Elizabeth Camden has once again written a fabulous historical
fiction in The Spice King. I absolutely loved her characters and the
depth of their interaction.
Annabelle Larkin is
determined to win a donation from the Delacroix plant collection.
Fresh out of school in Kansas, she feels somewhat at a lose to be
living and working in Washington DC. Working in the Smithsonian for only two months, she tries every way she
knew to contact the elusive Gray
Delacroix. After writing two times to Gray,
she refuses to give up, being the latest of in a long line of botanist
who'd tried and failed to make headway with Mr. Delacroix. If she
can obtain the coveted Vanilla Orchid, she
would secure her position with the Smithsonian. Boldly she makes her way
to the Delacroix home. Along the way she spies a Spice map and hopes to
gain entrance to entice his interest. As she meets Gray she notices
that he is quite ill, the effects of Malaria, but he demands to see the map. Adamant that he doesn't
trust the government, Annabelle charms her way into the man's
greenhouses.
This
is the most charming tale. The story is full of historical insights from a
time when there was no regulation on foods stuff. I love how the
relationship between Gray and Annabelle progressed and how they learned
to trust each other. A definite 5+ star on my scale.
I voluntarily reviewed a
complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All
views expressed are my honest opinion.