Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging, and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but she runs after a … disastrous first meeting.
Carter has been searching for the location of the wreck detailed in the worn pages of an 18th-century diary, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she’d never do again: trust a man.
Finding a monetary backer and sticking with a search that’s turning up nothing will take all their dedication–and every secret they’ve tried to hide. If they can find the lost ship, they may discover a treasure worth more than all the pirate gold in the world–love.
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You can always count on Liz Johnson for a high caliber story that entertains as well as sucks you in and astounds you with her smooth writing style. I loved the old diary and the historical story line of Samuel and Rebecca, it just wasn’t long enough. The contemporary story of Anne and Carter and the hilt from the diary that brings them together is a wonderful story of finding peace in the storms of life. This is a book of family dynamics, forgiveness, Faith, and realizing that the shame we carry from the past is covered by Grace. The lesser characters add sparkle to the story. All that glitters is not always gold but an all around great book that you don’t want to end. You will want to add this to your keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Oh! This book! I loved this book! I finished reading late last night and woke up with the story still running through my mind. I had to pick up the book and re-read some favorite parts today. It’s the kind of story that stays with you.
Anne is trying to get away from her past. I felt like she was carrying shame like a shield. Keeping anyone from getting close, and keeping herself from getting close to anyone. Part of me admires her desire to move away and her need for independence. Another part of me wants to shake some truth into her then give her a hug.
I liked Carter and his not wanting to use the family name to help his career. He is doing his best to “make two plus two equal ten” to keep the museum doors open.
I really liked how these two people meet and how they needed each other. When Carter shared the journal with Anne, my heart was so happy. I was drawn into the story of the Catherine as much as Anne was. Rebecca was an amazing young woman.
Of course, it’s not easy sailing ahead for Carter and Anne as they begin working together. Will they become friends? Will Anne learn to trust? No spoilers from me.
I thought Carter’s Aunt Tessie was the hero of the story. Not only is she a top-notch investigator, but she also gives big hugs, freely without judgment. She is the voice of reason and truth.
One of my favorite lines in the book is “…the good Lord’s gifts were the sweetest indeed–hope, love, and freedom. And he gave them generously.”
That is a powerful thing to remember.
*My thanks to the publisher for the gift of this book. A review was not required. The thoughts an opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This is my favorite Liz Johnson book. It seems I rarely give a 5 star rating to a contemporary story, but Liz Johnson has hit a home run with A Glitter of Gold. It is a wonderful, easy read for a summer holiday filled with an old diary, a hunt for a sunken ship and a sweet romance.
Liz Johnson’s skillful pen pulled this Midwest reader on a book vacation to the historical setting of Savannah, experiencing references to the walking historical tours, historic homes, pecan pralines, sweet tea and peaches. I absolutely adored Anne. What a burden she has carried for years. Only a skillful author can pull emotions from her readers as we cry for characters as if they were real people. But I believe it is because we are able to see some of our own character traits mirrored in fictional characters, that we become invested in the outcome of the story.
But what had me riding the emotional roller coaster was the theme of how grace covers all shame and how our worth should be judged by whom we belong.
One of my favorite quotes from the book : “Shame is not your covering. Grace is.”
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson was an easy read that kept me turning the pages. Part romance, part mystery, and part adventure, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The novel addressed deep issues such as shame, trust, and family identity, but it felt light and hopeful.
Aunt Tessie was my favorite character in A Glitter of Gold. With her wise words and non-judgmental attitude, she facilitated Anne’s healing. Anne’s back story surprised me a bit. It’s not frequent in Christian fiction for the leading lady to have such a background and I liked the uniqueness of it.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the reading of the diary in Carter’s possession. I didn’t think of the novel as a dual timeline story, but a historical romance was embedded within the larger, contemporary plot of A Glitter of Gold. Like Anne, I desperately wanted to know what happened with the people in the diary.
A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson is the second book in the Georgia Coast Romance series, but worked fine as a stand-alone novel. It is the first book I’ve read by Liz Johnson and I’ll be on the lookout for more of her work. Four stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
3.5 stars
“He wanted fame and fortune in the spotlight . . . . She just wanted to survive. Unrecognized. Unseen. Anonymous.”
He . . . . is museum director, Carter Hale. She . . . . is pirate-tour entrepreneur, Anne Norris. They both, are so much more.
When Anne Norris stumbles upon a piece of potential island treasure, she has no way of knowing that it might connect to an historic journal, which in turn might connect Carter Hale to a shipwreck just waiting to be discovered off the coast of Georgia. Both Anne and Carter need an infusion of cash for entirely different reasons; one owns a fledgling tourist business and the other is trying to manage a maritime museum that is on the brink of disaster. The trouble is, Carter is looking to better his future while Anne is desperate to escape her past. And then, they start looking at each other. Is gaining one treasure worth losing another?
At times a bit whimsical, maybe even borderline fantastical, but at its very core it is merciful; a story that is comfortable in its own skin, daring to shed shame in order to clothe itself in truth . . . plus, who could ever forget those sweet kisses??!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
‘You’re a child of God and that’s all you have to be. That’s enough.’
Anne Norris is hiding from her past, her life shaded with shame; shame God doesn’t see. Barely existing, Anne discovers a treasure on the beach after a devastating hurricane on the Georgia coast. Taking it to a museum, she meets Carter Hale, who is also running from his past. If Anne works with Carter to discover what this artifact is, she’ll have to trust a man, something she has vowed never to do again.
Full of history, a touch of the pirate, along with a 250 year old mystery, this book was just so fulfilling to read. Add in excerpts from a diary that old as well, and your heart becomes engaged early on. A treasure hunt, sprinkled with a sweet romance and a dual time also thrown in, this one is another gem to add to Johnson’s books. (pun intended) I loved it very much and highly recommend it to one and all. Well done!
*My thanks to Revell Publishing and the author for a preview copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.