I love the characters in Elizabeth Camden’s novels because they always have a perfect blend of spirited banter and complex romance. Like her other female characters, this book also has a strong lead female that is intelligent, ambitious, and ahead of her time. Annabelle is fiercely loyal to her family and does not let anything stop her from her goal. However, that does not mean she is perfect and some of her actions have consequences that affect her relationships in very real ways, causing the romantic conflict I have come to enjoy in Elizabeth Camden’s books. This novel also contains a fascinating time of history as well as an interesting peek into the topic of the purity of the food supply, a unique subject at the turn of the century. There was even incorporation of some of the tension of America’s relationship with Cuba. I really enjoyed reading about this part of history. The themes of forgiveness and mercy were integrated seamlessly. I truly enjoyed every part of this story and greatly look forward to the other books in the series! I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers/Elizabeth Camden in exchange for an honest review.

Spice King, Gray Delacroix, had worked hard to build the spice empire that provided the lifestyle his younger twin siblings enjoyed. His dedication to the quality of the products they sold and disgust at the unscrupulous practices of his competitors led him to crusade for reform in the food industry that would lead to pure products and accurate descriptions of what was in them. As a label-reader, I was especially fascinated at learning more about how the listing of ingredients on products we buy came about.

Yet, The Spice King is so much more than the story of why we list ingredients! As Annabelle was forced to find secrets of the Delacroix family at great personal cost to herself, her discovery ripped the curtain veiling Grey's eyes from the truth of what was going on in his own family! And he was able to see Luke and Caroline for the adults they had become instead of the younger siblings he helped raise.

I love the way Elizabeth Camden's stories often place the hero and heroine on opposite sides of issues, yet fighting for the exact same thing. The irony makes for great stories. Annabelle and Gray had such a rocky relationship, as she worked for government departments he greatly opposed.

Enticing descriptions of plants and spices peppered this story along with details of how they were prepared for market. At one point, Gray, upon learning Annabelle didn't know how to flavor her food other than with salt and pepper, gifted her with a set of spices that were basically foolproof. His choice of which ones to include was interesting.

Political intrigue added a savory treat as Annabelle uncovered information that when revealed, rocked the Delacroix family to its core and destroyed the budding relationship she had with Grey. Having not retained much (or any!) of what I had learned in school about the McKinleys or the Spanish-American war, the tidbits shared gave me a zesty history lesson in a way that kept me interested and didn't make me feel like I was reading a textbook. And the parts that took place in Cuba! Fascinating!

Be prepared to have your heart broken when Grey discovers Annabelle's part in the tragedy that took place! Annabelle's grief and the pain of the Delacroix siblings had me wiping my eyes. And then when she and Grey were forced to be together. . . Ouch!!

I was particularly moved by Grey's assessment of Annabelle's mother after she continued to embarrass Annabelle and make herself odious. The way he was able to see the good in her and the way she helped form Annabelle's character was very admirable. I hope for a similar perspective when encountering difficult people.

The characters were all so intriguing! I am hopeful that Luke and Caroline will get their own stories. In fact, I just might send an angry letter to the author if Luke isn't the hero of the next book. :-)

Elizabeth Camden is a master of Christian Historical fiction, turning overlooked historical tidbits into stories that will keep you riveted. If you enjoy this genre, don't pass on The Spice King!

Thank you to Bethany House for the free review copy. All opinions are my own. 

I love Camden's novels. I had previously read her last series and was anxiously awaiting the release of this novel. It did not disappoint. She always writes characters with strong values and opinions during a time in history when these opinions can make an impact. 

Besides fighting for the right of having labels on food to show their ingredients, the characters in this novel also have to fight for what they want and believe in. I enjoyed the contrast between Gray and Annabelle. I think Camden crafted this relationship remarkably well. This was not a novel that I figured out the plot right away. I think that she did a great job with showing how relationships between friends and family are complex and complicated. Also, all of the food references in the book will make you hungry - you've been warned.

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building his very successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before it spirals out of control, he returns to his ancestral home to save his brother and sister before it's too late.

As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.

Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?

The story line was great. I loved Annabelle. She was put in a very difficult place. Does she betray her country or the person she's beginning to care for deeply. It took me a little white to warm up to liking Gray. He seemed very snobbish at first. All he could think about was his spices and how to make more money. As the story unfolds, we are told why he wants to make money. Also, he had very strong feelings about government involvement in regulating the food industry. This book made me want to go look at all the labels on the spices I have in my pantry to see what the ingredients are.

I look forward to the next installment of this series. I hope to see what happens to Gray's younger siblings.

I was given this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

"The world was a good place. She needed to look for it, even when life was full of pain."
New book in the "Hope and Glory" series.
1900 Washington DC. Christian Historical. I was all in on the first page.
This is intense.
Annabelle is from a farming family in Kansas. Her father was able to put her and her sister through college, which is quite a thing now, even more so back then. She and Elaine move to Washington, DC, she at the Smithsonian (later Department of Agriculture), her sister at the Library of Congress. Elaine is blind, and this seemed to be a great opportunity for her to learn and to grow, so despite the financial strain on the family, off they went.
Annabelle is a botanist (something I very much had wanted to be so I can relate). Her boss wanted a rare plant that Gray Delacroix was rumored to have, and told her that a permanent position depended on her getting in to Gray's property to see if it was there. She is pleasantly pushy (I pictured June Allison) and actually manages to get in to see him. Gray is from a wealthy family, built on hard work, and it takes more hard work to keep the fortunes going. Their family has earned their reputation by providing the best quality products. Not every company was that way. These were the early days when there was a lack of safety standards in the food industry, so companies could get away with putting out a product that was not what it seems. (Doesn't seem possible now, does it?) The story unfolds interesting information about Good Housekeeping in it's early days - what they did and why - and how important to our country it was. The story takes off from there, seeming to put Annabelle on one side of things and Gray on the other. Gray's brother never really wanted to work for the family - or so it seemed. Politics, secrets, money, mystery and life all play a part in this book. Choices made, right from wrong, scruples and personal standards are reviewed and explored. Integrity - or lack of it. Nothing boring here - all together an excellent read! Don't you just love that cover? Can't wait for the next in the series.
"The world was a huge, wide-ope landscape bursting with opportunity, and it was up to her to choose how she would live in it."
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. 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.”
#TheSpiceKing #NetGalley #ElizabethCamden #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

Elizabeth Camden is becoming one of my favorite historical fiction authors. Her books are so unique, and feature women doing things you probably wouldn't expect. While I love a good damsel in distress novel, I really also love women who are fighting their own way in the world. 

The Spice King features just such a woman in Annabelle Larkin. She is serving as a junior botanist at the Smithsonian, hoping to make a discovery to save her family's struggling farm in the west. She is offered a full-time position if she can get reclusive plant-collector Gray Delacroix to give her his prized vanilla orchid.


Gray finds himself attracted to Annabelle, and wants to court her. But when Annabelle is offered a permanent position for for finding out some information about Gray, can she refuse? This would be her opportunity to save her family and provide for her blind sister. Gray can't forgive Annabelle for her betrayal, but when he's forced to work with her for the sake of food safety laws, will love win out in the end?

This story was nearly perfect in terms of plot and characters, but I loved the historical information I learned while reading. In this day of chemical-laden food, it's hard to imagine a time when science wasn't a part of food processing. But this novel takes place when the government was just starting to take a hand in the oversight of food manufacturing. It was so neat to read about how these laws first began.

Another favorite part of the story was the information about Good Housekeeping magazine. I loved reading about how they first started championing products that work and are the best for our homes and families. I'm kind of a nerd, but I really liked reading about that!

There is definitely more to this story, and I can't wait to read more installments about the Delacroix family. This book was incredible (on my favorites of 2019 list!) and the rest of the series promises to be just as good!

Camden has written a most interesting book where we learn a lot about spices and mostly centered around pure vanilla extract and how it is obtained. The Spice King is filled with historical data that is very interesting. It is well written and has very strong interesting characters that will hold the reader’s attention from start to finish.  Annabelle Larkin is a very determined  young lady who wants to succeed in her new job at the Smithsonian. Gray Delacroix is a determined bachelor and almost a recluse. When the two meet they rub each other the wrong way. The clashes begin.......but we have a very good ending.            I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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

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

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

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

Elizabeth Camden has been one of my must read authors for quite sometime, so I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of The Spice King, which is the first book in her new series, Hope and Glory. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I love the way the author takes a subject that I never considered interesting but after reading a few pages, I find it fascinating, especially in this novel.

Annabelle Larkin is such a great character, she is sweet, kind and tenacious. She's a botanist at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC and when she begins a correspondence with Gray Delacroix to see his private plant collection, she shows just how determined she can be. Gray is equally determined so I knew these two would become near and dear to my heart. I'll be honest here and admit that I never expected the world of spices and politics to work so well into a storyline but the two merged spectacularly.
They are both fantastic characters and I could easily imagine them spending time together,

Another character who held my interest is Elaine, Annabelle's blind sister who works at the Library of Congress which I think would be an awesome job for anyone. I was glad to learn of her experiences with coping with her disability.

Overall, The Spice King is impeccably written and is filled with instantly likeable characters and also has a few twists that I didn't expect. A definite must read in my opinion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.

Would it kill Camden to MENTION someone from Beyond All Dreams? Because it is my favorite of her books and this takes place right after.

Takes place right after the end of the Spanish-American war, introduced in Beyond All Dreams, and takes place in Washington DC

Gray and Annabelle bond over plants-- she's a researcher from a farm in Kansas and he's a business socialite who's explored most of the world. They quickly fall in love until a betrayal leaves the two of them at a loss, but they must work together to prevent a rival business from hurting the American Population.

I love vanilla, and it was so interesting having a book that featured it heavily! The orchid trade of the Victorian era features heavily, and Gray is a classic example of explorers during that time. The risk of foriegn diseases is very prevalent and easy to forget in this modern world. Camden reminds you from the very beginning that there are risks to world travel.

I liked the plot for the most part and the characters are fully developed and fleshed out. I have a small issue with how Gray forgives Annabelle and I hope more conflict comes to light in the next book in this series.

This book quickly became about so much more than I originally anticipated. I was pleasantly surprised. I loved Annabelle's dedication to her family, her country, and doing the right thing even when it wasn't simple. I loved Gray and his rough-around-the-edges-but-soft-on-the-inside personality.

Camden creates intrigue almost from the beginning, pulling readers into a historical world she has tended to with great attention to detail. With excellent pacing and an unforgettable cast of characters, this book is a great example of what historical fiction should be. My only complaint is the lack of relationship development between Gray and Annabelle, but I'm a die hard romantic who lives for a good dose of chemistry.

This was my first Elizabeth Camden read, but it certainly won't be my last! Overall, I was impressed.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley and courtesy of the publisher. All expressed opinions belong to me.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

This latest series starter by Elizabeth Camden kept me enchanted. I love how Camden always picks such a unique yet important point of history to set her story around.

I always learn at least 3-5 new vocabulary words from her, but beyond all the rich educational reasons for reading her books are the plot and characters. Pretty much every book by Camden that I’ve read has drawn me in for the sake of the characters and how unique they are. The plots are thick and keep you hooked.

The Spice King met and exceeded all these expectations. The only complaints I have is that I would’ve liked a little more romance to balance out the intrigue and espionage, and the way that salvation was presented towards the end of the book was a massive let-down. A character was said to be paying for his sins by trying to make things right himself, and was said to be well on his way to heaven. I personally believe there is nothing we can do to earn salvation; we must simply believe it and receive it, for Christ has already paid for it and extends it to us. I would rather read a clean book without a message of salvation that one that is so misleading in an attempt to be inclusive. That is why I am dropping what would have been a five star rating so much lower.
Thank you to Bethany House and Net Galley for providing me with an electronic advanced copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*