Bookish Thoughts: A Dazzle of Diamonds

"You don't have to be ready to enjoy the adventure.  That's what makes it an adventure. . . . 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."  - Aunt Shirley

Description:

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.

About the Author:

By day Liz Johnson works in marketing. She finds time to write late at night and is a Christy Award finalist and a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Liz makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona where she enjoys theater, exploring local history, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Find out more about Liz at www.LizJohnsonBooks.com. 

My Thoughts:

I’ve long been a fan of Liz Johnson’s writing and though I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a series coming to an end, I was still very excited to read this book!  When Ms. Johnson first switched to writing more strictly contemporary romance, I confess to being a little leery.  I’d adored her suspense novels and wasn’t sure what to expect.  But given this is the second trilogy she’s completed in this genre and seeing as how I’ve devoured every one of the books, I hadn’t any need to be concerned.  

I don’t know that I can pinpoint one specific thing that makes Ms. Johnson’s books stand out to me, it’s more them as whole stories.  I love her opening lines, e.g. : “Penelope Jean Hunter loved every wedding she’d ever been to. Except her own.”  I love the characters, the descriptions, the dialogue.  I love how real the characters are.  I felt as though I could so easily be sitting down for a chat with Penelope, hearing about the job she loves and talking about Ambrose.  I adored the fact that Penelope and Tucker have been friends forever and getting to watch as they realized that sometimes the best romances are built when you’re already best friends.  I really enjoyed the historical aspect of the book, with it being a little like “National Treasure.” (at least, in my mind) Following clues and stories from the past to find a hidden “treasure.”

I can’t think of a single thing about this story that I didn’t enjoy, aside from the fact that it ended.  Though I do have to say that the ending was beautiful!  And it may have made me love Tucker just a little more (if that’s possible).

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I'm excited to get back into reviewing, hopefully a bit more frequently!  My munchkin is taking more regular naps and sleeping for longer periods at night, which means I have a little more time to read, which is SO nice!

Have a beautiful day! 

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