Rebecca Reviews ~ The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden

Paperback, 352 pages

Expected publication: September 3rd 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building a successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Tasked with gaining access to the private Delacroix plant collection, Smithsonian botanist Annabelle Larkin unwittingly steps into a web of dangerous political intrigue and will be forced to choose between her heart and her loyalty to her country.

Rebecca’s Review

5 STARS!!!

"I hope to the bottom of my soul that I never have to see you again."

Scorching words. Unfortunately for Annabelle Larkin they were understandable, if not deserved, for she had just made an excruciating, possibly unforgivable choice. 

Hired as a temporary junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle and her sister arrive in Washington from Kansas with one mission in mind; to gain full-time employment that would pay Annabelle in valuable agricultural information, and enough monetary funds to save her family's farm. Her bright scientific mind and optimistic bravado did not go unnoticed, and she found herself trekking towards the home of a reclusive global spice king, Gray Delacroix, in search of an elusive orchid. 

Gray Delacroix considers himself immune to sunny dispositions, but the lovely botanist is difficult to ignore. Exhausted from his years of travel around the world to build his family's spice empire, Annabelle Larkin tempts Gray to consider settling down to enjoy the fruits of his labor. And then it happens; in the place of dreams, rage ensues. Gray doesn't care how patriotic Annabelle claims to be, she has torn an impenetrable rift down the middle of his heart. 

"Choose hope and forgiveness over anger." 

What a beautifully written story, paced with accuracy and intensity at all the right times and in all the right places. Not to mention, the incredibly interesting history surrounding the food industry. So, so much to love about this book, written by quite an accomplished writer. 

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 

Senior Reviewer, Rebecca Maney

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With over 30 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".