I quite enjoyed this book.

It has been a very long time since I have read a book about a treasure hunt. A Sparkle of Silver was about finding one of the greatest treasures there is to be found, true love, and this on the heels of finding mercy. This isn't really a spoiler because we all know how romance novels are going to end, but you will have to read the book, with all of its twists and turns, to find out if Ben and Millie find the hidden treasure they initially set out to find, and if so, if it lives up to their expectations.

At the same time that I was nearing the end of this book, I read an article in a magazine written by a Christian with stage IV cancer. Her premise is that Christians, even those who do not adhere to a prosperity theology, often have an underlying idea that if their faith is strong and their actions good enough that life will work out for the best. I was seeing that play out in A Sparkle of Silver until the moment when Millie's Grandma Joy, in a particularly lucid moment, discusses her loss of memory and God's role in it. The wisdom poured out in that moment is worth the time given to reading this book. It is a gift when out of time given over to pleasure reading, a diamond of wisdom, the treasure we seek, is found amongst the trappings of a romance novel.

I thank Revell Publishing and LibraryThing.com for providing me with a copy of A Sparkle of Silver in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation. ( )

This book was really adorable!

A Sparkle of Silver is the first book in Liz Johnson’s new Georgia Coast Romance Series. I’ve never read anything by Liz Johnson before and I was quite pleased by her writing style!
This story is a time split novel, and the neat part about the historical storyline is that its told in the form of journal entries and letters. It was easy to switch back and forth between the present day treasure hunt and the clues from the past that helped aide the search.

Ben Thorton’s character was immediately entertaining and heroic and I really enjoyed his side of the story. Millie Sullivan, who impulsively partners with Ben on the hunt for her great-grandmother’s diary and possible fortune, definitely grew on me as the story progressed. Her inner banter and love for romance novels was especially endearing! Great-Grandma Ruth and Grandma Joy were also wonderful supporting characters!

The pace really picks up halfway through as the chase is on and time is running out. Ben and Millie were in tough financial situations and were desperately trying to get by. Both were motivated by their lives changing forever if the rumors were true and the treasure was found. They made a great team and I was very pleased with how their stories turned out!

A Sparkle of Silver is a well planned mix of romance, rich historical details, mystery and intrigue. The twists and turns along the way were timed perfectly!

I would definitely recommend this book! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and to reading previously published novels from Liz Johnson!

I received a copy of this book from the Revell Reads Blog Tour Program. A positive review was not required. Opinions expressed are completely my own. ( )

Millie Sullivan plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of a palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where her great-grandmother was a real guest ninety years ago. When Millie learns of a lost diary that may contain the location of a hidden treasure on the estate and reveal the identity of her great-grandfather, she sets out to find the truth of her heritage--and the fortune she desperately needs. But it won't be easy.

When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate's private library, he threatens to have her fired. Still, her story seems too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up.

Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight.

"A mystery, a treasure hunt, and a split-time romance--all set within a beautiful chateau.

My Thoughts: This is a wonderful romance mystery that keeps the readers' attention from the beginning. You can't help but love Millie, who is taking care of her grandmother diagnosed with dementia. When Milie has to find another home for her grandmother, with little money to do it with, her grandmother tells her of a journal of her great grandmother's that has a treasure map. Who doesn't like a good treasure hunt? And so begins our story of intrigue and romance.

This is a story of a lost romance and a new romance brought together by a unique situation. I believe that readers will enjoy this story as much as I did. It's not only about mystery and love, in this story we find two people trying their best to do right. Millie taking care of her grandmother and Ben trying to right his mother's wrong. ( )

3.5/5

I won a copy of this on BookishFirst for review.

The summary and genre piqued my interest. Contemporary mixed with historical fiction? Check. A hidden library? Check check. Romance and mystery? Let's go!

The story was intriguing, though I plodded through early on. The reliance on God/prayer to provide a miracle to find lost treasure rubbed me the wrong way, as did having the plot rely on Grandma Joy's memory to help Millie and Ben solve the mystery. That said, it was overall a fun read and I enjoyed the dynamic between the two protagonists. I wish that more action had taken place on the Chateau - it was a very intriguing location.

I'd recommend to anyone that enjoys romance and/or a light read. ( )