Penelope and Tucker have been best friends for years. What can you tell us about the history between these two?
They met twenty-five years ago when they became next-door neighbors, and they’ve been best friends ever since. Penelope is the only person who knows that Tucker battles dyslexia, and he’s relied on her for years—first during his military deployments and then to help him set up his business. They trust each
other implicitly.
A Dazzle of Diamonds is set in the historical town of Savannah, Georgia. What type of research was
required to write this novel?
I loved researching Savannah to write this book. It involved a trip there to explore the area and the history. While touring some of the ancient buildings that pre-dated the Civil War, I was inspired to research Sherman’s March to the Sea, which culminated in the Union Army taking Savannah. But while
they’d burned the rest of the state, they deemed Savannah too beautiful to burn and gave it to President Lincoln as a Christmas present. Weaving that story into the history of Tucker’s family added so much tothis story.
In your Georgia Coast Romance series, there’s a continuing theme of uncovering the past in order to change the future. What about this concept do you find most intriguing?
I love the hope in this thought. I love the idea that our pasts don’t define our futures, but uncovering the past can bring truth to light. I never want to forget that generations past have important things to teach us. And I love the reminder that God was faithful in the past, just as he is today.
Did anything surprise you while writing this story?
I’m always surprised by my characters, and Penelope sure had a few secrets up her sleeve. When I first started brainstorming this story, I had no idea how she would respond when her ex-fiancé showed up at her workplace. And when her best friend agreed to act the part of her new boyfriend, I was caught completely off guard. It made writing their story one discovery after another.
Which character do you relate to the most?
I see a lot of my quirks and insecurities in Penelope. She’s smart and savvy and excels at her job, but she
sometimes doubts herself and questions her worth. As a single woman in her thirties, Penelope asks a lot of questions that I do too. But I’d like to become more like Aunt Shirley, a world-traveling adventurer,
who gives great advice and is filled with words of wisdom.
Without giving away any spoilers, how does Tucker and Penelope’s friendship evolve throughoutthe novel?
One thing that never changes in their friendship is its importance to each of them. Neither of them can imagine life without the other. What does change is their awareness of each other—a new understanding of who the other really is. They begin to see each other in a new light, which adds tension to what’s
always been an easy relationship.
Do you have any new projects coming up that you can tell us about?
I’m thrilled that my next series will be a return to Prince Edward Island! Right now I’m working on the first book in the series about the three Ross brothers, who grew up in tiny Victoria by the Sea, a fishing
and artistic community on the south shore. The first book will release in summer 2021, and I’m so excited to return to PEI with my reader friends—and maybe even a few of my favorite characters from the Red
Door Inn.
How can readers connect with you?
I love connecting with readers on social media through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter—all
@LizJohnsonBooks. I also send out a newsletter six to eight times a year. Sign up on my website at
www.LizJohnsonBooks.com.
