In “A Dazzle of Diamonds”, Liz Johnson brings the timeless beauty of history to life through the reading of an ancestral journal and ancient letters that lead the blazing trail to a thrilling treasure hunt.
After serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker built up a thriving security company. His work and his friendship with his childhood friend, Penelope, are the stabilizing factors in his life. After being goaded by the lone candidate, Tucker ends up on the ballot for county sheriff and confronts a bitter smear campaign, claiming that his family, the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.
To restore his good name, Tucker and Penelope collaborate to unearth the hidden truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure. But as they spend time together, much to her chagrine, Penelope almost loses her much-needed job, and falls head over heels in love.
The theme of overcoming the hurts of the past, to finding who we are in Christ, is intricately woven into this novel. The struggle over love and riches, past and present, is truly intriguing. Aunt Shirley’s priceless pearls of wisdom are instrumental in Tucker and Penelope’s healing.
This story of overcoming adversity to receive God’s healing appeals to readers today, inspiring us to conquer our hurts and accept God’s healing touch in our own lives.
In this captivating historical novel, Liz Johnson has crafted a fascinating dual timeline mystery involving lost treasure, ancient journals and 150-year-old letters, priceless keys to solving the case, set in the historic, picturesque setting of Savannah, Georgia.
The ever-growing relationship between best friends, Penelope and Tucker is absolutely charming, as they discover their true feelings for each other. Tucker’s ancestor, Caroline and Josiah’s own love story, running on parallel lines, is equally satisfying, poignant and heartmoving.
In this delightfully enchanting story of faith and love during the lowest of times, championing the cause of the poor, needy and downtrodden, Liz Johnson creates breath-taking backdrops and romantic plots filled with quirky, memorable, and down-to-earth characters, who tug at your heartstrings. Tucker, smart, loyal and compassionate, suffers from a pitiful self-image, with the constant urge to prove himself worthy. Penelope is a fun-loving, vivacious woman, who suffered a crushing blow to her heart, when her ex-fiance abandoned her at the altar. Tucker and Penelope, best friends forever, takes a historic dive into the past, to salvage the future that unites them. Their friendship and love for each other is very genuine and so incredibly sweet. Tucker’s Aunt Shirley’s deep sense of maturity, unconditional love, and sage advice weaves the plot and characters seamlessly together, embedding the healing traits of forgiveness, reconciliation and true worth into each character and subplot.
Radiant rays of light illuminate the themes of healing, forgiveness, faith, perseverance, and generosity to present a totally relatable story that is full of life, love and heart.
A Dazzle of Diamonds holds our rapt attention from start to finish, captivating us with its well-crafted, thought-provoking plot and endearing, sweetly romantic characters.
With sweet, endearing moments of gentle, heartmoving romance, a passionate twist of suspenseful mystery, and engaging glimpses into the historic past, “A Dazzle of Diamonds” is thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying. An intriguing treasure hunt, likable characters, and unique plot makes it truly memorable and entertaining. With a plot that seamlessly blends present events with past clues, Liz Johnson cleverly presents two captivating stories of love, courage and second chances. The well-planned and well-paced plot fully immerses the reader in the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of the characters, as they encounter unexpected possibilities and fresh perspectives. As their genuine insecurities and fears affect their judgments and choices, they must turn away from the pain of the past to embrace healing and wholeness.
I highly recommend this beautifully inspiring novel to all readers who wish to find true, lasting and fulfilling satisfaction in the delightful pages of a book.

I absolutely loved this series and am sorry to see it end. But the end of this series means the beginning of a brand new series with the first book releasing in Summer 2021 and I can't wait!
This book makes you just melt into a big goopy puddle of happiness. It was charming without being too cutesy. The situations presented where sometimes funny and some had you scratching your head saying, "how are they going to get out of this one? " All the situations where realistic though. I loved the characters and the interaction between them was so fun to read. The book is uplifting and in the theme of a positive note. There is a time split where the past has a direct affect on present time in the book but most of this contemporary does take place in modern times.

Published August 4th 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed 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 ever read. She’s smart, stylish, organized, and always has a plan...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 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 Revell for a free copy of this book for my honest review.

After hearing glowing recommendations for Liz Johnson's book I knew that I had to read "A Dazzle of Diamonds!"

And, man, am I ever so glad I did!

With a smooth flow from present to past Penelope's and Tucker's romance with a dash of mystery is the perfect summer read.

While I love civil war stories I have not read any like this one, the mystery was not the usual mystery one finds in civil war stories, it was a different mystery that was still hidden even many many years later.

For a romance, "A Dazzle of Diamonds" was clean, there was some kissieness. Spiritually, this book was well done with a wonderful message of hope.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing (Revell), through Interviews & Reviews.

A sparkling conclusion!

Book 3 has a few characters appear from the previous books, but the story stands alone just fine. The books in the series follow a dual storyline-historical treasure mystery format

Penelope & Tucker have been friends for 25 years. When Penelope's ex comes thru her wedding planning door with his gorgeous new fiancée, she winds up letting them believe she's dating Tucker.

Tucker is running for sheriff & could use a steady gal to make himself look stable & serious. But when Tucker's mudslinging opponent raises some historical questions about his ancestors' loyalties, he could also use Penny's help.

The story is a little difficult to believe at points, but it's well written, and they make a fun, engaging pair. The resolution was most satisfying (heh) & the happily-ever-after was pleasantly heartwarming!

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: very minor talk of God & prayer

A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson 4.5 stars

“And it made Tucker smile harder. He’d lived for two things for as long as he’d known her - to make her flash those dazzling dimples and turn as pink as possible every single day. So far today he was one for two.”

This my first full book from Liz Johnson and I really enjoyed her work. This is the third book in the Georgia Coast Romance series but you can read it as a stand alone. The book covers the story of the past through Caroline’s diary and the present with Penelope and Tucker. I love Penelope and Tucker’s friendship. They have remained true friends for twenty years and are still going strong. Tucker’s family is accused as traitors so they start to find proof that it’s not true.

Caroline’s story interests me because I have hope that it will lead them to unravelling the truth. It was good but too many details and a bit slow at times. I love the present story much better. Penelope or PJ to Tucker is a lovable character. PJ and Tucker have flaws but I love how close they are. Tucker is fun to read and protective of PJ.

I just love how their characters have developed. I think it’s cute as they discover their attraction for each other. They don’t know what to do with it. Aunt Shirley is fun and the best. She leads them to realize things on their own with her advice. She leads them closer to God and to be open to forgive.

This is a fun and quick read. I can read PJ and Tucker’s story again and again.

Thank you #netgalley and @Revell books for the free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 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.

Wow! I am always pleasantly surprised (although I shouldnt be) by the way Liz Johnson weaves her tales. **spoiler coming**

Love wins...like every time. PJ and Tucker have been friends for over 20 years but a treasure hunt brings them closer than ever as they seek to uncover the truth of Tucker's ancestors in time to save his election for Sheriff. An old flame enters the picture and causes friction but it only helps to bring PJ and Tucker closer together. Entertwined is the story of Caroline and Josiah.

Read it for yourself. You will not be disappointed. I am so thankful that I was able to read an ARC on Netgalley and I honestly and freely offer my review.

“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.

I have enjoyed everyone of Liz Johnson’s books and this one is no exception. In fact I think it is my favorite of this series.
I loved the first line in this book. But it actually took me almost half way through before I became totally invested in these characters.
The diamonds that were the treasure turned out not to be what I’d imagined. And the friends to lovers trope was well done and even knowing they would be together there were some surprises at the end.
All in all a very good read!
I received this ARC from Net Galley but the opinions are entirely my own.

Penelope never expected to meet the man who left her at the altar again. When he comes with his new fiancee to arrange their wedding at the venue where she works, she's so desperate to show him that she's moved on that she fails to correct the assumption that she's now dating her best friend since childhood, Tucker. But losing Tucker's friendship, as would happen if they didn't work out as a couple, would devastate her, and particularly while she's busy helping him try to win an election - so dating is a terrible idea. Somehow, though, as they 'fake date', the idea of dating him properly grows more appealing - but also more dangerous. When accusations are made that his ancestors were traitors who stole a treasure back in the Civil War, the race is on to find the truth - and the treasure. But what is more important to Tucker: the election, or people and relationships?

Let me start by saying that I find the idea that people would care what one's ancestors were or did 150 years ago hard to get my head around. The idea that an ancestor having been a traitor that long ago would have any influence on a current-day election is mind-boggling - but it's the American South, so maybe things really are that way there. Regardless of that, though the story grabbed and held my attention from the first page, and the letters and journal entries really did add to the story, unlike in some books. The characters felt real and I enjoyed the introduction into their lives. I particularly appreciated the way things were brought neatly full-circle - very well done. All in all, a good read and I hope to read more by the author. Recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Wonderful romance. I love Penelope and Tucker who are two best friends who finally figure out that they might be great for each other. There is a lot of romance and just a bit of suspense and politics and treasure to keep this rolling. I did not want to put this down. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

What I Loved: After reading the first two books of the series, I had been counting down the days until the release of A Dazzle of Diamonds. I'm a sucker for a split time novel, and knowing that this one featured the Civil War was a special treat.
The story starts off with a bang, making it hard to set the book aside. Add to that a tender love triangle in the journal and I was won over.
But the spotlight really goes to Penny and Tucker for their best friends to lovers journey. They were wonderful together, as friends and as lovers. Plus, there's a great message tucked inside about hidden bitterness and how it colors all other relationships.

Rating and Recommendation: I'm giving A Dazzle of Diamonds 5 stars and recommending it to fans of Christian contemporary romance, best friends to lovers, or split time novels.

~ I received a copy from Revell. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one. All thoughts are my own.

A DAZZLE OF DIAMONDS is the third and final book in this series, and while fans will want to read the first two books, this one does stand-alone.

While mainly contemporary, the characters do have to rely on an ancient diary and letters to solve a mystery that will answer the modern day problem. They are racing the clock to save a reputation and a job.... Can they find the answers in time?

I enjoyed this story and didn't want to put it down. The mystery made the book.... Loved it. If you like contemporary romance with a touch of mystery you will love this book--and the whole series-- by Liz Johnson.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

This book was a bit of a slow burn for me, but it moved along nicely once it got going. Penelope and Tucker have been best friends for their whole lives, and when Tucker runs into some opposition-fueled rumors as he is running for Sheriff, they decide it would help to pretend to date. As these stories normally do, pretend turns into reality.

There was a bit of Christian theme thrown in around 85%, but not so much that it would be a turn-off if that's not your thing. I don't do spoilers, but let's say there is mystery, frivolity, emotion and even a treasure hunt. Enjoy the journey!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

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 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.

Penelope and Tucker have been best friends for twenty five years. Penelope leaves the impression with her ex-fiancé's fiancé that Tucker and her are an item. She does this because she wants Winston to know she has moved on from him leaving her at the altar. Tucker readily agrees. As he is running for sheriff, having an escort serves his purpose too. Also, Penelope has helped him with his campaign. A snag in his campaign happens when his apposer starts a smear campaign stating that Tuckers for bearers were traitors to the Confederate cause. In trying to find proof that they weren't, Tucker and Penelope come across a journal indicating there is a buried treasure somewhere. The hunt is on.

This is a nice cozy read. Not a lot of edge of your set mystery. More of a romance with a little mystery thrown in. But a good book.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in anyway.

No Spoilers!

What a radiant, multifaceted gem of a novel this is!! In addition to a dual timeline there are three romances for the price of one (albeit one is certainly undeserved in my opinion!) However, everyone deserves a 2nd chance, I suppose—even capricious ratfinks. I feel better now that I got that off my chest and can go on with my life now. ;-)

Penelope Hunter and Tucker Westbrook are well suited and compatible with one another. They're smart, compassionate, funny, and ambitious, but there's just one problem. They're only best friends and have been forever. Or are they? I was highly amused by their witty banter and touched by their concern one for another, but it was rather over the top...for best friends, that is. As they join forces to find a 150 year old treasure, I was taken on an angst-filled, exciting journey to the past—where finding love is perhaps the greatest treasure of all.

A beautifully written novel I finished in two evenings because I just could not put it down! I also thoroughly enjoyed Liz Johnson's previous series set on beautiful Prince Edward Island and I'm anxiously looking forward to returning there in her new series! 😁

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.*

This book was so well written and drew me in right away. I felt like I was right there, in the story, I got completely absorbed in it.
These characters were amazing and I felt like they were real. They had real life problems and delt with them in real life ways. I recommend this book to anyone.

I've loved Liz Johnson's contemporaries for a long time and this one was no exception...it's full of vibrant characters (even the side characters are full of color and are memorable--my favorite being the aunt). The leads are truly delightful; Penelope and Tucker have been best friends for forever, but until life gets in their way, they don't really consider each other as possible matches. It simply wasn't on their radar at all until...well, just a few things happen in the story! And circumstances make them suddenly see each other with new eyes.

The historical thread is truly interesting as well. It's about the invasion toward Savannah during the Civil War and a young heroine whose family is worried about what will happen when the soldiers reach town. This didn't get a ton of screen time and the story focused more on Penelope and Tucker unraveling things than on the young lady; her story is pieced together bit by bit through journal entries and letters.

Anyway, treasure hunts are always fun! I wish there were more stories in this series...

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

The title of this book resonates with me in more than one way, and as you read you will see what I am talking about. Sometimes we never see what is right in front of our eyes, and sadly we move in the wrong directions.
We are given a young woman Penelope with a lot of hurts, she had been hurt by the people she trusted the most, or most of them anyway. She has a best friend, Tucker, and they both are and have been there for one another most all of their lives, and once again they each have something they need and come together to help.
Will they wake up and see what is there? Will the scandal that is after Tucker's family be alleviated?
A delightful, page-turner!!
I received this book through Net Galley and Revell Books, and was not required to give a positive review.