Book Review: The Spice King (Hope and Glory book 1) by Elizabeth Camden

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

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?

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

This new series, set in Washington 1900, brings a brand new perspective to the genre as it focuses on spices and food production. The story is about young Smithsonian botanist Annabelle who tries to get access to the Delacroix private plant collection and to the owner himself, the reclusive Gray Delacroix.

The plot

I must say this plot developed in an unexpected way. The spice trade which I thought would be the main theme ended up being more of a backdrop, while the mystery part became the main plot. I really enjoyed this unexpected turn.

The characters

I really liked Annabelle and found her character to be well developed. I was impressed by her positive, light outlook on life whichever problem she faced. I enjoyed the glimpse into her thinking as she tried to deal with a very serious situation at the same time as Gray seemed to her to be in the center of the whole mess.

Gray I found to be a more business-driven person from the start of the story. Difficult to get to know. He seemed to like to keep to himself. However, I was pleased to see that he developed in a positive way throughout.

I felt really engaged in Annabelle’s sister Elaine’s situation. I felt for her as she tried to be independent in a new city.

The twins, Caroline and Luke irritated me as I felt they were spoilt, irresponsible and clueless around money.

My overall thoughts about  this book

At some point during this read I got so invested in the plot that I started suspecting every character of foul play. For me, that’s a sign I’m reading a good book.  I found the plot ever so slightly predictable, but it moved along quite nicely.

Fans of Camden’s work or readers of historical fiction in general will enjoy this story. I will be sure to read book #2 in this series and highly recommend you readers do the same.

Rating: 4,5 stars /5

(All opinions are my own)

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
To learn more about the author, visit http://elizabethcamden.com/.