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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Glitter of Gold is the second book in the Georgia Coast romance series. The book takes place in historic Savannah where Anne Norris is looking for a fresh start. Anne has a pirate tour business which is not attracting tourists and is struggling to pay the rent on her apartment. While taking a walk on the beach she discovers evidence of a shipwreck. Carter Hale, a local museum director is fascinated with the shipwreck and the discovery could open the door to his dream job.
Anne will have to work with Carter, but can she trust him? They go on a journey of discovering where the artifact came from as well as learning about themselves. Glitter of Gold is full of mystery, suspense, romance and treasure hunting. The author weaves throughout the story how forgiveness and God’s grace abound and drew me in from the first page. I loved reading the journal entries and learning about family secrets. I can’t wait for the final book in the series. If you love reading about historical fiction you will enjoy the book.
I received a copy of the book from Revell in exchange for my honest opinion.
“And God’s grace isn’t just forgiveness. It’s also strength to face the hard times. It’s the thing that prompts you to get back up when you’ve been pushed down. Shame never did anything for anyone but make them feel lower than low. Grace refuses to leave you there. I refuse to leave you there.”
I have been a fan of Liz Johnson’s books since the Prince Edward Island Dreams series but she has clearly outdone herself with this book. There is something incredibly raw, delicate, vulnerable, painful yet hopeful and captivating within these beautiful pages. The author’s writing, as expected, is fluid, melodic, and easy to follow and the plot is full of delightful surprises as Anne and Carter hunt for a sunken ship off the coast of Tybee Island. The characters of Anne and Carter are down-to-earth and flawed, but so lovable in their humanness. The faith element, provided by Carter’s aunt Tessie, is straight-forward and full of life applications.
Anne, a once wrongly convicted felon in the state of CA, only wants anonymity and a little extra money from her city tours that she hosts in Savannah, GA. Carter is a museum director looking for a big find so that his tiny Savannah museum can stay afloat and he can get opportunities at bigger places. “She was a woman with a past she’d rather forget and a name she could do without. He was a man with a name he didn’t seem to want yet couldn’t help but own.” They meet when Anne finds a treasure after a hurricane sweeps through Savannah and they forge a tentative business partnership as they try to find a sunken ship from the mid-1700s that’s only known to Carter’s family through an inherited heirloom of a diary. The romance is sweet and beautiful but more beautiful is the theme of grace covering shame, guilt, bitterness, and past transgressions.
This is book 2 in Georgia Coast Romance but is actually a stand-alone. The characters from book 1 don’t cross over into this book but both books do share a similar location and a trope of treasure hunt and a journal to lead them. So even if you didn’t read A Sparkle of Silver (but you should!), you wouldn’t miss anything in this book. I can’t wait for the next book to go treasure hunting again!
I received a copy of the book from Baker Publishing Group and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Inspirational Romantic Fiction author Liz Johnson continues her “Georgia Coast Romance Series” with Book #2. “A Glitter of Gold”. The lure of gold has proved irresistible to mankind throughout the centuries–the precious metal has yet to lose its appeal. Annie Norris moved to Georgia for a fresh start in life and a new career venture. As her pirate-wreck tour guide business struggles, her hopes for a successful future are revived with the new discovery of a possible long-lost shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island. Her first meeting with local museum director Carter Hale does not go as expected, but they need each other’s assistance in verifying the shipwreck to boost both their careers and help them achieve their personal goals. Working together takes them closer to fulfilling their own dreams, but it also makes them aware of each other and adds another element of longing to their hopes and plans. Can they trust each other in the timeless search for pirate’s gold? Love is the heart’s ultimate treasure–will Annie and Carter find something in one another that has a value beyond measure? Author Liz Johnson has written an intriguing inspirational romance which crosses centuries and connects hearts across time and place.
Book Copy Gratis LibraryThing
I was quickly drawn into this story and really enjoyed the characters and setting. Savannah has such a unique vibe, and it was easy to imagine Anne and Carter in the city since I’ve been there once before. Anne and Carter are both likeable, and their friendship develops naturally. They each have issues from their past they are still working through that brought depth to the story, especially in the end as they overcome their personal struggles through faith and forgiveness. The pirate story was exciting and even though the longer passages from the diary slowed the pace of the present-day story at times, it was a good fit with Anne’s tour business and Carter’s background of maritime historical research, not to mention the family connection. I loved his Aunt Tessie, Wallace, and Hazel as secondary characters that supported Anne and Carter in their quest for funding to discover the location of the shipwreck. The attraction between Carter and Anne is a slow-burn through most of the book, but when they do surprise each other with romantic feelings, it’s sweetly passionate. I appreciated that there was a good resolution to the story from the diary and everything wrapped up nicely.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Liz Johnson’s A Glitter of Gold, book two in the Georgia Coast Romance series, is an absolute delight. This story is has all the real life feels. It’s about shame, trust and forgiveness; it’s about a pirate and a treasure hunt; and it’s about falling in love. This story also has a bit of mystery, which adds to the fun and the charm of it all. Johnson is a fabulous storyteller that pulls readers in from the turn of the first page. This is an exciting and enchanting story that readers will absolutely delight in.
Series: Georgia Coast Romance
Genre: contemporary, romance, mystery, Christian
Publisher: Revell
Publication date: August 6, 2019
Number of pages: 368
Other books in the series:
1-A Sparkle of Silver
A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher via the author’s launch team. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
A Glitter of Gold, by Liz Johnson, is the second, stand-alone novel in the Georgia Coast Romance series. With hints of gentle romance, moments of compelling mystery, and engaging glimpses into the past, this novel is thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying. A charming setting, likable characters, and unique plot points make this book truly memorable and entertaining from beginning to end.
An integral component of this novel is the beauty, history, and charm of the city of Savannah. This seaside setting certainly adds depth and context to the story. The characters are also relatable and authentic. They have genuine insecurities and fears that affect their decisions in myriad ways. Throughout the story, they must learn to embrace unexpected possibilities and new perspectives. Their journey away from shame and toward grace is as powerful and moving as their earnest search for a ship lost at sea. With a plot that seamlessly blends events of the present with clues from the past, this novel tells two captivating stories of love, loss, and second chances.
I sincerely enjoyed reading A Glitter of Gold. It is well-written, intriguing, and thought-provoking. It is also very uplifting and endearing. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
A Glitter of Gold is the second book in the Georgia Coast Romance series by Liz Johnson but it can be read as a standalone. What if the treasure you found wasn’t the treasure you were searching for? What if God gave you both?
Anne Norris Is trying to make a new start miles away from the past she can’t forget. She renames herself Anne Bonny and leads pirate tours in old Savannah. Anne finds an artifact after a huge storm and takes it to be authenticated to museum director Carter Hale. Could this be a dream come true for both of them? They agree to help each other track down the sunken ship that the artifact could be from. They come up against many obstacles.
A friend who helps them search explains a plaque hanging in his boat: “Treasure is Trouble”. “Treasure isn’t trouble cause it’s so hard to find. Treasure is trouble because it reveals a man’s heart.”… Anything a man sets his mind on is his treasure… it’ll reveal true character.”
As Anne struggles with her past actions, Carter’s aunt Tessie tells her: “Shame is not your covering, Grace is.”
The beautiful entries in a diary handed down to Carter and some very old letters uncover clues to their search. The romance depicted there spark them to not abandon hope. Ms. Johnson describes a wonderful romance between Captain Samuel Thackery and Rebecca Jones who is searching for her brother in the mid-1700s.
Engaging from the start, the story was fascinating. The author got to the heart of what the characters were really looking for. It was full of themes of forgiveness, redemption and grace.
This is the first book I have read by Liz Johnson and it will not be my last; it is an exceptional tale.
*A copy of this book was provided by Revell Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. I was under no obligation to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own*
Pirates and lost treasures
This is the second book in the Georgia Coast Romance series, but can be read as a standalone. The setting of Savannah and Tybee Island is beautiful and full of history.
Anne Norris is trying to make a fresh start for her life in Savannah. After a hurricane blows through, Anne discovers something on the beach that she believes to be a long lost pirate treasure. Her discovery leads her to museum director, Carter Hale. Carter has never seemed to find his place of belonging with his own family. However, an eighteenth century diary that has been passed down in his family for generations has given him big dreams to find the location of a sunken pirate ship.
This is a story of past shame and finding grace. Will secrets and broken promises keep Anne and Carter from finding a long lost pirates treasure? Or, will they discover something worth far more than gold…
*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
Once again Liz Johnson has penned a wonderful novel! This was an easy book to pick up and not easy to put down until I’d finished the very last page. There were so many elements that held me captive and wanting to know more.
What’s better than the intrigue of pirates and treasure to help one learn to live again? Fairly early in the book the reader discovers the real reasons behind Anne’s brokenness. She’d spent the last several years crippled by feelings of guilt over something that really wasn’t her fault to begin with, yet she’d internalized it so deeply that it was if it was her very identity. Seeing her start to heal and trust again was truly a journey in itself and I easily found myself cheering for her.
I really love that the romance didn’t feel forced in this book. Instead the relationship developed as a friendship until they realized that maybe there was something more there. It was a relationship I could appreciate and believe.
Even though this is the second book in a series it’s a standalone story. I’ve read and enjoyed both of them so I can recommend both of them, but it’s not a requirement to read the first before this one. Highly recommend!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Thank you to Revell and the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
*REVIEW*
I could say I loved A Glitter Of Gold just because of the setting. Savannah is my favorite city, and I’ve spent a lot of time there as well as Tybee Island. Just about everything in Savannah is haunted in some way, and there is a lot of pirate lore. I’m glad the story matched the vibe of the city. Anne and Carter are both running/hiding in different ways, and both are failing in their business ventures. Fate draws them together with a piece of possible treasure. I love a good treasure hunt, especially with bits of the past thrown in the mix. Anne and Carter slowly unravel this historic mystery while forming a genuine relationship, and thank goodness for that because I’m tired of the instant love formulaic stories I’ve been reading. This story felt more compelling and realistic. These characters are flawed, complex, entertaining and relatable because of these qualities. Faith is present in the story but not in an overdone way. It’s a well balanced tale of hardship, loss, love, trust and redemption. I found it thoughtfully written, researched and very appealing overall. Liz Johnson has written an insightful story that’s not a typical romance or mystery. It’s a mixture that flows smoothly across the pages. Now, when will we see a story about Bonaventure??
Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21…this is a story of finding forgiveness and accepting grace. Of allowing others in when you’ve been hurt by so many. It was intriguing from beginning to end. I absolutely loved it!
This was a masterfully woven tale of blended times between contemporary and historical fiction. When a piece of history shows up in a beachside town in Georgia, two lives are changed forever. Anne Norris was taking a stroll along the beach after Hurricane Lorenzo swept through. There, she hardly believed her eyes when she found evidence of a shipwreck. She soon meets museum director, Carter Hale who has an historical journal that may tie into the piece she found. Now they are thinking of treasures, a sunken ship, and lost love.
I was mesmerized by this story from page one! So much heart for the main characters. The mystery, piracy, and romance was intriguing. I was rooting for their happy ending and found it hard to put down. One of my favorite quotes was “Carter had read way more scandalous stories in the Bible and had decided a long time ago that God could use whatever story he liked to do whatever he wanted.” so What a wonderful take on God writing our stories. Johnson did an amazing job with this book. It’s my new favorite of hers!
I loved this line, too. It was “a decision to put the past to rest and live with hope for tomorrow.” That’s living with hope and walking in grace.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Revell and NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.”
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.
This a story about two people running from their past, trying to find their future. Anne was wrongly accused of a felony and served time in jail. Carter is running away from family expectations. When Anne finds a treasure on the beach after a hurricane she takes it to the museum where Carter works. Carter knows exactly what it is because he has a diary that describes it perfectly. Anne has a lot of trust issues due to her previous experiences so she doesn’t want to work with Carter at all. They finally come to a truce.
This is a good book and I would recommend it. I was expecting a little bit more mystery but still a good book. This is the second book in the series. But it is not necessary to read the first book.
I was given this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
This is my favorite book by author Johnson. You cannot go wrong with a modern day story with characters who jump right off the pages and into your heart. Not to mention a shipwreck over 200 years ago and the tangible proof that washes up on shore along with a family diary that records a young woman’s desperate attempt to save her brother while signing on to the ship of a well known captain. So much good stuff to savor.
Anne Norris (Bonny) has already experienced more than most young people. Her past story is a somber lesson on being careful of choosing friends and groups to belong to. Her parents were great and their love just poured through to her.
Carter Hale could have had everything handed to him if he just followed his father’s life plan for him. However, Carter decided to choose his own way and by doing this reaches a turning point where both he and Anne meet. And that meeting begins a heartwarming story of love and acceptance while taking lessons from the past. I am looking forward to more in this series as each story has been very unique.
I was provided 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.
This book definitely deserves 5 stars and more!! I thoroughly enjoyed it and it made my afternoon pass swiftly.
I loved the setting of this book. A Georgia coastal town with mystery, a budding romance, history and a museum involved! What more could a reader want? Oh and can’t forget the possible pirates in there too.
Liz pulls her readers in with an exciting opening too! I won’t forget that tidbit.
Ann and Caleb are easy to make friends with and you soon find yourself in love with them as they learn about themselves and their past.
What I find is the theme of the story is Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness.
For we are saved by Grace from the Lord.
This truly is a book worth the read! Especially if you want to go on a grand adventure!!
My thanks to Revell for an outstanding read!!
NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
This is a treasure hunt you will want to go on! Carter and Anne are seeking a treasure! They might find one worth more than gold. Anne has a past that is full of shame. Carter hasn’t lived up to family expectations. This was one that I couldn’t put down and enjoyed reading! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I love this Georgia Coast Romance series. This is the second one that I have read so far and cannot wait to read the next one. Reading about areas that I am familiar with makes it so much more interesting. This contemporary romance by Liz Johnson is filled with trust issues, treasure hunting, pirate stories, a diary that leads the way, and unexpected love. Anne finds the hilt of a sword in the aftermath of a hurricane and finds herself in the local museum in Savannah. When she takes that hilt to the museum director, Carter, she finds that he is a wealth of information. The diary he has holds key information that could help them find the rest of the sword. The treasure found may not be just from the ship. A great story!
A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson delivers exactly what she promised. There is emotional and inner conflict running crazy through the main two characters. Anne Norris, the heroine, is trying to run from her past and Carter is trying to make a name for himself that has no ties from his family legacy. The synopsis hinted at a treasure hunt, and it is definitely there, but for someone who likes a lot more action to the story, I felt that the story dragged a lot. It centered around the two characters, and the treasure hunt was the item to draw them together, but it wasn’t the main focus of the story. The romance took center stage and was the main focus of the story. For a contemporary romance, Johnson did deliver just what fans of contemporary romance want. This is a wonderful book for fans of Melissa Tagg, Lindsey Harrel, or Kara Issac, but for me, personally, it felt dry and needed more action and more focus on the hunt for Catherine, the ship.
I received a complimentary copy of A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
This is my FAVORITE Liz Johnson book to date. I have read most all(I haven’t read her Christmas story yet) and this is with out a doubt the best one yet! I loved the premise of the diary and learning about Rebecca’s story after the diary. I adored the character of Anne, and I really liked Carter too. The banter between Anne and Carter was fantastic and I was cheering for both of them to find their HEA. Aunt Tessie was a great addition to the story and I loved her wisdom that she shared with both Carter and Anne. All in all, a pretty perfect story. Ir you like romance and mystery in one story, this is the book for you!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Savannah, GA is a city that’s been on my bucket list for a few years. Until I get there physically, I enjoy visiting the city through books. Liz Johnson’s A Glitter of Gold gives us a different view of Savannah with a tour guide, a museum, and a possible pirate treasure.
Both Anne and Carter are trying to escape the shadows of shame and regret. Anne’s situation is more blatant, but both characters carry guilt with them that prohibits them from living life to its fullest.
The journal of a brave woman and the hilt of a sword bring Carter and Anne together, but forgiveness is what will strengthen and cement their relationship. With history, a touch of adventure and mystery, and a sigh-worthy romance, A Glitter of Gold has a little something for everyone.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Beautifully written story-within-a-story of grace and forgiveness. Full review at maidamalby.com