A Sparkle of Silver

September 15, 2018

Working as a tour guide as a 1920s guest at the famous Dawkins mansion leads Millie Sullivan on an adventure she never expected. Her great-grandmother, an actual guest at the mansion back in its heyday, tells of a secret diary and related treasure. It's a story too good not to follow up on for Millie. Ben Thornton is a security guard at the mansion and does not look kindly on Millie's snooping around. However, when he hears her great-grandmother's tale, he cannot help but be captured by it, and by Millie herself. As the two try to outrun other treasure hunters, they find both the treasure and their hearts in danger of being lost. VERDICT Johnson ("Prince Edward Island Dreams" series) pens an evocative tale of family intrigue and dashing romance sure to delight fans of Melody Carlson and Susan Anne Mason. The romance between Millie and Ben is on a constant simmer, creating a breathtaking dynamic that will satisfy romantic suspense fans. Johnson's followers will be lining up for this new series.--Christine Sharbrough, Industry, TX

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2018
Book lover Millie Sullivan is hopelessly romantic and on the verge of bankruptcy. Her Grandma Joy, who raised her from childhood and is sliding quickly into dementia, has been given a month to find a new nursing home. Millie knows her grandmother needs better care, but funds are limited. In one of her few lucid moments, Grandma Joy mentions her mother, Ruth, and her link with the town's upper crust, hints that Grandma Joy's illegitimate father was from a wealthy family, and claims that Ruth knew of a treasure hidden in a local mansion. Millie manages to join the mansion staff so she can search for Ruth's diary, the key to the treasure's location. When she's caught by Ben, a part-time security guard with his own family secrets, the two decide to join forces to solve the mystery. This is a sweet story with likable Christian characters and chaste hints of romance. Passages from Ruth's diary provide historical background, and a touch of intrigue adds suspense. Johnson's many fans and all gentle romance readers will be delighted.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)