"The world was a huge, wide-open landscape bursting with opportunity, and it was up to her to choose how she would live in it. God had blessed her with a sound mind and the freedom to make choices in life. It was a blessing she must not squander."
Description:
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?
About the Author:
Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded-age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Awards and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books. Learn more at www.elizabethcamden.com.
My Thoughts:
I confess, I used to read all of Elizabeth Camden’s books, but I fell behind a while ago, amidst the busyness of life. So this is the first one I’ve read in quite a while and as I read, I was reminded what I so enjoyed about her other books! I didn’t have a ton of expectations, given the previous statement, but if I’d had any, I can confidently say they would definitely have been far surpassed!
I can’t fathom how much research and time Ms. Camden must put into every single one of her stories! There is so much detail and specifics, which I absolutely adore! I so appreciate how she writes about different professions and times in history. There is such variety across her writing and this book is no exception! If any other author had published a book about a spice company owner and a botanist , I probably would have been more than a little skeptical. But not with this one! From the first time I saw the cover and read the description, I was intrigued! This was something I’d never considered reading about and I so enjoyed getting to know Gray and Annabelle! They are opposites in many ways, but also so suited. I so appreciated Annabelle’s integrity and desire to do the right things, the hard things. And Gray’s devotion to his family and integrity, in his own way.
They lived in a huge and expansive country,
filled with choices and opportunities.
Not all of them were easy, but she had found
a man of characters who would step into that
world with her, and nothing had ever felt so right."
I loved the history surrounding their characters, too! Like Annabelle’s sister assisting at the Library of Congress to help the blind and integrity in food manufacturing and labeling. And throw in a bit of mystery (which I’m hoping continues in the next book) and I’m hooked! I’m definitely a history geek and this book is like stepping back in time. The vivid descriptions and detail made it seem as though I was right there with them, learning how to bottle vanilla and appreciate rare orchids. Though it may sound a bit odd, this was a fun read for me! I greatly enjoyed it and am anxiously awaiting the next book!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys unique characters and American history!
*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Have a lovely day!
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