The Prince of Spies - (Hope and Glory) by Elizabeth Camden (Paperback)

The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden entertained from beginning to end. Luke Delacroix is a bold, adventuresome sort with a penchant for conflict. Thanks to his choices and romantic attraction to Marianne Magruder, the daughter of a politician he is trying to bring down, the plot had plenty of tension and action. Between the secret romance, the feuding families, and personal struggles, I delighted in reading this historical romance. While reading The Princes of Spies, I noted and appreciated the well-rounded characters. It is expected that main characters will have flaws requiring change and growth. Luke and Marianne both dealt with internal and external issues as they gravitated toward each other. However, the secondary characters, such as Clyde, Vera, and Jedidiah Magruder, held their own complexity. The author captured how people are not always all good or all bad, but a mixture of both. Appropriately, Gray and Caroline stayed true to their personalities from previous novels. The Prince of Spies concludes Elizabeth Camden’s Hope and Glory trilogy. Although this novel would make a fine stand-alone read for anyone who enjoys Christian historical romance, I recommend reading all three books in order, if possible, as I thoroughly enjoyed them all. Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

In The Prince of Spies, Elizabeth Camden delivers another exciting and emotional historical romance. Marianne Magruder is a photographer for the Department of the Interior tasked with documenting historical buildings in Washington D.C. in order to make a case for their preservation. She is the daughter of Clyde Magruder, a senator and the owner of a leading American food manufacturing company. Luke Delacroix is a journalist and an outspoken opponent of the use of dangerous food preservatives, and his sites are set on taking Clyde Magruder down. But when circumstances throw Marianne and Luke together, neither knowing who the other is, will they be able to see eye to eye and fight for a common cause, or will the generations old feud between their families tear them apart? I am always excited to get my hands on a new Elizabeth Camden book, and The Prince of Spies did not let me down. I love the little known historical facts that are woven into her stories. From start to finish, this book is exciting and full of emotion. It is well paced, and the characters are well developed and full of personality. I appreciate how Luke’s faith is tied into the story, as well as the themes of forgiveness and selflessness. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put this book down. I absolutely loved it! *I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was so much fun to read! There were so many unexpected twists and turns I could not possibly see coming. Camden took me by surprise, and most of the time I enjoyed it. I loved watching the story unfold between Luke and Marianne. Luke is so fun and up for anything in the name of truth. He hasn’t had an easy life, but that doesn’t cause him to shy away from conflict, and I love that about him. Family rivalry and hatred shouldn’t get in the way of two people so obviously made for each other. Can Luke and Marianne find a way to work it out? Or will their families history prove to be too much? I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. There are some harsh things in this book, but isn’t that like life? I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Luke Delacroix has been fighting to bring down Clyde MacGruder, the sworn enemy of his family for decades. The last thing he expected was to fall in love with Clyde's daughter. Charming, charismatic Luke Delacroix is a man on a mission with connections spanning the country, he knows how to ferret out information from unscrupulous characters and pull the strings from behind the scenes to ruin political campaigns. This riveting conclusion to the Hope and Glory Trilogy brings back to the forefront the tempestuous feud between the Delacroixs and the MacGruders over adulterated food, in the political capitol of the nation. Drawing from real life trials testing food safety as people because more reliant on store shelves for stocking their pantries. Thoroughly researched, Ms. Camden has a gift for bringing the Gilded Age to life in vivid detail, deftly showing how the luxuries we take for granted everyday came to be. I knew I would love this book as soon as I heard about it, Luke is a daring hero, with strong convictions and sense of justice. I've enjoyed seeing him grow, find faith, and mature in the previous books, which I devoured. I enjoyed getting a more humanizing view of the inner workings of the MacGruder family through the eyes of Marianne, seeing their struggles, failures, as well as how they rose from nothing to the owners of a food empire to be reckoned with. I admired Marianne for her courage in facing the truths about her family. Overall, this was a engrossing read, and satisfying read from beginning to end that brings history to life. A captivating read that was impossible to put down, with excellent pacing and fantastic characters, I especially liked bantering comradery of the Poison Squad, as well as how the MacGruder clan explored in a realistic dimensional way. Highly recommend this book, the whole series, and everything by this author! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Elizabeth Camden has done it again! “The Prince of Spies” is the third installment in the “Hope and Glory” series and tells the story of daring but charming Luke Delacroix and his plan to take down his nemesis, Congressman Clyde Magruder. His plans takes an interesting twist when he meets Clyde’s daughter, Marianne. I was pulled into the story so much that I didn’t want to put it down, but was often tempted to look up the historical details. I used to work at the National Archives and spent most of my lunch breaks on the National Mall. But I learned much about the history of the Mall from “The Prince of Spies” that I’d never heard before. This book works as a stand-alone but if you haven’t read the other books in the series I highly recommend doing so. “The Spice King” is about Luke’s brother, Gray, and “A Gilded Lady” tells the story of his sister, Caroline. These books dropped me into Gilded Age Washington, DC and I felt like a witness to history.

This is the third and final book of the Hope and Glory series and I believe that it's my favorite. I enjoyed Gray and Caroline's previous stories but oh, my, there's just something about Luke Delacroix! Is it because he chooses to live outside the lines? That he cares deeply for correcting the wrongs of the world? Or his deep faith in God that became even stronger while he was locked up in a Cuban jail? Yes, Luke Delacroix is a hero to remember! The Prince of Spies is set in 1902 and author Elizabeth Camden offers another look at the wealth and prestige that was prevalent in Washington, DC during this time. She also provides a glimpse of that era's political scene, with the wheeling and dealing behind closed doors, and introduces readers to the Poison Squad, a group of young men determined to prove that the artificial chemicals being used in food were detrimental to human health. Best of all, she shares the overwhelming attraction that develops between Luke and Marianne Magruder, the daughter of Clyde Magruder, a longtime adversary of the Delacroix family. Marianne is certainly drawn to Luke but she is also very devoted to her family. Can they overcome the many obstacles or will Luke and Marianne need to sacrifice their happiness? If you enjoy sweet romance that takes your breath away, suspense that keeps you intrigued until the end, and historical fiction that enlightens as it entertains, you will want to read The Prince of Spies. Camden has once again proven her exceptional writing talent! I received a copy of this book from the publisher but I wasn't required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

I loved book 2 of the Hope and Glory series, “The Gilded Lady” so I began the book with enthusiasm. It waned at first when I discovered the opening scene to include a drowning dog, I was relieved at his safe rescue. I then realised our leading characters to be quintessential “star-crossed” lovers. Each doesn’t realise who the other is, a child of the “enemy”. Two feuding families are at the centre and sadly I didn’t realise this from the back cover. It is one of my least favourite tropes. Had I known, I would have skipped this one. Usually, I look to the writing when the plot doesn’t suit me but I struggled with that too in this one, I found “The Gilded Lady” scintillating but this felt more forced and winding than before. As such, I looked at other reviews for perspective and they too pointed out the slowness I of the action. A content warning too, a dog is killed in the book. All in all, this one isn’t for me, it’s a two out of five on the enJOYment scale.

This is the amazing conclusion to an Epic Historical Story set in Washington’s Gilded Age! I can say it left me amazed at the author’s talent for crafting such a complex story while based on true events, and many historical facts! The story was beautiful, and with a deep and compelling message about unconditional love, forgiveness, courage and redemption. This story can be read as a stand-alone, but I would highly recommend to read the series in order so you can understand better the complete story, as Luke, who finally has his own story, plays an important part in the previous two books. Charmingly reckless Luke Delacroix is restless, and needs to feel a void in his heart. He has a past he hasn’t reconciled completely with, even if the blame wasn’t his. In order to do something right, he is working with the Modern Century Magazine, being the only employee in the Washington Bureau for the moment. His goal is to take down a handful of -no good- Congressmen out of office in the next elections. Especially Clyde Magruder, his biggest enemy, with whom they have a deep family feud, and the cause of his endless guilt and brokenness. But trouble starts when he comes to the rescue and risks his life to save Bandit, Marianne’s nephew’s dog. This encounter marks a unique connection between both, and Luke determines to get to know the beautiful woman with a determined and courageous streak. What he never expects is her crush to be Marianne Magruder, Clyde’s daughter, none the less. But when he learns of this, he is half besotted with her and her with him, so even against their decision to not let the friendship grow into something more, they find themselves seeking each other out. But Luke knows his passion to make vital reforms to the Congress may end in harming Marianne’s father career. Can he hurt the family of the woman he already loves even if it’s his worst enemy? Will he lose her heart as well? The plot was totally page turner, I had a hard time putting this book down. There are many twists and complications to the story, and the fact that most of it is based on true events made it all the more interesting, as was everything related with the Pure Food and Drug Act and the famous Poison Squad who volunteered to eat food altered with chemicals and preservatives to discover if they were healthy and in how much doses. So interesting! But the best were the characters: Luke completely melted my heart with his devotion and loyalty to Marianne during the whole story, in spite of everything. He truly had a heart of gold, and the way he loved his twin sister was inspiring too. Marianne also had a huge heart and the love of her family and loyalty to them was admirable too, even if she’ll have to make some difficult choices in order to do what is good above all. Family ties is a strong theme in this trilogy. Trusting God and true forgiveness is another message beautifully portrayed, and the fact that life is not perfect, people are not perfect, but flawed, and yet life can be beautiful if we embrace what God gives us with gratitude and love. The characters were so relatable because they were flawed, but willing to grow and change when enlightened by God’s wisdom. The romance between Luke and Marianne was so sweet and endearing too! And very Romeo and Julietish too! The historical part was so interesting, and so detailed and well researched, it really amazed me. I felt completely transported to the America’s Gilded Era! This is definitely a book I highly recommend! But I hope you won’t miss the previous two so you can have this amazing experience of the Delacroix family journey to love and redemption! A very inspiring message through it all! I received a complimentary copy of this book by the Publisher, but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

The cast in this book were truly likable. It had been awhile since I had read the previous two books, but once I opened the pages I recognized where I was and who I was reading about. Luke, the brother who had been cast into prison in a foreign country as a spy. The great thing is that if you haven't read the previous two books that's okay. It would help understand the back story, but not really required. The story of the romance building between the two large family powerhouses was intriguing. This was one of the stories that I started and refused to quit until I was finished reading the book. There was just enough drama and excitement to push me to continue going page after page. There were parts of the story where Marianne's family was absolutely horrid, but then again, Gray's display of character wasn't all that great either. Seemed like he was a person lacking in joy, although he did show his obvious love and concern for his brother. All in all, this is a book that I foresee myself reading over and over, picking up pieces and nuances that I missed the first time around. I enjoyed this book and it ended with a smile on my face.

I’ve been intrigued with Luke’s story since the first book of this series, and this conclusion did not disappoint! In a Hatfield vs. McCoy style, Luke falls in love with a girl who he later realizes is the daughter of his family’s sworn enemy. Many side stories are included in this novel that make it relevant to more than the average fiction reader, such as familial shunning, interracial marriage, children born from infidelity, and the theme running behind all three books in this series: the history of food safety. Most fascinating of all, I find, is the Poison Patrol. Imagine allowing yourself to be a guinea pig by potentially consuming chemicals that could harm or even kill you. I had never thought of this concept before, but I’m quite grateful for those who went through this process to help us consume healthier food today. A great story, a nice closure to most of the side stories (I still wonder about Aunt Stella and Sam), another beautiful cover that fits so well with the other two, and a job well done by author Elizabeth Camden. *I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars "Amazing women have inspired men from the dawn of literary history. Cleopatra, Helen, Guinevere, Juliet, and Dulcinea. To these legendary heroines, I add my own, and her name is Marianne." What kind of girl risks life and limb to rescue an innocent little canine struggling to crawl out of a frozen river? "Aunt Marianne" would, and since that is the only name that Luke Delacroix can ascribe to the beautiful creature lying beside him on the ice, he is going to have to rely on the fact that he is the prince of spies and should be able to find her again in a matter of hours. Besides, how many young women with the name Marianne work for the Department of the Interior as a photographer. . . . . in a cruel twist of fate, the name Luke discovers is enough to make his blood run cold . . . how could it be? She is a Magruder. "What a handsome man. Black hair, dark eyes, and a face animated with both fear and admiration." He literally captures her heart with his eyes, this man on the ice, . . . . . "even through their gloves, it felt like a spark of electricity hummed between them", so powerful was their oddest of first meetings. First . . . because there were going to be many, many more forbidden rendezvous between Luke and Marianne; beginning in a dark room and ending in a yarrow field. . . . . unfortunately, the road in between was going to deliver more detours and blind spots than most humans could endure. Buffeted by a long standing family feud between their two families, the path to happiness was going to require an insatiable, undeniable, uncontrollable, unconditional love. And what a love it turned out to be! Author Elizabeth Camden has managed to capture the heart of her readers in the palm of her hand, penning a romance for the ages, for this outstanding conclusion to the Hope and Glory series will undoubtedly receive the highest honor that a reader can bestow upon a story; the desire to read it over and over and over again. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Having read the first two books in this series, I have been looking forward to Luke's story. He has been working with his brother Gray to stop the adulteration of foods with questionable and dangerous preservatives and additives. One of their fiercest foes is Clyde Magruder, who is also a new congressman. Things get really interesting when Luke meets and falls in love with Magruder's daughter, Marianne. She loves her family, though she recognizes their dysfunction and wishes things would be different, but she can't deny her feelings for Luke. There are many roadblocks to their happiness. Along the way, Luke and Marianne both have to rely on God to strengthen them to face the challenges with integrity. One of the things that sets Elizabeth Camden's books apart from other historical fiction is the way she takes rather obscure pieces of history and makes them very interesting parts of her story. One of the unique aspects of this series is the covers of the books. Set side by side, they form one complete picture of the Delacroix siblings, Gray, Caroline, and Luke. I enjoyed The Prince of Spies and highly recommend it and the other books in the series. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

I love a good Elizabeth Camden novel. I love how Camden brings out the most obscure pieces of history into major plot points of her novels and I always feel like I learn so much from reading them, not to mention a new vocabulary word or two! I was super excited to see that this book released, as it’s the third and final installment in a trilogy following the lives of the three Delacriox siblings. I loved books one and two, so of course I would recommend reading them before this one, although I suppose it could stand alone. There’s so much backstory on one of the main characters throughout the first two novels, so you’ll really get a lot more out of the story if you read all three of them in order. Also, can we just take a moment and appreciate the covers on these books? They’ve been so beautiful. Anyway, this was a fun read, complete with a meet cute and a likable couple. With a star-crossed lovers romance and fascinating historical details, I loved Camden’s work yet again. I look forward to whatever she releases next! Thank you to Bethany House publishers and Net Galley for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive. *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Bravo!!! Excellent conclusion to a fabulous trilogy! I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Camden's fascinating historical fiction. She excels at finding obscure history and creating such interesting stories around it. I have loved each of the stories in this series. The siblings each get their own story; Gray Delacroix (The Spice King), Caroline Delacroix (A Guilded Lady), and now Luke Delacroix (The Prince of Spies). In The Prince of Spies, we learn the intriguing history leading up to the need for the Food & Drug Administration. Luke meets a brave woman who goes out on the ice to try to rescue her nephew's dog, he goes out to help and they leave the scene being intrigued with one another. Since they did not exchange full names, they do not realize the deck is stacked against them as their families have a long-standing feud. This story drew me in and I couldn't put it down. I loved all the twists and turns. Some of my favorite quotes: "She'd been stripped away from her family, friends, and every familiar guidepost in her life. Without those crutches, perhaps it was only natural to look up." "The virtues of love, humility, charity, and forgiveness might not solve the problem, but they could serve as a balm in an imperfect world." "Marianne considered rushing for her camera to immortalize this perfect moment.....Then she thought better of it. Sometimes it was better to live in the present." (I enjoy taking pictures and this would be hard for me, but I totally get it and perhaps should try this more often!) I highly recommend The Prince of Spies! Excellent historical fiction, page-turner, very enjoyable read. I read this on New Year’s Day and loved every minute of it. My first book of the year! Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy! All opinions are my own.

Elizabeth Camden truly has a way of creating absolutely delectable historical fiction, turning somewhat little remembered facts in our history into centerpieces of her incredible writing. Hope & Glory series takes the reader on a journey from the boom of spice importing and processed food industry and agricultural science (The Spice King) to the last year of President McKinley's administration and all its politics and glitter (A Glided Lady) to the long years and sacrifice poured into the Pure Food and Drug Act along with plenty of political intrigue (The Prince of Spies). The series should be read in order so that you can get the full flavor of the Delacroix siblings. I have been anxiously awaiting this last book in the series and Elizabeth Camden does not disappoint! It's the perfect ending to the series. The year is 1902 and Luke has grown up after his stint in a Cuban jail. He's still delightfully impulsive, bold, passionate, loyal, and tender but has learned to rein in his thrill-seeking and emotional soul and has also found God. By the power of the written word, he seeks to make changes in the government but is also fueled by bitterness and desire for revenge. Marianne is a sweet, creative, loyal, oftentimes timid daughter of Luke's number one enemy whose path keeps getting tangled up with Luke's, even as he schemes to take down her father and his processed food empire. Their romance is splendidly magical, properly old-schooled and heart-stirring (with some of Romeo and Juliet vibes thrown in). There are twists and turns in the story that will make you gasp. The journey Luke makes to put his faith into action is a tough but admirable one; the faith journey Marianne makes is somewhat different but nonetheless powerful. I also loved learning about photography during that time, the beginnings of the FDA and how the National Mall in DC came about, one small piece at a time. If you are a fan of historical fiction, this is a must-read book! The Delacroix siblings, particularly the reformed and repentant Luke, will linger in your heart for a long time to come. I received the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.