Synopsis:~
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?
My take:~
Elizabeth Camden’s historical romance novels are always laced with intrigue, delightful historical detail, and robust and enticing characters, and The Spice King continues in this vein, bringing much joy to my reader’s heart! Layered and intelligent, this story captivated me from the start, surprising me with humour and determined banter between the aloof Gray and the persistent Annabelle. Chronic illness and disabilities form an important part of this story and lead to some surprising and pleasing twists, as in one particular instance the story took an unexpected turn which I loved. If that wasn’t enough to keep my attention, Annabelle’s struggle for respect and advancement in a world that did not support women seeking a career was as equally intriguing as the ins and outs of the spice trade, and the importance of botanists and their research. Such is Camden’s talent that she even made the developing food regulations and the staid Department of Agriculture fascinating. Fans of Kate Breslin, Joanne Bischof, and Jody Hedlund will find so much to love in The Spice King. The best part? There are more stories to come in Camden’s Hope & Glory series and it would seem there’s much more to discover about the Delacroix siblings…I hope!
With thanks to the publisher for my review copy. My opinions remain my own. The Spice King releases September 3, 2019.
Elizabeth Camden is a research librarian at a small college in central Florida. Her novels have won the coveted RITA and Christy Awards. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida.
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Buy at Amazon: The Spice King or Koorong
August 6, 2019 at 11:28 pm
Not much of a flower or spice gal, but I’ll say sunflower is my favorite because I was born in Kansas and that’s the state flower….also you can eat the seeds. 🙂
August 6, 2019 at 11:29 pm
This book sounds incredible! I’m excited to read it. And my favorite flowers are lilies and lilacs. I’m not quite sure if I have a favorite spice. Turmeric has many benefits.
August 7, 2019 at 12:00 am
My favorite flowers are snapdragons and tulips. My favorite spice is garlic. This book sounds fascinating!!
August 7, 2019 at 12:00 am
Elizabeth Camden is one of my must buy authors. I always look forward to her new releases. I love how she introduces readers to lesser known events and innovations in history. Plus she writes great heroines.
I’m of the opinion that you can never have too much cinnamon. Also, I love peonies and ranunculus.
August 7, 2019 at 12:48 am
I always love seeing the daffodils in the spring!
August 7, 2019 at 1:40 am
I love the smell of freesias!
August 7, 2019 at 4:09 am
I think my favorite spice would be cinnamon. As for flowers, there are several I love, but daisies are at the top of the list.
I absolutely love Elizabeth ‘s books! This looks great, and the cover is fabulous.
Thank you,
Stephanie C.
August 7, 2019 at 6:06 am
I have read most of Elizabeth Camden’s books and am always excited to see when a new one is coming out. The Spice King looks like another great read! Thank you for this opportunity!
August 7, 2019 at 1:16 pm
Thanks for the lovely review, Rel! I’m looking forward to reading this!
August 7, 2019 at 4:01 pm
I always like cinnamon
August 7, 2019 at 4:03 pm
I have read all of her books to date and can’t wait for this one!
August 7, 2019 at 4:43 pm
I’d have to say my favorite spice is cinnamon.
Thank you for the chance to win The Spice King! It sounds AMAZING!!!
August 7, 2019 at 8:34 pm
What an interesting story! I would enjoy reading this to see if she can get the info she needs and what else happens.
August 7, 2019 at 9:06 pm
Allergies prevent me from enjoying the fragrance of flowers. I do like the smell of fresh mint.
I’m excited to read The S[ice King! The cover is SWOONY!
August 7, 2019 at 10:15 pm
I love to taste and smell cinnamon. Thanks for your giveaway and I am so eager to read The Spice King.
Blessings!
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
August 8, 2019 at 2:38 am
Cloves are favorite spice; roses and iris are among my favorite flowers. Bethany House does wonderful covers and great books!
August 8, 2019 at 4:21 am
Elizabeth Camden is one of my absolute favorite authors. Her skill in character development and dialogue is amazing!
August 8, 2019 at 4:22 am
I forgot to answer the question! Cinnamon is my favorite spice.
August 8, 2019 at 4:31 am
My favorite spice is cinnamon. I love the smell of it.
August 8, 2019 at 4:31 am
I love ginger and ceylon cinnamon!
August 8, 2019 at 4:37 am
My favorite flower is the sterling rose, and favorite spice is apple splice (nutmeg/allspice)
August 8, 2019 at 4:41 am
I love roses and I love cinnamon/cassia.
August 8, 2019 at 4:43 am
I have 3 favorite flowers…sunflowers, daisies (they were my wedding flower), and magnolias.
August 8, 2019 at 4:43 am
Can’t wait to read this. Love Elizabeth’s books. My favourite flowers would be Lillies and Fresias but I love anything colourful. Cinnamon is probably my favourite spice that warm enticing smell draws me in everytime.
Thanks for the giveaway.
August 8, 2019 at 4:46 am
My favorite flower is the antique rose, due to its fabulous fragrance. I think my favorite spice might be cinnamon, especially Saigon cinnamon which seems to have a stronger flavor.
August 8, 2019 at 4:48 am
I love blush peonies – they’re so beautiful!
August 8, 2019 at 4:59 am
My favorite flower is hydrangea. I’m not sure I have a favorite spice.
August 8, 2019 at 5:29 am
Counting the days until I get to read this one!
My favorite flower is a Gilead iris and my favorite spice varies, but probably cinnamon!
August 8, 2019 at 5:40 am
My favorite flower is Lobelia, in blue.
August 8, 2019 at 6:06 am
My favorite spice is cinnamon.
My favorite flower is salmon colored old English double roses.
August 8, 2019 at 6:37 am
I love daisies! I’m also a fan of savory spices, like oregano, basil, celery seed, etc.
August 8, 2019 at 6:59 am
Looking forward to reading this one.
August 8, 2019 at 7:21 am
My favorite spice would have to be cinnamon. It’s a bonus if you have nutmeg, ginger, and allspice too. 😉
August 8, 2019 at 9:02 am
My favorite flower is probably the gardenia, but I love roses too.
August 8, 2019 at 9:27 am
My favorite flower is the daffodil. My favorite spices are garlic and the garam masala blend!
August 8, 2019 at 9:30 am
My favorite flower is lilac, and I love the smell of cinnamon.
August 8, 2019 at 11:16 am
I love spices, all kinds. In the last week I have used cumin, curry (which has a bunch). I love cinnamon and cloves and black pepper. As for flowers my favorite of this year has been hydrangeas.
August 8, 2019 at 11:51 am
Very exciting! Can not wait to get my hands on this one!
August 8, 2019 at 2:11 pm
I love lilacs because they remind me of my Grandma. She had lilac bushes in her backyard and they smelled so good when they bloomed. As for spices, I love cinnamon, cloves, allspice and nutmeg. They smell so good when combined in recipes, especially pumpkin pie or oatmeal cookies!
Thank you for the giveaway chance to win a copy of The Spice King, Rel. Elizabeth Camden is one of my favorite historical authors.
August 9, 2019 at 1:26 am
I love vanilla! Perfect to add to anything!
August 9, 2019 at 3:08 am
I love lilacs, they remind me of my childhood, and I enjoy the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg.
August 9, 2019 at 4:08 am
My favorite spice is cinnamon, so many delicious uses and it smells so good!
August 9, 2019 at 9:45 am
I like wildflowers & nutmeg.
August 9, 2019 at 2:18 pm
I love cooking with curry when I can, but my go to neutral spice is Lemon pepper. Oooh or cinnamon. Yum.
As for flowers, I like amaryllis I think…
August 10, 2019 at 9:54 am
One of my favorite flowers are the cute little Scarlet Pimpernels that come out on a nice day. I also love vanilla.
August 10, 2019 at 10:01 am
I love zinnias! As far as spices go, basil is one of my favorites.
August 10, 2019 at 2:19 pm
Mint is my fav spice. Not a typical one, but I do so love it!
August 11, 2019 at 7:50 am
Favorite flower is a daisy:)
August 12, 2019 at 3:41 am
My favorite flower is a carnation. They last a long time as cut flowers and smell nice too.
August 13, 2019 at 10:49 am
I love flowers. My favorites are roses, and then tulips.
thanks for sharing this giveaway!
August 14, 2019 at 4:56 am
I love roses especially red ones. I don’t really care for spices. I am really intrigued with this book about chronic illnesses. Thanks for the chance.
Tighefan42atgmaildotcom
T
August 15, 2019 at 10:37 pm
I like gerber daisies, but I can’t keep any plants alive! I do much better with baking, and I enjoy using lots of cinnamon!