"The Spark of Love" by Amanda Cabot

The Spark of Love (Mar. 1, 2022) by Amanda Cabot.*

*This is the final novel in a trilogy.*

With dust in her hair and extra padding around her midsection, Alexandra Tarkington flees her aunt’s New York mansion for Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country. Her father, Calvin, is building a hotel there. By going to Mesquite Springs, she hopes she can throw off Franklin Beckman’s pursuit. She knows he only wants to marry her because she’s an heiress, and his threats scare her. Her father isn’t overjoyed to see her in Texas, but she finds fast friends in Laura Downey, Dorothy Holloway and Evelyn Clark. Encountering Gabe Seymour, an investigator, on the last leg to Mesquite Springs, has been an unexpected delight, too. Unbeknownst to Alexandra, Gabe has been hired by Jason Biddle (who, unbeknownst to Gabe, knows Franklin) to investigate her father for swindling, and, also unbeknownst to Alexandra, Calvin has hired Gabe to court her. He dreads sharing either truth with her. Even more dreadful is newcomer Martin Lewis and his persistent pursuit of Alexandra. Is Martin the one putting her life in danger? Alexandra and Gabe certainly care for one another, but will sparks fly and grow into glowing flames of love? Or will that spark die down like a fire left unattended?

            I have had the opportunity to read all three of the books in the Mesquite Springs trilogy, and this one is my favorite. While I like all of the protagonists over all the stories well enough, this installment is extra busy. Not in a wildly chaotic way, but in a way that keeps a good grip on the plot. You know who the antagonists are, but I didn’t find that it detracted from the danger of certain situations. This Christian fiction novel also gives readers adventure, drama and clean romance against a historical setting (1857). The book is emotive, because the characters are expressive, whether it’s due to fear, love, anger, happiness, frustration or joy. It’s a charming, uplifting story. I’m even pleasantly surprised by the return of Sam Plaut; he has turned himself around and has become a confidant to Gabe. The author writes that her next series will also be situated in the Texas Hill Country, and I hope to read it.

            Book One: Out of the Embers

            Book  Two: Dreams Rekindled

 

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”