The Spark Within

by B.E. Rel

After losing the love of his life, Marcus Manuel spirals into a storm of anger, jealousy, and self-loathing. Rage consumes him, painting his world in darker shades with every passing day. Once a boy who believed in love, he's become a hollow shell, driven by bitterness and the belief that his future is already written in the shadows of regret.
But everything changes when Tom, a mysterious man with his own scars and quiet wisdom, enters Marcus’ life. With an unconventional outlook and a deep understanding of pain, Tom challenges everything Marcus thought he knew - about love, loss, and what it means to heal.
As an unlikely friendship grows between them, Marcus is forced to confront the real enemy: not the past, not others, but the reflection staring back at him. In that mirror lies the truth: healing doesn’t come from revenge. It begins with understanding.

Unknown Binding

About the author

Hey! I'm a lifelong fan of storytelling. I've been writing for years and still get excited every time a new idea comes to life on the page. Creating characters, building worlds, and exploring emotions through fiction is something I never get tired of.

Reading has always been a huge part of my life too. I especially love the classics - Les Misérables holds a permanent spot at the top of my list. There's something incredible about being pulled into another world and seeing life through someone else's eyes.

When I’m not reading or writing, I’m usually outside. I love being in nature, staying active, and snowboarding whenever I get the chance. Exercise clears my head and often inspires new creative sparks.

Thanks for checking out my page - always happy to connect with fellow book lovers.

P.S. Want a sneak peek at what i’m writing?
I'm sharing daily readings from my works in progress over on YouTube and TikTok - little bits of story, fresh from the writing desk ✍️📚

Come hang out, hear what i’ve been working on, and maybe even fall in love with a character or two 🖤

🎥 find me here:

https://www.youtube.com/@Relvibes1

&

https://www.tiktok.com/@b.e.rel

Reviews

[Angela Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of the rebirth of a man who thought he lost everything when his girlfriend left him for another man. Marcus, a younger man, was filled with angst and emotion with no proper outlet, until he met an unlikely friend. Tommy, the new acquaintance who becomes a friend, is from a different generation who thought his life was ruined by the things he did and saw during his time in Vietnam. Tommy's life was turned around by the love of his life. This book parallel's the events in the lives of two men, separated by age and life events, who both lost their love, and how they descended into their despair. The story of how a new acquaintance can impact our lives, for the better, if we take time to truly listen. Tommy showed Marcus how beautiful life can be, if we open ourselves up to the possibility, and stop allowing the opinions of others to lead our decisions. The friendship that develops between Marcus and Tommy over times, serves as a reminder of the impact that our mindset makes on our lives.

An enjoyable read with a true message of the importance in finding the things in life that truly matter and not letting our lives be directed by the opinions of others.

[Angie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Spark Within is a very thought-provoking book. It deals with modern issues such as the current problem of young male alienation and loneliness. It also examines the hardships faced by Vietnam veterans of the boomer generation. All too often these disparate generations are pitted against one another, but in this novel, they actually talk, bond and learn from one another. I found that very touching.

Tommy, the elder gentleman, is quite the character. He reminds me a bit of the late, great George Carlin (who I always enjoyed watching) with his stream-of-consciousness "rants". There is a bit where Tommy gets into negativity bias. That is where large media (including social media) companies push negative stories because they get engagement even though they cause net harm to our collective psychology. Oh my gosh - George would have waxed poetic on that subject. Miss ya, George!

If you want a good buddy story, food for thought, and maybe even a bit of self-help, this is an excellent novel to read.

[Margaret Makortoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it really hard to put down. I am really blessed the EB Rel reached out to me and asked if I would like to read this book. Thank you again EB Rel