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.

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.

Farm-raised, Kansas native, and Smithsonian botanist Annabelle Larkin is swept into a world of conspiracy, food adulteration, and politics when she meets self-made man Grey Delacroix the head of a sizable spice empire.



Grey has labored for years to build his business, foregoing a college education he travelled across the world collecting the most rare plants and learning how to cultivate them on foreign soil. He is smitten with the young Smithsonian botanist, with the gumption to ask him to donate his plant collection. But the enchantingly cheerful, passionate woman who brings light into his life, is also the one who can bring everything that matters crashing down.



I've never met an Elizabeth Camden that I didn't love, and this one is no exception. Incredibly well written as well as researched, set at the turn of the 20th century, when food impurities were at a dangerous high due to few laws regulating disclosure and safety, this novel introduces the passionate and principled Delacroix family. I love how Ms. Camden brings the politics and advances of bygone eras to life in a way that brings new appreciation for the things that we take for granted everyday.



Grey has worked hard for his success, he has devoted much of his life to his business in order to provide for his younger siblings Luke and Caroline, whom he practically raised. But underneath his intimidating outer layers, he is a man who is deeply loyal to his family and who has the grace and determination to keep growing, and always strive for better whether in his business or personal life. I admired his devotion to his siblings, he always wants the best for them, and there is no distance he would not go for them.



Annabelle brings a bright enthusiasm wherever she goes, she is passionate about learning new things, is devoted to her sister and her country. She always is encouraging others to find joy in the everyday. Despite disappointments, she always tries to look on the bright side, she relies on her faith to hold her fast as she struggles to provide for herself and her sister, as well as to serve her country even if it means betraying a friend.



Luke and Caroline shine as Grey slowly begins to see the man and woman that they have grown up to be in their own rights, each blessed with a double dose of charm. Both are so much more than they appear at a single glance.



Overall, an absolutely thrilling introduction to what is sure to be a fantastic trilogy, I already love Luke and Caroline! Annabelle is faced with many hard choices, as she fights to stay true to her beliefs and her family. I loved the glimpse into life at the turn of the century amidst the buzz of the nation's capital, I'd never thought that the Agriculture Administration and the history of food adulteration would be so truly fascinating. Annabelle and Grey have captivating chemistry that leaps from the page, most evident in their engagingly clever dialogue and how their personalities complement each other perfectly. Annabelle's sister Elaine faces her fears and blazes her own trail, not letting her limitations choose for her. A thoroughly riveting read, with heroes who jump from the page, high stakes, faith, and romance. You won't want to miss it!




I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Camden rights such interesting stories, peppered with history and populated by imperfect, likable characters. This book was no different. Highly enjoyed the journey.

Desert Isle Keeper
The Spice King
Elizabeth Camden

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.