"A Dazzle of Diamonds" by Liz Johnson

A Dazzle of Diamonds (Aug. 4, 2020) by Liz Johnson.*

Being an event manager at one of Savannah’s premier historic venues suits Penelope Jean Hunter. She is amazing at her job and loves what she does … at least until the ex-fiancé who stood her up at the altar arrives at the Savannah River Hall with his new fiancée, Emmaline Adams, who’s as sweet as Southern sweet tea. It’s been over three years, and Penelope has moved on and certainly doesn’t need to prove that to Winston St. Cloud. Still, when Emmaline sees Penelope with her childhood best friend, the very handsome Tucker Westbrook, and assumes they are an item, Penelope doesn’t correct her. She and Tucker even go along with staging a romantic relationship.

            Tucker readily admits that Penelope (PJ only to him) brings out the best version of himself. He’s served two tours in the Middle East and is an entrepreneur who’s built up a thriving security company, but he’s never felt good enough or smart enough for PJ, Master’s degree-holding, valedictorian of their class. Tucker’s on the ballot for county sheriff, and PJ is consistently there by his side. Having her by him is especially helpful when the other candidate for county sheriff, Buddy Jepson, publishes a letter claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South in a smear campaign. Is there really a lost Civil War treasure? Were his ancestors traitors? Will Tucker and PJ give into their obvious love for each other or will another man in PJ’s life choose something over her?

            For those who enjoy a cutesy romance and enjoy reading along as the main characters comically stumble around each other, eventually discovering, in an unplanned way, of course, that kissing that character is the most wonderful thing, this is an adorable story (and final in the Georgia Coast Romance trilogy) and will suit said persons. It really is a cute story, and I enjoyed the intrigue around the letters from late 1864-1865 and the missing treasure. But the kissing and wanting to kiss and wanting to hold the other in her/his arms got old really fast for me once it began. Tucker’s Aunt Shirley was my favorite character. Imagine how fascinating her short stories would be; all that adventure crammed into a small space! While this tale isn’t wholly for me, it is an inspirational fiction novel that has charm that twinkles like diamonds and mystery to compel the soul with a happy ending that will make one sigh with contentment.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly 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.”