Book Review - The Spark of Love (Mesquite Springs, #3) by Amanda Cabot

 

Heiress Alexandra Tarkington flees New York for Mesquite Springs in Texas Hill Country after a spurned suitor threatens her. She flees to Mesquite Springs where her father is building a hotel. Alexandra was hoping for a happy reunion with her father but, instead her father wants her to return to New York. Alexandra is determined to spend time with her father so, she becomes an art teacher at a local school. In her spare time, she spends time with Gabe Seymour, who she met in a stagecoach.

Two men with their own agenda set off to Mesquite Springs to follow Alexandra. Gabe is an investigator that was hired to prove that her father is a swindler. After a series of accidents threaten Alexandra's life, she will need to team with Gabe to find out the truth.

After reading the book summary, I thought this was going to be an interesting read. However, I found the book to be very boring. I also didn't like that the author introduced way too many characters in the first few pages. It was hard keeping track of who and what role they played in the plot. I lost interest half way through the book because there was nothing story wise that kept me interested in reading more.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion** 

Book Review - A Tender Hope by Amanda Cabot

Photo Credit - Amazon

After Thea Michener's husband was murdered and her baby stillborn, Thea decided there was nothing left for her in Ladreville. She moves with her friend, Aimee to Cimarron Creek to take the open midwife position. Thea has no interest in remarrying and having more children after her husband and child passed. However, when she arrives in town a Texas Ranger is waiting for her on her doorstep.

On his way to town, Ranger Jackson Guthre finds an abandoned baby and takes the child with him to town.  Since he was investigating Thea, he decides this is the perfect opportunity to get to know her better. Jackson is convinced that her late husband was involved in the robbery that killed his brother. As Jackson befriends Thea, he realizes the situation is more complicated than he could imagine. He realizes he will need Thea's help if he wants to catch the criminals behind his brother's murder.

This was my first time reading anything by the author and I found the book to be an enjoyable read. I didn't read the other books in the series and I was still able to follow along with the story.  I enjoyed the mystery elements in the book as it added depth to the novel. I feel like a lot of romance novels just have a bit of back and forth with the main characters without any actual story or character development. The only thing I didn't like or found realistic is that right off the bat, Jackson knew that Thea was innocent. Part of me hoped that she was at least involved the robbery to add in some more drama. Overall, I enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading more by the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**