The Spice King (#01 in Hope And Glory Series)

I enjoyed reading the spice king. I found the settings of the orchid hot houses and Smithsonian both exotic and fascinating and the plot and characters interesting. Although part of a series 'The Spice King' can stand alone, however I will be reading the others because I have been sucked into the interconnecting story. Although there is not a lot of Christian content it is there. Clean, interesting fiction that will make you want to read it to the end.

I didn't want to put it down! Already from the cover I get the sense of an elusive, mysterious, and powerful man. From a hard, closed and blunt man was revealed a gentleman with a sense of humour. Annabelle is persistent, nave, and loyal. Her moral compass is directed towards what is right, and this is where Gray and Annabelle will learn heaps from each other. I loved the tension between them, and how malleable Gray is to Annabelle. Driven by passion, the two must decide how their relationship can survive - it's raw and passionate. It's the perfect introduction of the Delacroix family, whose dramas have a way of finding them out. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Salt and pepper sum up the spices in most American foods at the turn of the last century. Things like rosemary, cumin, and basil that are a staple today were unheard of one hundred years ago. Gray Delacroix has traveled the world to find elusive spices, even though doing it cost a large portion of his life and health. Now ready to enjoy the fruits of his labor, Annabelle Larken wants to convince the curmudgeon Gray to donate his profitable plants to the Smithsonian. In this battle of wills, which one will back down?\\nAnnabelle is desperate because if she fails, she will lose her job. Her salary makes it possible for her blind sister to remain with her. Just when Annabelle might be making headway, she discovers illegal activities by one of Gray's relatives. Should Annabelle do the right thing, report her discovery, and destroy any association with Gray? Being honest will help the greater good, but it will wreck her personal life, so will she look the other way instead?\\nThis story really builds the tension wondering what she will choose, and I liked the information about spices that was surprisingly interesting. This tale is clean, told from a Christian point of view. Although this 5-star story stands on its own, some questions remain for future installments. It will be enjoyed by fans of historical books with a touch of romance. \\nBethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Spice King, for the purpose of review. \\n