.
I was so HAPPY to get this ARC of A Dazzle of Diamonds as I already had gotten A Sparkle of Silver and A Glitter of Gold for Christmas (2019). Two of the books had toured with JustRead and I missed out on them.
So, winning the final book of the series was a SWEET bonus!
Now, while I have the previous two books in the series, I haven’t read them. And, yes, this is part of the series – BUT … it works great as a standalone read. The story relies more on PJ, Tucker, and Tucker’s ancestor Caroline to tell the story rather than the characters or even the town as some series do.
The only previous story reference in this was Carter Hale, the museum director (A Glitter of Gold) and later his “wife” Anne. Millie (A Sparkle of Silver) does not seem to make an appearance at all. I would be interested in her story, which might have concluded in that book or book #2.
I also have Liz Johnson’s Prince Edward Island Dream series (The Red Door Inn, Where Two Hearts Meet, and On Love’s Gentle Shore), but this is the first book I’ve read by the author. It won’t be the last I can tell you that. This series and this book is definitely worth a revisit.
As you can see, this cover matches the other two in the series, and the title seems to run on the same theme of jewels and precious metals.
The main characters were a couple I fell in love with right off! Most of the time it isn’t until the end, so I was really lucky with these two!
Penelope (PJ) was a doll for dealing with her ex-fiancée. I also adored Tucker as well – and his struggles. Their 25 year old friendship is definitely an “awww” moment. And, it is easy to see how they could “hook up”, even by “pretend dating”.
I enjoyed how Johnson didn’t write Tucker as perfect – his success, despite a learning disability made him a more believable and realistic “hero” for me. Honestly, I was rooting for his run for Sheriff.
Not only is this a romance – but there is a scandal and some mystery thus making this an exciting and intriguing read which plays out like a Hallmark movie.
Johnson kept the story interesting with each chapter. While not a rapid pace, it didn’t lag in any one area. The beautiful writing was evident in an ancestor’s diary. And, as much as she could, the ancestor went into detail of the war and the human toll of it. There were definitely moments of emotional conflict.
PJ and Tucker’s alternate POV was told in third (3rd) person while Caroline’s diary/letters were of course told in first (1st) person. I really enjoyed the somewhat “dual” timeline structure of the story which also gave the readers a second romance with Caroline and Josiah.
Tucker’s father was on my bad side most of the novel. As far as Winston and Emmaline – that was something I was giggling about. I couldn’t wait until Emmaline found out Winston’s secret.
I’ll admit that right off I was definitely hooked and didn’t want to put this book down. Albeit I had things to do, and couldn’t spend the day reading. That didn’t stop me from sneaking time away to read it. I had to solve the little mystery or rather watch PJ and Tucker solve it. Which might, in today’s time, bother some people as there are heavy Civil War and Confederate references, so it could be a contentious if not controversial read depending on how one feels about the war being part of a plot. However, the scandal and mystery of traitors and treasures kept me hooked, and it also added a bit of suspense. It was intriguing and fascinating to watch this unfold. More
While distributed by Revell, a Christian/Faith themed publisher, this had some elements of trusting God, seeking his guidance, and some light prayers – the tones were not heavy or preachy. They were not a central arc of the story either. There were some sweet messages in this novel. One that resonated with me was that love is helping someone be the best version of themselves. Also, PJ learning that just because one plan doesn’t work out, it doesn’t mean there isn’t another. Also, that sometimes “stealing” isn’t so bad as long as it is for the right reasons.
Slight spoiler alert – the beginning and ending mirror except for a MINOR sentence change. I will have to eventually read the other two to see if that is a pattern. But, if not – it does work here and is adorable. Also, chapters 18 and 19 began the same way. In chapter 18, it was PJ doing the action; in chapter 19, it was Tucker. While some might think this is a typo – and might have well been – to me, it works and shows how connected the two are.
By the end, I couldn’t help but laugh at one guy’s misfortune. And, too bad there isn’t a follow up – I’d definitely read it to see the outcome of that.
As stated, I haven’t read the previous two novels, but as soon as I can I will. This was the perfect end to the series and a sweet end at that.
Fans of the previous two novels and the author will more than likely enjoy this book. It was an adorable, endearing, delightful read that left me smiling at the end.
A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson is the third book in her Georgia Coast Romance series. Best friends Penelope and Tucker must clear his families name before the up-coming election. What happens next takes everybody by surprise. They’ve been best friends since childhood, can their friendship develop into something more? This story was mostly a romance with a little bit of a mystery thrown in. There was quite a bit of kissing. But, on the whole I enjoyed the story very much. Honesty is still the best policy and I think the author got the point across very well. I grew up in the South, so it was very refreshing to see all the southern charm that was woven into this book.
I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.
Brilliant! I LOVED this book! I know I say “I loved this book” about many books but it is true.
I loved the friendship/fake dating/actual romance between Penelope and Tucker. I felt their feelings and frustrations as I was reading. I loved the treasure hunt too.
The diary entries told a whole historical mystery and romance of their own. Caroline was a brave woman.
Aunt Shirley was fun. She’s got secrets and truths, some she shares, others she encourages Tucker and Penelope to figure out on their own.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. Fun, faith, mystery, romance, and making peace with the past to make the future better.
A Dazzle of Diamonds is a dual timeline story that involves journals and missing Civil War treasures. What does a treasure hunt, a diary and letters mean to Penelope and Tuck?
Penelope Hunter lovers her job as the event manager at Savannah’s historic venue until her ex-fiancé, Tucker walks into her office with his bride to be, surely, she does expect to help plan their wedding.
Tucker has returned from serving two tours in the Middle East and built a thriving security company. Their friendship is rekindled when Tucker is on the receiving end of a smear campaign.
The author wrote a wonderful story of second chances between Penelope and Tucker. A story of finding true love and faith even when we are at the low of lows. God’s plan is always the best and He knows who will enter our lives at just the right time.
This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
Liz Johnson has “hit the mother lode” with the newest and last book in her Georgia Coast Romance series, A Dazzle of Diamonds. Beautiful diamonds are created under pressure. The main characters find themselves under all kinds of pressure, but God uses their circumstances to create brilliant images of what His love and plan can do in our lives.
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
I love how this story illustrated this verse.
A Dazzle of Diamonds is a new favorite Liz Johnson book. She grabbed me with the first line (“Penelope Jean Hunter loved every wedding she’d ever been to. Except her own.” ) and kept me smiling all the way to the very last swoony line (which you can read yourself). This friends-to-more story has all the humor, fun, heartache, and romance you’ve come to expect from Liz Johnson, but there’s just something a little extra about Penelope and Tucker and how God changed their plans and brought them to find what was right in front of them all along – each other. I loved it!!
The addition of letters and a diary from times past adds a bit of intrigue and more romance to the story.
This book could be read as a stand-alone because getting the full story does not depend on having read the previous two books. However, you will definitely want to read those as well.
I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.