A beautifully written story set in the civil war, it tells the story of Clara who is supporting her widowed mother and injured lieutenant Joseph. I loved the dynamic of their relationship as well as Clara's friend Bea and her brother. The story is filled with honesty, kindness and devotion from many of the characters. A brilliant take on the early years of the American Civil War.

This intriguing narrative grabbed and kept my interest from beginning to end. Historical romance set in the Civil War era is my favorite genre, but this book is refreshingly different from others I have read in that it is not set on a plantation or battlefield but in a military arsenal employing civilian workers doing their part for the war effort. Historical events and people are woven expertly into the fictional narrative evidencing extensive research. The captivating plot flows at a steady pace with twists and turns and a few surprises leading to a satisfying end. The characters are well-developed and memorable, and the romance is sweet. The combination of romance, faith, history, and suspense make for a very enjoyable read which I highly recommend.

I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

A remarkable name for a wonderful book. A single spark that ignited a whole chain of events with great endings. Wonderful characters. I liked the chemistry between Joseph and Clara. The wordings of the story was really enjoyable.
My heart went out for the trauma Joseph went through during battle but the fact that he choose to push on and make something out of a life threatening situation was very admirable.
I found it very, very courageous to read about the women that worked in the arsenals to produce ammunitions for the soliders in battle. Bold, bold women doing their bit in the time of war.

This is the first of this author I am reading and it is a compelling tale.

If you love historical fiction with events and romance that will keep you captivated, you definitely should read this book.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

A Single Spark takes place at the Washington Arsenal, the city’s main site for producing and storing munitions. While the men are fighting for their cause, women are busy working at the ammunition plants.

When Clara McBride, who works at the Washington Arsenal is given the opportunity to train a new employee, Beatrice (Bea) Hodson, they become close friends. Bea makes it known to Clara almost immediately that she would love to become friends with their handsome supervisor, Joseph Brady, but it seems she doesn’t have much of a chance since he has eyes for another: Clara. But will Bea find a way to interfere?

As the story progresses the interesting characters bring to life what it might have been like to work at the arsenal. But also a bit of a mystery is introduced. When cartridges fail to fire from several shipments, the search begins to locate what is happening at the Washington Arsenal. Everyone falls as a suspect of sabotage.

My Thoughts

This felt like a light, entertaining, historical novel. The characters were interesting, and the writing done well. The romance was sweet and the espionage was the reason to continue turning pages. Though it comes as no surprise of those involved, I wondered where it would go and when they would be discovered.

What Concerned Me
This was a little slow in catching my interest, though it eventually did.

What I Like Best
Miller’s historical novel about the Civil War and Washington Arsenal is the perfect story for those who love romance, history, and a touch of suspense.

The writing flows and the descriptions are just right. I could easily visualize where the ladies were sitting and working and the bits of historical details felt accurate.

The story had an enjoyable combination of history, romance, espionage, and faith. I would compare it in some ways to a sweet, cozy mystery..

My thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this title. Opinions expressed are my own.

A Single Spark
by Judith Miller
Bethany House
You Like Them You Are Auto-Approved
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 02 Jun 2020 | Archive Date 02 Jul 2020


Yes! Yes! and Yes! I loved this historical fiction book. I read most of Judith Miller's novels and this one did not disappoint. Can't wait to recommend this when our library reopens soon.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House for the ARC of this book.

I love the reads by this author, and this one did not disappoint, based on history and including some truth, this story pulled me in and didn't let go.
Dealing with the grief of loosing her father, Clara McBride and her mother are getting by living in Washington DC, she working at the Arsenal, and her mom as a seamstress.
A chance meeting on the way to work adds new friends to Clara's life, and all our on their way to make the ammunition to help the Union win the war.
We are offered a couple of sweet romances, a chance to look at the top leaders during this time at parties, and some of the reality of war.
Be aware not everyone is what or whom they claim to be, including some that you feel like you are falling in love with.
I so enjoyed reading the author's notes at the end of this read, and loved the facts gleaned there.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Single Spark
by Judith Miller
Wanting to do her part in the war effort, Clara McBride goes to work in the cartridge room at the Washington Arsenal, the city's main site for production and storing of munitions. She's given the opportunity to train new employees and forms a friendship with two of them. All seems to be going well, especially when one of the supervisors shows interest in her.
Lieutenant Joseph Brady is an injured army officer who, no longer able to lead troops into battle, has been assigned to a supervisory position at the Washington Arsenal. While Clara has caught his eye, he also makes it his mission to fight for increased measures to prevent explosions in the factory.
But when suspicions arise after multiple shipments of Washington Arsenal cartridges fail to fire and everyone is suspect for sabotage, can the spark of love between Joseph and Clara survive?
Impressions: The book was a bit dry at parts but still well-paced.
Liked: I loved the shock I was left with at the end. As romance goes most stories are going to end in a Hallmark manor as this one does as well but there was a bit of a surprise to the characters that threw me and made this story more endearing.
Didn’t like: Hmm… I think that this was a likable book for the most part. As I said before there were slower parts but they were required to build up the story.
Learned: A good friend is not something to take for granted. I think Clara’s mother had some great advice, below.
Quotes: “Good friends stick around long enough to know when you’re sad or frustrated. They also know and care if you’re happy. They’re supportive and rejoice with us. Do you believe Bea’s actions are intended to deepen your friendship or to serve her own selfish desires?”

If you are a fan of historical inspirational fiction or Judith Miller in general, you'll love this new release from Bethany House! A Single Spark, coming out on June 2nd, captures a pivotal era in American history and I actually learned more about the war efforts from the perspective of women left behind during the Civil War and the danger they faced while lending support to an epic cause.

Judith Miller sparks interest through her lively and easy-to-read historical offerings. This title, in particular, has characters you'll love, characters you'll despise, emotion, and mystery! The gentle romance weaving its magic between the pages will endear you. Overall, it's a 4-star read for anyone who enjoys clean, simple historical fiction with a dash of love and strong elements of faith.

I received a complimentary copy of this title via NetGalley with thanks. Opinions expressed are my own.

An interesting story surrounding the Allegheny Arsenal during the Civil War. The author did a great job describing the work in the laboratory and other areas of the compound. The story was slow to begin but did pick up. It was amazing that Lt. Brady was so clueless in what was happening. Clara was sweet but too trusting. The story is predictable but enjoyable. Recommended!

Set in the beginning of the civil war, A Single Spark is told through the perspective of three characters. Wanting to do her part for the war effort, Clara McBride goes to work at the Washington Arsenal, the city's main site for production and storing munitions. An injured soldier, Lieutenant Joseph Brady has been tasked with the safety of all those who work at Washington Arsenal. Clara befriends two new workers, who may not be who they seem. As danger begins to build, will Lieutenant Brady be able to keep everyone safe, including the woman he loves?

A Single Spark was a joy read. Although there is suspense and intrigue, the story does not contain too much drama. I read the whole book within a few hours and went to bed happily. As I typically read regency, colonial, and gilded age novels, I enjoyed reading something a little different. I appreciated all the historical detail and was fascinated to learn more about a different side of the Civil War, the working civilians.

Clara McBride is a strong, dependable, steadfast woman. At times I wished she spoke her mind, but I respect her grace and intellect. Tough, compassionate, and intelligent Lieutenant Brady is a man you not only want leading you into battle but a man you can trust. They were a good combination together. Now the villain was interesting. It was a slow build and honestly, I didn’t fully put everything together until the end, although I had my suspicions. I do wish that there would have been a little more gray area in the heart of the villain. It seemed so very black and white, which doesn’t seem realistic to me as I would imagine there would be some conflicting emotions.

I am curious if there will be more to this story as Clara mentioned on many occasions that she didn’t know if her brother, a Union soldier, is alive. If not, it seems like a strange detail, but it doesn’t truly affect the story.

A Single Spark will be released on June 2nd!

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️💔(.5)
*** 3.5 Stars: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline (.5), Unable to Stop

Judith Miller’s “A Single Spark” is full of detailed history and suspense. Although the history is very interesting and does add to the story, it is not woven seamlessly into the story but rather in chunks that don’t always mesh well with the plot. I admit I skimmed some of the book because I couldn’t connect with the characters and the plot, although intriguing, just never completely piqued my interest. Readers who enjoy historical aspects of novels more than romantic build-up will enjoy this story. 3/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love reading historical fiction its one of my favorite genres, especially when it is a romantic historical fiction but was torn with this book. I think Judith Miller as always did an exceptional job in her research of her Civil War history, Allegheny Arsenal and John S. Mosby but I have to be honest it started out a bit slow for me and although it picked up for me it wasn't like her other books.

This is the story of Clara McBride and Lt. Joseph Brady and their works in the ammunition laboratory in Washington during the time of the Civil War, when civilians were hired and used by the armies to make their ammunition. Clara is one of the women who works at the laboratories and through her job she meets Lt. Joseph. He is a wounded veteran for the Union, still in active duty and eventually assigned to observe and put in place several safety improvements due to the Allegheny Ammunition explosion.

Like I mentioned the beginning of the story was slow, to me there was a lot details that weren't really necessary to the whole story line. The love story between Clara and Joseph was a bit dull. It lacked a little more chemistry so for me they were not completely relatable or captured my reading soul. That being said the story does pick up quite nicely, I don't want to give away the story but Miller does a great job at throwing some suspense into the mix with some of the characters and they play their part perfectly. I think that is what saved the story for me and the rating.



FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

A Single Spark tells the story of Clara & her widowed mother who live in Washington DC & support the north. As Clara takes a job in the Washington Arsenal in order to both support her mother as well as contribute to the war effort, Clara befriends two new employees. Clara also captures the attention of Lieutenant Joseph Brady, an injured army officer who works as a supervisor at the Arsenal. As Clara & Joseph's friendship and romance develop, each of them faces personal and professional turmoil that threatens to destroy their relationship. This fast-paced historical novel will keep you guessing until the end, although many of the details lead to fairly easy answers. In spite of being able to guess the ending, the story holds one's attention to the very end. Very well-written and enjoyable story!

Judith McCoy Miller is one of the greats in my opinion. Her Amana Colonies series is one of my favorites, but this differs greatly from that series. A Single Spark takes place during the Civil War, when civilians are hired by and used by the armies to make their ammunition. Clara McBride is one of the women who works at the laboratories and through her job she meets Lt. Joseph Brady. He is wounded veteran for the Union and still in active duty, being assigned to the laboratory in Washington, DC.

During the course of his assignment, he is sent to the Allegheny Ammunition works in Pennsylvania. While he is inspecting the works, there is an explosion because something sparks the gunpowder. There were many casualties and quite a few fatalities. Joseph has observed several safety issues there and returns to Washington with several recommendations for safety improvements.

Judith has added several other characters to the mix, treasonists, society mavens, and other soldiers. Each of the characters play their part perfectly to make the book so very hard to put down. It's worth every minute it takes to read it.

Five stars, two thumbs up, and an ammunition maker.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Single Spark is a fine story that takes place during the Civil War. It's a story that involves the main character, Clara, her sweetheart, Joseph, and her neighbor friends, Bea and her brother Jeremiah. There is sabotage at the arsenal where they all work, and Joseph needs to discover the root of it. Excellent book, but very little romance. Good story that I enjoyed reading!

A SINGLE SPARK by JUDITH MILLER is an historical romantic suspense novel with a good Christian message.
Clara McBride befriends Beatrice Hodson at the Washington Arsenal where they both work, making cartridges for the Union army. She also gets to know Bea's brother Jeremiah. They usually walk to work together and meet in their lunch break.
When the good looking Lieutenant Joseph Brady, who is in charge of the cylinder room, shows an interest in Clara instead of the flirtations Beatrice, Bea sets her sights on Sergeant Andrew Kessler. The five of them become friends.
With the explosion at the Allegheny Arsenal, talk of sabotage and the daily danger of working with gunpowder, we have a sense of something about to happen. I am not going to tell you any more, though, as I do not want to spoil the read for you.
The story is exciting and the characters are interesting, some for their honesty, kindness and dedication, and some for other reasons. It is also interesting to see what life was like in the early years of the Civil War, on both ends of the social scale. We see how Clara and her mother deal with the death of Clara's father at Bull Run, and how Joseph deals with the injury he received there, which has resulted in bouts of PTSD,
I highly recommend A Single Spark to those of you who enjoy historical romance.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Set in Washington, D.C. during the Civil War, A Single Spark follows the story of the budding romance of an injured soldier and a civilian worker at a munitions factory. When defective ammunition is traced to the factory where they both work, an investigation into a possible sabotage ring ensues. Will Clara and Lieutenant Brady be harmed when the investigation takes a personal turn? Find out in this intriguing work of historical fiction. Although the plot lags at times, fans of Civil War-era novels will find plenty to interest them, especially the events involving high society in the nation's capital.