Synopsis:~

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.

Necee’s take:~

“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 hold 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.

Liz Johnson is the author of more than a dozen novels, including A Sparkle of Silver, A Glitter of Gold, The Red Door Inn, Where Two Hearts Meet, and On Love’s Gentle Shore, as well as a New York Times bestselling novella and a handful of short stories. She makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona.

Relz Reviewz Extras
All Things Johnson @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Liz’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: A Dazzle of Diamonds or Koorong