THE PAINTED CASTLE by KRISTY CAMBRON

Publication date 15/10/19.
THE PAINTED CASTLE is another epic novel by KRISTY CAMBRON, which takes place over three generations. It follows on from Castle On The Rise, and, although it can easily be read as a stand alone, I really recommend reading the books in sequence, for pure enjoyment! I really like this author's way with words, her character portrayal and understanding of human nature, and the clever way her fictional characters fit in with the history of the times.
Starting in 1843 with Elizabeth Meade, following on to 1944 with Amelia Woods and ending with Keira Foley in the present day, the author has woven these three women's stories together at Parham Hill Estate Framlingham England, bringing this manor house and its surroundings alive with really beautiful prose. All three women have been badly hurt in the past and we see how they gradually find healing, largely due to the men in their lives, who also have a certain brokenness. It is a story of redemption and hope.
I like the historical aspect with Queen Victoria's secret painting by the famous
Franz Xaver Winterhalter playing a big part in the story, and also the vivid descriptions of the horrors of World War II and the fortitude of those who lived at the time.
It is an inspirational book with three wonderful romances running through it, and one I can highly recommend.

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THE SPICE KING by ELIZABETH CAMDEN

Publication date 3/9/19.
THE SPICE KING by ELIZABETH CAMDEN is a romantic historical novel, with quite a bit of intrigue and politics, and a really good Christian message. The story is based on true history, and takes place in 1900, at a time when unscrupulous businessmen were making money by putting untested and potentially dangerous ingredients into tinned and bottled food, which they were passing off as the real thing.
Annabelle Larkin and her blind sister, Elaine, leave the family farm in Kansas, which is in financial trouble, and move to Washington where Elaine has found a position with the braille library, and Annabelle has a temporary job at the Smithsonian. Annabelle is a botanist and is passionate about plants. In fact she is passionate about life in general and is friendly, optimistic and loving. She is also patriotic and determined, and makes up for her short stature by not being afraid to speak her mind.
She has been told by Dr Norwood, her superior, that in order to obtain a permanent position in Washington, she needs to find a very rare Vanilla orchid, which may be in Gray Delacroix' possession.
Gray is a businessman who has built up Global Spice, travelling the world to find rare plants and increase his business holdings. Gray is a grumpy man, all business and no social graces. He does not trust the government, because of what happened in the past, nor does he want to help them in any way, let alone in their botanical research.
I will not tell you any more about the story, as I do not want to spoil the read for you, excepting to say that it is an interesting and exciting book, with great characters that are very well portrayed, and I can highly recommend it.



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