Sparks Over Glenwood

by C.P. Cabaniss

He’s caught in a whirl of indecision.
She’s the spark to give him direction.

Upon returning home to Glenwood for the first time in two years, John Hart is tasked with planning and organizing an Independence Day celebration. With mere weeks to pull things together, and his own life in disarray, he’s a fish out of water.

Debbie Abrams, recent high school graduate and history buff, is staying in Glenwood with her grandparents for the summer. Overhearing that there are plans for a big Independence Day celebration, she volunteers to help.

As John and Debbie work together to create a spectacle of historic proportion, they can’t deny the draw they have toward each other. But he has plans that will take him around the world, and she wants to settle down.

Is love enough to keep him grounded?
Is his draw strong enough to give her wings?
Or, like the sparks over Glenwood, will they burn bright before burning out?



This is a new adult romance with mildly descriptive kisses, light innuendo, and zero swearing.

ebook

Expected publication June 9, 2026

About the author

C. P. Cabaniss lives in a small town in the southern United States where she teaches math, imagines—and sometimes writes—stories, and reads too many books at once. She is most inspired while with her horses, meditating in a historic cemetery, or exploring retired naval ships. She loves to travel and has long dreamed of adopting a nomadic lifestyle—though she has yet to determine what this would mean for her collection of books, which seems to grow by the day.

You can find her on Instagram @cpcabaniss_author

Reviews

[C.P. Cabaniss]

I don't rate my own work, but I like to use this space to give updates.

Update April 9, 2026
ARCs went out today! My physical copies have arrived and are beautiful. The book is with my narrator and being produced for audio that should be released around June 9 when the book goes live.

Can't wait for you to read this one!

Update March 1, 2026
This one has gone through beta readers and is currently with my editor. I've added a few scenes that I think will finish it off. It should be going to my narrator this week, and cover reveal and preorder information will come this month.

I can't wait for you to read this one!

Update January 20, 2026
The second draft is complete!
Once I finish up a short bonus scene, I'll be sending this one off to beta readers and my editor. So excited for this one!

Update January 15, 2026
I'm halfway through the second draft and loving it! I expect this one to go to betas and editing by the beginning of February. Release is June 9, 2026!

[Heidireadsitall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gah… this one just made me so happy. Easy 5 stars.

C.P. Cabiness really did it again because this story felt so full of heart and charm without trying too hard. I fell hard for Debbie and John. Their connection felt natural and easy, like you’re just watching two people slowly realize they matter to each other.

Debbie was such a favorite for me. She’s smart and so passionate about history, and I loved how that actually played a role in the story instead of just being a random trait. The way she shares that with John and opens his eyes a bit was done so well.

And John… the way he shows up for her. The way he honors her. It was quiet, thoughtful, and honestly just really swoony in a grounded kind of way. Nothing over the top, just meaningful.

I also loved the setting so much. That early 90s, small town, no constant phone distraction kind of vibe just hits different. Everything felt slower, more intentional, and it made their story feel even more real.

And the whole Independence Day backdrop… obsessed. Planning the celebration, the town coming together, and then those fireworks at the end… it gave the story this soft, glowy summer feeling!!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! It was sweet, funny and had faith themes that carried. It also had history lesson thrown in (I do like learning new things!).

This book reminded me that even though we have our plans, like John, God’s purpose ultimately prevails and it’s often so much better than we could plan for ourselves.

I also appreciated how mature John and Debbie were considering how young their characters are. Debbie used wisdom in making decisions and John was willing to listen to advice.

Overall I think it was a great read and definitely recommend it. Plus, the history of the Declaration of Independence was so fascinating!!

I am grateful to have received an ARC copy from the author

[Jessica Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review:
I had the pleasure of arc reading this. It was such a good book. I had a hard time putting it down. This was a 5 star book for me. I related to Debbie in so many ways. The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays and I could just relate with how much knowledge she had from history. I loved learning the history of South Carolina. Debbie is smart, witty and such an easy character to love. I loved learning the confidence she carries with her through out the book. I also loved John’s character. He was a 20 year old trying to find his place in the world and never expected to fall in love but he did and he never second guessed it. If you’re a history loving fan who wants a good laugh I recommend this book. It’s coming out just in time for the 4th of July.

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparks Over Glenwood is an amazing fourth of July book. There are many sweet and funny moments that made me smile. I loved the faith themes that were added into the book, and I felt like I learned along with the characters. Sometimes, our plans are not God's plans, and yet God always carries out His plan for our lives. All we need to do is trust Him. I really enjoyed this book and would totally recommend it.🤗

[Cammi Larsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some things about this book that I really loved. These were:
Playing homage to our Independence Day!
History of South Carolina Declaration Signers
Recognition that the characters were members of the Church of Jesus Christ

What I didn't like:
Their relationship was mentally always a step ahead of where they really were
Kisses with tongue
Ending/epilogue was more like a quick summary of their future. It didn't feel satisfying to me.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it wasn't a quick read for me because it was full of history that I am completely unaware of being a non American and I couldn't do my usual speed read. I really enjoyed learning it though! The characters were great, I loved reading their story and how the independence day event that I loved in Christmas games and candy canes came about! I didn't need the back story of the event to read that story but am so glad it was written because it was so good!

[Kelli S. Blissard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! My favorite part is how the author weaved elements of U.S. history, especially Revolutionary War era, into the story. There are also lots of interesting facts about South Carolina. The love interests are believable and real. I appreciated how there relationship developed slowly physically and there was no explicit content or language. It is wonderful that it is a prequel, so we know we have the opportunity to revisit them in other books on the series.

[Rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect summer book for America 250! Romance centered around Independence Day is something I never expected, but I absolutely love it. The author did such an amazing job with her characters and their chemistry. Very cute, very wholesome. I also learned a lot of random history facts about South Carolina and I was totally into it.

[makeupthepages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this book!!! John and Debbie's love story was so cute and patriotic. The faith themes and dancing under the stars were my favorites. This book only has holding hands and some kissing scenes that are very brief. A very cozy read perfect for Independence Day!!!

Thank you C.P. Cabaniss for sending me a ebook Arc!!! Can't wait to read some more of your books!!!!!

[Carolyn Beus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an ARC copy of this book and I absolutely loved it! Debbie was my favorite character, and I wish I had a lot of the traits she has. The witty banter was fun, and all the bits of history tied into the story was a wonderful touch.

[Melissa Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sparks over Glenwood was such a cute kisses only romance read! A perfect patriotic summer book.

Thank you to C.P. Cabaniss for this ARC copy to enjoy early 😀