Review: The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden

October 4, 2019

Title: The Spice King
Author: Elizabeth Camden
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 352
ISBN:
Publication Date: September 3rd, 2019

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?
My Thoughts:
When you want a rich historical background and fictional characters that are very lifelike that can blend into the history they are placed into seamlessly, Elizabeth Camden is the author for you! I have thoroughly enjoyed her books since I discovered her writings with Against the Tide. She knows how to write a swoon worth hero!

Gray Delacroix is a man who who has dealt with many hard blows in his life. He was a young child during the Civil War. He watched as his father had everything taken from him. He stood by his father and then stepped in for his father as they tried to rebuild their family business. As the business flourished, he traveled overseas and in doing that contracted illnesses that racked his body. Now that his father and step-mom have both passed on, took his place as head of his family, watching over his siblings like a second father. But now that they are adults, he is trying to find his place in this new dynamic. He is a hard working man, loyalty to his family, and an old world charm that captures your attention. While his younger brother is flashy and about the finer expensive things, he is calm and collected and appreciates what he has.

Annabelle Larkin is a long way from Kansas. She is one of the few women who have graduated from College at this time. She has packed her and sister up and have moved to the Washington D.C. She has a temp job at the Smithsonian...which is awesome! I would love to work there. The history that is there! Back on track. Annabelle has a job that many can't get and she desperately wants to stay. She has such a love for her family and a desire to take care of them.

When Gray and Annabelle have their meet-cute, it is fun. Annabelle is a very independent woman and she charges ahead into Gray's life. What plays out between then is interesting. They court and have a very sweet courtship. You feel like nothing can go wrong, but unfortunately, life tends to throw a wrench into plans.

The changes here in the story, I can understand. The feelings are real. The pain and anger, confusion are all there. The unknown. The hurt. Everything is played out and it makes you wonder how the story is going to close out, because, this is a hard one to see where it is going. I enjoyed that. I'm happy this wasn't a happy ending immediately. There is a lot of work to get to the end and it doesn't wrap up smoothly, because if it did, there wouldn't be a reason to continue this series. :-)

I honestly can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes. There is so much out there for Elizabeth to expand on and I am anxious to see it happen.

This book had so much to it. Romance, mystery, intrigue, history. This had everything I could ever want in a story.

This is a must read!

5 out of 5

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 she lives in Florida with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.






Thank you to the author, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.



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