For Love Or Country
Frothy as a syllabub, For Love or Country has a sparse texture with minimal description, except when it serves the character interplay. Sparks’ lively circle takes part in a society embroiled in conflict during the American Revolution.
Quincy Stanton, a rebel spy, disguises himself as a loyalist dandy to obtain information on the British strategy. He first meets Virginia on board a ship bringing indentured servants to Boston, and asks her price. Seeking to hire a servant, not to become one, she is offended, although she is attracted to him. He buys the papers of the young pickpocket, Josiah, and she, those of a young urchin named George, who finds himself in the lap of luxury, while Quincy puts Josiah to work in the hazardous spy game. Virginia soon joins the patriots and shows a talent for the spy game herself.
Elements of a bedroom farce cause giggles, but author Sparks also knows how to involve the emotions, as when the orphaned Josiah pours his heart out to Virginia. Sparks skillfully blends historical fact with intrigue. The result should satisfy anyone looking for a beach read or a romance that springs from America’s founding.
