Larksong Legacy Book 3
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Finalist – 2025 Association of Catholic Publishers Excellence in Publishing Awards
Honorable Mention – 2025 Catholic Media Association Awards – Catholic Novels
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Title: Sparks Fly Upward
Author: Kelsey Gietl
ISBN (Paperback): 979-8-9856744-4-6
ISBN (eBook): 979-8-9856744-3-9
LOC Control Number: 2024906675
Publisher: Purple Mask Publishing
Date of Publication: July 2, 2024
Number of Pages: 302
About the Story
Out of the fire and into the flames…
After her unexpected escape from enslavement, Martha Louis has finally found freedom in the community of Larksong in Washington Territory. When a declaration of love arrives from a most unlikely source, she dares to hope true happiness could be hers. Before she can embrace this life of her own, a child is stolen while under her care, forcing her outside Larksong’s safe haven. To see this little one safely home, she will be asked to risk everything, including her heart.
For years, Garrett Lark’s life centered around his own selfish interests. Cynicism fueled his departure off the straight and narrow into prodigal living. Then he met Martha, and the woman no one expected him to choose was the only one who motivated him to change. Now a successful hotel proprietor, he’s ready to declare his intentions and settle down.
When Martha appears on his doorstep begging for help he can’t provide, he seeks out an old friend at Sterling’s Theatrical, a wholesome family circus with a backstage more sinister than San Francisco’s lawless underbelly. Faced with the fire of past mistakes, the life he used to love could now cost him the love of his life.
Praise for Sparks Fly Upward
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It deals with some tough topics like racism and human trafficking and handles them well. Nothing too graphic. Beautiful writing and an engaging plot, with a light speculative touch. An excellent read.”
~ Sarah Hanks, author of Fall Back and Find Me
“One of my favorite things about this author is how she seamlessly ties the Catholic worldview into her novels even while addressing some very challenging issues. These books remain what I would classify as “clean” novels while addressing some of the grittier aspects of life and doing so unabashedly. I will continue to be a fan of this author and this series and anxiously await the next book in this series!”
~ Danielle at Unrepeatable Blessings Blog
“WOW, Sparks Fly Upward packs a punch! I have to say well done to the author, she took several real life hardships (slavery, human trafficking, church hurt, etc…) and with care, woven a story that still encourages, edifies, and inspires you. I love the blend of historical accuracy with speculative abilities! The world of Larksong Legacy that Kelsey Gietl created leaves the readers wanting for more.
The character development of not just the main cast but support characters as well had me rooting for almost everyone! And you’ll realize why I said almost everyone. LOL. I especially liked one of the main character’s spiritual arc! He came to the Light when he was at his darkest. This tale was brutally honest (but clean! Nothing graphic was shown on the page) however that hope thread was woven deep all throughout the story so while the tragedies were felt, so was the redemption and light. I was positively blessed by this story, it’s my favorite by far from Kelsey Gietl!”
~ Tiffany Goldman, sensitivity reader
“Sparks Fly Upward, book 3 in the Larksong Legacy series, is a gritty historical fiction story that continues the journey of the Lark brothers. Tackling dark subject matter, this is a novel for adults, as it shines a light on the depravity of slavery in many forms. The historical notes at the end of the story show the author’s care and research as she addresses these challenging problems through engaging fiction, and I appreciate an author who dares to do so.
The writing style is tight and engaging, keeping the reader interested in what happens next. Protagonist Garrett Lark has made despicable mistakes, and seeing his transformation over the course of this series reminds us that hope is there and God will always welcome us back if we repent. The idea that sin itself is a form of deep slavery is an underlying theme, and as I finished reading, I found myself contemplating the events of the book in light of the quote from Pope Saint John Paul II: “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” The reader cannot help but root for hardheaded Garrett as he comes to learn this truth.
The other forms of slavery covered in this book are the slavery present in the American South in the 1850s (the period in which this book is set) and human trafficking. Even amidst some supernatural and unrealistic elements of this fictional tale, the plot drives home the truth that traffickers will prey on the vulnerable and impoverished, especially those with weak or ruptured family ties. The five brothers’ support of each other despite their past conflicts is an antidote to the sorrow of the broken families we see in this book. Lest the reader be dismayed by the raw depravity, it is not portrayed graphically at any point, and most of the well-developed characters come to a happy ending even though many will carry physical and emotional scars. Martha, one of the most compelling characters, shows quiet strength, grace, and reliance on God through all her trials, from her former life as a slave into freedom and back into a new form of slavery. Her past allows her to relate to the members of Sterling’s circus in a unique way.
The story also gives a glimpse into how power and control can corrupt and the level of arrogance one can achieve if relying on that power as his source instead of God. Villian Ashley Sterling is a tragic example of the lengths one will go to in order to retain control and the hopelessness of a soul enslaved by self-inflicted sin. The backdrop of his post-goldrush San Francisco circus with its sinister hidden side is an apt setting.
One of my favorite scenes was of Garrett and Cade late at night in the church in Charleston. Their conversation there and the reconciliation that had been building through the story was beautifully accomplished.
The only thing I really didn’t like was a revelation about the Lark brothers’ mother towards the end and youngest son Cade’s reaction to it, although Josiah’s response shows the reader that this situation is not condoned or glorified. The plot and characters kept me reading—I finished the book in under a week, and the ending leaves readers with a new mystery the family will need to tackle in the next book.”
~ Erin Lewis, author of Firetender
