The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden (Hope and Glory Book #1)

About The Book:   

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building an acclaimed global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before they spiral out of control, he returns to his ancestral home for good after years of traveling the world. 

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

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

"Camden launches her Hope and Glory series with this enthralling tale that weds a surprising romance with the real-life political intrigue surrounding the early 20th-century American spice trade. . . . Camden spices up the story with historical details of the era and of the race to provide convenient food for the masses."--Publishers Weekly

"Gray and Annabella are archetypal . . . Their thoughtful arcs see them evolve into surer versions of themselves. The Spice King is an adventuresome, entertaining romance that blends themes of betrayal and forgiveness."--Foreword Reviews"Librarian and Christy Award winner Camden presents another fabulous love story wrapped around compelling historical events in this unique exploration of early efforts to regulate the food industry."--Booklist"Gray and Annabelle's early courtship was a complete delight to read. . . . Camden is an expert at weaving absolutely fascinating history into her stories. . . . The prose here is smooth, the plot intriguing, the hero thoroughly lovable, and the mystery absorbing."--All About Romance

My Review:

It might sound silly, but I was hesitant about this book. The title isn't one that would normally draw me. However, since it was this author, I tried it. What I found is a story that could be a made for TV movie. I love things about the Smithsonian, so that aspect was a good fit for me. The historical detail was enthralling and I found the characters to be very likable. As always, it's clean and has faith elements here and there. The romance was not over the top and the conversations were fun ones! This couple overcame. It left me with a happy ending, a warm fuzzy one. 

5 Stars

About The Author:

Elizabeth Camden (www.elizabethcamden.com) is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.