DESCRIPTION:

Geologist, Crystal Penney loses her job and has to turn her inherited half of an Arizona ghost town into a money-making venture. She envisions a unique and refined tourist destination, but as soon as she finds itinerate prospector, miner and old flame, Cody Blye and his sullen mutt, Jackson already in residence, she knows her efforts to turn lemons into lemonade will sour faster than a gallon of milk left out in the noon day sun.

Crystal thought she’d never have to face Cody again after he took off into the Superstition Mountains and left her heartbroken. But thanks to the terms of their deceased uncles’ wills, he owns the other half of Cactus Station, and Crystal has to call him her partner, regardless of how she feels. She rebuffs Cody’s attempts to rekindle a friendship and keeps him at arm’s length while she tries to convince herself that she’s not going to fall in love with him all over again.

Cody has been involved in get-rich-quick schemes before, and Crystal suspects him of using his own nuggets to start a gold rush that brings droves of newcomers to Cactus Station. Suddenly, the old town is humming with activity while Cody and Crystal try to house and feed an army of people searching for the Mother Lode.

Jackson takes time out from terrorizing the guests to unearth a skeleton from the hotel’s attic closet. The find brings tourists, the press and the local sheriff, Reed Dalton. Reed might spend most of his time searching for lost hikers in the barren desert, but he throws himself energetically into a murder investigation after the coroner declares a hole in the skeleton’s head was the result of foul play.

And then Jackson digs up a gold doubloon. The Lost Dutchman Mine may be lost no more, and the good news spreads quickly, turning the gold rush into a near-riot. Cody’s doing what he does best--orchestrating the three ring circus with all the aplomb of P. T. Barnham. He’s selling tickets to see the skeleton, running tours and spinning yarns, all while trying to win back Crystal’s heart.

But his tall tales suddenly turn from fabrication to reality. Guests see apparitions; buildings collapse and fires threaten to burn down what’s left of the town. Someone wants the doubloons at any cost and isn’t worried about who gets hurt or even killed during the treasure hunt.

The sheriff’s investigation leads him to look again at a mine collapse that killed both Cody and Crystal’s uncles. Suddenly, Cody’s under suspicion for murder, and the guests, prospectors and tourists are all running back to civilization before they become the next victims.

Crystal believes in Cody’s innocence, but can she help him prove it? Even more importantly for both of them, can she learn to trust and love him again?

REVIEWS:

"Ms. Ames has a special talent for painting the setting in this book...the story is pretty much unputdown-able. Oh, and did I mention that Cody, a tall, slender cowboy with a sense of humor, is a hero to drool over? I enjoyed All That Glitters and would definitely recommend it to any romance lover who wants to spend a few hours lost in a good book." Reviewed by Heliotrope of Long and Short Reviews, 4 BOOKS

"This is a fascinating tale of lost treasure and lost love. It's a beautiful mesh of a love story and a mystery/suspense novel. I found myself unable to stop reading. The suspense was driving me on and I couldn't believe all the things that happened in the end. You'll want to read every word. It's a bang up ending to a great book." Reviewed by Connie of Once Upon a Romance Reviews

“This was a lovely story, well worth the read - witty, intriguing, a big comedy of errors with two people who you just know should be together, and finally do come together despite an endless barrage of circumstances. Cody and Crystal have strong personalities, they have their own personal hang-ups and fears, yet Heather Ames delightfully brings them together in the end, and you know their life together will be happy. This is one of those stories that would make a terrific movie, if the plot stayed true and wasn’t completely rewritten by Hollywood, a movie. I would definitely go see and it is a book I will read again.” Reviewed by Desiree of Enchanting Reviews, 3 ENCHANTMENTS

"All That Glitters contains a great cast of characters who keep the pace moving through a lively story loaded with romance and mystery. Numerous newcomers trying to find their place in Cactus Junction bring a richness and believability to the tale. An old mangy mutt who understands conversations adds humor to the mix. Heather Ames paints vivid descriptions of the old ghost town that will have the reader believing they are standing in the street breathing the dust and feeling the heat of a town trying to come back to life. As buildings begin to collapse and fire threatens to destroy their efforts to save the historical site, Cody and Crystal scramble to find answers to the allusive mysterious incidents plaguing the town and driving residents away. When Sheriff Reed Davis arrives to arrest Cody for the murder of the uncles and the theft of the missing doubloons, Crystal sets aside her anger at Cody and springs into action. All That Glitters belongs on the list of superb suspense stories. It's oh so refreshing when characters come to life with all their faults and foibles. I am looking forward to reading more from Heather Ames." Reviewed by Gail of Night Owl Romance Reviews, 4.5 HEARTS

“Heather Ames has penned a suspenseful story that kept me on the edge of my seat. Although this was a slap and tickle romance, I was much too busy reading to care. The All That Glitters mayhem included Jackson, Cody's cranky dog; a skeleton in a closet; a mad gold rush; and a casket in the parlor. This was a very well written book that I fell in love with. I do hope there is a sequel!” Reviewed by Alisha of 2 Lips Reviews, 4 1/2 LIPS

"I really enjoyed this story, it is billed as a contemporary romance, but has the added bonus of a good suspense plotline. Cody and Crystal are very real characters, both are too stubborn at times for their own good, but the biker couple Jolie and Harold become the voice of common sense. The subplot of the dog and his doubloons adds quite a bit of interest. I loved reading about Cody's get rich quick schemes and Crystal's slower more orthodox ways of becoming successful...the author's characterizations and dialogue...and love scenes are excellent." Reviewed by Maura of Coffee Time Romance, 4 CUPS

“A hot, dusty town replete with buildings in danger of falling down, fun characters wandering the area searching for gold, romantic squabbling between two people who should know better--all add to the flavor of the story…well drawn characters will greet you in every chapter and keep you reading. A well told tale will make you a satisfied reader and feel this book was well worth the time.” Reviewed by Anne K. Edwards of Mystery Fiction Reviews

“All That Glitters by Heather Ames is an entertaining read that keeps you guessing at the outcome as each page turns. The relationship between Crystal and Cody is rife with conflict, misunderstanding, and ultimately, deep emotion. Ms. Ames paints a vivid picture for her readers with her descriptions of the small town of Cactus Junction and those who inhabit it. You can practically feel the hot air circulating around the reception desk as the book opens, and by the end of chapter one you are ready to dust the dirt off of your jeans. Cody Blye is an unconventional hero that I found refreshing. Ms. Ames has broken out of the typical mold of what we expect to see in a male lead with great success. He is a character you will root for, and in the end, be thrilled when he is seen for the man he truly is.” Reviewed by: Devon of Fallen Angel Reviews, 4 ANGELS