Do you read food labels carefully? I use to not care as much what was in my food, but then almost seven years ago I was diagnosed with celiac. Now, I read every single label very carefully so that I know that all the food items I purchase are safe for me. Recently, I’ve even been trying to cut as much sugar and dairy out of my diet as possible and to eat mostly whole foods. I am becoming more and more thankful that companies are required to honestly label products! However, I don’t know if I’ve ever thought about the historical events that happened to cause companies to have to label their food correctly. That is, I hadn’t thought about it until I read The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden.

As usual, Elizabeth Camden opened my eyes to historical events and details that I knew nothing about. She is such a a talented author because not only does she teach a fascinating history lesson through her stories, but she also tells a page turning fictional story at the same time. I learned so much about the historical events that caused companies who had been mislabeling foods to label their foods accurately. I also learned more about where different spices came from and how they are produced. While the historical details were my favorite part of this book, I also really enjoyed the romances that took place in the midst of all the history.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, but also to those who enjoy food, romance, and historical details.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Elizabeth Camden has done it again. With her latest release, The Spice King, she creates an intriguing plot and fantastic characters.
Camden crafts a compelling novel full of political intrigue and romantic tension. By constantly upping the stakes, Camden keeps you turning the pages. I was constantly on edge, waiting to see what would happen next. It wasn't just the romance, either. Camden has several subplots that grab your attention. From treason to corporate secrets, the novel never has a dull moment.

(Review will go live on the blog on Sept. 27 at 5:00 PM EST. Reviews on retailer websites may take up to 72 hours to appear, but I have included reviews on Amazon, Christianbook.com, and Barnes and Noble.)

Although I found this story a little hard to get into, I loved all the historical detail included by the author. I learned a lot about the food industry, Cuba, and the McKinley presidency. There was good chemistry between the two main characters as well. It's nice to read about a smart, scientific heroine, and the hero was swoony and brooding. They were a good match. I would recommend this novel to readers of historical romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley for the purpose of review.

I loved the first half of this book. Loved the development of the romance though I wished he was more assertive in his pursuit. Loved the interesting info about spices.

Somehow I lost interest in the second half when the focus seemed to shift to the man's brother and how it affected their relationship.

Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House for the ARC. This is my honest review.

I loved this story. I loved the romance and the intrigue. Annabelle helps Gray to become a better man before she does something that ruins their budding relationship. Each of the characters in the book all need to learn how to be better people. I loved reading about this time period also. I can’t wait until the next book comes out to find out what happens with all of these characters. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I’m blown away by how this author weaves fascinating historical tidbits through interesting characters I cared about and some I didn’t. I was clueless about Vanilla Extract. I wondered why there was quite an assortment of extracts with a huge price range; now I know why. Wow, I appreciate this authors skill in making a topic that could have been super boring a very thought-provoking read. It made me appreciate the availability of delicious vegetables and spices I can easily obtain today. I’m thankful for what others went through so we could have this abundance.

Annabelle is smart, naive and desperate to stay in DC for her sister’s sake. Elaine has dreamed of being a volunteer in Washington’s library for the blind. I enjoyed how the author talked about the library and showed Elaine (a young blind woman) facing her fears. Annabelle is hired as a temporary junior botanist at the Smithsonian, botanical department and then the Dept. of Agriculture. She is not popular in either camp because of the social scheme of things as the Smithsonian is a male dominated place. Annabelle’s one assignment is to obtain full-time employment which would allow her to stay in D.C. In doing so she hoped to gain valuable agricultural information, and enough money to save her family’s farm. She won’t let Mr. Gray’s rejection letter stop her. She thinks outside the box to accomplish her task in connecting with him.

Mr. Gray Delacroix is the world’s leading spice industrialist. He’s a recluse, about 40 something, a man who’s exhausted from years of traveling, contracting Malaria along the way didn’t help things. Mr. Gray is very protective of the plants he’s collected from around the world. He hears a knock at the door, he tries to send the person away; but stops after she tells him of the Smithsonian’s search for an elusive vanilla orchid. He’s captivated by Annabelle’s bright scientific mind and optimistic courage. She’s lovely and hard to ignore. He doesn’t trust the government or this attractive woman. Gray and Annabelle connect in a special way, which has him thinking for the first time about settling down to enjoy the fruits of his labor. I couldn’t help but smile as Gray and Annabelle toured and talked about their love of botany, it was a rare connection.

Annabelle and Gray worked well together to fight the good fight in making people aware of additives in the food supply (the author tells readers about how this led to the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906, which required labels to accurately describe a product’s contents.”) Interesting that we are still fighting this fight. I was fascinated at how the Smithsonian collected seeds from different cataloging of these species.

The Smithsonian confronts Annabelle; she is faced with a choice she didn’t think she could make but when generals sit her down and want her to uncover information about the Delacroix family business. She buckled. She had to know Gray had nothing to do with this, so she forged ahead to prove his innocence. Her heart ached. What if she found something? She knew she’d give it to the government. She also knew it would blow up any chances she had at a relationship with Gray.

This is book one in the Hope and Glory series. I'm thrilled that the author takes up Caroline Delacroix next. Here is a peek, "Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of Washington society in her role as secretary to the First Lady of the United States. Yet Caroline is hiding a terrible secret, for unless she can untangle a web of espionage, her brother faces execution for treason."

Looks like more fun ahead in book two. This novel was filled with a splash of romance, political drama, betrayal, loyalty to family and country, treason and forgiveness. I liked how the author authentically weaves the characters’ faith into this story while sprinkling readers with a rich history of the dept of agriculture, food regulation in the early 1900s the American occupation in Cuba, and the presidency of William McKinley (highlighting issues and his wife’s health). I love learning about history this way. All this made for a book I couldn’t put down. I look forward to reading the next book. This author includes 9 discussion questions to help create lively discussions.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
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I absolutely loved The Spice King. It was such a unique story, from the setting to the characters and the flow of the storyline. It is hard for me to put into words, but I enjoyed the fact that this book made you think about tough decisions and it wasn’t the typical romance formula. I am extremely excited that this is only the first book in a series.

This is book one in the Hope and Glory series and I can't wait to read more from the series. I enjoyed getting to know the Delacroix and the Larkin families. I love the humor, sparks, mystery, family and all the twist and turns in this novel.

Gray Delacroix and Annabelle Larkin have many similarities yet some complete opposites as well. I love their sparks and oddities. Gray and Annabelle come from two completely different worlds yet overall they both want the same thing, even if they don't realize it.

It was really interesting to learn a bit more about spices that are so easily accessible now. Like vanilla extract. We kind of take that for granted but it wasn’t always the case and it was a precious commodity. I enjoyed that aspect of the book.

I also liked Annabelle and her struggle to being her own person but also taking care of her sister.

Gray was a little harder to like, I didn’t care for his calculating way he pursued Annabelle, it seemed a little forced at times, at least in the beginning.

But overall, this was an interesting read and I enjoyed it.

A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.

4.5 Stars

Elizabeth Camden is a master of writing about pieces of history I’ve never given thought to. The Spice King combines several of such including the production of imitation spices, the beginnings of what is now the FDA and labeling food, and even a little about Good Housekeeping (the magazine).

I appreciate that Camden’s heroines are intelligent, strong women who fight for what they believe in. Annabelle Larkin, a college-educated botanist, is no exception. And it is those qualities that captivate Gray Delacroix’s attention.

This historical fiction read is lighter on the romance than I usually prefer (with some high highs and low lows) but the rich descriptions, historical tidbits, intrigue, and wonderful character development made up for it.

I’m already looking forward to the next installment of the Hope and Glory trilogy and what Camden will teach me about next.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

With her always detailed and immersive research and her glorious turns of phrase, Camden excels at spotlighting interesting and little known aspects of American history in her highly readable books. Her heroines are always intelligent and more than matches for their equally bright heroes. Gray and Annabelle are no exception.


The fact that Camden finds ways to extol the agency women did have as they worked up in a man's world is fascinating to me and she always draws out nuances in the threads of US historical narrative often overlooked in fiction---especially in CBA fiction and romance. Here, spices, treason and food transparency are the heart of a romance flavoured with exotic plants and ripe with detail. Though all of Camden's geographical canvases --from Boston to New York to the pearl trade on the US West Coast are resplendent-- I cannot doubt the author's personal passion for Washington, DC. We are back in an amidst political upheaval, we meet McKinley and his wife, we dive into the Library of Congress and we see all through the perspective of two layered and flawed characters.


Gray, a dashing figure in his early forties suffers from recurring bouts of malaria and is the sort of broodish sort you would read out of Darcy --until he meets Annabelle: sunny and dedicated to her blind sister and to capitalizing on her degree in Agriculture.

This is just a fascinatingly unique setting and world for two characters and I cannot emphasize enough how empowering and feminist Camden's books are without every leaning into anachronism. Intelligent, romantic and beautifully written, charged with fascinating history and proving her, again, a perennial and inimitable voice in inspy fiction.

What an interesting concept. I don’t think I ever considered the beginnings of food manipulation and how it was fought. I really enjoyed learning some history in this book. And if nothing else, it made me think more about what goes into my mouth. I loved the passion of the main characters and the secondary. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All views stated here are my own.

The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden is the first book in the Hope and Glory series. Annabelle Larkin is determined to keep her job as a botanist at the Smithsonian, and is tasked with securing access to a well-known specimen collection. The problem is the reclusive Gray Delacroix is the owner of the collection. Larkin uses her wiles to gain access to Delacroix, and there is instant chemistry between Delacroix and Larkin. Facing a challenge from another rival company, Delacroix and Larkin unite to expose unethical business practices that endanger the lives of all those who consume the questionable food and advocate for more stringent food safety laws. Once again, Camden has taken a lesser known historical event or movement and brought it to life with the words on the page. I eagerly await the next book in the series.

With a captivating storyline and colorful, well-drawn characters, Elizabeth Camden starts her new series, Hope & Glory, off with a bang. The striking cover and title captured my interest before I even knew what the story was about. Impeccable historical detail and complex plots are some of Camden’s strengths, and they are evident in The Spice King.

Gray Delacroix and Annabelle Larkin seem to be opposites in many ways, but the chemistry between them is obvious and compelling. I liked Annabelle’s gutsy, optimistic courage and Gray’s love and care for his family. The outstanding cast of secondary characters added to my enjoyment of the story, and Camden’s clear, concise writing is a plus.

Uplifting messages of importance of family, courage, hope, and forgiveness give added dimension and depth to the story. “God had never promised them a life free of sorrow, only the tools to hold and keep them through stormy days.” There is a bit of a cliff-hanger at the end but not enough to detract from the tale. I’m looking forward to Caroline’s story in the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

While I normally read contemporary and suspense novels almost exclusively, authors like Elizabeth Camden are tempting me to change my preference to Christian historical novels. The Spice King lured me with an irresistible heroine, handsome but hurting hero, and an array of tantalizing tidbits of new-to-me information. I do love learning as I read and truly appreciate thorough research like the fascinating info on the origin and growth of the spice industry. Added elements of subterfuge, rivalry, and even espionage added to the story and my enjoyment.
The Spice King is the first of a new series, and I eagerly await the next installment. Until then, I recommend The Spice King and award it five stars. Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Annabelle Larkin might lack city polish and a degree from a prestigious university, but she makes up for it in pluck and persistence. Her job at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., only lasts for six months. But her boss has hinted that if she proves herself valuable, another position might open up.

And Annabelle will do everything in her power to remain in the capitol and help her sister fulfill her dream. After all, Annabelle feels she bears the blame for her sister’s condition. But in 1900, opportunities for educated women—especially ones with a degree in agriculture—don’t often come along.

Annabelle writes a letter to the reclusive businessman Gray Delacroix concerning his collection of rare plants. Her letter sparks a terse response, but she refuses to give up. Using her pluck and persistence, she manages to form a friendship of sorts with Gray.

When the feisty Annabelle Larkin shows up on his doorstep uninvited, Gray Delacroix has to admire her pluck. Even if he has no intention of letting her see, much less study, his rare plant collection. But something about her forthright manner and honesty changes his mind, and before he knows it, he finds himself half in love with the fellow botany lover.

While the conditions seem right for a romance, top government officials approach Annabelle with their suspicions that Gray might be a spy. Faced with two horrible choices, Annabelle must decide what to do—do what is right, or follow her heart.

Once again, Elizabeth Camden has taken an obscure topic (food purity and the Food and Drug Administration) and turned it into a panorama of the Gilded Age. Her quirky characters keep the reader rooting for the heroine and hero. The supporting cast contains well-rounded characters full of foibles and flaws. I can’t wait to see who Camden features in book two of the Hope and Glory series.

This is the first book by this author that I have read. From the blurb I thought it would be a great read but was a little disappointed in it. I found the story about the spices interesting but I found the characters just didn’t seem to work and I struggled to read it. It wasn’t poorly written, it just didn’t suit me and I am sure there are others who will love it. It was also a little out of my time period, I usually read older historical romances. I received this as an ARC and have given it my honest review.

Elizabeth Camden has done it again!
As always a great storyline that will pull her readers in from the start! She is just that good! Her writing and research that went into making this book! Wow!
I also learned new things about spices especially about how vanilla abstract and how it was made. This is my most favorite along with pumpkin spice and Apple Cinnamon yum!!
And we also learn about the fight that took place for the rights to label the food correctly. Because someone can be allergic to something and it may cause the to get sick or worse!
Annabelle and Gray were two of the delightful characters in the book! As they say, opposites attract? Could be.
I loved the setting for this book from which Annabelle came and ended up at
I liked Annabelle from the start. Her get go and strong personality to get things done. Just wow! Her passion for her work is just wonderful. Just think, if everyone were that passionate about their jobs we just might get some things done!
Gray was pretty passionate about what he has accomplished as well. But he was also stubborn and heard headed. But I imagine he was easy on the eyes too.
This book went by too fast as all of her books do! Now I guess I will just have to wait patiently for the next book
My thanks to Bethany House and Netgalley for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have read several books by Elizabeth Camden. I've had both good and so-so experiences. Sometimes I love them and a few just haven't worked for me. Her historical research and use of unusual plot lines is exemplary and always something to which I look forward. 

This book features the importation of "exotic" spices to the US when a large part of the country felt that salt and pepper were the only seasonings out there. Since I'm used to ginger, cumin, cardamon, turmeric, black mustard seeds, and coriander I can only re-imagine what someone tasting them for the first time would think. Gray is offering that to the American public with his pure spices, often gained at great personal cost to himself and his health. 

Annabelle is a forward thinking young woman whose parents saw that she got a college education and then the opportunity to use it. Annabelle is passionate about her subject - cereal grains (well, she is from Kansas!) - who wants to work towards finding better strains of wheat for American farmers to use in order to feed the growing nation and to keep farmers from losing their farms due to poor harvests.

All this is very interesting so throw in a subplot about the growing uneasy situation in Cuba post Spanish American War and I was all set for a great read. Then a few things happened. The emphasis on adulterated foods slowed the pace of the book and Annabelle was coerced into doing something that set up a conflict with Gray. I could believe in why she ultimately decided to do what she did - that wasn't the problem. What bothered me to the point I couldn't keep reading was the initial fall out. 

Gray's family had lived in Virginia for centuries and from what we're told about the family history, they had lived on a plantation which grew cotton and tobacco. This must have meant that they kept slaves but nothing is ever said about this - it's as if it's wiped from their history. All we ever see and hear is about how embittered Gray and his father were at the destruction of the plantation house and how for years they had to live in a converted shack until they restored the family fortune - albeit through their own hard work. This was troubling enough to me but then something else happens. 

For years, a black man has worked for the family. He has been a trusted employee, is highly thought of, and (as far as is shown) never given anyone any reason to doubt his loyalty. It is mentioned that Gray trusts him implicitly and Gray doesn't trust easily or lightly. Then in the fall out from what Annabelle does, Gray and his sister look to see who might have betrayed them and immediately think of this man. It must be him, they decide and without any hesitation they believe him guilty. There are no thoughts or comments made that "no, it couldn't be" or "he would never do that" or anything in this man's defense. 

Perhaps later in the book Gray and his sister felt remorse for quickly hurling this man under a bus - so to speak - but I had stopped reading at this point. I'm usually not one who demands political correctness reparations be awkwardly shoved into a story but here I just couldn't keep going.

#TheSpiceKing #NetGalley

Elizabeth Camden is a great writer of historical fiction. Her descriptive writing style is one that drew me in. Annabelle and her sister Elaine come from a small town in Kansas, to live in Washington DC. When working for the Smithsonian, Annabelle meets Gray Delacroix, a man known to produce spices, from around the world. Gray is dedicated to his brother and sister and will let nothing get in the way of family. A long outstanding mistrust of another family in the food product line, leads to bringing the Delicrox's under scrutiny of the press. Annabelle's sister Elaine, is determined to learn to live the only life she knows, in a world of darkness, because she is blind. A book about relationships, and trust. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.