Book Review – A Single Spark by Judith Miller

The Civil War

Espionage and Treason

A Little About the Book

The more I read historical fiction, the more I’m discovering how much I like it. Some recent books that I feel in love with are The House at the End of the Moor, The Lost Orphan, and The Land Beneath Us.

Well, goodness, now I’m having a hard time finding a stopping place. I could go on and on listing the great books that I’ve reviewed. Rather than do that, however, click on historical fiction at the top of this post or go to the side of this page and click categories then click historical fiction.

A Single Spark takes place at the Washington Arsenal, the city’s main site for producing and storing munitions. While the men are fighting for their cause, women are busy working at the ammunition plants.

When Clara McBride, who works at the Washington Arsenal is given the opportunity to train a new employee, Beatrice (Bea) Hodson, they become close friends. Bea makes it known to Clara almost immediately that she would love to become friends with their handsome supervisor, Joseph Brady, but it seems she doesn’t have much of a chance since he has eyes for another: Clara. But will Bea find a way to interfere?

As the story progresses the interesting characters bring to life what it might have been like to work at the arsenal. But also a bit of a mystery is introduced. When cartridges fail to fire from several shipments, the search begins to locate what is happening at the Washington Arsenal. Everyone falls as a suspect of sabotage.

Details

• Title: A Single Spark
  • Author: Judith Miller
  • Publisher: Baker Publishing
  • Publication Date: June 2, 2020
  • Pages: 352
  • Read an Excerpt

My Thoughts

This felt like a light, entertaining, historical novel. The characters were interesting, and the writing done well. The romance was sweet and the espionage was the reason to continue turning pages. Though it comes as no surprise of those involved, I wondered where it would go and when they would be discovered.

What Concerned Me

This was a little slow in catching my interest, though it eventually did.

What I Like Best

Miller’s historical novel about the Civil War and Washington Arsenal is the perfect story for those who love romance, history, and a touch of suspense.

The writing flows and the descriptions are just right. I could easily visualize where the ladies were sitting and working and the bits of historical details felt accurate.

The story had an enjoyable combination of history, romance, espionage, and faith. I would compare it in some ways to a sweet, cozy mystery.

My thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this title. Opinions expressed are my own.

Rating

About the Author

Judith Miller (www.judithmccoymiller.com) is an award-winning writer whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judith and her family make their home in Kansas City, Kansas.

Questions and Answers with Judith Miller

1. This book is set in our nation’s capital during the Civil War. What made you decide upon this time period and setting?
   Many years ago, my husband and I visited the Springfield Armory National Historic Site in Springfield, Massachusetts. While I enjoy all things of a historical nature, this particular site wasn’t one I had longed to visit. However, I learned a great deal on that
   visit and somewhere deep inside, the information remained with me. I enjoy setting my books in unique work environments—particularly for my female characters—and since the efforts of women and children who worked in the arsenals during the Civil War
   hadn’t received a great deal of recognition, I hoped to shine a light of their contributions to the war effort.
2. Is the entire book set in Washington, D.C.?
   The majority of the book is set in Washington, but there are some chapters set at the Allegheny Arsenal outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There was a terrible explosion at that particular arsenal during this book’s time period, and I wanted to incorporate
   the risks that came with working in an arsenal. Although most of us have read about the Battle of Antietam, known as the bloodiest day of the Civil War, few know of the explosion at the Allegheny Arsenal, known as the worst civilian disaster of the war. Both events occurred on the same day—September 17, 1862.
3. Were you surprised by any of the research you conducted as you wrote this book?
   Yes, it seems I’m always surprised when I dig into history. While I was aware there had to be danger working in the arsenals, I didn’t comprehend how easily a large explosion
   could occur and how many lives had been impacted by such an event. There were fires and/or explosions at almost all the arsenals, both northern and southern. The Washington Arsenal did not go unscathed, either. An explosion occurred there in 1864
   where girls as young as twelve were among the casualties. I am still astonished at how quickly young women lined up to apply for positions at the arsenals after these explosions.
4. Are any famous personalities portrayed in the book?
   Members of government and Civil War figures are mentioned in the book. Secretary Seward is depicted in the book, but the shooting is not a true event. However, Secretary Seward was the victim of an assassination attempt on the same night that President
   Lincoln was assassinated. Seward survived the multiple stab wounds inflicted upon him and went on to serve as Secretary of State under Andrew Johnson. The “Gray Ghost,” John S. Mosby, was a Confederate Army Cavalry Battalion Commander who led Mosby’s Rangers in many successful raids and acts of sabotage. I found him to be an interesting subject and included him, though he was never involved in acts of sabotage against any of the Union Arsenals