Meagan Myhren-Bennett
A Dazzle of Diamonds Georgia Coast Romance #3 By Liz Johnson Penelope Hunter and Tucker Westbrook have been best friends forever. She's seen him through the tough times with his dad and been the stabilizing influence in his life as he adjusted from life in the military to one of a civilian. He's been the shoulder for Penelope to cry on when her wedding day found her jilted at the altar. But when Tucker finds himself goaded into running for county sheriff he and Penelope find themselves in a race against time to prove that Tucker's family wasn't traitors. Penelope's job is riding on clearing Tucker and the Westbrooks' name. There is just one little problem - Penelope may have accidentally let her ex-fiancé and his fiancée think she and Tucker are dating - whoops. To keep up appearances and prevent further tongue-wagging Tucker and Penelope agree to pretend to date. Pretend dating, investigating the Westbrooks' past, and searching for rumored 150-year-old treasure finds these two best friends spending a whole lot more time together - time that could forever alter their future friendship. But will it lead to something more or destroy what they have always had? This is the third book in the Georgia Coast Romance series and I think this may be my favorite. Penelope is a fun person to get to know. She is passionate about her work and cares about those around her. Tucker seems to have it all together but he is always seeking to prove his worth to his dad and those around him who are more than a little critical of him. This book is set in the present day with glimpses into 1864 Savannah through the journal of a young woman - a journal that is important to Penelope and Tucker's search for answers. But sometimes the answers we seek aren't the ones we find or truly want in the end. This book is easily read as a standalone - there are several characters from the previous books who are in this one but not so prominent as to require knowing what came before to enjoy it. The pacing and overall tone are good and well-balanced. Overall a nice way to take a trip to Georgia from the comfort of your own home. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations except that I provide my honest opinion all thoughts expressed are my own.
Andrea S.
Brilliant! I LOVED this book! I loved the friendship/fake dating/actual romance between Penelope and Tucker. I felt their feelings and frustrations as I was reading. I loved the treasure hunt too. The diary entries told a whole historical mystery and romance of their own. Caroline was a brave woman. Aunt Shirley was fun. She's got secrets and truths, some she shares, others she encourages Tucker and Penelope to figure out on their own. I truly enjoyed reading this book. Fun, faith, mystery, romance, and making peace with the past to make the future better. *I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher/author. A review was not required but gladly given. The opinion expressed is entirely my own.
Penny Leidecker
I enjoyed this book centered around Penelope and Tucker so much that I stayed up all night reading it. They’ve been best friends for years and they always have each other’s back. Tucker owns his own security company and is running for sheriff. Penelope works at Savannah River Hall, as the event manager. Imagine her surprise, when she looks up and sees her ex-fiancé, Winston, in her office with his current fiancée, Emmaline. I loved that this book was centered around a side story from back in the 1860’s. We get to learn about Tucker’s relatives back in that time. We also get to learn a little about Emmaline and Winston. I loved all of the wonderful characters that I got to read about and I’m looking forward to reading more books from Liz Johnson. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.