The Prince of Spies

Author: Elizabeth Camden
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Hope & Glory #3
Release Date: February 16, 2021

Luke Delacroix has the reputation of a charming man-about-town in Gilded Age Washington, DC. In reality, he is secretly carrying out an ambitious agenda in Congress. His current mission is to thwart the re-election of Congressman Clyde Magruder, his only real enemy in the world.

But trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman's only daughter, whose job as a government photographer gives her unprecedented access to sites throughout the city. Luke is captivated by Marianne's quick wit and alluring charm, leading them both into a dangerous gamble to reconcile their feelings for each other with Luke's driving passion for vital reforms in Congress.

Can their newfound love survive a political firestorm, or will three generations of family rivalry drive them apart forever?

---

Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"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.

---

---

Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

Elizabeth Camden pens the most delicious historical romance books, and The Prince of Spies is one of my very favorites. Camden is a master at creating realistic, colorful, and engaging characters and putting them in a little-known slice of history. Then she ups the suspense and intrigue by plopping them into precarious situations and proceeds to have them work their way out to a satisfying and deeply absorbing conclusion.

Luke Delacroix is a fascinating character with his devil-may-care outward attitude which covers a caring and courageous inner heart. When he meets Marianne Magruder, the daughter of his family’s bitter enemy, sparks fly, but they can’t see a way to make a relationship work. Meanwhile, Luke signs up for the Poison Squad which tests food additives and preservatives on human subjects to see the effects on the men. I was unaware of this group of courageous men that helped bring about government oversight on foods, so it was very interesting to learn of it.

Elizabeth Camden is one of my must-read authors for historical fiction, and her Hope & Glory series is a favorite of mine. The Prince of Spies is the final book in the series, and what a fantastic finish it was! It will definitely be on my list of top reads for the year and has earned a spot on my keeper shelf. Although it could be read as a standalone book, do yourself a favor and read the other two first to get some great background.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

---

---

Reviewer: Mindy Houng

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. The Hope & Glory series takes the reader on a journey from the boom of spice importing and the 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.

---

---

Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden is a wonderful ending to a thrilling series.

With Luke Delacroix now out of prison, you would think he would try to lay low and stay out of trouble for a while. Such is not the case. The first thing he does is brave icy water to save a dog. And when he returns the dog to the lovely Marianne, he is instantly smitten. 

Unfortunately, she is a Magruder, and Luke realizes it would be impossible to see her again because of their families' long-time feud. Plus, he's trying to get her father kicked out of Congress - so there's that.  

The Romeo/Juliette love story between Luke and Marianne sets the tone for this final book in the series, which brings back all our favourite characters from the previous books. But Luke is determined to obey God and protect those he loves no matter the cost, making the ending all the sweeter.

This is a standalone read, but I highly recommend you pick up the other three books. With excellent research into the era, you won't be disappointed.

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley.

---