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 … 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?
more
I’m glad that this is the first book in the series, because I felt like the most important issues weren’t resolved.
Which is weird, because the main characters had a happy ending.
The ending felt rushed, though.
Gray is a man whose past has defined the bulk of his decisions for decades. After traveling the globe, he’s finally ready to settle down, even if it means forcing his little brother to accept some responsibility. And accepting that his little sister has chosen to work with a president Gray distrusts.
Annabelle is a peculiar combination of steel and sunshine and guilt.
They work together on a few things and eventually find a way to be together.
Elizabeth Camden’s attention to history and how she weaves it into her stories is something I love about her writing.
Then she puts a weathly businessman, Gray Delacroix, and a farmer’s daughter, Annabelle Larkin, together to cause friction. How the two navigate their relationship keeps the reader from putting the book down. You root for the two the entire time.
I loved the details about the Department of Agriculture and the vanilla flavor making. I found myself wanting to learn more about both.
I can’t wait to read the other books in this series.
Drawn to Washington DC for a dream of helping her family and other farmers find a heartier wheat strain, Annabelle Larkin instead finds herself taking cuttings of plants and cataloging seeds at the Smithsonian Institute. However, things are about to change as her boss issues her a challenge. Contact Grey Delacroix, “The Spice King”, about a rare orchid specimen. The only problem, he is a surly recluse who has repeatedly denied anyone to see his rare collection.
Through Annabelle’s persistence, she is granted the rare opportunity to view all of his rare plants and spices. Drawn by their love of botany, justice, and keeping the food supply safe for everyone, Annabelle and Ray fight to have ingredients identified on all food products. This proves to be a difficult task as Ray’s intentions are painted in a bad light. News of his brother’s political involvement and conduct are used as fodder in attempting to discredit Ray and draw attention away from the issue.
Luke, Ray’s brother, plays a role in the story by creating suspense and a wedge between Ray and Annabelle’s relationship. She, torn between patriotic duty and love, and he, family loyalty and trust. The two of them have to examine their past actions and learn to trust if they are going to have a chance at a lasting relationship.
Elizabeth Camden continues to highlight a segment of history and weave strong characters and events together to make this story come alive. I found it fascinating to learn about the Good Housekeeping magazine’s and their seal of approval’s role in diet and nutrition here in America. This is the first in the Hope and Glory series and look forward to the next book, A Gilded Lady.
The two things I loved most about this book:
1. Fascinating history regarding the food industry, the McKinley presidency, and American/Cuban relations at the turn of the century.
2. The imperfection of the characters and the tensions in their family dynamics brought a realism to the story.
I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Camden, and I love her ability to immerse you in obscure historical dilemmas. The Spice King takes place in Washington D.C., and is the first in a trilogy surrounding the Delacroix family.
In this story we meet Gray, a reclusive business mogul, and Annabelle, a botanist from the farmlands of Kansas. Their relationship is anything but smooth sailing as the characters are often confronted with choices that don’t have a black and white answer. This can be challenging as a reader since it requires you to ask yourself what you would do if thrust into those situations.
If you’re a lover of historical fiction, then this book should be on your list. It might not be the most romantic story you ever read, but it will be a memorable one.
Absolutely loved this audiobook! The characters were so compelling and the story so amazing that I was enthralled! Highly recommend!
Oh I learned so much about 1900 America. Ever wonder about the Good Housekeeping Seal? So much history in this book as drama unfolds in the lives of three grown siblings. I’m reading the next book right now. I couldn’t wait.
I like all Elizabeth Camden’s books. I enjoyed this one too.
An enjoyable read comprised of excellent writing and great research. I liked this glimpse into the Department of Agriculture and the beginnings of food regulation. The characters felt like grounded, real people, even though the hero and his sister were finding out new, disturbing things about their brother. I want to know more about the brother and his situation, which will keep me reading through the series, but this is not my favorite book by this author, and I’m not sure why. Still, it was a good story, and I’m glad I took the time for it.
This is the second novel I’ve read of Camden’s. I didn’t enjoy the first as much as I would have liked, so I was a bit hesitant when I purchased this book. But I am so glad that I did!
I absolutely love the title and cover of The Spice King. I especially liked the historical backdrop of the early 1900s. The novel is set in Washington D.C., and as someone who has been out and around Washington D.C., it was interesting to see how much has changed! This book also focuses on the early food industry, which was interesting to learn about.
I liked the characters of Gray and Annabelle and the moral struggles and qualms they faced. This is a book that will make you think and reflect on your own convictions. And of course, the romance between Gray and Annabelle is sweet. I am also thoroughly intrigued by Gray’s brother’s situation, and I can’t wait for the next book.
Christy and Rita Award winning author, Elizabeth Camden, wrote this first in a new series Hope and Glory.
Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building an acclaimed global spice empire.
Annabelle Larkin is a junior botanist for the Smithsonian.
These two come from very different backgrounds, yet their paths and goals seem similar, Lots of obstacles and troubles to overcome.
A little history, a little mystery and a lot of spying going on.. What started out as an interview and tour ended up a story if mistrust, deceit and the need to possess the vanilla orchid. I enjoyed the history lesson along with a wonderful mystery and unexpected ending.
I am not sure I have read any of Elizabeth Camden’s books in the past so reading this one is pretty much my initial acquaintance with her work. I am blown away by the depth of her research into the historical facts of the time period that is the setting for this novel. The two main characters are polar opposites but sometimes that makes attraction even sweeter. I love Annabelle’s dedication to her job and her blind sister. I wrestled right along with her about what decision to make when backed into a corner on where her loyalties lie whether to Gray or to her country. And I also suffered along with Gray and Caroline when their brother Luke had to pay the price. This is a great book and I heartily recommend it to all Historical Fiction Fans. All opinions expressed are my own.
Cambden seems to pick an unusual niche for a time period to show what it was like, in this case, the early 1900’s. In Spice King she looked at the food industry when it was self policing. There was the tension between government control and the need to protect. Add to that the tensions immediately after the Spanish American War and relations with Cuba. Of course, there was a romantic interest between Annabelle and Gray, coming from opposite points of view and social strata. Excellent book!
Update: I reread the book a year later and enjoyed it a second time!!!
I highly recommend ALL of Elizabeth Camden books. When it comes to Historical Romance, she is top-notch!
Wow! This was a wonderful story from Elizabeth Camden. I’m always amazed how her stories are crafted with so much realism and detail to history, yet they never drag. On the contrary, I feel as if I’m timetraveling to 1900 and immersed completely in the story, the complexity and srtuggles of the characters, the political environment, the advancement of technology regarding food produce, etc. I also loved to learn, at the end of the book, that the historical part was based on historical facts, even if given different names for the characters, companies, etc.
The characters were wonderful: deep and complex, yet kind, loyal and compassionate at the same time. Annabelle Larkin was raised on a farm and through her family’s sacrifice managed to go to the Agricultural College in Kansas. In order to support her blind sister’s dream of independence, she goes with her to Washington, D.C., where Elaine has gotten a job at the Library of Congress. Meanwhile, Anabelle gets a temporary position at the Smithsonian botanist investigator. She knows she needs to find something big and important to get herself a permanent position where she’s working, and when she hears that Gray Delacroix, the owner of an Spice Manufacturer Empire, has a unique vanilla orchid, long extincted, in his Greenhouse, and the orchids are her boss’s especial interest she decides to get an invitation from Gray to inspect it, even after she gets rejected more than once.
Gray Delacroix is a man that has worked himself thin to get his family bussiness, the spice manufacturing, on the high position it is as of today. It has taken him many trips across the world, a constant battle with malaria, close to death experiences, etc., all because he wanted to finish and make succede what his deceased father started together with him. But leaving his younger siblings, the twins, without a close parenting, has its consequences, for they have been missing the fatherly and older brother figure most of their lives, and they are both wild souls with big hearts and dreams to pursue. Luke and Caroline are all he has now, and he finally decides to establish and start thinking of finding a wife and having a family. So when Annabelle arrives at his home, after some rejections, with an endearing fake spice map as a gift, his defenses start to melt. Sooner than later he’s besotted with her and opens his home, factory and greenhouses for her to inspect and delight herself in.
But Annabelle is soon pressed by the goverment to investigate if Delacroix is involved in some dealings with Cuban insurrection, because of some evidence that points to him, which could be a great and dangerous betrayal to the amercan nation, even a hanging offense. Annabelle knows Gray doesn’t favor the goverment and is constantly criticizing their methods. But that doesn’t mean Gray would be capable of treason would it? With a patriotic inspiration, she accepts to spy for the goverment, but also easing her conscience that what she is really doing is trying to exhonerate him from these vile accusations. But what would Gray do if he knew? And will she really find the evidence the goverment is looking or will she be able to exhonerate the Delacroix name?
This novel is truly a gem, and I’m thrilled that it will continue following the Delacroix family with Caroline and Luke´s story. There´s definitely a big mystery where Luke is concerned. I have my guesses but I can´t wait to read his story.
Annabelle and Gray’s story felt real. And their interactions were so endearing, even when everything goes terribly wrong. This will not be an easy love, and maybe this is what will make it more solid at the end. There are many obstacles to overcome, doubts and regrets, for them to have a chance at forever love. At times it seemed practically impossible, but I loved Annabelle’s sunny and optimistic disposition. Not only that, but the certainty that God has a plan through it all, and that He’ll give her the strength she needs to stand firm while the storm passes her and threatens to bring her down. Gray is an awesome character too. Known to be rigid and stoic, he will see through Annabelle how much joy he is missing in his life and he’s struck by her capacity to be in awe with some of the simplest things. But a great barrier will separate them, and it will take a lot of self discovery, thruthfulness, humility and a great dose of forgiveness and empathy to break it. That is, if he’s willing… He has a lot to learn in this story and I was proud of him in how these difficult circumstances turned out for his personal growth, to be the man and brother God expects him to be, but not happen before a lot of struggle with his pride and distrust.
The love story was so so sweet and made me sigh. These are characters made of wholeness, loyalty and integrity. But life’s puzzles are not as easy to navigate as they initially seem. So they will have to fight for it, but it will be so much worth it in the end.
I definitely recommend you this novel, as well as the rest of the series, which I’m sure will be as captivating and enriching as this one. I really couldn´t put it down!
The Spice King
Hope and Glory #1
By Elizabeth Camden
Annabelle Larkin has been given an almost impossible task – secure a sample of the Vanilla Orchid from the private collection of Gray Delacroix. But Gray Delacroix has spent years amassing his collection and he isn’t about to share it with the Smithsonian. But Annabelle’s future and her job depend upon this.
But Annabelle is faced with a choice when she manages to make an impression on Gray Delacroix and is given access to his world. But Washington, DC, is nothing like the Kansas farm that she grew up on. And all too soon she is caught between two worlds that of society and of the government.
Set in 1900, The Spice King focuses on the Delacroix family who lost almost everything in the Civil War. With hard work and sacrifice, they rebuilt and were known for their botanical expeditions and the expansive private collect they had amassed. Their goal was to grow and produce locally what had to be brought in. But various government agencies seemed bent on preventing them from profiting from their work. Unfortunately, Annabelle stumbles into this mess. She needs her job at the Smithsonian so that she and her sister can remain in Washington.
This is a fascinating look at just how far some individuals will go to obtain what they desire – no collateral damage is too high and anyone in their way, well too bad for them. I loved the various historical aspects of this book. The fight over food purity, the right for women to work in untraditional fields, and a look into the life of the US President.
This book is the first book in a new series Hope and Glory and if this one is any indication it is likely to become a favorite series. If you love historical fiction this one brings it to life in a fantastic way that makes you just connect with the characters. Lovely and well worth multiple reads.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher with no expectations – all thoughts expressed are my own honest opinions.
This was one book where I couldn’t just predict the end. Largly because I was wondering how after what Anabelle had done to Gray and his family if there was going to be a way forward. But the author did an absolutely remarkable job of weaving together spices, food, revolution in the early 1900s, espionage, politics, betrayal, forgiveness, love into one book with a delightful ending.
The wonderful themes of dedication and commitment to family and the truth was skillfully illustrated.
Forgiveness and letting go even when one is hurt was played out wonderfully.
This is not a book to be forgotten in a long while.
5 stars all the way.
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed here are mine.
THE SPICE KING by Elizabeth Camden is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I am glad she’s got a hefty back catalogue I can read because this book had me riveted.
The story is filled with political machinations, intrigue and betrayal, much of it within the bounds of agriculture and food manufacturing. The historical accounts are richly detailed and woven beautifully throughout the story. Camden did an excellent job in unfolding this story arc. It was a most satisfying read.
Two of the main players in this book – and our romantic couple –are the wealthy and powerful Gray Delacroix and the guileless Annabelle Larkin. They are such diverse characters with an ocean of experience between them, and yet, they are perfectly suited.
Annabelle’s determination and spiritedness arouses something in the weary and lonely Gray that he is eager to pursue. There are absolutely no sexually explicit scenes in this book – they barely touch each other – yet they are incredibly romantic and their love rings true.
I highly recommend The Spice King.
I am delighted to know that the next book in this series has already been announced. It will feature Gray’s sister Caroline along with security agent Nathaniel Trask. I am ready!
(I have voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All words are of my own opinion.)
The Spice King (Hope and Glory, book 1) by Elizabeth Camden
Elizabeth Camden has a way of bringing life to historical events that would seem uninteresting to most people. But she takes them and turns them to life in an intriguing and page turning story! There were several very interesting elements in this book. And among some of the issues in The Spice King, one of the topics touched on was pure foods! In the story 2 families are rivals in this industry but only one is honest about their hard work and what they do. Also in this story there was a beautiful relationship that is formed after going through a very difficult and heartbreaking situation! One of my favorite parts was how the main character Annabelle, looks after her blind sister, Elaine. It’s a beautiful relationship and will touch your heart!
I really enjoyed this book! And look forward to the next in the series!
Elizabeth Camden has done it again! She found a subject I have never read about and made an awesome story surrounding that subject. The amount of historical facts are staggering, yet they are not laid onto the page as a boring list. The facts meld into the story, as if they are undercover. I was learning so much about American History without realizing that was what was happening. This book held shock, betrayal, patriotism, loyalty, love, and so much more. The Spice King is book one in a series of three. I am certainly looking forward to the second story.