Author: Elizabeth Camden
Series: Hope and Glory #1
Age: Adult
Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Romance
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Source: Paperback
Synopsis:
Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building an acclaimed global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before they spiral out of control, he returns to his ancestral home for good after years of traveling the world.
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?
Received a copy from the publisher for review.
This was such a solid read for me! I truly enjoyed this from beginning to end. Giving this a 4.5 star rating. The writing was flawless, I felt like I was in the story, the romance was great and the characters were funny.
Annabelle is botanist that starts working at the Smithsonian part-time. She's offered a permanent position if she can get a rare flower from Gray Delacroix, however she never imagined crossing paths with him would lead to something more. I loved Annabelle. She was a woman of virtue and power. When put in hard positions she went with the best answer. She always did what was right for the world even if it meant hurting herself and losing her happiness. She was witty, not a prude and not like other women in the story and time. I loved everything about her.
Gray Delacroix is a man that loves his family and protects all that he cares for. He's a workaholic and not much of a people person. He's a stuffy guy, but when you get to know him he's such a big teddy bear. Gray was such an amazing man from beginning to end. He cared for his family and tried hard to stick to his beliefs, but seeing him change throughout the novel was epic.
The romance was too adorable to me. I think they were the perfect mix! Annabelle softened his heart. Gray helped her build her walls. I adored their banter with one another. Especially that scene at Good Housekeeping -- I laughed so hard. They were upfront about their feelings, but dealt with real issues. I thought the romance was well done!
Luke, Gray's younger brother, was a hoot! I didn't care for him at first because he definitely had this mysterious feel to him. Even to the end, I still didn't get why he did, said or allowed towards the end. What is he really doing in Cuba?! I need answers LOL.
Caroline, twin sister to Luke & baby sister to Gray, is such an ANNOYING character. I loved her at first, but she started pissing me off when Gray and Annabelle had issues. She was sooooooooooooo aggravating. However, I'm excited to read more about her in the sequel.
Otis needs more of a spotlight cause he was loyal, loving, caring, protective, funny and everything in between. I loved him sooo much!
The Magruder family were evil. They just need to be arrested -- seriously.
The faith aspects, though few, warmed my heart. I loved how both Annabelle and Gray learned somethings about God along their "journey" to love. Epic moments and inspirational quotes for the perfect vibe and mood.
I am stoked for the sequel to come out so that I can see more of Gray and Annabelle, but also get to see a different side of Caroline. Would definitely recommend this novel.
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