Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan’s great-grandmother was a guest at oil tycoon Howard Dawkins’ palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie’s … great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage–and the fortune that might be hers. When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate’s private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .
Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight as two charming characters get caught up in the adventure of uncovering the past and finding their way to an unexpected future.
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There’s a treasure hunt and a sweet romance. Take the day to escape to beautiful St. Simons Island. The characters are realistic as they juggle jobs, a shortage of money, and caring for loved ones. The setting is beautiful and I hope I get the chance to visit the area. Until then, I’ll have to be satisfied with the world Liz Johnson created.
In A Sparkle of Silver author Johnson took me on a journey in the past right before the great stock market crash of 1929. A young innocent girl, Ruth, gets an elite invitation to stay at the mansion Chateau for the summer with people who are filthy rich and out of her social league. We get Ruth’s story through her diary that her great-granddaughter, Millie, has found.
In the present time we meet Millie who is trying to find a new care facility for her Grandma Joy, who has dementia, and she needs to find a new place quick. We also get to meet Ben who is holding down three jobs to try to pay for past sins of a loved one. Both Millie and Ben need some quick cash and fast, so they strike up a tentative partnership and become treasure seekers.
I really enjoyed this story its sensitive treatment of Grandma Joy and her dementia. The struggles that broken families can face and the sins of the “fathers” that can be passed down to their children were shown thoroughly in this book. Both Ben and Millie think money will solve their problems. I did cringe a few times wondering if either one really did think through their plans or what would they actually do with the treasure if they found it. Their romance was sweet to watch unfold and I chuckled a bit as Millie being a reader wondered why after a while the heroes in the books started to look a lot like Ben. I thoroughly enjoyed how the author tied everything together from past to present and even more.
This was an endearing story of past secrets, with a bit of mystery, and a couple of sweet romances that we get to watch unfold. I believe this is my favorite Liz Johnson book to date and I look forward to more in this series.
I was provided a copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
A Sparkle of Silver is the first book in Liz Johnson’s Georgia Coast series. If you haven’t read a book by Liz Johnson this is a great place to start. There are so many fun elements to this romance – a little mystery, a little history, a lot of searching (both for treasure and for value), and a lot of swoony romance. Millie and Ben find themselves searching for a treasure that may help them to take care of responsibilities that plague them, but they uncover much more.
Two elements that made this book special to me are the secondary character of Grandma Joy and the excerpts of a diary written by Grandma Joy’s mother. Grandma Joy is slowly losing her memories due to Alzheimer’s. While this is such a tragic subject, Liz Johnson treats it with such caring and grace. The inclusion of the diary entries take the reader back to time in which the treasure was purported to be hidden.
Will Ben and Millie find the treasure that they seek? You will have to read the book to find out!
They say confession is good for the soul, so I hereby confess this is the first of author Liz Johnson’s stories I’ve read. No excuse for why I haven’t, though I’ve certainly purchased a kindle version of her previous novel, The Red Door Inn.
A Sparkle of Silver by author Liz Johnson is the first in the series, Coast of Georgia. Set on St. Simons Island, Georgia, A Sparkle of Silver is a bit of history, romance, mystery and beachy read all in one engaging read.
Millie Sullivan plays a 1920’s guest at a palatial estate once owned by the very rich oil tycoon, Howard Dawkins. The estate, now a tourist attraction, has been preserved to provide a 1920’s atmosphere. Millie loves her job, but when her grandmother, who is suffering from dementia, reminisces, about a diary written by Millie’s great grandmother, and rumors of a vast treasure, Millie is determined to find the treasure. She has to. Millie’s wages just barely allow her to find care for her care in a private facility; the administrator has determined that grandmother needs more intensive care that is currently provided, to put grandma in a higher need facility requires money, money Millie simply does not have. Great grandmother’s diary is hidden in the library, a place employees are not permitted entrance.
When Ben Thornton, a security guard at the estate, catches Millie in the library he must chose to assist her in the search for the diary or turn her into management. Something about Millie and her story about the diary catches his attention, Ben chooses to assist Millie.
As the two continue the search for the treasure, they must decipher the diary, follow the clues, and get to the treasure before someone else does…because someone else is definitely searching too.
Me? I’m impatiently awaiting the second book of the Coast of Georgia series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions, therein, are solely my own.
I have to be honest, it took me a while to get into this story. But once I did, I was fully invested and finished without stopping. I’m very glad I stuck with it.
Millie and Ben are on such an adventure, trying to solve the mystery of Great Grandma Ruth’s journal and find the hidden treasure. Each has their own reason why they need money though they are very reluctant to talk about it.
I loved how Millie talked to herself, to the point of the voice in her head taking over and arguing with her. (I can relate)
I liked how Grandma Joy gave such great advice on her more lucid days. Dementia is different for everyone, I think the author portrays this very well.
The romance between Millie and Ben came as a surprise to them. It was very sweet.
No spoilers, but I must say that I loved the conclusion.
A Sparkle of Silver is the beginning of the Georgia Coast Romance series, as well as, my first introduction to Liz Johnson and her writing. I thought this story was pretty good. I loved loved loved the beautiful setting of St Simons Island, Georgia. Millie is a likable character. The mystery that she gets involved with kept me intrigued and fascinated until the end.
I give A Sparkle of Silver four and a half stars. I can not wait to read more by Liz Johnson in the future, as well as, the upcoming releases from the Georgia Coast Romance series. I recommend this one.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
A SPARKLE OF. SILVER. by Liz Johnson. Revell
A new series Georgia Coast Romance, this story takes place at St Simone Island, Georgia. Where Millie.having read an old dairy, could there be a treasure, snooping around the old place. Security guy Ben, is intrigued with the story and her, agrees to help her. Another part deals with Ruth from the 1920 and tells Millie about those days, the romance, the glamour and the diary. Is there a treasure hidden, or a love blossoms with these two looking for it, is the treasure. A good plot of two stories coming together, with intrigue, romance, and beautiful settings. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion from Net Galley and Revell .
A Sparkle Of Silver is a perfect introduction to Liz Johnson’s next series of stories. I loved the characters of Millie, Ben and Grandma Joy. The treasure hunt they are on is so much fun to read and seeing if they would figure it out kept me eagerly turning pages. All in all this story was adorable! I loved that there were a couple surprises at the end and the way Liz tied it all up. A fun, enjoyable, sweet read!!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own honest opinion.
A mystery, a multitude of love stories & a Chateau. This may be the main setup for this fabulous new story from Liz Johnson, but there is so much more. How tender is the relationship between Millie & her Grandma Joy! Dementia hits too close to home for me, and I can tend to get a little anxious when reading books that go there with this terrible disease. Liz writes so carefully, and sensitively. I could relate easily to Millie’s character. She is in desperate need of funds in order to find care for her Grandma, and fast. Something she says to her, sets her on a trail of hope – in a search for a treasure no one has realized is out there. As her journey begins she quickly becomes entangled with the security guard on the Chateau grounds, and between the two of them the pursuit of not just hidden treasure ensues. Ben is not who she thinks he is, and will their deepening bond be enough once his secret rocks her world upside down?
With many turns along the way this story is fresh and original. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is different from the past series from Liz Johnson, as this book is set on St Simons Island in Georgia. A large part of the tale being told in the past. If you’re looking for something a little different this will be the read for you!
Thanks to Revell for the complimentary copy. This is my honest review.
Liz Johnson has written a heart-warming romantic suspense that teaches a few lessons along the way. With added historical details of St. Simons Island, off the Georgia coast, the 1920’s are brought to life again. Johnson’s characters are likeable and the added humor will keep you laughing. But the mystery involved will keep you turning pages. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are mine own.
I enjoyed this book and the author giving us a glimpse into the mind of a person affected with Alzheimer’s and the main character loving and trying to take care of her grandmother. She also is given a deadline to come up with money she doesn’t have to move her grandmother.
I loved that the other main character is carrying guilt for something his mother did while he was a child, and then we see how these overlaps.
Now while both are working at a wealthy 1920’s estate, only at the present time, we see how the present and past collide, but will these two, with a mission, first fall for each other, and achieve what others have failed at in the past, find the treasure.
I found myself walking in their shoes and loving the setting, and enjoying the read!
I received this book through Revell Publishing and was not required to give a positive review.
Liz Johnson has another winner with A Sparkle of Silver, the first book in her new Georgia Coast Romance series. With its dual timeline, family secrets, a search for hidden treasure, a fantastic setting, and of course romance, this novel had me quickly turning the pages until I reached the end. It was quite easy to care about the well-developed characters, especially the special relationship between Millie and her grandmother Joy. Millie’s response to her grandmother’s dementia and her determination to take care of her was touching.
I particularly enjoyed reading about life at the chateau during its prime through the journals written by Millie’s great-grandmother Ruth. It offered a look at a slice of times gone by that few experience these days. Ample plot twists held my attention throughout and I was pleased by the way the story ended. An emphasis on the importance of family and trusting the Lord was evident.
A Sparkle of Silver is truly a treasure in my opinion and I hope other readers will love it also.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Again Liz Johnson doesn’t disappoint and does an amazing job of drawing you into the world of her characters. She deals with the subject of dementia with sensitivity and Grandma Joy is such a lovable character that I want to visit her. I loved how searching for diaries from the past and the story they tell are interwoven and the relationship that develops between Millie and Ben because of it. One of my favorite quotes was when Carl tells Ben, “You’re not what your mom did. You’re not the bad choices you may have made. You’re who you are right now, and you’re the next decision you make.” How insightful. This book resonated within me and I look forward to reading the next book in this new series. If you haven’t read this author then look no further for your new go to. Well written and character depth.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are own and were not required.
I enjoyed reading this book. There’s much to love in this story. The setting is a grand old mansion and estate on St. Simon’s Island. Millie and Ben are two good people who work hard to do what’s right, even when there’s great financial sacrifice to do this. Their love story is a sweet one. They are racing against time to find a hidden treasure on the estate and Millie’s Grandma Joy is the key to the split-time aspect of this book. We view the Chateau in its golden days of wealth and splendor through the characters of George and Ruth. There’s a faith aspect in the stories of both couples of God’s mercy, love, and forgiveness.
I loved the storyline of Millie and Ben’s search for the hidden treasure, and was cheering for their happily-ever-after all through the book. A clean and sweet novel with no embarrassing scenes or foul language, it’s a great book for those times when you want a fun story to read and relax.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
A Sparkle of Silver is a new book by Liz Johnson that is the first book in this series. This book begins in present day and you meet Millie. Millie is just making ends meet by working several jobs so that she can take care of her grandmother who has dementia. While speaking with her grandmother she discovers a hint at unknown family secrets. With the information provided by her grandmother, she begins on a journey to discover the truth to her heritage and past. When she begins, she meets Ben who is on a journey trying to make up for mistakes from his past (and his mother’s past). Together, they will journey to discover the truth and also learn some truths about themselves. This is a romantic story that is set in present day, but you also visit to a time in the late 1920s. This is the first book by Ms. Johnson that I have read, but I will definitely be reading her books again. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend you read this book! You will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.
Liz Johnson always does a great job of creating characters you can relate to. She does just this in her newest release, A Sparkle of Silver. Whitney could be anyone trying to care for an elderly relative on limited funds. Ben could be anyone who is trying to right the wrongs fate has dealt him. Together they make a great pair as they attempt to find the supposed treasure that Whitney’s great-grandmother says is somewhere at Chateau Hawkins. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Disclaimer: I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson is a contemporary Christian romance and mystery. The book is set on coast of Georgia and this is the first book of Ms. Johnson’s new Georgia Coast Romance Series.
The main character Millie is searching for a treasure at a mansion through reading a diary by her great-grandmother. Her helper, our hero Ben, is her partner. Time is running short for both of them who each have their own secrets and problems. The book follows their many treasure hunting adventures, the strengthening of their faith, and their love story.
I loved learning about the opulence of the 1920’s. I enjoyed it when Millie read from her great-Grandmother Ruth’s diary and the story within the story.
Liz Johnson is a new to me author, and I have been so glad for the opportunity to read this book! Her characters have depth and Ms. Johnson is a master storyteller. She weaves the past and present effortlessly together in A Sparkle of Silver. The ending was amazing. I highly recommend A Sparkle of Silver and believe you will enjoy this lovely book.
I was given this book by the publisher and not required to write a review.
This was a fabulous read to sink into at the end of a long day. Liz Johnson crafts an engaging story centered around a missing diary which could reveal old family secrets that lead to possible treasure. Millie and Ben team up to find the missing family heirloom at a historical estate on St. Simon’s Island. The 1929 diary written by her great-grandmother may provide Millie with information to the identity of her great-grandfather as well as the location of a possible treasure. Hidden rooms and passages provide a fantastic backdrop to their quest. But will they find something more valuable than treasure?
Johnson seamlessly weaves the timeless theme of grace and mercy providing deeper meaning to this entertaining story. Ms. Johnson is fast becoming one of my go-to authors in the contemporary romance genre.
One of my favorite quotes: ” Maybe a person’s story wasn’t like a book that became useless after the pages were too worn to read. It wasn’t about how much that person could remember. It was about how many lives they had touched. It was about making a difference in the little ways.”
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
3.5 stars
“She just wanted to be able to say that all was well with her soul.”
Except, at the moment, nothing seems to be going well. Millie Sullivan has just been advised that her beloved grandmother needs a higher level of skilled care than the Golden Isles Center can provide; even worse, she has just ninety days to work a virtual miracle. The only ray of hope comes when Grandma Joy unloads a bombshell of family history; Millie’s great grandmother wrote about a treasure while she was a guest at the posh Chateau Dawkins on St. Simon’s Island; also intimating that her daughter Joy could have been the result of a summer romance. Treasure, plus long-lost rich relatives? It could be the answer to all of Millie’s problems. She must find that journal!
Chateau security officer Ben Thornton cannot believe his eyes. A lovely young woman, who is obviously on the Chateau staff, is rummaging through the library, a restricted area to guests as well as employees. He is obliged to turn her in . . . . except that she distracts him long enough to relay the most bizarre story about locating an old journal and looking for hidden treasure. Against his better judgement, Ben becomes the newest (and only) member of Millie’s treasure hunters.
Light and likable, “A Sparkle of Silver” tests just how strong love can be!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson is the first book in her Georgia Coast Romance series. In the 1920’s Millie’s great grandmother was a guest at the Chatateau owned by oil-tycoon Howard Dawkins and located on the shore of St. Simon Island, Georgia. Now, ninety years later Millie is part of a re-creation of that era for the historical society. When her grandmother mentions a hidden treasure and a missing journal, Millie begins her own search. I really enjoyed the journal entries that gave us a historical view of the hotel and a glimpse of Millie’s great grandmother, Ruth. It was like we had two different stories in one. I thought the story started a little slow but the ending more than made up for it. I stayed up way too late to finish this book. I kept turning the pages to find out what happened next.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.