I really enjoyed this sweet read! Apparently I haven’t read book 1 in the series (story of my life, lol), but I’ll make a point to do so. The characters are so enjoyable in this read, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it even with the inevitable references to events already past.

I learned quite a bit about a time and place in history I really didn’t know too much about. I did feel there were a couple too many points of view included for my taste (and the eARC formatting was a bit wonky, such that there was no demarcation between POV shift—so it was a bit jarring at times). But, it’s still a solid read and good conclusion to the Mesquite Springs trilogy! Worthwhile read.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Recently a question was posted in a Facebook Group that I absolutely had to answer. The question was how many Christian fiction authors have you read more than three of their books. My answer was that the list was too long to mention them all. There are some authors I've read everything they've written, others I've read all of a specific genre they've written, and others I've been a bit more picky about reading their offerings. Amanda Cabot would definitely fit in the category of authors I've read more than three of her books.
The Spark of Love is the final book in the Mesquite Springs series and can be read as a stand-alone, but it does help to read the others first. In this book, the reader almost needs a playlist to keep up with all the villains who populate the plot, and it's hard to figure out who some of the good guys are.

One of the most entertaining scenes is close to the beginning of the book when Alexandra is about to board a stagecoach. She attracts the unwanted attentions of two rough and rowdy cowboys and her rescue comes in the guise of Gabe Seymour, a private investigator who is looking for her father.

Alexandra is an heiress whose money is tied up in a trust that can only , but all her suitors know about her is that she has money. Franklin wants her money to settle his debts and will go to any length to get it. Because of his threats, Alexandra feels the need to flee New York. So she goes to Mesquite Springs, Texas, where her father is supposed to be building a hotel.

Gabe is looking for Alexandra's father because he was a con man who bilked people out of their money. He was not the only one looking for Alexandra's father, and between those looking for her father and those looking for her, both of them had their work cut out for them.

Alexandra's father is less than thrilled to see her and convinces Gabe to keep her away from the hotel he's building. At the same time Gabe feels the need to protect Alexandra.

This book is a bit predictable with the development of the plot, with the love story between Alexandra and Gabe, with the with the actions of the villains of the story, but the sheer number of bad guys is a bit daunting. The setting is a fictional town in Texas that fits with a number of places I know in Texas, so it is very believable. While this is not my favorite of Amanda Cabot's books, it is a worthwhile read.

Four Stars

Revell Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Description:
Alexandra Tarkington (even the name sounds expensive) is headed for Mesquite Springs, Texas due to a smarmy suitor who does not understand the word “no”.

In route, she meets Gabe Seymour. He is an investigator looking for Alexandra’s father, who is suspected of swindling. And there are others who are looking for Miss Tarkington. And the others are NOT the good guys.

Review:
The time period is 1850s in Texas Hill country. I am a reader who likes to know where places are. The Texas Hill region is “…widely accepted to be located in southwestern central Texas, west of Austin and north of San Antonio.“1

Some might review The Spark of Love as slow moving. I would not agree. The pacing steadily climbs as the mystery of Who is Who comes to light. Alexandra and Gabe like each other from the start BUT … Gabe *is* investigating her father. That presents a bit of a problem as their relationship deepens.

If you like a main female character to have a backbone, Alexandra does. She also has some pithy remarks like this one: “‘It wasn’t exactly trust. … I considered my choices and you …’ She wrinkled her nose. ‘Smelled better.'”

Alexandra did not leave New York because she didn’t like the suitor; she was AFRAID of him, justifiably so. You’ll learn enough about that guy in Chapter One and agree with her escaping.

I had not read the previous two books but The Spark of Love easily stands on its own. I’m sure several of the supporting characters are people from the previous books. However, the settings and dialogue are skillfully handled by author, Amanda Cabot. The reader does not feel like they “missed something”.

The simple sentence from the author’s synopsis, “But all is not as it seems.” Just keep that in mind as you read. There are some wonderful people and some that just **ACT** wonderful.

I enjoyed how the plot developed with its twists and turns. The book is 351 pages long so it isn’t a quick read. But it is a very satisfying one. And no, I won’t divulge what happens from Chapter Two on. I gave you a hint in the first chapter. Just know that things get dicey for the “good guys”.

In the “Author’s Letter” at the end of the story, Ms. Cabot states that it is “…time to move on to a new town”. So The Spark of Love is the final book in this series. Yes, I recommend this western romance with some mystery within.

I received a complimentary e-ARC* copy of The Spark of Love from the publisher, Revell, via NetGalley. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 4.5 rounded to 5.
#TheSparkOfLove #NetGalley #AmandaCabot

Title: The Spark of Love
Series: Mesquite Springs Book #3
Author: Amanda Cabot
Genre: Western romance, Christian, [mystery]
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: March 1, 2022
Format: Kindle (read), Hardback, Audiobook
Pages: 351
Source: NetGalley
Cover: Very nice.
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Source: https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/texas-hill-country/

The Spark of Love, book three from the Mesquite Springs series, is exactly what I would expect from Amanda Cabot. I loved it! Five stars.

I was eagerly anticipating this read, and it sure didn't disappoint! Now this is the third book in this series, and each can be read alone, but the characters are around in each story, and this one has some that maybe you didn't like in previous books, but now are really enjoyable!

I love Alexandra, for a woman with money, she had such a kind heart, and she goes above and beyond for children! Then Gabe, he is hurting, and thinking he is just looking into Alexandra's father, but!

Then, there are two men in town that are also interested in Alexandra, and we soon find out why!

I loved this story, yes, scary at times, but full of forgiveness and love! Yes, love of family and others!

I received this book through NetGalley, and was not required to give a positive review.

This book is part of the Mesquite Springs series. It was great seeing "old friends" and seeing what they've been up to. This book is part romance and part mystery. The author has achieved a great balance for this but I'm not surprised by this, having read her previous books.

Themes in this book include family, moving on from the past and friendship. The main characters are interesting and the heroine is a strong female lead. The book as a whole is well written and reads at a good pace.

It's sad to see this series end but I'm definitely looking forward to whatever book the author next writes. I got this free in exchange for a review. I enjoyed this and so I brought it for my library. I do recommend reading the others in the series even though this can be read as a stand alone.