A Dazzle of Diamonds ~ Review

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.

About the Book:

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 almost 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.