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The Spice King (Hope and Glory, Bk. 1)

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building an acclaimed global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before they spiral out of control, he returns to his ancestral home for good after years of traveling the world. As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience. Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save? "Camden launches her Hope and Glo

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I have to admit that I've been a little hit or miss with reading Elizabeth Camden's books in recent years. I'm really not sure why because I really enjoy them. But, anyway, I am glad that The Spice King was one of the 'hits'. Not only was I completely entertained by this story but I also learned a lot, about vanilla which is one of my favorite flavors, to something I hadn't really thought of because it is the norm now, the need for requiring food labels to fully disclose the contents.

Anyway, I was won over right away by the heroine's job, I'm a museum fan so her work in the Smithsonian was way cool! The hero's work as the head of an international spice company was quite interesting, I was even inspired to check out the history of vanilla because of him.

I found The Spice King to be interesting, intriguing, and a very good read. There's some great dramatic moments, a bit of danger, and definitely some romance. I think it's probably one of my favorite Elizabeth Camden books so far. There were some surprises and I couldn't help but wonder when the heroine had to make a difficult decision what I would do if I were in her shoes. 

The Spice King was a an enjoyable story and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what Elizabeth Camden has in store for the Delacroix family in the next book in the Hope And Glory series...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Scandal and intrigue bring unexpected romance...

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“She embodied laughter and optimism and steadfast determination. Being with her felt like wind in his sails, filling him with buoyant optimism.”

Elizabeth Camden has done it again!  What a fascinating story from the beginning to end!  This beautifully written and masterfully crafted tale takes us first to 1900 Alexandria, VA as Gray is building his spice trade empire and Annabelle is starting a new life in Washington DC as a botanical specialist in the Smithsonian. As Annabelle and Gray meet while she's searching for the original vanilla orchid, their lives intertwine to include intrigue, romance, betrayal, and matters of national security. There are plenty of plot twists to keep you on your toes and there is still a smoldering question unanswered by the end of the book, which should make the sequel very interesting. I really enjoyed learning about the spice trade, the intricate process of making vanilla extract, the beginning of quality control in processed food items spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture, and how our scientists went all over the world looking for seeds and fruits to diversify our food supply. The premise and plot are quite original and captivating, as is the storytelling. 

Equally captivating are the characters in the story. Gray, the sober and disciplined businessman, and Annabelle, the bright and sunny botanist with an expertise in cereal grasses, are absolute opposites in personality and outlook on life. Yet they're drawn like magnets to each other and learn what grace, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness really mean through trials and tribulations. Gray's brother Luke and sister Caroline are also fascinating; I can't wait for the next book to get to know Caroline better. 

Truly this is a historical fiction not to be missed. I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Simply delightful historical fiction

Elizabeth Camden's books are always very well written and researched. I always learn so much about our country's history by reading her books. In The Spice King, we learn about the problem of adulterated foods in 1900, the production of vanilla, the search for a heartier strain of wheat, and intrigue in Cuba. Annabelle Larkin is a young woman botanist from Kansas working in Washington DC at the Smithsonian and later at the Department of Agriculture. Her boss wants her to persuade Gray Delacroix to donate his plant collection to the Smithsonian. Gray has traveled the world for the past twenty years importing spices and amassing an extensive plant collection. Though he has no intention of donating plants, he's impressed with Annabelle. As she gets to know Gray, his sister Caroline and brother Luke, Annabelle is pressed by two army generals to find information that puts her in an almost impossible position and threatens her relationship with Gray.  I'm glad to know this is the first of a series so we will be able to read more about these characters. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of romance with a strong dose of history.

The Spice King

I had no idea what to expect as I began reading, but this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed.  The many characters were so unique, and I loved all the surprising twists and nuggets of history throughout the book.  It took place in 1900, and Gray had been a child during the Civil War.  His perception was clearly influenced by abuses his family suffered during that time.  The plot and the characters had many layers, which was what made this book so interesting.

International spice trade, food processing, D. C. politics, and agriculture are among the many topics about which readers will be enlightened as they read this book.  I recommend it.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, for review purposes.  The thoughts expressed here are my own.

Interesting Nuggets of History

This book has everything that you could ask for. A gorgeous man on the cover who proves to be a fascinating character, a sweet, young girl with a strong, independent will, and a storyline that is filled with history, mystery, misunderstandings, and oh, yes, romance! Gray Delacroix has devoted his life to his family business and it has become a success because of his dedication to it. He is also devoted to his younger sister and brother and you just know that he is the real deal. When he meets Annabelle Larkin, he finally finds interest in something besides his work.  She is  a young farm girl who has left Kansas to work at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC and it becomes apparent that her sunny, positive attitude will seriously intrigue this gentleman.  

'Why was he so fascinated with Annabelle Larkin? This sort of attraction was out of character for him, and he couldn't pinpoint how she had captured his attention with such ease.' (p. 53)

The relationship that develops is sweet and very romantic and then, serious issues occur and their romantic interlude comes to an end. What follows is an intense story filled with anger, hurt, disappointment, and the suggestion of treason. It is often doubtful that this story will end 'happily ever after'. Abigail tells Gray that 
"If I acted wrongly, then I can only pray that God will forgive me. I know I've hurt you, and I am so desperately sorry." (p. 167)

There are several other characters who definitely contribute to this story.  Annabelle's parents and her sister show the traits that made our country strong and Gray's brother Luke and his sister Caroline are very multi-faceted characters. It is hinted that  Caroline will soon have her own story!

The Spice King is historical fiction and author Elizabeth Camden has once again proven her ability to present historical facts in a manner that leaves us wanting to learn more. In her historical notes at the end of this book, readers learn about the passage of the Pure Food and Drink Act in 1906, the creation of the Good Housekeeping testing facility in 1900, and the beginning of the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval in 1909. Even today, 110 years later, we still depend on that Seal of Approval. And who knew that the vanilla that I love to use in my baking is the second most labor-extensive spice in the world? Thank goodness that imitation vanilla is now so similar to pure vanilla!

This is the first book in the Hope

Intriguing Historical Fiction!

This story had me hooked from page one.  It was so interesting entering the world where people studied plants and wanted to learn as much as they could about them.  This story has so many unique and interesting twists and turns.  I like Annabelle and how persistent she was when she wanted something bad enough.  She was put in some hard situations in this book where the difference between right and wrong was a blurred line.  Camden had me turning pages anxiously awaiting what would happen next.  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance.  I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Another fantastic read from Camden! Peel back the cover (cleverly designed with vanilla coloring) and enter a gilded world flavored with the spices of romance, heartache, and political intrigue. The characters are loveable and relatable, and the story one to devour - leaving you grateful for the promise of more to come! Definitely one to add to your historical fiction collection.

[I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.]

Another fantastic read from Camden!

I'm glad that this is the first book in the series, because I felt like the most important issues weren't resolved.  
Which is weird, because the main characters had a happy ending.
The ending felt rushed, though.

Gray is a man whose past has defined the bulk of his decisions for decades. After traveling the globe, he's finally ready to settle down, even if it means forcing his little brother to accept some responsibility.  And accepting that his little sister has chosen to work with a president Gray distrusts.

Annabelle is a peculiar combination of steel and sunshine and guilt.  

They work together on a few things and eventually find a way to be together.

Looking forward to the next book?