Ms. Johnson has written another great book to the Georgia Coast Romance series. I read books 1 and 2 and could not wait to get to book 3. I just loved reading Penelope and Tucker's story. Best friends since they were young, both afraid to ruin the friendship and tell how they really feel about each other. Penelope is an event planner in Savannah, Georgia. She loves her job but takes a risk when she gets involved in helping Tucker run for sheriff. Tucker, a military veteran, got out and came back home to open his own security business that Penelope helped Tucker put together. When Penelope's ex-fiancée walks in the door with his current fiancée, things get a little strained. With that, and Tucker's run for sheriff, along with a treasure to find, both Penelope and Tucker hope to get closure. Will it be the closure they want? Hope there will be more books to this series. Although I did get an advance reader copy through NetGalley, I ended up buying the book to read so I could pass it on.

A DAZZLE OF DIAMONDS.✨✨

This is the 3rd book in the GEORGIA COAST ROMANCE Series.

Published by @revellbooks
Authored by @lizjohnsonbooks
It is a 352 page read.

Penelope Hunter loves her job as the event manager at one of Savannah’s premier historic venues–until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. Surely she cannot be expected to plan their wedding. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is threatening to take her big-ticket event elsewhere, especially if Penelope insists on being seen with her best friend, Tucker Westbrook.

Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company. His work is nearly as stabilizing as his lifelong friendship with Penelope. 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 lost Civil War 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.

This was an enjoyable read.

A friends to lovers storyline features in this book, and I have to say it is certainly a firm favourite of mine.
Tucker and Penelope have been lifelong friends, and had kept their relationship firmly in the friendzone for a long time. However, when Penelope ends up single once again, they began to realise that there was in fact a spark between them that they simply couldn't ignore.
The story wasn't your typical romance, and didn't simply end with a 'happily ever after', which I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed.
A fun, light-hearted read.


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Best Friends to Lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes and I really liked Johnson's approach to this classic setup. While Tucker and Penelope have been friends for decades, there was none of the years of secret feelings that one or both had for the other They were truly just best friends. Penelope had an ex-fiance that broke her heart, Tucker had self-esteem issues that needed to be worked through as their relationship moved from friendship to romance. I did like how quickly they realized that something was there and pursued it. The mystery tied to past generations added a fun element to the story. The ending - was a happy ending, even if it wasn't a typical happy ending - which I appreciate!
This is a cute, light-hearted, HEA guaranteed romance book!

edit: This is a standalone book and reading the previous books is not necessary to enjoy this book.

I received a dARC from the publisher via Netgalley. This is my honest opinion.

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.

A book about a treasure hunt? Yes, please! Add to that a best-friends to lovers romance, perfection!
Oh, don't let me forget a historical thread as well! No need to say I thoroughly enjoyed Liz Johnson's latest release :)

Another great read by a talented author I really enjoyed reading it and will definitely read more and recommend reading it

I loved everything about this book: The characters; the storyline; the mystery about the missing treasure; the thread of faith that’s woven throughout the story. I thought Penelope was charming, and Tucker made a great leading man for her. Their romance is fun, and there’s some moments that made me smile. This was a book that I could see playing out in my head as a movie. I’ve loved this “Georgia Coast Romance” series and I’m sorry to see it end. If you haven’t read the other books in this series, you’ll want to read the other two after you finish this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

If you are looking for a book that has treasure hunting, romance, and a little bit of Civil War history then you should read A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson. It is the third book in the Georgia Coast Romance Series, but it could definitely be read alone. Although, the other two books were also really great books so I recommend reading them as well! The story takes you on a hunt to find a Civil War era treasure. I enjoyed how the Civil War story is told through diaries pages and letters as PJ and Tucker find them. I also enjoyed how the romance develops between Penelope and Tucker. It’s so sweet! I really can’t emphasize how much I enjoyed this book, and I recommend you read it yourself so you can see just how much fun it is. I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in treasure hunt stories, the Civil War, and contemporary romances.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This novel has it all, a dual timeline involving two flawed main characters finding out about their family’s surprising history, people to root for, and a search for buried treasure. I felt part of the hunt as they chase down clues from journals and letters they discover, that are one hundred and fifty years old. I adored that the story took place in historic Savannah, Georgia. It is a beautiful city rich in history.

I enjoyed the relationship of best friends Penelope Jean Hunter, event planner and Tucker Westbrook whose running for local Sheriff. I also enjoyed the historical timeline where readers get to know Tucker’s ancestor Caroline and her family. Penelope agrees to Tucker’s idea to fake date while he runs for office. Both are surprised at how they feel about pretend-dating, it felt so real to them. Some of those dates were hilarious.

Tucker hopes to get to the bottom of the scandal and mystery about a buried treasure before the election. Penelope and Tucker discover their insecurities and realize only God could heal them. I loved the natural, lighthearted spiritual thread. I really enjoyed Tucker’s Aunt Shirley who was traveling the world and speaking truth into their lives in a loving but straight forward way.

I loved discovering the many mysteries of Savannah and how it survived the war. I have not read any of the other books in the Georgia Coast Romance series. After reading this book I am going to check out the other books. Even though this is the third book in the series, I did not feel lost. it can be read as a stand-alone. This was such a fun adventure that had a few spiritual nuggets thrown in the mix that hit home in my heart. This novel will be perfect for your next book club pick, the historical side will have your discussion be a lively one as your group journeys through the beautiful city of Savannah.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

What a fun read! Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! You've been warned!

This story is about Penelope (PJ) and Tucker, who have been best friends forever, although they've never (seriously) thought of each other as more than friends. That is, until PJ's ex shows up with his new fiance (did I mention he left PJ at the altar) and asks her to have his wedding at her venue (oh and fiance #2 is wonderful, but totally clueless that PJ was engaged to her fiance; AWKWARD!)?!

Long story short, PJ and Tucker pretend to date to show her ex that she's over him and has moved on in her life. Pretend dating feels pretty nice and soon they're kissing and feeling all sorts of things you aren't supposed to feel about your best friend. They come to the agreement to try this couple thing out and it works well in the book.

So, a major secondary plot in the book is searching for lost treasure that would prove Tucker's family aren't traitors. I found this to be a fun secondary plot and it added a lot to the story (LOVE his aunt! What a hoot!). Honestly, the romance took a backseat to the mystery at times and I still greatly enjoyed the story.

I'm rating this book 4 stars because I would have liked to see more chemistry between PJ and Tucker and more details about their eventual wedding (I like more pages after the HEA than what is common in books today). Also, this author is new to me so maybe it's just me, but I was not a fan of the religious overtones. I'm not religious and as the book progressed it felt more prominent to the story than I felt it had to be. Personal preference; it didn't turn me off from finishing the book, but I did notice it.

If you're looking for a fun sweet read to cheer you up on a rainy day, this is a great option!

Please note: I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A Dazzle of Diamond is a 3.5 star read for me, rounded up to 4 because I don't really have anything to complain about. I haven't read either of the first two books in this series, but this book works fine as a standalone. While I didn't love this book, there were a number of things that I did enjoy. In particular, I loved the relationship between Penelope and Tucker. Whether as friends or as something more, the trust and love between these two really shines, and Johnson does a fantastic job of describing the odd place best friends can find themselves in when their feelings began to veer towards romance. Of course, the fake dating plot was never going to work, but it was fun to see how the ploy pushed them to admit their true feelings.

Penelope and Tucker were both very relatable characters. Penelope is the planner, Tucker is the risk taker, and together they get things done. Of course, they both have their own insecurities and their flaws, but that makes them that much more believable. I did have some trouble getting behind their motivations for thinking they couldn't be together; although I understood their fears, it seemed as if 25 or so years of friendship would've put those particular fears to rest. Nonetheless, I liked that both were willing to be open about their fears and talk things through, even if took a little prompting from the wise Aunt Shirley.

The treasure hunt was also a lot of fun. The inclusion of Caroline's diary entries helped fill in the pieces of the past without being too expository, and giving Penelope and Tucker something to focus on other than wedding planning and the election kept the story moving along at a good pace. I don't know that I believe that no one had ever found the treasure before then-treasure tends to make people desperate, and desperate people don't give up easily-but even just the search for it allowed Johnson to share some interesting Savannah history and to push Penelope and Tucker together in a new situation with interesting results.

Unsurprisingly, the ending was lovely and sweet, and both Penelope and Tucker were forced to face their fears and misgivings and trust in God's plans rather than their own. Johnson does a nice job of weaving faith into the story without beating you over the head with it, which I think is the mark of well-written Christian fiction, and the lessons the characters learn are very relatable. All in all, A Dazzle of Diamonds is a quick but satisfying read, and I wouldn't mind picking up the first two books in this series if I have the time.

I would love Penelope's job in Savannah. I could imagine what type of event could be held a the venue and the fun in planning the. Unfortunately things are not going as planned as her ex shows up with his new finance, who tries to get her fired. Things continue to go downhill as Tucker, who is running for sheriff is caught up not only in a smear campaign, but also in the vendetta against Penelope. I really enjoyed how they were able to team up to get things on the right track and loved the treasure hunt as well.

I received a copy of the book to read, the review is mine.

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.

This is a charming conclusion to a fun series. One of those "best friends and then something more" scenarios. I found the story to be a delight.

I loved Penelope and Tucker, and their friendship. Having a best friend like that is something I'd always longed for. I didn't grow up with a best friend. But a story where best friends fall in love...well, that's kinda my story, and maybe that's one reason why I do like these. (I just said I didn't have a best friend growing up, so what am I saying...well, my hubby and I did not grow up together. But when we met, we became fast friends. Loved to hang out and all of that....and I was fairly certain that's where it would stay. Until it didn't. ;) But that's a story for another time...back to the review!!)

As in the others in this series, there is a hunt for treasure. I love treasure hunts. Bring in some clues from long ago, try to figure out what's going on, and you are bound to have a fun read. Liz Johnson does these so well.

One thing about these characters that might be a bit much for some...they are constantly doubting themselves, their worth, and all of that. However, this felt fairly real to me, and something I could easily relate to. God does value each one of us, but it is so good to be reminded of that fact, and some of us sure need it more than others!

The setting of this story was also a delight. Savannah. So much history and charm. I love a good setting, and this one was just perfect.

If you are looking for a great contemporary romance with some historical bits thrown in, along with a hint of mystery, than look no further! And even though this is the third in a series, it will be fine read as a stand-alone.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I almost wish the Civil War aspect had been gone into a little deeper, but overall, it was a satisfying read. It appealed to me on a personal level, as well, as I could easily place myself into PJ's shoes as she struggled with thinking she was enough.

Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.

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.

A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson is the third book in the Georgia Coast Romance series. It works as a great stand alone book so no worries about reading the series in order. It's what I like to call a "fast and fun". No deep issues, just lighthearted and enjoyable. There was several parts that I found humorous which is always fun as well.

"Penelope Jean hunter loved every wedding she'd ever been to. Except her own."

Penelope Hunter loves her job as the events manager at one of Savannah's premier historic venues - until her ex-fiance 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 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 the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.

To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must joing 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.

I love when a love interest starts with a friendship and catches the couple unaware. Tucker and Penelope had a long lasting friendship and their bond was already very strong. Such a firm foundation for building a steady relationship.

Even though the story was mostly present day, there was a bit of history as the characters relied on an old diary to help uncover a mystery. This was such an added plus and made the book all the more enjoyable for me.

My attention was held from the first page to the last. A perfect blend of mystery, romance and faith.

***Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Title: A Dazzle of Diamonds

Author: Liz Johnson



Ch: 20 plus epilogue



Pg: 352



Series: Georgia Coast Romance



Genre: Christian Romance with a hint of suspense



Rating: 5 stars



Publisher: Revell


Friends Penelope and Tucker have been best friends for almost 25 year. She got him through two deployments with the Marines while he got her through a failed relationship. Neither realize their feelings for the other. They’ve just been best friends. So when a 150 year old family secret threatens Tucker’s bid at sheriff Penelope jumps to help him solve it.


A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson is the Georgia Coast Romance series and I have to say it’s my favorite of the series. Tucker is my favorite hero of the series and I know it’s because he’s a Marine. I loved that Penelope and Tucker had history and a strong friendship. Neither character is perfect and have things to deal with but because of that it could be possibly mean what they’ve wanted could have been in front of them all along.


A Dazzle of Diamond is story of family secrets, friendships, dare I say it first love. But most importantly second chances and trusting Gods plan not your own.


I enjoyed this series wrap up and i am looking forward to the next book by the author. I recommend this book to fans of contemporary Christian romance.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher a part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.