Bethany House Publishers have released some fabulous works of fiction in the last few months, but I have to say that none quite compare to the novel I just finished reading… Who wrote this new masterpiece, you ask? It probably won’t come as a surprise to discover that it was the acclaimed Elizabeth Camden, who has begun a brand-new series entitled “Hope and Glory”. The first story in this series is “The Spice King”, and what an unforgettable story it is!

I found every element of “The Spice King” fascinating, but some specific examples of the best features include:

• the lifelike characters who are like onions and continue to reveal layer after layer of complexity (some characters I love, some I despise, and some I still haven’t decided about);
• the riveting storyline that still isn’t completely resolved (and won’t be until the sequel releases next June!);
• the intriguing historical details about spices that are based on facts (for example, the mystical progenitor of the vanilla orchid has never been discovered by plant explorers, but they are still hunting for it);
• the history behind food regulation to prevent unsafe additions of fillers and chemicals to prepared foods (and the surprising role of the ‘Good Housekeeping’ magazine in this process);
• And SO, SO much more!

“The Spice King” is the type of book that I wished would go on forever. It is truly Historical Fiction at its very finest, because it seamlessly blends compelling storytelling with factual history, all woven together with words that come to life like a movie in your mind. As I read this story I was transported to Washington, DC, in the year 1900 – I smelled the vanilla being produced, I felt the emotions of the characters as they grew to care for one another even as they faced impossible decisions, and I witnessed the triumph as they succeeded in their goals (even in unexpected ways). If you would like the next book you read to be of the highest caliber of storytelling, I cannot recommend “The Spice King” enough. It is a work of art that you won’t soon forget!

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.”

Book #2 in the “Hope and Glory” collection is set to release next June!