The Spice King

By: Elizabeth Camden

Narrated by: Pilar Witherspoon

Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's Summary

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?

©2019 Elizabeth Camden (P)2019 Recorded Books

Captivating Story

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!

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

Great Book But

Spice king is an excellent, well written plot, but it doesn’t tie up every loose string. It does set the stage for Camden’s next book, Gilded Lady. Therefore I recommend buying them at the same time and reading it first. The first part is a bit slow but the mystery in this Camden book is excellent. It is PG 13 and the history is perfect. I did have a tough time understanding Annabelle’s actions. Witherspoon did not have believable male voices.

Exciting and Intriguing Story

Once again I was very very pleased with Elizabeth Camden!! A very interesting story line that had unpredictable twists and turns. This book provided such neat insight into the history of food/spices. I was sad to finish the book it was so good!

Story gets off to a really slow start

This book was so hard to get into. I didn’t find the characters very intriguing. Such a great title though, wanted to read it. The story is just… slow

The Spice King

My first time with this author, but it did not disappoint. I’m looking forward to listening or reading more by this author. I loved the historic stuff in the book as well.

Absolutely love the intricate detail

I love reading stories that teach me things like this one does so effortlessly. So very interesting to get a glimpse into not only the time frame but the world of food and additives coming into play. I’m a huge foodie but had no idea this book would tap into that love. So fun! I’m sad to leave my people now - Would so love a “part 2”!!

Enjoyable and entertaining

A little slow to start, but great character development. Good history and interesting storyline. A good read.

Didn't realize what I ordered

I didn't realize this was a Christian-based story; I wish that had been made clear as a descriptor. It wasn't for me. Note to self, research author first. Also, the narrator's way of speaking and the dialogue of the book did not fit with the time period of the book at all and I couldn't finish out of frustration.

Absolutely Astounding

This book kept me the whole time! I would recommend to anyone, it’s amazing. The characters are interesting and the context is delightful. During every twist and turn, you’ll want to know what’s you’re in for next.

I really enjoyed this book

I’ve always loved historical fiction and this one had just enough historical fact to make it even better!