The Spark of Love

​Author: Amanda Cabot
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Mesquite Springs #3
Release Date: March 1, 2022

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.

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Reviewer: Sarah Speck

The Spark of Love is the third and final title in Amanda Cabot’s Mesquite Springs series. I have had the privilege of devouring all three of these books. And I do mean devour! This series is filled with mouth-watering dishes and desserts. 

I think I love great food as much as a good romance. The Spark of Love has that too, by the way. The chemistry and conflict between Alexandra and Gabe are palpable. Even as you cheer on their romance, you are equally wondering how they will work through the deception from the very outset of their relationship. The pages fly as Alexandra finds herself in one close call after another, with Gabe not far behind.

Although you can certainly read this book as a stand-alone, I think it is best read in the context of the whole story. If not, you might be confused about some of the main characters. Book #2 left us on a cliff-hanger, and this title picks the story up. Time in Mesquite Springs is not wasted, though. If you’re like me, you will love the small-town feel and its simple people, flaws and all. I’d pack up my bags and move right in if possible. The relationships and the fullness of the characters just get better with each book.
 
This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Joy Hannabass

It's been a while since I read an Amanda Cabot book, and I realize how much I have missed! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Unfortunately, I didn't get to read the first two books in this series, but I had no problem reading this as a standalone. I plan to purchase books one and two to read soon, just because I have to read the entire series! 

Threatened by an ex-suitor, Alexandra Tarkington says goodbye to New York City and hello to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country, where her father is. But Alexandra finds she doesn't need her father either, so she sets out on her own and is determined to make it with just her.

I really enjoyed getting to know Alexander and Gabe. The issues they both battled throughout the story added deeply to their characters. These two will stay with me for a long time. Cabot created a host of characters that tell their story wonderfully. Most are delightful, and some just have to be in the story to add a little flavor. I like how the plot flows so smoothly, yet it keeps you on your toes reading. I also like the element of faith running throughout. Yet it's done subtly. 

Author Amanda Cabot does a fantastic job writing this third and final book in the series. I could tell she is weaving everything together to close out the Mesquite Springs series with an ending everyone will favor. And oh, how much I enjoyed those splashes of mystery and suspense thrown in there. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to read another Amanda Cabot story after so long. I encourage you to check out The Spark of Love by Amanda Cabot. You won't be disappointed! I'm giving this book Five Stars! 

This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Amy Smelser

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 to 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.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"My instincts tell me something is wrong, but I can't find any evidence."

Gabe Seymour and Alexandra Tarkington arrive in Mesquite Springs, Texas on the same stagecoach, but for distinctly different reasons. Alexandra just managed to cleverly escape a dangerous suitor who was primarily drawn to her vast inheritance, while Gabe's role as a private investigator means that he is on a mission to expose a man who stole fortunes from others. The two travelers formed a friendly bond which continues to grow, especially after Gabe establishes a casual rapport with Alexandra's father, who is building a fine hotel in the growing town, but whose relationship with his own daughter is complicated at best.

Unknown to both of them, two other strangers have arrived in Mesquite Springs with Alexandra in their sights. While Gabe continues his quiet sleuthing, which is unearthing more questions than answers, Alexandra settles into the hospitable community in spite of her father's reluctance for her to remain there. Then seemingly out of nowhere, curious "accidents" befall Alexandra. Will the truth ultimately free Gabe and Alexandra from their pasts, or will the sins of the father cause an irreparable rift between two hearts who are feeling the undeniable "spark of love."

What a sweet story! Full of meaningful life lessons, these characters demonstrate their honest desire to do the right thing, even if at times they go about it the wrong way. Don't we all yearn to be enough, to right wrongs, to love and be loved, to seek justice, to protect those we care about; to use our God-given gifts and abilities in a way that is pleasing to Him? And when we stumble, "let us put aside anger and forgive each other". A thoughtful, delightful and easy-to-read historical romance that concludes our trips to the town of Mesquite Springs, which I, for one, am going to miss!

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Reviewer: Erin Stevenson

The Spark of Love is the third book in Amanda Cabot’s Mesquite Springs series set in a fictional small town in the hill country of Texas.  I was excited to see an Amanda Cabot book on the list, and when I agreed to review it, I broke one of my cardinal rules, to never read a book within a series out of order, but I couldn’t have done the review in a timely manner had I taken the time to read the other two books in the series first.
 
How I wish I’d have done that! Even though Cabot did a great job of filling in earlier details, I sometimes felt disconnected from the “big picture,” and I didn’t feel a connection with her earlier characters who were now minor characters in the present setting.
 
But back to the Spark of Love story. These two characters, Alexandra and Gabe, drew me in with both their personal struggles and the “spark” that arced between them from the beginning. Adding to that were the suspenseful elements that kept the plot moving forward, but to me, the pace lagged at times. There were a lot of minor characters, some with aliases, and I had to keep going back to check on who was who, which took me out of the story.
 
For readers who have already read the first two books, I’m certain this third installment will hit all the sweet spots—because Cabot has shown her mastery at that. I plan to read the first two books in the series and then re-read this one, and I’m pretty sure it will be much more satisfying the second time around. Say it with me: don’t read books in a series out of order!

I received this book courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Carolyn Bryant

What a powerful, satisfying conclusion to Ms. Cabot’s wonderful Mesquite Springs series! 

I thoroughly enjoyed returning to the fictional town of Mesquite Springs, Texas, to reconnect with some old friends and meet some exciting new ones. The characters in this story come to life and capture your heart. There are some I love (especially Alexandra and Gabe), some I strongly dislike, and others I was just not sure about until the story was over! 

The page-turning plot is rich with mystery and suspense and flows smoothly at a steady pace. Sweet romance and an inspiring faith thread with themes of forgiveness and trust add to the enjoyment of the read. Even though this is the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this book and the series. 

​I was given an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from Revell through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

I loved this awesome book! Whenever I see an Amanda  Cabot book, I get excited. Her stories are so wonderful. I'm never disappointed. She kept me turning the pages, and before I knew it, the book was finished. It was over too soon for me. 

Some great messages are woven through the story too. At times I knew just how Alexandra felt. I definitely can relate to her in some of the scenes. I'm sad to see this series end, but I know that there will be some more exciting new novels to look forward to.

I highly recommend this book!

I was given an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from Revell through Interviews & Reviews.

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