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
________________
Source: https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/texas-hill-country/
