Wanting to do her part in the war effort, Clara McBride goes to work in the cartridge room at the Washington Arsenal, the city’s main site for production and storing of munitions. She’s given the opportunity to train new employees and forms a friendship with two of them. All seems to be going well, especially when one of the supervisors shows interest in her. Lieutenant Joseph Brady is an injured … an injured army officer who, no longer able to lead troops into battle, has been assigned to a supervisory position at the Washington Arsenal. While Clara has caught his eye, he also makes it his mission to fight for increased measures to prevent explosions in the factory.
But when suspicions rise after multiple shipments of Washington Arsenal cartridges fail to fire and everyone is suspect for sabotage, can the spark of love between Joseph and Clara survive?
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Judith Miller has written another captivating story about the Civil War.
What I find interesting about this story is that it was set in an arsenal factory. Something we don’t often read about when reading a Civil War book. It’s always set somewhere else. I love this new outlook.
It was fascinating! I learned quite a lot along the way. I never knew how or where the soldiers got their ammunition from.
Miller kept me guessing until the very end. I was surprised. It wasn’t who I thought it was at first.
I didn’t like Bea from the get go. She was to me a shifty person always thinking about herself and using other people like Clara for her own gains in life.
Clara is just the opposite. I thought her a sweetheart. In many ways she’s just like me. She wears her heart on her sleeve.
I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. It was in the wee hours of the morning when I did.
I’m a fan of Judith Miller for life. I love looking to see what she comes out with next. They never disappoint.
I highly recommend this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
I found this take on the behind the scenes of the Civil War interesting. I have never read anything about the Arsenal facilities and the part women played in making cartridges for the soldiers. It was enlightening to see how they put their lives on the line while their menfolk were off fighting for freedom. Add the twist of southern sympathizers who have infiltrated and budding romance and you have the makings of a great read. I love the slower pacing of Ms. Millers books as it gives you time to absorb what is taking place and get to know the characters on several layers. Although I didn’t care for Bea and her tactics of using people I was hopeful for redemption. I always tend to see the good in people like Clara but we cannot change them, as only Christ can. I loved the faith portrayed and Clara’s relationship with her mother. This is a good solid Historical read that is informative as well as entertaining. This goes on my Judith Miller shelf with my other treasured books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
This intriguing narrative grabbed and kept my interest from beginning to end. Historical romance set in the Civil War era is my favorite genre, but this book is refreshingly different from others I have read in that it is not set on a plantation or battlefield but in a military arsenal employing civilian workers doing their part for the war effort. Historical events and people are woven expertly into the fictional narrative evidencing extensive research. The captivating plot flows at a steady pace with twists and turns and a few surprises leading to a satisfying end. The characters are well-developed and memorable, and the romance is sweet. The combination of romance, faith, history, and suspense make for a very enjoyable read which I highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
A remarkable name for a wonderful book. A single spark that ignited a whole chain of events with great endings. Wonderful characters. I liked the chemistry between Joseph and Clara. The wordings of the story was really enjoyable.
My heart went out for the trauma Joseph went through during battle but the fact that he choose to push on and make something out of a life threatening situation was very admirable.
I found it very, very courageous to read about the women that worked in the arsenals to produce ammunitions for the solders in battle. Bold, bold women doing their bit in the time of war.
This is the first of this author I am reading and it is a compelling tale.
If you love historical fiction with events and romance that will keep you captivated, you definitely should read this book.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
I love the reads by this author, and this one did not disappoint, based on history and including some truth, this story pulled me in and didn’t let go.
Dealing with the grief of loosing her father, Clara McBride and her mother are getting by living in Washington DC, she working at the Arsenal, and her mom as a seamstress.
A chance meeting on the way to work adds new friends to Clara’s life, and all our on their way to make the ammunition to help the Union win the war.
We are offered a couple of sweet romances, a chance to look at the top leaders during this time at parties, and some of the reality of war.
Be aware not everyone is what or whom they claim to be, including some that you feel like you are falling in love with.
I so enjoyed reading the author’s notes at the end of this read, and loved the facts gleaned there.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Judith Miller’s “A Single Spark” is full of detailed history and suspense. Although the history is very interesting and does add to the story, it is not woven seamlessly into the story but rather in chunks that don’t always mesh well with the plot. I admit I skimmed some of the book because I couldn’t connect with the characters and the plot, although intriguing, just never completely piqued my interest. Readers who enjoy historical aspects of novels more than romantic build-up will enjoy this story. 3/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.