The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden

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.

Publisher: Bethany House, 2019

Genre: historical romance

My Review

I love Ms. Camden's books for the way she makes history come alive. Her characters are solid, relatable, and intriguing. Her plot lines are gripping, and she weaves true history into fiction masterfully. I always learn something when I read one of her books.

The Spice King was no exception. Grey Delacroix was flawed yet oh-so-dreamy as owner of a global spice empire, a perfect match for the energetic and driven Annabelle Larkin, a Smithsonian botanist. I enjoyed learning about various spices, the various ways they were formulated and bottled, and the challenge the government had regulating such items.

The side plot and supporting characters in this story were so well written, I'm impatiently waiting for Ms. Camden's next book.

From This Moment by Elizabeth Camden

Romulus White has tried for years to hire illustrator Stella West for his renowned scientific magazine. She is the missing piece he needs to propel his magazine to the forefront of the industry.
But Stella abruptly quit the art world and moved to Boston with a single purpose: to solve the mysterious death of her beloved sister. Romulus, a man with connections to high society and every important power circle in the city, could be her most valuable ally. 


Sparks fly the instant Stella and Romulus join forces, and Romulus soon realizes the strong-willed and charismatic Stella could disrupt his hard-won independence. Can they continue to help each other when their efforts draw the wrong kind of attention from the powers-that-be and put all they've worked for at risk?


Publisher: Bethany House, 2016
Genre: historical romance



My Review
When two creative talents clash, sparks fly and tempers flare. Will they be willing to set aside their egos to find true love?

Famous lithograph artist Stella West has moved to Boston to find who murdered her sister. Despite the police's claim her death was accidental, Stella lurks around City Hall for any clue of foul play. She crosses paths with Romulus White, half-owner of Scientific World, the very man behind the letters she'd received in England, begging her to work for him. When Romulus offers her a deal she can't refuse, he gets more than what he bargained for--attraction, frustration, and danger.

Since a lot of romances are plotted with polar opposite heroes and heroines, I loved how Stella and Romulus were just alike--independent, confident powerhouses who are used to getting what they want. This made for great conflict and romantic tension. Once I started this book I couldn't hardly put it down.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance or elements of mystery. I gave this book 4.5 stars!

_____________________________________________________________

For more on Elizabeth and her books, visit her website at www.elizabethcamden.com.

Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

 

A volunteer for the newly established Weather Bureau, Sophie van Riijn needs access to the highest spot in her village to report the most accurate readings. Fascinated by Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion high atop a windswept cliff in the Hudson River Valley, Sophie knows no better option despite a lack of permission from the absent owners.

The first Vandermark to return to the area in sixty years, Quentin intends to put an end to the shadowy rumors about the property that has brought nothing but trouble upon his family. Ready to tear down the mansion, he is furious to discover a local woman has been trespassing on his land.
Instantly at odds, Quentin and Sophie find common ground when she is the only one who can reach his troubled son. There's a light within Sophie that Quentin has never known, and a small spark of the hope that left him years ago begins to grow. But when the secrets of Dierenpark and the Vandermark family history are no longer content to stay in the past, will tragedy triumph or can their tenuous hope prevail?


Publisher: Bethany House, 2015
Cover Design: Jennifer Parker
Cover Photography: Mike Habermann Photography, LLC

Opening Verse: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."--Matthew 5:8


My Review
I'm fascinated by the unique story lines Camden brings to her books. Using her vast knowledge of history, this author takes true events from our past and weaves them with lovable characters, an interesting setting, and a beautiful romance. I can't get enough of her books. 

Melancholy Quentin Vandermark arrives at his family's estate with one intention--to demolish it. He's also determined to prove to his grandfather that the Vandermark curse doesn't exist and the tragic events throughout their family history have a scientific explanation. When he discovers that Sophie van Riijin is trespassing on his property to attend to the weather station she set on the roof without permission, he sends her away. Only there's something about Sophie that tugs at him, and he's unable to keep her away for long. 

Full of intrigue, faith, and rich history, this book will appeal to anyone who enjoys historicals, romance, and strong characters who keep the pages turning. I give this book 5 stars! 

________________________________________________________

Learn more at www.elizabethcamden.com. 

Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden

Anna O'Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across a baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. She is thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, but her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help. 

Luke Callahan was one of the nation's most powerful congressmen until his promising career became shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship. 

Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglement with a member of Congress. From the gilded halls of the Capitol, where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for themselves?


Author: Elizabeth Camden (Dorothy Mays) 
Publisher: Bethany House, 2015
Cover Design: Jennifer Parker
Cover Photography: Mike Habermann Photography, LLC


My Review
This is the first book I've read by Elizabeth Camden, and I've found a new favorite author! Her captivating storyline and attention to detail had me struggling to put the book down at night to sleep. I can't wait to read more books by this author.

The story opens in Washington, D.C, 1897, with a humorous scene in the Library of Congress where Anna O'Brien works as a librarian in the map room. An ordinary day quickly turns into a strange encounter with a handsome congressman Luke Callahan from Maine. His goal is to demote the Speaker of the House, who blocks Luke's advances at every turn. He suspects foul play and enlists the research abilities of the spunky librarian, Anna, to help him with his plan. Her goal is to find the real reason her father's ship went down fifteen years ago, and why the Navy is covering it up. It's a tough time for a single, female librarian, and her prying into the military--and her time spent with the congressman--could cost her her job. Will she risk it all, or choose to live a quiet life in the map room forever? 

I loved the setting and the rich history of Washington, D.C. the author uses in this book. I gave Beyond All Dreams 5 stars! 

_________________________________________________

Elizabeth Camden is the award-winning author of six books, including Against the Tide, a winner of a RITA Award, Christy Award, and Daphne du Maurier Award. She lives with her husband in Florida and is a research librarian by day while scribbling away on her next novel by night. Visit her website at www.elizabethcamden.com.