The Spark of Love

Written by Amanda Cabot

Narrated by Barbara McCulloh

She's determined to start a new life in the West … if only the old one would leave her alone

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, an investigator, is searching for proof that her father is a swindler.

With so much to lose—and hide from one another—Alexandra and Gabe will have to come together if they are ever to discover whether the sparks they’ve felt from the beginning can kindle the fire of true love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705050217

Amanda Cabot

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of A Stolen Heart, A Borrowed Dream, and A Tender Hope, as well as the Texas Crossroads, Texas Dreams, and Westward Winds series. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers' Best. She lives in Wyoming. For more information, visit www.amandacabot.com.

Reviews for The Spark of Love

[dmcoco_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was an easy but good read. Left one with positive thoughts

[mookie86 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The plot and characters were well-rounded and as the plot kept developing I found myself more intrigued as to where it was headed. The author did a good job with the unknown on how relationships were or weren't developing. I enjoyed the historical feel of it too during a time and setting I normally don't read. Thank you to the publisher and LibraryThing for the review copy.

[polarmath · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing the interactions between Alexandra and Gabe as they try to figure out exactly what is going on. Alexandra has moved away to a small town and is trying to start over. She works to fit in her new town but soon finds that all is not as it seems. I liked seeing how things evolved and how the relationships changed along the way.I received a copy of the book to read, the review is mine.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Spark of Love takes us back to Mesquite Springs, Texas, for another entertaining visit with the wonderful people who live there. Author Amanda Cabot introduces us to a wealthy newcomer who's come to the Texas Hill country to reconnect with her father, but it certainly isn't going to be easy! Alexandra is hungry for her father's love, but Calvin Tarkington isn't an easy man to understand, and he seems to be keeping secrets that she may not want to learn. Gabe Seymour is another visitor to Mesquite Springs, and he's been hired to prove Tarkington's shady dealings. He has his own personal vendetta against this businessman, but will he be able to continue his efforts once he meets the sweet Alexandra?As I read this story, I found myself caught up in the many emotions experienced by these three main characters. Mr. Tarkington appeared unloving and aloof, but perhaps he was covering deep hurts. Alexandra didn't just want her father's love--she also wanted to avoid being pursued by fortune-hunting suitors. There was definitely a spark between her and Gabe but could she be certain that he was sincere. Would his secret motives prevent this spark from bursting into a flame of love!Cabot's penned an intriguing and satisfying conclusion to her Mesquite Springs series, and I especially enjoyed catching up with the people that I'd met in the first two books. The Spark of Love has conflict, mystery, and romance, but there's also a strong message of hope, love, and forgiveness woven into the story. This is historical Christian romance that you'll definitely want to read and savor!I received a copy of this book through Revell Reads. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

[thedeffenbaughs6 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was lovely returning to Mesquite Springs and seeing old friends. I was really excited to read this book after reading the last one as I felt it left us on a cliffhanger on who Mr. King was. Well I was so glad that this book definitely remedied that. In this story we meet Alexandra Tarkington, who is an heiress and is fleeing from a man that is intent on marrying her for her money. She goes looking for her father and in the process meets Gabe Seymour who is a private investigator that is also looking for Alexandra's father but obviously not for the same intentions she is. I really enjoyed how these characters encounter each other and how quickly they develop a friendship. I think sometimes life works out that way, where God sends you someone that you need at the right time and I felt that was the case with Gabe and Alexandra. Of course theirs turns into something more but I will not spoil it for you. You will have to read the story! This story is not simply a romance. Like I mentioned at the beginning the previous book left us in a cliffhanger on who Mr. King was. Lo and behold he just happens to be Alexandra's father but he is definitely keeping secrets that will come out and reveal things that Alexandra was not prepared for. While all that is happening we also have the gentleman that is trying to pursue Alexandra and his goons who come after her and try to deter her from falling for Gabe. This story has a little bit of everything friendship, romance, mystery, but most of all it has a redemption story and how when we forgive we have to let go of that anger and resentment. Amanda Cabot did a wonderful job with this book and it was nice to revisit the town and its residents. I will be sad to leave them behind but excited for a new series with this author! If you enjoy Christian Historical Fiction I definitely recommend you grab this one. Start with book one so like me, you can fall in love with the town and its characters. My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked itI received a copy of this book from the publisher Revell. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Spark of Love, by Amanda Cabot, is book three in The Mesquite Spring series. This story does follow after the previous stories so it is best to read this series in order. In this story we meet the Tarkington family and those who are interested in them. Alexandra flees her home in New York to get away from a very demanding man who wants to marry her. She go to be with her father, who is building a hotel. Meanwhile others are trying to find her to gain control of her money.This is a wonderful story that is well written and easy to imagine. The story is filled with suspense, some mystery, friendships and romance. I especially enjoyed how willing Alexandra is to help others, with teaching children in school and taking over some responsibilities at the hotel. Her struggle with forgiveness is so real and easy to understand. I enjoyed catching up with the other wonderful characters from previous books as well. I do wish the author would make one more story to tell Laura's story though.I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love all the twists and turns that occur in this third book in the Mesquite Springs series. I love Alexandra and Gabe. These two are a wonderful couple and they fit in well with the other people in this town. They both came to Mesquite Springs to find out anything they can about Alexandra’s father. There were many great characters in this book and I even came to like Calvin Tarkington at times. This is a fantastic historical romance and a great ending to this series. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[coverloverbookreview · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not only am I a book cover art lover, but I love strong opening scenes and first lines. When my interest is piqued by the first line, I’m pulled into the story quickly rather than being inundated with scenery and backstory.Amanda Cabot is a gifted storyteller and I’ve loved anything I’ve read by her. The Spark of Love pulled me in quickly, I easily connected with the characters, and although parts were predictable, other parts kept me guessing. I loved the dynamics of Alexandra and Gabe’s interactions. I must admit I was a bit overwhelmed with the number of characters (who was who and where they fit in), but I never lost interest. This is a relatively fast read with a wonderful blend of romance, history, and mystery. I’m glad this can be read as a standalone.Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.#TheSparkofLove

[grammy57 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

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.

[dawn1361 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sometimes you just need to escape to a place where good prevails, the guy gets the girl, relationships are restored, the bad guys are punished, and all is well at the end 327 pages. Enter Mesquite Springs, TX in 1857, a small town where Amanda Cabot’s, “A Spark of Love” is set. Billed as an historical romance, the novel hits the mark. I received my copy from LibraryThing’s Early reviewer program and this was an enjoyable quick read.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 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 LibraryThing, and was not required to give a positive review.

[bgknighton · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nice romance set in Mesquite Springs, 1857. Alexandra travels to Texas to escape an aggressive suitor who is willing to do whatever it takes to get her inheritance. She finds true love and the truth about her father. Well written, good characters.

[carolee888 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Spark of Love by Amanda Cabot was a satisfying mix of mystery, romance and the old West. Alexandra Tarkington had lost her mother when she was a young girl and her father sent her away from Texas to be under the care of her mother's relative. He only visited her a few times during the year. Alexandra had inherited a great of money from her mother and the word was out. She attracted men but one was very insistant that they marry. He became dangerous and she knew that the best solution was to flee and perhaps try to deepen her daughter-father relationship.Gabe Seymour was in the stage coach with her and had the same destination, Mesquite Springs, Texas. His had died and his father died soon after being swindled out of all his money by a scam. Gabe was hired to investivate Calvin Tarkington, aka Cal King. He thought that Calvin might be the one who tricked his father.There are several villians and a few good friends to both Alexandria and Gabe as story unfolds. There was an element of suspense, danger and more restful scenes like Alexandria learning how to make cinammon rolls and doing water colors. The balance of the story elements was perfect. I enjoyed the tale immensely.I received an Advanced Reading Copy from the Publisher as a win in a LibraryThing contest.

[lubazuck · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My, what a wonderful read! Alexandra was brought up by an aunt because her mom had died and her father wanted what he thought he couldn't give to her. She had a large inheritance and had many suitors who only wanted her for her "money". She ran away but was found. You really have to read this because it is a pageturner!!! I don't want to spoil it for anyone-please read.....

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars. Rating shown may differ depending on whether the site allows half star ratings.This is the third book in the Mesquite Springs series. I don't remember reading the first two, so you can read this as a stand alone if you want--though you might understand more about the town and the minor characters in this book if you've read the other books in the series.What I liked: the discussions of art--particularly what seems to be the early investigation of art therapy. What confused me: the inconsistencies--it's okay for Alexandra to travel on her own to her cousin's in Saratoga Springs but not okay for her to travel on her own to Mesquite Springs, Texas. What I disliked: I'm tired of men pursuing wealthy women just for their money or in the hopes that the infusion of money will "save" the man. It's one thing if that type of relationship is what both parties want. (It wouldn't be what I want.) But Alexandra wants a loving relationship, not just a convenient one.Too much coincidence: Sam just happens to have an anger problem and his pastor just happens to know of a program that Sam can go to and that program just happens to be the same one that tried to treat Jason Biddle. Gabe just happens to have been hired by Jason Biddle to find Calvin and Alexandra and just happens to end up lodging with Sam. All this in a tiny Texas town. Note: I received an ARC of this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers Group in exchange for an honest review.

[nancyluebke · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this Historical, clean, western, romance. This was a advanced copy from the publisher and I voluntarily chose to review it. The heiress has a large amount of her own money. The Women in her family made it so it was passed down to the women in the family, not for their husbands. Until the men find out about the last stipulation, there are several suitors wanting to wed. Greed is an ugly thing when it goes unchecked. There is a bit of action in this and not so bad, good guys. And of course, several bad guys. All centered around this heiress, the battle keeps coming till the end.