THE SPICE KING by ELIZABETH CAMDEN is a romantic historical novel, with quite a bit of intrigue and politics, and a really good Christian message. The story is based on true history, and takes place in 1900, at a time when unscrupulous businessmen were making money by putting untested and potentially dangerous ingredients into tinned and bottled food, which they were passing off as the real thing.
Annabelle Larkin and her blind sister, Elaine, leave the family farm in Kansas, which is in financial trouble, and move to Washington where Elaine has found a position with the braille library, and Annabelle has a temporary job at the Smithsonian. Annabelle is a botanist and is passionate about plants. In fact she is passionate about life in general and is friendly, optimistic and loving. She is also patriotic and determined, and makes up for her short stature by not being afraid to speak her mind.
She has been told by Dr Norwood, her superior, that in order to obtain a permanent position in Washington, she needs to find a very rare Vanilla orchid, which may be in Gray Delacroix' possession.
Gray is a businessman who has built up Global Spice, travelling the world to find rare plants and increase his business holdings. Gray is a grumpy man, all business and no social graces. He does not trust the government, because of what happened in the past, nor does he want to help them in any way, let alone in their botanical research.
I will not tell you any more about the story, as I do not want to spoil the read for you, excepting to say that it is an interesting and exciting book, with great characters that are very well portrayed, and I can highly recommend it.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Spice King is an absolutely delightful historical romance novel. It tells the story of two sisters from Kansas who move to Washington DC together. There, one sister works while the other sister volunteers. Each sister finds romance in the most unexpected places. Meanwhile, the "Spice King" and his family are caught up in politics and business @ the turn of the 20th century as they discover the strengths and weaknesses among the siblings and fight for each other. The book is full of unexpected twists and turns with believable characters. Very difficult to put down - & I'm really hoping for a book 2 to tell "what happens next" in each of the main characters' lives!

Elizabeth Camden is one of my favorite authors and I eagerly look forward to each of her latest releases. The Spice King is the beginning of a new series and it is set in America's capitol, Washington. I found the cover to be both attractive and intriguing, and it definitely caught the eye of this occasional "judge a book by its cover" reader.

While the story started out a little slow for me, I highly recommend that if you feel the same...keep reading! The Spice King takes place before there were laws against adding fillers, untested preservatives and undisclosed ingredients to canned foods. Can you imagine eating food laced with formaldehyde?!!! That was shocking to me! The characters are diverse and the plot is interesting with twists and turns to keep things interesting. Themes of betrayal, forgiveness and impossible choices make this novel well worth reading.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free advanced reader copy of The Spice King. The opinions expressed here are my own.

(4.5 stars) - excellent... and thought-provoking

Elizabeth Camden's new book is a really well done story with thoroughly engaging characters that also poses some challenging questions.

It contains all the fascinating historical insights we've come to expect; this one covering some of the major contributions to the development of food labeling laws (as well as touching on aspects of the development of the Agricultural Agency, President McKinley's presidency and our relationship with Cuba at the time).

The romance between Gray and Annabelle is fun and warm and sweet. Then comes the conflict. And it's a doozy.

While I thought the story was told fairly plausibly, and wanted to see them back together, I suspect the resolution of the story is going to be controversial with readers. I loved the book and am eagerly looking forward to the next, but confess to struggling a bit with the resolution myself.

SPOILERS
I think the one part that would have made it easier for me to believe they could reconcile would have been if, once Annabelle knew it wasn't Gray, she had arranged to meet him somewhere publicly like a park or outdoor café & let him know what she had been more or less forced to do, rather than trying to continue on with him as if she knew nothing & hope that Gray never found out.

That she did try to hide it was very human & understandable, but still less than upright & made her own actions look far more suspicious, devious even. Had she been completely open with him as soon as she was able, though, it would have made it easier for me to see Gray's eventual willingness to accept her, to view her as a woman of integrity and want to be with her again.
END SPOILERS

Clean romance level: sweet kisses
Religion: fairly generic Christianity, completely organic to the story, not preachy

Elizabeth Camden is a master at crafting a story that brings unknown elements of history to life. In her latest novel, The Spice King, Camden catches the world of artificial flavorings into a delightful story. From the moment her heroine, Annabelle walked onto the page, I admired her ability to leave the plains of Kansas and move to Washington D.C. That took guts. Plus, to bring her blind sister with her and take care of her while following her dreams is a huge accomplishment by itself. The plot was fascinating to learn and taught me more about the history of artificial flavorings versus the real stuff. It moved at a nice pace. I didn't find it slow at all. I flipped through the story at a nice rate and enjoyed what I was reading. While the romance isn't the point of the story, I think the romance between Annabelle and Gray moved a little too quickly for my taste. They barely knew each other and were dying to be together again. Overall, The Spice King was a delightful read filled with fascinating characters who taught me something about the importance of buying the real stuff.

I received a complimentary copy of The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Camden is my new favorite historical fiction author! No matter how many I read, I just can't find one I don't like! Camden is a master of this genre.

Annabelle Larkin is an adorably naive and innocent character, but that's not to say she doesn't have a backbone. She is passionate, tender-hearted, and nearly always optimistic, as well as patriotic with strong morals. I quickly fell in love with her sweet character. Grey Delacroix is quite the opposite. Embittered against the government for having wronged his family in the past, he is reclusive and sarcastic, yet he too has a strong moral code and is incredibly loyal to his family, which is a trait I am always drawn to.

The story starts out with a series of (rather humorous) letters, and quickly draw the reader in. I was a bit surprised by how quickly the romance took place in the course of the book, but it definitely made sense plot-wise and still was very realistic. (No insta-love either, thankfully.) But the story is certainly not all about romance. There is suspense, treason, betrayal, politics, intrigue, sabotage and more. This is a jam-packed story that is sure to keep your interest! And, of course, the book is well-laced with Camden's trademark humor and witty banter. I found myself laughing out loud at times.

All in all, The Spice King is an epic opening to Camden's newest series, and I am greatly looking forward to the rest of the series! I highly recommend checking this book out, as well as any of Camden's numerous other works!

Elizabeth Camden has once again written a fabulous historical fiction in The Spice King. I absolutely loved her characters and the depth of their interaction.

Annabelle Larkin is determined to win a donation from the Delacroix plant collection. Fresh out of school in Kansas, she feels somewhat at a lose to be living and working in Washington DC. Working in the Smithsonian for only two months, she tried every way she knew to contact the elusive Gray Delacroix. After writing two times to Gray, she refuses to give up, being the latest of in a long line of botanist who'd tried and failed to make headway with Mr. Delacroix. If she can obtain the coveted Vanilla Orchid, she would secure her position with the Smithsonian. Boldly she makes her way to the Delacroix home. Along the way she spies a Spice map and hopes to gain entrance to entice his interest. As she meets Gray she notices that he is quite ill, the effects of Malaria, but he demands to see the map. Adamant that he doesn't trust the government, Annabelle charms her way into the man's greenhouses.

This is the most charming tale. The story is full of historical insights from a time when there was no regulation on foods stuff. I love how the relationship between Gray and Annabelle progressed and how they learned to trust each other. A definite 5+ star on my scale.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

This is a fantastic book! The main characters are “spicy” in their attitudes and interactions with each other which makes the romance such a great entertainment. I loved the history woven into the plot of this book. I would recommend it to anyone.

I love novels that are not afraid to ask the BIG questions. The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden is a wonderfully engaging read. The characters are excellently crafted and delightfully endearing. The historical detail is fascinating. I learned so much about the history of processed food. Unfortunately, since the 1800s, food has been a science experiment crafted in warehouses and labs. I am blown away by what some people were, and still are, willing to call food just so they could turn a profit. What I really love about The Spice King though is how it made me wrestle with BIG ideas, specifically with the question: is it ever wrong to tell the truth?

Very early on in the story, Annabelle, the heroine of The Spice King, is backed into a metaphorical corner and is sort of forced to spy on Gray Delacroix, the spice king. IF she is willing and is successful, Annabelle is told that a very lucrative job will be her reward. So she spies, finds some incriminating evidence, turns it into her military contacts, and receives her reward: a really good job with the Department of Agriculture. On the surface, Annabelle did the right thing. Treason is BAD. However, it bothered me -- I mean really, really bugged me -- that Annabelle spies and tells. Now, before you start to worry, NO, I am not a traitor to my country. I really do believe treason is BAD because it can lead to a lot of innocent people getting hurt. What I don't agree with is Annabelle's use of the truth as a weapon, which is what she does in order to personally profit. And I know this kind of truthtelling severely bothered Annabelle too because she has a brilliant Lady Macbeth moment: "All [Annabelle] could see was the splotch of old stain on the slate table before her. The stain of what she'd done … would be with her forever too."

"But wait!" you're saying. "I thought Jesus said in the Bible that the Truth will set you free. How can Annabelle be in the wrong?" I struggled with this as well until I really considered why we tell truths. Truth does set people free when it is told for the right reasons in the right context. I have no issue with a man or woman going through the necessary training to become an actual spy, taking on an actual mission, finding real intel on an enemy, and then relaying that information to the proper authorities. The general goal and heart of the person, in this case, is to keep others safe. My issue with Annabelle is her motivation. Annabelle does not spy to save lives. She does it to receive personal compensation. When I teach others the Truth of Jesus if my heart is in it for me and what I can earn, my truthtelling is wrong. But when I teach others about Jesus because I genuinely love them and want a soul change for them, my truthtelling is righteous. When Annabelle tells the truth she discovers it causes her to feel anxiety, pain, and heartache because she is selfish in her motivations. This really forced me to analyze my heart. What are my motivations behind my actions, words, and beliefs? Am I doing and saying the right things but for the wrong reasons? Or am I right on track?

I love, and highly recommend, The Spice King for many reasons, but the fantastic lesson on truthtelling that is weaved throughout the narrative makes this book an absolute must-read! The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden releases on September 3, 2019. I implore you to pre-order yourself a copy of this book today. I promise you will NOT want to miss out on this book.

I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I confess, I used to read all of Elizabeth Camden’s books, but I fell behind a while ago, amidst the busyness of life. So this is the first one I’ve read in quite a while and as I read, I was reminded what I so enjoyed about her other books! I didn’t have a ton of expectations, given the previous statement, but if I’d had any, I can confidently say they would definitely have been far surpassed!
I can’t fathom how much research and time Ms. Camden must put into every single one of her stories! There is so much detail and specifics, which I absolutely adore! I so appreciate how she writes about different professions and times in history. There is such variety across her writing and this book is no exception! If any other author had published a book about a spice company owner and a botanist , I probably would have been more than a little skeptical. But not with this one! From the first time I saw the cover and read the description, I was intrigued! This was something I’d never considered reading about and I so enjoyed getting to know Gray and Annabelle! They are opposites in many ways, but also so suited. I so appreciated Annabelle’s integrity and desire to do the right things, the hard things. And Gray’s devotion to his family and integrity, in his own way.
I loved the history surrounding their characters, too! Like Annabelle’s sister assisting at the Library of Congress to help the blind and integrity in food manufacturing and labeling. And throw in a bit of mystery (which I’m hoping continues in the next book) and I’m hooked! I’m definitely a history geek and this book is like stepping back in time. The vivid descriptions and detail made it seem as though I was right there with them, learning how to bottle vanilla and appreciate rare orchids. Though it may sound a bit odd, this was a fun read for me! I greatly enjoyed it and am anxiously awaiting the next book!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys unique characters and American history!

*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a really unique piece of historical fiction. It was really interesting to see Gray's business pursuits and the development of spices that we take for granted in our day, particularly alongside the government aspect, with the Smithsonian wanting information and the Department of Agriculture wanting to start regulating the growing business. Saying a book talks about the beginning of the fight for food safety and ingredient labels, that might not make it sound very appealing, but it was really fascinating, which I think shows Camden's talent for taking a unique part of history and making it engaging so that readers find themselves totally caught up in something that they didn't think they'd ever find that interesting. (I expected the "spice" aspect of the book to be the thing I liked least, but I really enjoyed it!) The political setting, with the brief look at the aftermath of the Spanish-American war, was also something Camden made me want to know more about.
The plot was good, with suspense and action and family dynamics, and moved along well. I definitely want to read the next book in the series to see how things play out for certain characters.
What didn't work quite as well for me was the romance, particularly on Annabelle's side. I just didn't see her feelings being developed enough. Gray's feelings were shown more than hers were, but I just didn't ever get a good sense of chemistry between them. They worked well on projects--sometimes because they antagonized each other!--but I would have liked a stronger romantic feel. The other thing that fell a little short for me was the Christian aspect. There was very little that came through about Christian beliefs (and the biggest part of that was very close to the end of the book), to the point that I actually double-checked to make sure this really was being put out by Bethany House.

So, with that said, if you're mainly interested in historical fiction, this an excellent choice. If you're looking for a great romance or a book with overt Christianity, this might not be the best choice. For me, it's interesting enough that I'll give it 3.5 stars and I want to continue with the series.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

“At the end of her life, she wanted to know that she had made a difference for the better.”

In The Spice King, the first installment of her Hope and Glory series, award winning author Elizabeth Camden has created an intriguing historical fiction novel filled with faith, romance, betrayal, and treason. Elizabeth Camden is a master at taking relatively unknown parts of history, such as the lack of regulation in the U.S. food industry and the use of adulterated food in the early 1900s, and weaving a fascinating tale of politics, sabotage, and sacrifice.

The story begins in Washington D.C. at the Smithsonian as botanist Annabelle Larkin is tasked with obtaining extremely rare plant specimens from Gray Delacroix, the owner of Delacroix Global Spice. Annabelle suddenly gains the attention of government officials and finds herself in a dangerous position in which she has to choose between loyalty to her country and the opportunity for true love.

Elizabeth Camden consistently creates intelligent, strong-willed heroines, and Annabelle Larkin is no exception. From the desire to have a successful career and overcome her regrets from the past, Annabelle becomes stronger and realizes what is truly important in life. The author authentically weaves the characters’ faith into the novel and educates the readers about the rich history of the Department of Agriculture, food regulation in the early 1900s, the American occupation in Cuba, and the presidency of William McKinley.

The Spice King is highly recommended for readers of historical fiction, especially those who enjoy books by authors such as Jody Hedlund, Rachel Fordham, and Carrie Turansky. Readers will eagerly look forward to the rest of the Hope and Glory series, in which Gray’s siblings will hopefully get their own stories told.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.


Additional Quotes:

“God was sending her a message. The world was a good place. She needed to look for it, even when life was full of pain.”

“They lived in a huge and expansive country, filled with choices and opportunities. Not all of them were easy, but she had found a man of character who would step into that world with her, and nothing had ever felt so right.”

“This country had been built on a foundation laid down by farmers and stalwart farmer’s wives. It was made great by college professors, inventors, gamblers, industrialists, and dreamers. The politicians at the helm would change every four years, but the heartbeat of America would stay strong.”

It’s hard to think of a time when laws or regulations were non-existent when it came to food processing and labelling products that were being sold to the public. Elizabeth Camden takes the reader on a journey to the early 1900s when some companies in the food industry strove to make profit and cheated their way through adulterated food and false advertising, and others strove to bring pure products to market.

Gray Delacroix has been given the responsibility of running his father’s spice company and has travelled the world looking for spices to enhance the culinary palette of every home in America. He’s taken care to cultivate pure products and to process the plants in such a way as to maintain flavour without sacrificing the nutrients naturally provided. Upon the death of his father, he gains responsibility for guiding his younger half siblings, twins Luke and Carolyn (who are in their twenties).

Annabelle Larkin has a personal mission to succeed in her job at the Smithsonian as a botanist, and develop a strain of wheat that will withstand frost and drought, to save her family’s farm. Her job is only temporary, and in order to continue her placement, she is tasked to obtain a sample of a rare orchid believed to be in the possession of the Delacroix family.

What ensues is a masterful tale of espionage, intrigue, and treason from unlikely characters. Characters are faced with moral and spiritual dilemmas, while trying to overcome the mistakes from their pasts. They are loveable and believable cast of characters, living in an interesting time of American history.

I learned so much about the early development of the food industry through details included about the Department of Agriculture, the role of the Smithsonian, the American occupation of Cuba, the presidency of McKinley, and the lengths companies went to create simulated foods to pass off as pure.

It was a fascinating historical fiction read, and one that kept me turning the pages.

I look forward to the next installment of this series.

I received an ecopy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I read everything by author Elizabeth Camden and this story is one of my favorites! She has a knack for finding relatively unknown history and making it fascinating. In The Spice King, Camden writes about the lack of regulation in the U.S. food industry in the early 1900's. The story is fast-paced, well developed characters, friendship, courtship, witty banter, honest & dishonest food distributors, political intrigue, betrayal, family, and the dilemma of telling the government if someone you know is acting as an enemy of the country. The story was so engaging that I read it in less than two days. I highly recommend this captivating story, fascinating history and lovable characters to historical fiction fans everywhere. I eagerly await the next book in the series.

This ARC was courtesy of netgalley - all thoughts and opinions are mine and unbiased

Historical fiction is my favourite genre so I am thrilled to add another author to my 'must read' list

I absolutely LOVED this - the romance has definite 'spice'. This is a well researched book and the author has interweaved the history beautifully, making this a wonderfully rounded novel

A fantastic summer read I would recommend to everyone

2.5 stars

***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion*

This is another read that in theory seemed my kind of book, but in reality ended up disappointing me.

The story was long, which I usually LOVE, when I enjoy the book, but this wasn't the case. I think this time, this was too long and it took AGES for things to unravel and start happening. I have to say this one even bored me a little, but I kept going because I just can't DNF.

I didn't love the characters, even the hero, who was a rich jerk - one of my favorite types of hero. I feel like the story kept going on and on but nothing really happened. By the end of the second half I started to like other characters (and I'm curious about her book in particular), but I didn't really love the main ones.

The book got a bit too technical in some aspects, but that wouldn't have bothered me if the rest of it managed to captivate me, but unfortunately it wasn't the case.

The first book in the author's new "Hope and Glory" series, we meet the spirited Annabelle Larkin - on a mission to right the wrongs of the world and learn how to help her family. She has left the farm in Kansas to come to Washington DC with her recently blinded sister, Elaine. While working for the Smithsonian as a botanist, her fascination of the plant world and drive to help her family leads her to seek out a meeting with the reclusive and successful "Spice King".

Gray Delacroix (The Spice King) is a man of many hidden depths. As a successful businessman, he has traveled the world multiple times to grow the family company while in pursuit of righting his own wrongs. Now back home, Gray (who is a fair amount older than his siblings) is learning to interact and communicate with them on a very different level. I really enjoyed seeing how their relationships changed from the beginning of the story to what they became in the end.

When Gray and Annabelle clash over some VERY strong principles, can their relationship survive? What will happen to Gray's brother, Luke? Will Annabelle and Elaine's parents accept the changes this new life brings?

This book is set during such a fascinating time in history. I especially enjoyed being able to take a peek behind the scenes at Good Housekeeping as well as learning about the evolving food industry. The witty repartee, the well written conflict, the family ties and deep relationships, even the villains - all combine to create a beautiful recipe for a wonderful book; one I am delighted to recommend!

I was provided a copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

If you have never read an Elizabeth Camden novel you don’t know what you are missing. She is one of my favorite authors as her characters are flawed and very real. I enjoy watching her characters grow throughout the book as they struggle with life.

In The Spice King, Annabelle Larkin struggles with helping her older sister who is blind and makes sacrifices to help her learn to live in a dark world. Especially since Annabelle feels responsible for her sister losing her sight. Annabelle’s determination to stay in Washington, D.C. to make a better life for her sister puts her in conflict with Gray Delacroix, the Spice King, who has fought to build his families circumstances back after the war. After his father’s death he mans the helm of the company and decides to settle down and leave the traveling to others. He struggles to understand his younger brother and sister, twins, who have grown up since he started traveling the world. As they struggle to realize their goals they realize they may be on the same side.

The history Elizabeth Camden weaves into her writing always fascinates me. She has written another book that does not disappoint.

The publisher provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Elizabeth Camden is one of my autobuy authors. I see a new book, I click “add to cart” and then patiently wait 6 months for it to be released. This time I got extremely lucky as I was able ro read an advance e-copy and the waiting was cut short! And I’m so glad it was... because The Spice King is AMAZING. It’s the best christian historical fiction I read this year. I’m gonna tell you why.

First, I couldn’t stop reading. I read so much my ereader actually overheated. Did I wait for it to cool down? Nope, I continued on my phone. It’s very addictive and there are so many twists and turns! And it starts very original, with Annabelle trying to persuade Gray Delacroix to donate his collection to the Smithsonian, and Gray’s letters were hilarious. The actual introduction made me laugh out loud, and their banter brings me life. It starts so well!

Annabelle and Gray have a connection, and their wonderful courtship is developed very early in the story. And they are a perfect pair. But of course, it’s not all fun and laughter, there is much more at stake... hearts will be shattered including my own. I honestly had no idea how on earth this was ever going to end up well in the end. There were many suprising plots and subplots and the pacing was perfectly balanced between lightness and heavy stuff, action and introspection. Annabelle is a wonderful cheerful character with much resilience and I respect her a lot (even if I’m not agreeing with certain actions). Gray seems a bit broody but he totally is very sweet and caring on the inside and a righteous man.

Elizabeth Camden has a way of making relatively boring jobs sound so exciting! This book gives a lot of insight in the food industry, and makes it thrilling, and you actually come to care a lot about ingredient labels! So, so interesting!

What makes the story more vibrant are the fabulous side characters. Gray’s much younger twin siblings are amazing, even if he has trouble seeing it sometimes. I just wanna hug my cinnamon roll Luke and Charlotte is so interesting! The next installment better be about them because I kinda need it badly because some plot points were left open.

My heart always beats faster when there is disability representation and since that kind of is my thing I’m going to mention it. Gray has malaria, and has flares with crippling high fever (and other symptoms), and it is so well written! I love how it isn’t an obstacle to overcome or a plot point, it just is and everyone’s OK with that (well as far as being ok with a chronic illness is possible of course). And Annabelle’s sister became blind three years ago and I love how this is portrayed. You can imagine her fear very vividly and yet she fights for an indepent life, she is extremely brave yet very realistic. We need more of this kind of writing, it is so important for people to see disability treated as normal in books/media, this makes me very happy.

Also, I love that the (gorgeous) cover features a man. My dad and grandfather will be very happy to see this, they are normally slightly embarrased to be seen reading this genre, as it is generally marketed towards women, but don’t underestimate the men reading these books! ;) When it is released in my own language I’ll definitely be handing out copies to both of them.

Overall, I loved every minute of it and I can’t recommend it enough and I have all these feels....

I’ve got a free e-copy of this book from Bethany&Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Spice King is a soaring and tantalizing tale about two very different persons from both sides of the fence who made choice to help their kin and the consequences they face afterward.

I do know this novel does not classify as an historical romance but the blurb told me there was a hint of it inside this historical fiction.
Now, I do think this is my first historical read set this late in history, right at the end of the gilded age. so yes, there is no sizzling scenes but Gray and Annabelle’s feelings never felt short despite the lack of steam, their love evolved along their own revolution until their epiphany.

Even if Gray and Annabelle could not have been two more opposite persons, their love for their siblings was what linked them together.

Annabelle is not perfect, why when presented with few choices, she chooses the one path which will cost her her heart but unsure her sister is provided. I didn’t liked her path because it felt like she used Gray’s growing affection against him but between a burgeoning love and her sister’s welfare, I do understand which way she had to set her mind.
And once her decision made, it was not without consequences for Gray and herself. In some way she paid too for her choosing, a nibbling guilt for her deeds, spying does not leaving people unscathed.
Gray is sure the wronged party and I felt for him as for once he was ready to settle and saw in Annabelle, a possible future. She was the sunflower to his clouded self.
And I do wondered at time how they could overcome the rift Annabelle’s disruption in his life caused.
Gray is a good man, he was shaped by his upbringing and has his reasons for his defiance about the gouvernement. Time changes but not his distrust but life’s events will force him to reenact his decisions and confront his own mistakes.
The side characters crafted by Mrs Elizabeth Camden gave this novel its deep as they were as true as fleshed persons, with their flaws, guilt, and unconditional love for their clan. Now I do wonder if we will see more of them in the next installments.

« This country had been built on a foundation laid down by farmers and stalwart farmer’s wives. It was made great by college professors, inventors, gamblers, industrialists, and dreamers. The politicians at the helm would change every four years, but the heartbeat of America would stay strong.« 

I was granted an advance copy through Netgalley by the publisher Bethany House Publishers. And here is my true and unbiased opinion.

The Spice King
By Elizabeth Camden
First impressions: This is a great book that had me hoodwinked into staying up well past my bedtime to finish. This book is the first in a series and much was left unfinished. Now, I don’t know what to do with myself until the next book comes out.
Annabelle brings her blinded sister to Washington DC in hopes to bring her out of her shell and find a new purpose. While her sister is discovering new beginnings volunteering at the Library of Congress, Annabelle is forging her way into the male dominate laboratory at the Smithsonian. Tasked with getting cuttings from the infamous and believed to be extinct original vanilla orchid Annabelle does what she can to make an impression not to be forgotten. That she does. Gray Delacroix is taken back by this young woman the moment he meets her. As their business is discussed the passion, they both have for agriculture blossoms into a romantic interest.
I will give no more away but this, deception, political intrigue, and scandal make a rocky road for romance.
On another note, I found it interesting to read about a topic that over 100 years later is still an issue. Perhaps not labeling food but the idea of what is in our food. The concern for our health and diet is very much relevant today and I enjoyed reading of past crusaders and their triumph to bringing pure unadulterated food to the public.
I was provided with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. For more book reviews visit my blog: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com

I love books that are written by Elizabeth Camden. But this book surprised me. It was one of the best Elizabeth Camden books that I have ever read! The plot was very well done, and the characters were so wonderful to read about. The book had surprising twists in the story, and it kept me coming back for more. It is a wonder I got any sleep during the time I was reading this book, as this book kept me up late into the night trying to see what would happen next. I would say this is a must read for Elizabeth Camden fans. And even if you tried her books in the past but did not care for them, I would say try this one! It was simply amazing, and I wish the story could have lasted longer.





I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

The Spice King is a historical fiction novel, and is book one in the Hope and Glory series written by Elizabeth Camden.
Summary: Gray Delacroix works hard to ensure his family’s legacy and if that means traveling the globe to bring home exotic spices, or negotiating the best deal at any cost, he is willing to do it.
When family circumstances force him home however, he realizes he has neglected his own family for far too long. Is he too late, or will he be able to mend broken fences with his brother and sister?
Annabelle Larkin is completely out of her element. Moving from Kansas to the big city to help her sister, and trying to save the family farm are tough tasks, but she will do her best not to let her family down. And if that means facing down stubborn Mr. Delacroix to do it, she is determined to make it happen.
Will Gray and Annabelle be able to help their families survive tragedy and scandal? And, will they be able to live with their own choices when it becomes obvious there is a traitor in their midst?
My Thoughts: I know I have raved about Elizabeth Camden books in the past, and……this is no exception. I absolutely love historical fiction, and in my opinion, Ms. Camden delivers the best in this arena.
I loved the story, the history, the quirky characters, and the fabulous writing. This book is truly worth reading, and I highly recommend it!
Also, there is a bit of a cliffhanger, so I am anxiously awaiting the next book to find out what happens next!
I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

Synopsis from Goodreads: “Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building a successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Tasked with gaining access to the private Delacroix plant collection, Smithsonian botanist Annabelle Larkin unwittingly steps into a web of dangerous political intrigue and will be forced to choose between her heart and her loyalty to her country.”

The part of the story that is outlined in the Goodreads synopsis is my favorite part of the book. However, the story swerves into the complexities of food purity and the Food Purity Act and completely lost my interest.

What I liked-Imagining Washington DC in the early 1900s. I love the scenes of Anabelle navigating through the city and the fact that she worked at the Smithsonian and her sister worked at the Library of Congress. This was intriguing to me. The book also started with a great opening scene where Anabelle really makes a powerful statement. The stories about the White House and the McKinleys were also very interesting.

What could have been better - While the Food Purity Act was an important part of US history, I don’t think the topic is interesting enough carry the plot to an exciting conclusion. The last 2/3 of the book spent time setting up the other books in the series which made it feel like nothing was happening to move the story forward.
I really liked the other characters, Gray’s siblings, twins Caroline and Luke. I think that bodes well for the other stories in this series if it continues with their story lines. 3/5

Annabelle Larkin has traveled to Washington D.C. to give her sister, Elaine, a chance to find purpose in her life as a blind woman. She's been given a temporary job with the Smithsonian, with the understanding that if she can convince Gray Delacroix to give up some of his botanical secrets, there may be a more permanent position in store for her. Gray Delacroix, while reluctant to give anything away for free, and especially reluctant to give anything to the government, finds himself drawn to Annabelle. When Annabelle is required to search out more than botanical secrets, will she choose Gray or her country?

I have always enjoyed Elizabeth Camden's penchant for uniquely employed heroines that give an unusual look into her particular periods of history. Annabelle is no exception; as a botanist working within the Smithsonian and then the Department of Agriculture, the reader is given a peek into the period of time where food additives were not monitored by the government. I found this setting to be very intriguing and the interplay between Gray's world of food production and the government's growing interest in food safety was an engaging setting for a novel. The side stories were woven into the larger picture fairly seamlessly, and I am looking forward to finding out how those play out as this series continues!

I give this book 4 stars. I enjoyed the characters, and I enjoyed the perspective from this view of history.


I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. Good characters, good plot, and the right amount of problems thrown in to keep things interesting. Kept me turning pages and wanting to finish it!

Elizabeth Camden writes historical fiction with strong female leads, and that’s very enjoyable to me. Usually they are women who were maybe a bit unusual for their day, not stereotypical at all. This book was no exception. If you enjoy this type of book, you’ll like ?The Spice King.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

It took me a couple of chapters to get into this, but once I was there, I was hooked! There's a nice romance, with the characters dancing around each other, here, along with a mystery and crime element. It was the second-string story, however, that really intrigued me! Given our "modern-day problems" with food safety, the story of the FDA and food integrity from over a century ago was very enlightening. The history tucked in these pages makes the read worth it alone!

It took me a very long time to get into this story. It might have been that there were very little deep emotions playing – especially from the heroine’s side – that couldn’t let me get my teeth into it. About forty percent into the book things shaped up and it started to read like a different story. I really enjoyed the rest of the read, which deals with topics that are as relevant today as they were more than a century ago. To think that people had to fight for everything we take for granted – it makes you rethink and be grateful. I love it when an author weaves history and fiction together, and this was done seamlessly.

Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers for a chance to read and review this book.

The Spice King has everything I love in a historical read and so much more. There's espionage, secrets, betrayal, intrigue, romance. I could go on and on.

I always feel like I learn new and interesting bits of history when I read an Elizabeth Camden book and this one is no different. The Spice King deals with a subject that's very important to me. Food safety. I had no idea how lax the regulations were. Food labeling was pretty much nonexistent and oftentimes, the product wasn't even what it said it was. For example: a jar of applesauce that had no apples in it, but was actually pumpkin that was chemically treated to taste like apples. Crazy! This completely blew my mind and made for an absolutely compelling read. I know there's still room for improvement with our food nowadays, but thank goodness it's better than it used to be.

I'm gonna say something that shocks even me, but, here I go. Move over Romulus White. I've got a new favorite Elizabeth Camden hero and his name is Gray Delacroix. Never did I think there'd be a leading man that could outdo Romulus from 'From This Moment', but Gray Delacroix has done just that. So dreamy. So cranky. He has his faults, for sure, yet he's such an upstanding, all-around good guy. He's taken over his family's spice empire and is adamant about making sure all the ingredients are pure and of the best quality. Unlike his biggest competitor whose only concern is making money and will use unsafe ingredients to get the biggest profit.

Annabelle Larkin has a sunny, upbeat, and always optimistic attitude. She's Gray's complete opposite, but they have some seriously strong chemistry. I liked her, for the most part. Though she did make a decision that really irked me. I know why she did it, but I still wanted to shake some sense into her.

I want to talk about so many more things, but they verge into spoiler territory. Suffice it to say, The Spice King is a must read for any fan of historical romance. It's my new favorite novel from this author and I can't recommend it highly enough.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Elizabeth Camden comes up with the most creative, unique, and fastidiously researched professions for her characters. I love that about her books! She dives in to areas that I never would've expected, making me intrigued and curious about things I never would've thought to be intrigued or curious about. The Spice King is no exception...both the hero and heroine have interesting and intersecting careers and Camden's research shines on each page. My one qualm is the same qualm I've had with Camden's past four or five books, to be honest--I struggle to emotionally connect with her characters. I wish the emotional layers went as deep as the historical research. But that said, still a truly enjoyable read!

Camden is a master of taking a fairly traditional plot line and making it her own and unique through her fantastic characters. I especially love her strong female leads.

Annabelle is working in a scientific field full of men, but she stands on her own and I love it. I also love how invested in the work she is. I know there are personal reasons, but even then it makes a great heroine. Granted she is far from perfect, but that only makes her more believable.

Gray was amazing. I loved his care for his family, his determination, and his unique ailments gave him a great physical flaw that I don't find too often in books. I related to his bad days as I'm sure many others will.

As I mentioned before this plot isn't anything new. It has been done, but Camden's research and characters make her books amazing. You truly feel transported into the time of the book. And honestly you learn a lot too!

This was a fast read for me because I got so engaged in the story.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

This is my favorite Camden novel to date. Every element was pitch-perfect and came together in a truly lovely novel. I loved Annabelle and Gray, as well as the supporting cast of characters. Sweet, inquisitive, and intelligent Annabelle Larkin is the opposite of the brusque, business savvy and reclusive Gray Delacroix, yet together they are the perfect couple. I loved these two and championed for their happily-ever-after, even though the odds were against them. And, without giving away any spoilers, they had a rocky road to travel. I was kept in suspense wondering how things would work out not only for Annabelle and Gray, but for the Delacroix business and all those involved.

Camden’s passionate prose and thorough research breathe new life into obscure bits of history. What I love about her novels is that they are very smart with women protagonists who do amazing things in their respective eras. I love reading about bold women who defy expectations and follow their hearts and this is a hallmark of Camden’s writing.

I adored The Spice King and cannot wait for more in the Hope and Glory series. Highly recommend!

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

Another wonderful book from Elizabeth Camden! I enjoyed this story and getting to know the characters. Once again, Elizabeth has brought history alive!

Actually 3.5 stars. If you enjoy a "spicy" story of family bonds and betrayal then this novel is definitely right up your alley! Elizabeth Camden is a prolific author who writes on innovative subjects, and I found her research on the origin of spices we now use everyday in our kitchens quite fascinating.

What didn't work for me was the chemistry between the hero and heroine. I enjoy plenty of romantic tension and traveling down the rocky road to love with plenty of angst. I was definitely disappointed in that regard and also in the characters' first kiss. Not so spicy...sigh.

I found myself skimming through a lot of the political and governmental details as well. If you enjoy a unique tale that doesn't have much romantic depth, be sure to give 'The Spice King' a try! It has great reviews but just wasn't my "flavor." ;-)

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.*

The depth of research that goes into any of Elizabeth Camden's stories is always so impressive and her love for history is evident in everything she writes. I always feel like I come away with an education in eras gone by and always look forward to sinking my teeth into the next book! The Spice King was an enjoyable read with lots of wonderful world building that took me right into the political machinations of the early 20th century. Who would have known that the intrigue surrounding the beginnings of the FDA would be so fascinating!

"The Spice King" is the first book I have read written by Elizabeth Camdem, but I found it so interesting that I might read other of her works in the future.
Historical romance is not one of my favorite genres, but the synopsis caught my attention, and the plot surprised me in every way, since it was not the cliché that I thought it would be. I really liked the characters and especially the main couple, Anabelle and Gray, as well as other aspects of the story, American politics and the world of spices, as it seemed quite original and different from what I had read before.
I also liked that the author introduced in the history a character with a disability, Anabelle's sister, Elaine, who is blind, and I wish we could had know a little more about her and her experience.
It is definitely a novel that I would recommend, the plot is entertaining and full of unexpected twists, with a complex romance and an interesting background.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ebook to review!
All opinions expressed are my own.

I love reading Elizabeth Camden's books because she can take a piece of history and make it come alive in the book. I always learn so much when reading, and this book was no different. I will always read her books for this reason.

I do feel, though, that the historical aspect of the book took away from the romance of the book. I didn't feel a spark between the characters, and i didn't feel like they engaged enough to have any chemistry between them.

I will read the next book in the series, but this was not my favorite Camden book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I love basically any story that Elizabeth Camden has written, and this one is no different. My problem was finding the time to actually finish and complete the story. 

What I truly appreciated was the back story at the end of the book, explaining things that occurred within the pages. It helped complete areas of questions.

The story melds together the lives of Gray Delacroix and Annabelle Larkin, who is a Smithsonian botanist. She has written a letter to Mr. Delacroix requesting information of a spice, and he responds. Thus begins the blossoming friendship between the two. But of course, all is not going to be like peaches and cream. She agrees to compromise her feelings to obtain information for the government, and that sadly doesn't bode well with her relationship with Gray.

There were several layers of plots within this book and each were layered upon the other, which kept me, as the reader, intrigued and curious. From the trading of spices, to the Good Housekeeping magazine. It was a fascinating read. You could tell that Elizabeth did her research for this story.

Definitely worth a read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

This is the first book I've read by Elizabeth Camden, though I've wanted to read one for a long while. I was drawn to the title and the rich history that I associate with spices.

Gray was just a small boy during the Civil war, in which his family's ships were confiscated and home burnt. This left a lasting impression on his life, living in the "raccoon shed" and later life aboard a ship searching for spices and other exotic plants. His passion is his vanilla orchids. Now 40, Gray has decided to settle down in America.

Annabelle is new to Washington DC. She moved together with her sister Elaine. Annabelle is at a temporary job cataloging plants at the Smithsonian. She is determined to make the job permanent. Her boss says he will find her a position if she can convince Gray to give her a sample of the original vanilla orchid.

Gray is immediately charmed when meeting Annabelle. They both share a passion for botany and Gray invites Annabelle to visit his greenhouses to see his plant collection. One of my favourite scenes in this book was when Gray takes her through his greenhouse and together they sample the exotic fruits such as avocado, passion fruit, and mango. I could just feel how exciting this must have been for Annabelle.

When Annabelle is recruited by the war department to spy on Gray, she is torn. But her feelings of patriotism, and the potential for loss of thousand of American lives, leads her to decide to spy on Gray.

As you can imagine, things swiftly turn from charming romance to unpleasant disaster when Gray discovers Annabelle's spying. It was hard to imagine how these two characters could ever get their own HEA.

I've read very little from this time period. It is interesting to learn more about 1900 Washington. What I take for granted every day - such as spices in every grocery store, eating fresh fruits and vegetables year round, and modern conveniences such as cars and computers.

There were many side characters that were very interesting. I hope that there will be more books in the series. I personally think that Gray's sister would make a good heroine in the next book. There was legal trouble that was not resolved, and I eagerly await the conclusion of that story thread. Annabelle's sister, Elaine, was a lovable character and I hope to hear more about her as well.

I found the writing well done though I noticed the author had a particular fondness for certain words (people can eat without wolfing their food and anathema is descriptive, but don't use it 3 times in one chapter). I feel like the series would make a great TV show and I know it will be a really amazing read.

I received this title from Bethany House via Netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Soon even Kansas won’t be safe from properly seasoned food” (location 786). This book talked about the early days in the fight for food purification. It was common for companies to add filler ingredients, including things like tar, so they could make more of a profit. It was fascinating to learn more about the different positions and to hear what is behind the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.” I had no idea that magazine had a testing lab for looking at products.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. When Gray Delacroix sums up Annabelle and her family, he gets it just right. Annabelle is a beautiful woman. She gives up her own plans to move to Washington to help her blind sister. She is a picture of sacrificial love and persistence. Gray’s brother, Luke, reminded me of the movie “The Mission.” He is trying so hard to pay his own form of penance. Gray, too, is very caring for his family. He takes his responsibilities seriously yet has a dry sense of humor that balances that.

This is a great read. It doesn’t get bogged down with the politics of the fight for food purification but gives just enough information to get a flavor for the times. I’d highly recommend it.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

#TheSpiceKing, #Netgalley

I loved the history with Washington politics, Good Housekeeping, and also the secondary characters with blindness. I am so thankful to people that fought to have ingredients disclosed on labels for us. I am really excited to see this is a series as well, as I want to know more about the siblings.

I have never been disappointed by one of Elizabeth Camden's books, and this one was no exception. I found myself pulled into the story immediately. The short heroine, of course, which I don't see as often as I like, being only five feet tall myself, made me laugh. I could see myself in her.

As I stated earlier, I totally want to know what becomes of the siblings of the main characters, and just get more from this author. You will be entertained, but learn at the same time. Romance? Yes, but not exactly in the way you think. It was less the focus of the story and more a background story. The relationship and friendship was what you really saw as you learn how this country changed history with spices and food.

Plus, with that cover, I mean, you just have to get it!

Another absolute wonderful book by a fantastic author. Elizabeth writes with such passion for weaving a beautiful fiction story among true historical facts. Can’t wait to read the next book. Thank you Elizabeth for writing such wonderful books. Thank you to the publishers for contracting with wonderful writers and Thank You NetGalley for being the source of great reads.

Elizabeth Camden is fast becoming one of my top favorite authors in the genre of Christian historical fiction. This story was unusual and the storyline kept me guessing all the way through to the end of the book. Gray has the reputation of being “The Spice King” as far as selling and developing spices, and Annabelle is a researcher at the Department of Agriculture. There’s quite a bit of intrigue surrounding the development and sale of the spices. Gray and Annabelle find themselves working together to protect consumers from being deceived about the purity of what they are buying. But Annabelle is forced into an almost impossible decision, and it completely tears apart her relationship with Gray. The political intrigue in this story was quite interesting, but it’s Gray and Annabelle’s characters that give this story it’s spark. Annabelle has Kansas roots and is loyal, patriotic, determined, and committed to her family. Gray is somewhat cynical and unforgiving. but you always have the sense that if he breaks out of the shell he’s built around himself, he’s a good match for Annabelle. Their road to romance is a rocky one, and quite honestly did not end the way that I suspected at first that it would. I especially loved the ending to this story as there were a couple of surprises along the way.

I enjoyed reading this story and look forward to the next book in this series.

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

There is no sweeter joy than finding an author who consistently publishes great romance, and for me, one such author is Elizabeth Camden. I love the way I never know what to expect from her books – mystery, adventure, heartwarming family stories, or journeys of self-discovery – and yet I know exactly what to expect from her books – excellent prose, rich history, and sweet, intellectual romance. The Spice King entirely lives up to those expectations.

Annabelle Larkin has a brand new job as a junior botanist for the Smithsonian but she has been advised that the position is very temporary. Her six month employment will end unless she is able to perform the so far impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. Others have tried and failed but Annabelle is determined to succeed since a great deal depends on her keeping her position. Her sister Elaine recently lost her sight and is currently serving as a volunteer for the Library of Congress' reading room for the blind. It is one of the few tasks that Elaine is able to perform that makes her feel productive and fulfilled, giving her the sense of self-worth she lost along with her vision.  She requires Annabelle’s salary and physical help navigating life’s daily routines in order to stay in the city, and Annabelle is resolved to give her both. Having written to Gray Delacroix repeatedly requesting access to his collection - and consistently receiving no as a response - she arrives at his home in person bearing a unique gift and oozing sunshiny charm. The ploy works and she manages to finally meet the mysterious man whose help she desperately needs.

Gray Delacroix and his father went from living in a mansion to having to live in a shack for three years as they slowly reversed the financial devastation wrought upon their assets by the Civil War. As a result, Gray has dedicated his entire life to building the family’s spice business, traveling the globe to obtain rare and unique tastes to enliven and embolden the palates of the elite. There have been great rewards in the form of renewed wealth and the gloriously exclusive  specimens he has in his greenhouse collection, but there have also been great costs. He suffers frequent bouts of malaria since the disease, once contracted, can only be managed, not cured. His young half-siblings have, in his mind, been overindulged in his absence and are spoiled dilettantes as a result. And he has had no social or romantic life of his own, something he plans to fix once he meets Annabelle. Realizing that he will never find a better match for himself than this cheery, hard-working, plant loving beauty, he determines to court her, and begins by giving her a tour of his greenhouses and a specimen of the rare plant her boss is so anxious to obtain. And he starts to meet her for lunch everyday, that hour becoming the highlight of his life.

Annabelle is cautiously delighted by their relationship. She knows she’s not Gray’s social equal but his good looks, love of botany and dedication to family delight her and quickly have her giving him her heart. There is a fly in the ointment, however. Gray has made no secret of his disdain for the U.S. Government, especially in relation to how it affects his trade in Cuba. When the U.S. Military offers to secure funding for a permanent job for Annabelle in exchange for her spying on Gray, she must weigh the love she has for Elaine, and her desperate need for employment against her growing fascination with a man who may well be a traitor to his country.

Gray and Annabelle’s early courtship was a complete delight to read. Gray is awkward, having spent most of his life scouring unique places for rare plants and being more used to talking to employees than young ladies. His sincerity, kindness, and genuine love for Annabelle all shine through though, and Annabelle, a Kansas farm girl,  is more impressed with his earnestness than she would have been with eloquent manners or speech. Their shared excitement over all things that grow, from herbs to orchids, entranced me even though I can barely tell a dandelion from a daffodil. I simply loved that they shared a strong mutual interest as well as being very similar in their core values of family devotion, personal integrity and a strong work ethic.

Ms. Camden is an expert at weaving absolutely fascinating history into her stories, and here she takes readers on a thorough exploration of the early years of processed foods and the battle for honest labeling. From formaldehyde in applesauce to indigo dye, lead chromate and coal tar in coffee, we learn exactly why the FDA plays an important role in our everyday lives. Laws and testing facilities now protect us from practices which injured or killed innocent citizens in Gray and Annabelle’s time. Watching them get caught up in the fight for clean, wholesome food was so exciting and enlightening.

I also loved learning all about vanilla extract. Reading about Gray waxing lyrically over the difference between imitation vanilla and the real thing made me look at this plain and ordinary flavor in a whole new way. In fact, his love of spices made me appreciate all the items in my kitchen cabinets that I typically take for granted.

Ms. Camden writes inspirational romance, but the books are very, very sparse in their mention of God or faith. Prayers are occasionally said in moments of need but given the time period, I think that would have been typical even of people who didn’t really believe in God. Most will be able to read this story without being made uncomfortable by the level of religiosity.

My one quibble with the book had to do with Annabelle. From the start of the novel, her ability to stay in Washington was tied to her talent for manipulating the Delacroix family into giving the U.S. Government what they wanted, whether it was getting Gray to give the Smithsonian a specimen of a rare plant or other concerns which come up towards the end of the plot. I found her willingness to exploit the romance for her own benefit a bit distasteful, and while the problems it causes in their relationship are resolved within the text, I would have preferred to see a bit more remorse from Annabelle prior to the resolution.

Fortunately, that is one very minor flaw in an otherwise stellar work. The prose here is smooth, the plot intriguing, the hero thoroughly lovable, and the mystery absorbing. I think anyone who enjoys a richly detailed historical romance will be delighted with The Spice King.

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Camden wraps these wonderful characters in rich history and creates a gripping plot that had me turning pages. Her unique characters captured my interest because although they are flawed, their strengths shine. The timeless lessons the characters learn are good examples for us all. The romance was one of my favorite ingredients of the story. Camden writes romance with some of the best of them. I appreciate this well researched historical fiction and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Spice King is the first installment from Hope and Glory series. Elizabeth Camden is usually a hit or miss for me. I'm in the middle with this one. I give it three stars.

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.

This was another great book by Camden! This one shared some parts of history that I had no idea about. Overall, I enjoyed the book. My teenage daughter asked to read it. By 15% in she had predicted the outcome of the story with surprising accuracy. We've read every Camden book and they follow the same plot events and many have the same character development. Therefore, this one was just as predictable to my daughter.

I love this author, and I knew I had to read this one, and I was surely not disappointed, Elizabeth Camden is a master at drawing the reader in.
This story takes place during the admiration of President McKinley, and a recovering nation. I enjoyed these characters, and we meet prairie farmers, wealthy businessmen, a woman working in the White House, and a Smithsonian botanist. How these characters all work into this story will keep you page turner.
We touch on the foundation of our Christian faith, forgiveness, and you will see how hard that becomes. I can also see the next novel coming, and personally I can’t wait to see how this all works out.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Elizabeth Camden's Empire State series focused on the issue of providing clean water to our citizens. The Spice King focuses on the safety of the food products we find our our grocers' shelves. I love that the books I have read by this author include a romantic story, but that the main focus of the tales have had deeper social and spiritual themes.

Annabelle Larkin moved to our nation's capitol to accompany her sister who had been blinded by meningitis and was seeking her purpose by volunteering in the reading room for the blind in the Library of Congress. A botanist, Annabelle had been blessed to find a temporary job as a botanical specialist at the Smithsonian Institute, but she longed to prove herself worthy of a permanent position. To do so she must convince Gray Delacroix, owner of the Delacroix Global Spice Company, to part with cuttings from a very rare orchid that he was rumored to possess. Gray was no fan of the Smithsonian nor many government agencies either, and he was not about to partner with any of them. How much might his mind be changed when he first encounters Annabelle, in his own home nonetheless?

I highly recommend The Spice King and this author. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and I received no monetary compensation.