1857
Alexandra had been raised by her Aunt, only seeing her father 2 weeks at a time when he visited. A would be suitor scares her, obviously after her inheritance money. She runs away, deliberately misleading everyone, and goes to where her father is in Texas. Gabe is a detective, hired to find her father, for personal reasons. Excellent story of people in Mesquite Springs Texas who befriend them both. This is the third in the series. It's not necessary to read then others first, but it adds to the feeling of warmth for this town and the people in it. Alexandra was right and is in more danger than she realizes, more than Gabe realizes. Excellent read of strength, tenacity, love and Christian faith.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#TheSparkofLove #NetGalley

Daughters need their fathers to be in their lives showing them love and support, and as true as that is for daughters today it was equally true for daughters throughout history. That includes the 1800s in Mesquite Springs, Texas where Alexandra went to try to reestablish a relationship with her father, who had turned her over to an aunt to raise after Alexandra’s mother died.

Alexandra is a strong, resourceful woman despite the influence of her Aunt Helen who tried to make her into a refined young lady with impeccable manners, well-versed in running a household and dealing with servants, and always knowing her place – perfect to be the wife of a wealthy prominent New York bachelor. Reading how Alexandra meets the challenges in Mesquite Springs that pushed against that refinement and that propriety was a delight. Her determination to be on her own and take care of herself, helps her see how important it is to respond to people differently from what she was taught. And she opens herself to be able to respond to the people she meets in Mesquite Springs, especially the handsome and intriguing Gabe.

Daughters also tend to put fathers on pedestals, no matter the circumstances, and when they fall sometimes the relationship can be shattered. Other times the relationship is only cracked but doesn’t break. I’m not going to reveal which it was for Alexandra and her father but the author does a wonderful job of making the reader wonder until the end of the story.

Adding to the drama and intrigue is the question of who wants to harm Alexandra and why? Has the suitor that she left in New York found her in Mesquite Springs and sent someone to force her to come back? But he wouldn’t want her dead. So why the near-death experiences at the fire and the accident with the horse? Revealing the answers to those questions was cleverly handled by the author, not giving anything away until the final resolution.

While filled with intrigue and mystery and clashes between the good guys and the not-so-good guys, this is in many ways a story about relationships, with even the minor ones intertwining with the main two – Alexandra’s relationship with her father and with Gabe. She doesn’t know how connected those relationships are until both are threatened, and how that threat is resolved is very satisfying.

There are many engaging minor characters, but the ones who charmed me the most, are Frieda and Hans; the nine-year-old twins whose mother had died recently. They’re students at the school where Alexandra teaches painting to all the children, and they touched my heart as well as Alexandra’s as she helped them process their grief through painting. That is a small revelation of how healing the arts can be, but also a huge revelation of how dedicated Alexandra is to her art, as well as her determination to belong to this town where she has found refuge – and maybe love forever and ever.

This is a terrific historical romance with a touch of mystery that readers will enjoy. The Christian elements are handled smoothly and fit comfortably in the narrative like a hand slipping into a lace glove.

Alexandra is a woman who is very smart and has decided not to suffer a marriage to a man who is only out for her wealth and to control her. So she heads off on her own to Texas to locate her father whom she has not seen in quite a long time. Her journey, however, is not without strife and an investigator looking into her father, Gabe comes to her rescue.

Alexandra finds her father, but he is not happy to see her. In fact he wants her to go back to her Aunt's home. She cannot do that as it is not safe for her as the man who wants manipulate her into marriage has threatened her. As she tries to help her father and develop a better relationship she begins to wonder what he is hiding from her.

Gabe is also wondering what her father is hiding and he is determined to find out and hopes that will not hurt Alexandra or their budding feelings for one another.

Along with the romance and the mystery surrounding her father, there is evil on the trail to get Alexandra, as she is not as free and safe as she thought she was. All of this unknown kept me very invested in the story.

There was a bonus love story that equally enthralled me, and I liked getting back in touch with the previous characters from the series.

I received a copy of this novel from Revell publishing through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I enjoy historical fiction, especially when the book contains a bit of mystery and/or suspense as well as a believable romance. I particularly like those with a western setting, possibly because I can live my adventures through those of the characters. As a senior citizen, I’m afraid my adventure days are best spent in the pages of a book.

A Spark of Love has all those essential components and more. Alexandra Tarkington is a young woman who has fled New York to get away from a threatening suitor. Her arrival in Mesquite Springs to spend time with her father does not go as well as expected but she has met an interesting young man on the stage during her journey and he seems quite willing to be her friend. What Alexandra does not know is that Gabe is an investigator hired to prove that her father has cheated a number of people through dubious investment schemes.

Two other men have arrived in Mesquite Springs shortly after Alexandra and Gabe. Both exhibit more than passing interest in Alexandra although one remains in the shadows. A series of apparent accidents seem to follow Alexandra although she and Gabe have few clues about who could wish to harm her.

With its steady plot and abundance of mysteries, A Spark of Love kept me engrossed and turning pages into the night. The author had me guessing until the very end. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series.

Alexandra Tarkington slips away from her aunt’s house with a lie of omission. But when a violent man determined to control her fortune threatens Alexandra—and her aunt—what else can an heiress do? Instead of heading to the fashionable Saratoga Springs, though, Alexandra leaves on an odyssey to Mesquite Springs, TX.

In Texas, she hopes to put thousands of miles between herself and the man she rejected as well as experience a happy reunion with her father. Since her mother’s death, Alexandra has lived with her aunt and only seen her father once a year. Sure, they correspond faithfully, but Alexandra longs for a more personal relationship. She’s taken every precaution she can think of so her suitor can’t find her. She even purchased a ticket to Saratoga Springs and made sure to wear her oldest clothes and present an unkempt appearance at each stage stop.

When she arrives, her father wants to put her right back on the stage. Will she be able to win him over?

Unbeknownst to Alexandra, two dangerous men have hired lackeys to find her. Both men want her inheritance, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it.

Gabe Seymour, a private investigator, gets sent to Mesquite Springs to find evidence that will expose Calvin Tarkington as a swindler and charlatan who ruins lives.

But when he meets Calvin Tarkington’s beautiful daughter on the stagecoach, he knows his job won’t be easy. And the more time he spends with her in the charming town, the harder it gets. He finds himself falling for a woman whose father may have been responsible for his own father’s demise.

When unexplained accidents start happening to Alexandra, her father and Gabe rally to keep her safe.

What I Liked about this Book

If you’re looking for a sweet historical romance with a bit of suspense, this third book in the Mesquite Springs series will fit the bill. Cabot writes well-developed characters. The protagonists live out their faith as they face adversity and decisions about relationships.

It struck me as odd that while the story takes place in the 1850s in Texas (a slave state), no mention is made of Black people or slavery. For a historical novel, this seems a little like setting a story in the Great Depression and not mentioning the hardships of job loss, hunger, having property repossessed, etc. While I understand not making slavery and the brewing war the point of the story, ignoring those historical facts makes the book seem less authentic.

This is book three in the Mesquite Springs series, however I believe it is a stand alone book. You do miss a little history of Mesquite Springs and some of its towns people, yet you will not be lost, if you jump right into this one. (But I would recommend reading books one and two, they are good reads as well.) If you like historical, suspenseful, mysterious books with a little romance you will like this series.
Alexandra Tarkington is a fun spunky heiress trying to flee a fortune hunter. When unusual circumstances find her enjoying the company of a total stranger, Gave Seymour, she is in surprised. Gabs cant't believe his luck yet will the past or some half truths come between their budding friendship? There is mystery, suspense, friendship, romance and more in this book. I also love reconnecting with all the characters of Mesquite Springs.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

Alexandra came to Mesquite Springs to escape an over-pushy and somewhat menacing suitor. Unfortunately, though, trouble is following. Not only is the man she rejected desperate enough for her money to send someone after her, her father's partner has his own schemes for obtaining her money. But she knows nothing of this - only that there seems something up with the father she came to visit, and she just may be falling for Gabe, a man she met on the stagecoach to Mesquite Springs. But Gabe has his own agenda... Can Alexandra escape the traps set for her by her unknown enemies? And when Gabe's secret comes to light, will the spark of love be enough?

An enjoyable and satisfying end to the series, though it's also good as a standalone. There are a few threads to follow and it took me a little while to get a handle on what was going on, but it kept me reading even while I was still trying to work it all out. And the question of how things fitted together was expertly unfolded over the course of the story, keeping the mystery going. It was also great to see a couple of secondary characters from previous books finally get their own happily ever after too - a delightful addition to the main romance (and mystery). For readers of book 2 in particular, there are a few things tied up in this story that make it even more well worth the read, though if you haven't read it there's plenty of information given so you won't feel lost. All in all, a clean and well written story, with an interesting setting, highly relatable characters (plus some bad guys that I don't want to relate to!), and an inspiring and satisfying ending. Recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

The Spark of Love
Mesquite Springs book 3
by Amanda Cabot
Revell
Rated:2-3
Back of the Book: “When a spurned suitor threatens her, heiress Alexandra Tarkington flees New York for Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country, where her father is building a hotel. But the happy reunion she envisions is not to be as her father insists she return to New York. Instead, Alexandra carves out a niche for herself in town, teaching schoolchildren to paint and enjoying the company of Gabe Seymour, a delightful man she met on the stagecoach.
But all is not as it seems. Two men, each with his own agenda, have followed her to Mesquite Springs. And Gabe is an investigator, searching for proof that her father is a swindler. When a series of apparent accidents threaten her life, Alexandra and Gabe will have to work together to discover the truth. And perhaps along the way they will discover that the sparks of attraction they've felt from the beginning are more than sparks--they're love.
Bestselling author Amanda Cabot invites you back to 1850s Texas for this exciting and heartwarming tale of treachery, love, and learning to trust.”
Impressions: At first sight, or in this case- first chapter, this book did not impress. There are no introductions or descriptions of who the characters are and where in the plot things are picking up. With no recap of the prior books this made for a challenging introduction. The text was frustrating as well, as there were no distinctions between characters perspectives. It made reading this story difficult and far less enjoyable. I did not finish this book after reading almost half.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review shared here. If you enjoyed this review, check out https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com for more reviews!

I've enjoyed this series so much. The Spark of Love took me back to Mesquite Springs where Alexandra goes in search of her father. I love how characters from the first two books in the series are woven into the fabric of Alexandra's story. Detective Gabe's job takes him into the heart of deception in Mesquite Springs. He hopes Alexandra will trust him, even as he uncovers the truth. This story of trust, redemption, and love is a wonderful read. I recommend the whole Mesquite Springs series, but each book can stand alone. I received a complimentary copy of this book.

Set in 19th century Texas, which could be a bit of a wild west of its own, this book offers up mystery, action adventure, and romance all lassoed together! It is part of the Mesquite Springs series, but doesn't have to be read that way -- it stands alone. However, it was very similar in plot to one of the other stories in the series, and I did find myself occasionally getting that one mixed up with this one. Themes of trust, renewal, and of course faith are featured here...along with a predictable, but very sweet, romance.

Set in the mid-1850s in a small town in Texas, The Spark of Love is not only a story of romantic love, but also the deep love of close friendships and the love of parents and their children, even if the children are now adults. The story also deals with the vital importance of trust and forgiveness in any type of loving relationship. The suspense element of this book deals with greed and how far some people are willing to go to fulfill their own selfish desires. I was in chapter twenty before I fully sorted out all the bad actors, but that only added to the drive to keep reading. While this is the third book in Cabot's Mesquite Springs series, it does work well as a stand-along read. I highly recommend this book and series.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Spark of Love from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

"The Spark of Love" is a Christian romance set in 1857 in Texas. This book is the third in a series, but it can be read as a standalone and didn't spoil events from the previous books. Alexandra wants to be loved for herself rather than her money. But her own father doesn't seem to love her, and she wonders what makes her so very unlovable. Gabe wants to prevent the scam that he believes her father is planning, but revealing his scam might destroy his budding relationship with Alexandra.

Gabe supported Alexandra and appreciated her personality, interests, and abilities. As they spent time together, their friendship grew into love. The main characters were engaging, had depth, and acted realistically. I cared about what happened to them. Suspense built as several people tried to pressure Alexandra to do their will (mainly involving marrying and handling over her money) and her life was threatened. Alexandra had to forgive Gabe and her father for the things they kept hidden from her. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable story.

The Spark of Love is a very well written inspirational romance. Good plot and character dynamics. I recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy. This is my unbiased review.

I was so looking forward to reading the last book in the Mesquite Springs series. I had enjoyed the first two books. I was disappointed in this book. It seems like there was a steady decline in my favor of these books.

First, it was too hard to understand with the almost immediate introductions of all the characters. It was hard to keep them straight. I think it would have been better to leave out some of them as some seemed to have the same part in the story. A very similar plot. Second, I hope this is something they fix as I read an ARC book. The problem was not a break in the layout to warn you that the scene had changed. I'd be reading along and the scene would change in the very next sentence. Sometimes it was the same character speaking but to another person. That was very disconcerting and hard to follow. The story did not flow well until the last quarter of the book. It was hard to follow.

Because of these things, I only give this a 3 out of 5-star review. If these issues are corrected the book will be a lot better. I asked to read and review this book through the Revell Reads program. All thoughts are my own, personal opinion.

The Spark of Love
by Amanda Cabot
Pub Date: March 1, 2022
Revell
Bestselling author Amanda Cabot invites you back to 1850s Texas for this exciting and heartwarming tale of treachery, love, and learning to trust.
I have not read the other books in this series but I had no trouble getting involved in the story and getting to know the characters. I highly recommend this book! I will be purchasing it for our library as well.
Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for the ARC.
4 stars

This is an interesting story that follows heiress Alexandra Tarkington and three suitors to Mesquite Springs in Texas.

Alexandra is fleeing an abusive man who wants to marry her for her money. She travels to Mesquite Springs where her estranged father lives, and is followed by three men interested in securing Alexandra for their own devices.

This novel is rich in location and character descriptions, making it easy for the reader to imagine oneself in Texas, in the 1800s. The story moves along never stopping long in one scene or another. However, in the beginning it was a bit confusing as so many characters were introduced at once. But each character had their own personality and ambitions, making it easier to figure things out as the story progressed.

Despite this novel being the third in a series, it reads well as a stand-alone. I haven’t read the other two books and found that it made no difference.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Spark of Love in an entertaining historical romance set in a small rural Texas town.

Amanda Tarkington feels threatened by a man who she knows only wants to marry her for her father’s money. She flees her home in search of her a father who she loves but doesn’t understand. She finds him in the idyllic town of Mesquite Springs, Texas. Traveling with her is a handsome and charming man who is not who he says he is, but there is clearly something brewing between them.
As Amanda and Gabe settle into small town life they are greeted warmly by the populace and soon have friends and job offers. But something is off. Several other strangers are in town and their motives are unclear. Amanda must uncover truths about her father, Gabe, and herself.
Spark of Love is a sweet love story. The characters are well developed, the plot has plenty of twist and turns. The ending is a foregone conclusion but the fun is in the getting there. Lovers of historical romance will enjoy this book.

A well written story I enjoyed reading! It begins with Alexandra, fleeing from a potential suitor, going to her father in small town Texas. On her way, she meets Gabe, when he keeps her from the attentions of some dirty men at a stagecoach stop. Both are headed for the same town, so they become fast friends. Alexandra is excited, because most men show interest in her because of her inheritance. Unknown to her, two other men are trying to find her for their own purposes, and both catch up to her. Meanwhile, Gabe, an investigator, is looking for a man that has been swindling people. Turns out, that man is her father, which presents a problem as he is falling for her.With someone trying to hurt her, he feels very protective of her. especially after two different attacks. Such a wonderful clean story! I loved it!

A Historical Romance with many unpredictable twist and turns. I was swiftly drawn into this beautiful story and found the book impossible to put down. I found it to be entertaining with some tense edge of seat reading. The characters were great and by the end of the book I felt like some of them were close friends. The gifted writer made the book seem so real that I felt like I was there in the midst of the story. Definitely a page turner with a happily ever after ending.

Alexandra Tarkington lost her Mother at a very young age. Her Father took her to live with her Aunt Helen, who raised her to be well educated and a socially excepted young lady. Alexandra always felt that her father had left her with her aunt because he didn’t love her. Her main goal in life was to earn her Father’s love and make him proud of her.

Alexandra was the heiress of her Father’s business. She had inherited her mother’s fortune and was very wealthy. She had many suitors who had proposed marriage to her but Alexandra was very smart, realizing these men only wanted her wealth. One such suitor became angry with her when she turned his proposal down and threatened her well being if she didn’t agree to marry him. Fearful that the man would follow through with his threats Alexander fled New York City to be with her father, who lived in Mesquite Springs Texas. She travelled alone, disguising her appearance in the hopes of throwing her former suitor off should he try to follow her.

Arriving in Mesquite Springs Alexandra found that her Father wasn’t happy to see her and he had told her to return to New York. With no place to stay and the boarding house full Alexandra didn’t know where else she could go. One thing was certain and that was that she would not be returning to New York City and she wouldn’t be marrying that man, ever!

I recommend this book to readers of Historical Romance and Christian Fiction. This is the third book in the Mesquite Springs series. I read it as a stand alone. The book is scheduled to be released on March the first of this year.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Heiress Alexandra Tarkington is one plucky woman as she flees New York to escape a greedy, unscrupulous suitor to find her absentee father in Texas. Alexandra doesn’t really know who to trust in the new town of Mesquite Springs. Are the men she meets and who want to court her genuinely interested in her, her money, or something else?

Gabe Seymour was driven to find Calvin Tarkington to avenge his father’s death and the loss of his family’s money. What he was surprised to find out was Alexandra, Calvin’s daughter, was nothing like her father. She was generous and caring to all she met. She gave of herself and her time, even volunteer teaching art classes to the students. The growth seen in Alexandra’s confidence and trust were part of the story that I really enjoyed.

Calvin Tarkington’s secretive nature, ruthless men, and the “accidents” that keep happening to Alexandra give this story elements of mystery and danger. This is the third book in the Mesquite Springs series, but can be read as a stand alone. I didn’t read the other two books and was able to easily read it without prior knowledge. I recommend reading it if you like clean romance, westerns, Christian fiction, or mysteries.

I received a reader copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review; all opinions are my own.