The Spice King

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 I look forward to reading A Gilded Lady, which I am sure will be another amazing book. 

About the Author: 

Elizabeth Camden 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.