The Basics

Title: A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson (Georgia Coast Romance)

Genre: Christian historical romance

My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

From the Back Cover: Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan’s great-grandmother was a guest at oil tycoon Howard Dawkins’ palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie’s great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage–and the fortune that might be hers. When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate’s private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .

My Review

I had never heard of Liz Johnson before reading A Sparkle of Silver, but I’m so glad I’ve heard of her now! This was a split-time story, which I love. It takes us between Ben and Millie’s story in the present and her great-grandmother’s journal from the 1920s. Mystery, romance, history, and family come together beautifully in this a rich, delightful story!

I absolutely loved the characters in this book. They were written so well, I felt like I was right there with them, searching for treasure in beautiful coastal Georgia! I loved seeing Ben and Millie’s friendship develop as they worked together to find the treasure and discover the truth about her family. They faced some serious challenges, both from their pasts and in the present, but ended up with a beautiful happy ending in every way.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series, A Glimmer of Gold, releasing August 2019! If you enjoy books by Rachel Hauck, Susan May Warren, or Becky Wade, you will love A Sparkle of Silver!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for writing a review. All opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you, Revell!

Title: Hope Your Heart Needs: 52 Encouraging Reminders of How God Cares for You by Holley Gerth

Genre: Devotional

My Rating: 4/5 stars

I really enjoyed Holley’s book Fiercehearted last year, so I was excited to read her new devotional book, Hope Your Heart Needs. It’s smaller than I expected, but it’s the perfect size to fit in your purse or bring with you while traveling. Every devotional describes a different aspect of who God is with a verse, a story or illustration, and a prayer.

I really loved the premise of the book: that the hope, peace, and purpose we’re all searching for can’t be found in our friends, social media, or hustling to create more, do more, and be more. Only understanding the character of God and getting to know Him better can truly provide the hope our hearts need.

The conversational tone of this book makes it easy to read, and the entries are short but poignant. It would be a great book for a new believer or for someone who has walked with Him for years. If you need some encouragement in your walk with God, I would recommend this book!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you, Revell Reads and Baker Publishing Group!