A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson
Rebecca's Rating: 4 out of 5 bookmarks

Editor's Note: This review is a guest post by Rebecca Grzybowski.

What an interesting book. The mix of history with the modern was fun to read. I really enjoyed how the author incorporated letters from a journal into a modern story. I was pulled into those journal entries and almost, almost skipped ahead just so I could keep reading the entries! I loved how relatable the characters were. They were both down on their luck, poor, and struggling with their own financial issues.

I loved how the author was able to accurately capture Millie’s emotions in dealing with her grandmother, her financial state and how she coped with it all. I found Millie relatable and her coping methods familiar.

Ben, a security guard by trade, is a history-loving academic who wants to fix the problem his mother caused. He wants to make restitution and working three jobs seems the only way he can, until he catches Millie in an area she is not supposed to be. When she offers him a cut of a mysterious treasure, it almost seems too good to be true. His character is strong throughout the story and I love how the relationship between him and Millie progresses.

Grandma Joy is what a grandmother ought to be—full of timeless wisdom. While she isn’t a major character, I loved every time Millie interacted with her. Toward the end, she gives Millie some advice and I just have to share it:

“You’re sure quick to give up on love for someone who reads so many romance novels...Don’t you think that true love is patient and kind and it doesn’t hold a grudge? What kind of drivel is in those books you read if they’re not showing you that kind of love? Real love isn't love because it’s easy or always feels good. It’s love because you choose not to be self-serving.” (Johnson, p. 324).

How true is this?! My husband and I have been married for a little over a year, and while the first year was amazing (I can say that because I still consider myself a newlywed!), we still had our ups and downs. Love isn’t all butterflies and roses, it’s working at staying connected and invested and loving the other even when it is hard. It is picking up the dirty socks left all over the house and all those other little things that make up life.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book, the history and the real-life relationship advice it gave. I would recommend this book to romance lovers ages 16+. If you like a little bit of mystery mixed with a sweet romance, this is for you.




Rebecca Grzybowski is a lover of good books, adorable owls and adventures. Whether contemporary romance, historical fiction, or a good fantasy novel, she can be found reading with a chai latte in hand during her free time. She lives in the gorgeous Mitten State with her handsome hubby and newborn baby boy.


Disclosure: The publisher provided us with a free copy of this book for promotional purposes. This post contains affiliate links.