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.

The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden is the third book in her Hope and Glory series. If you’ve been reading along with the series, this is the long-awaited story staring Luke Delacroix and it was well worth the wait.

The Delacroix and Magruder families have been at war with each other for decades. Luke is determined to take down Clyde, who is now a Congressman, for putting what Luke considers to be harmful preservatives into Magruder food products. Luke goes as far as volunteering for a food study to prove how bad those preservatives happen to be.

What Luke doesn’t reckon on is falling in love with Clyde Magruder’s daughter, Marianne. Marianne is a photographer for the Department of the Interior. A woman of compassion and filled with the desire to preserve what is good and just. Falling for Luke could mean being cut off from her family. Does she really love him that much?

Prince of Spies is one of my favorite romances. It is so sweet. So lacking in silly drama and so full of trouble and danger. It’s the type of book I know I’m going to want to re-read anytime I want a good ol’ love story.

The whole series has been steeped in history and fascinating details (my reviews of The Spice King and A Gilded Lady). Not to mention, the covers are absolutely fantastic (and especially awesome when put side-by-side). Yes, I highly recommend reading the whole trilogy.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

The Prince of Spies is a perfect ending of a complex trilogy. I couldn't put it down. We got solid resolution on loose threads from the first two books, and getting to know Luke better was awesome! Seeing inside the fledgling packaged food and food safety industry was great. And the historical projects of photographing everything, especially before removing it to make room for future expansion was so cool!

Luke's determination to 'pay for' his mistake, even when it wasn't his fault, is both admirable on one hand, and sad on the other. Accepting God's forgiveness and grace is crucial, and failure to accept it puts us at odds with God, saying we know better than him. That God's sacrifice was good enough for everyone, except me.

I received a copy of this book from #netgalley, and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.

From the suspenseful opening sentence to the triumphal ending, The Prince of Spies had me captivated. Romeo and Juliet and Don Quixote blend in Elizabeth Camden's unique style in this wonderful conclusion to the Hope and Glory series. Each book infuses fascinating historical tidbits in the telling of the stories of the Delacroix siblings. If you have not yet read the others in the series, you will want to before continuing this review to avoid the spoilers.

I have been anxiously waiting to hear the rest of Luke's story. Unlike his solemn older brother, Gray, Luke was full of passion and fire. He was a man who didn't do things halfway. Serious about his causes, he did all he could to right the wrongs of the world. Mostly recovered from his stint in the Cuban prison, he embarked on a crusade to protect an unsuspecting public from the poisons injected into the foods they eat. Luke had a very sensitive side, as well, which caused him embarrassment when he would turn into a "water pot" at emotional moments.

Marianne was delightful! Courageous and determined. We are introduced to her when she staged a daring rescue that almost cost Luke and her their lives! I admired her dedication to her family despite their many faults and even more so, her desire to do what is good and right.

I loved The Poison Squad, as they had dubbed themselves! Their theatrics, teasing, and antics had me grinning. But they weren't only about fun and games - they were dedicated to the food trials they underwent and also had each others' backs. I was unaware that such a group of men existed in our country's past.

The Prince of Spies is far from dry, dusty history. In addition to the romance, it is full of intrigue and light-hearted moments. Readers of historical fiction will want to be sure to read this fascinating series.

We finally get to experience Luke’s story! He’s been a secondary cast member of the earlier two books in this series where readers came to care for him. He’s a risk-taker and has a noble heart and mission. He’s willing to sacrifice his own comforts for the sake of the people he’s serving. We root for him while he inspires us.

The family feud aspect of this novel provided a perfect backdrop for conflict and romantic why-nots. How in the world will these two bridge an age-old distrust between their families? That question will keep readers hooked.

Our heroine is a successful, somewhat independent photographer working in DC in the early 1900s. I loved that she was a trusted government employee and how her job gave her access. Her world of brownie cameras and darkroom film development interested me.

Each of the MCs has a challenging weakness or difficulty to overcome. Luke can be a bit reckless in his pursuit of justice. But now he’ll have to humble himself and consider others in a new way. If he dies, how will Marianne feel? He also faces down the trauma of being locked up in a Cuban prison for fifteen months prior to this book’s start.

Our heroine is exceedingly naïve—a great contrast to her independence and career woman status. At times this flaw grated, but it made her growth interesting to read/watch. She is also brave and we watch her take stands in her own life, as Luke does, and we cheer for her.

I had recently seen a PBS special about the Poison Squad and the scientific study of toxic food additives in the early 1900s. This novel’s exploration of that early study interested me.

Honest journalism was a theme and because the story was set in the early 1900s and news reporters were held accountable to the truth, nationally, we were rewarded with this satisfying element.

I recommend you read the Hope of Glory series in order to fully appreciate the stories’ through lines. Personally, I enjoyed the earlier books in the series more. But this was a satisfying conclusion to a strong series.

Early 1900s Book 3 of the Hope and Glory series
I so love this series and am glad to see Luke's story unfold. There are two brothers and a sister, each with their own complexities, but they are close knit. Their company is above board, selling only the most pure items. The Delacroix are fought viciously by the Magruder family, who have cut corners and used additives to preserve their food items that no one would ever want if they knew. There isn't an FDA yet, which is what they are fighting about. This is somewhat of a Romeo and Juliet story since Luke and Marianne, from these opposite families in the feud meet by accident and begin a relationship. Fabulously told, just as the first three in the series. I had a very hard time putting it down!
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

When Marianne Magruder walks out on the ice to save her nephew’s dog, an unexpected source of help comes in the form of an engaging young man. Young men don’t usually spark an interest in Marianne—she’d rather spend time with her family or work at her job taking photographs for the government.

When the mysterious young man sends her flowers and then shows up at the studio where she develops her film, Marianne admires his joyful spirit and ingenuity in finding her. And then she discovers his last name.

Luke Delacroix has spent his adult years seeking adventure and challenge. After spending months in a Cuban prison and bringing down a spy ring, he’s ready for a new challenge. He commits to acting as a human test subject for the Poison Squad so he can prove, once and for all, that his family’s nemesis is poisoning unsuspecting consumers with dangerous food additives. His greatest wish? Bring down the congressman responsible for ignoring the truth about tainted foods.

After helping a damsel in distress save a dog, he tracks her down and begins a friendship. But will their friendship survive when he discovers her last name?

In this Romeo and Juliet-themed finale to the Hope and Glory series, Camden creates two of her most engaging characters. Luke and Marianne’s friendship and love story prove love can win against all odds—including family feuds and disillusionments. Camden continues her story of the Delacroix family and its quest to ensure safety in the Golden Age food supply.

Her attention to both little-known historical details brings the setting and characters to life.

I was totally surprised at the opening scene and how the main characters meet…”Someone shouted, “You’re going to fall through the ice!”…”If the ice can’t hold a dog, it can’t hold you!” A boy pleads with Luke “Please help Aunt Marianne save my dog!”

(Hold up I thought Luke was in Cuba? He’s out? How did that happen? Now he’s on the ice helping Aunt Marianne save a dog?)

” Marianne looks at this handsome guy who is determined to help her save her nephew’s dog, his face was animated with both fear and exhilaration. Next thing she knew Luke was beside her. She looked at him, “This ice won’t hold us both.” Luke looks at her and says, “I know…,”

I stopped at that point and looked at the book cover to make sure I was reading the correct book. When I confirmed I was, I adjusted my expectations and started reading again with fresh eyes. I am happy to report that the author took me on a thrill ride I didn’t expect to go on. She also showed Luke’s family still fighting the good fight about food and food labels.

I adored Marianne. She was sweet, brave, loyal, protective of her family and a talented photographer. I found it fascinating how she meets Luke in the middle of an icy lake both trying to save a dog for Marianne’s nephew. Things were sweet until they find out each other’s last names. How could they be drawn to each other when their families they despised one another. It was cute to see how they tried to ignore each other and their feelings for the sake of their families. Who were they kidding?

Luke Delacroix has only one aim in life, to take down the corrupt family who has been his enemy for years. Luke is a magazine journalist and helps his brother in the family spice business by fighting for reform in Congress and the food act.

I always adore the Historical Notes the author gives readers which makes for a deeper reading experience. The author talks about the Wiley Act (the Dr. who brought up problems of adulterated food issues) She also talks about how The Poison Squad was real and so was Dr. Wiley.

This will make for a great book club pick. The author includes eleven questions to help liven up your book club experience. This is a wonderful conclusion to a fascinating series I enjoyed and learned so much from. If you haven’t read this author before I highly recommend this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

WHAT a conclusion to this fascinating series! I appreciate the way Elizabeth Camden always includes interesting history in her stories. The history is close to the characters’ life and motives as familial struggles and rivalries separate an aspiring couple. Secrets, loyalty, charm, and forgiveness all twine beautifully in this story of history and romance!

Another very important reason to read this novel: LUKE. Luke and his language skills, sensitive, typewriter loving, soft and devastatingly charming HEART.

Camden has mentioned this is her most romantic book yet. I have to agree — and add that the romance is not found in typical form. Instead of a normal courtship or progressing relationship, the romance in The Prince of Spies is found in the way Luke and Marianne are drawn to each other in spite of their obstacles; then, in their unconditional acceptance of each other. How they show care in small ways: a note, a small gift, an encouragement, a glance that connects them in a crowded room when conversation is impossible. Romance in a classical meaning of the word is also found in Luke’s drive to improve industry, in Marianne’s eye for photography, in Luke’s mastery of language (translating! and writing!), in the passion the characters show for their purposes and commitments, and in themes of loyalty and sacrifice.

Readers of the previous two books in the series will LOVE seeing Caroline and Nathaniel settled! Also glimpses of Gray (and Annabelle!) in typical older brother fashion. Like the previous stories, a faith thread is present but subtle and feels organic to the characters, drawing in threads of forgiveness in unexpected ways.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

I was so excited to read the third and final installment of the Hope and Glory series. I have thoroughly enjoyed each book. There is so much to love in this book-interesting historical facts, love, family conflicts and redemption. Not to mention the beautiful covers. Camden has a wonderful writing style that draws the reader in from the first page. This was my first series by this author but definitely won't be the last. I highly recommend this book.

It's 1902 and the Hatfields and McCoys all over again, but this time it is The Delacroixs and the Magruders for another go round. Focusing on Luke Delacroix and Marianne Magruder, both their fathers are owners of canned food companies. The Delacroixs focus on making sure that all of their canned foods are of the best quality and healthy for their customers. While the Magruders are more interested in using preservatives and fillers that will keep their products low priced. But the question is are these preservatives and fillers safe to eat?

This story takes place prior to the Pure Food and Drug Act, and deaths sometimes occurred when people ingested foods with unsafe preservatives and fillers. A Dr. Wiley was very concerned about what people were eating and decided to test some of these preservatives on a study group. The study group remained together for 4 months eating all meals at a boarding house under controlled circumstances. They dubbed themselves the Poison Squad. Meanwhile Luke and Marianne are both concerned because of their families as well as the fact that Marianne is a photographer for the government. Can two people from enemy families help discover the truth?

Wonderful suspense with fantastic characters. I was so happy to see Luke featured as he has been an interesting character since book 1. He and Marianne made a super investigative team even though their parents were determined to keep them apart. The plot line was filled with plenty of action from start to finish which kept me glued to the pages.

This was a delightful conclusion to an excellent series, and the end notes regarding the movement to a Pure Food and Drug Act as well as the information that Dr. Wiley was appointed to be the first head of the US Food and Drug Administration were very interesting.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

This is the last book in the series, and what a way to finish!

We've known Luke since the first book, Gray's story, from the time he was jailed in Cuba, to book 2, Caroline's, when he was released.

At the beginning of this story, Luke is still recovering physically when he rescues a dog from the icy water and meets Marianne. They're drawn to each other and form a quick friendship, but when they find out each other's last names, they realize they shouldn't see each other again since the Delacroix and the Magruder families have a generations-long feud. But, of course, the more they see each other, the more they fall in love.

Washington at the turn of the old century is a great setting, especially with all the issues going on, and with the contribution of secondary characters. I loved seeing Gray with Annabelle, and Caroline with Nathaniel, as they interact with Luke and welcome Marianne with open arms.

I love this series and highly recommend each book to be read in order.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

"He didn't know who she was, but he'd have it figured out before the end of the day. It would be easy. Number one: he was a spy and good at ferreting out information...." (location 126). From the moment they met, Luke and Marianne were drawn together. They didn't realize that their last names could prove the death knell to their fascination. The Delacroix and Magruder families had been feuding for three generations. They both must reconcile what their forbidden attraction could mean to their families and dreams.

I loved Marianne and Luke. Together they have the courage to do what's hard and right. They're realistic about the cost of their actions. They are supportive and loving, witty and fun.

Luke feels so strongly about trying to rid food of toxic chemicals that he volunteers to be part of a research group. It was interesting to learn about how food laws came to change to get rid of bad fillers and chemicals.

This is a great read. I liked that Luke's siblings both had continuing roles in this book. I enjoyed learning more about this slice of history in the gilded age. It was thoughtful and fascinating. I'd highly recommend it.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions 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.

Impeccable. Camden’s are always auto-reads for me. This is my new favorite. Love, love, love Luke and his quest.

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 via NetGalley, but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Luke Delacroix is back and still fighting for what is right. When he unexpectedly meets Marianne Magruder, the two sense an attraction, not knowing each other bears the surname of an arch rival. As their relationship unfolds so does the truth about the additives her family’s business adds to foods on the market and the potential dangers of such. The novel also involves Washington, DC, politics and the changes undergoing the city in 1902. The sweeping tale involves plenty of drama and explores family relationships, which sometimes clash. The story offers an insightful exploration of life then, with plenty of application to modern times. The book can stand alone, but the whole series is best read in order. I received a copy from the author and publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I could not put this final book in the trilogy down! I love how Camden takes a scientific topic, like chemicals in food, the real life poison squad, and turns it into a fast paced suspense novel! Luke has been my favorite of the siblings since the series started, so I was happy this book centered around him. I'd been wondering where his story would end up after prison in Cuba and spying on the government. Now in his typical rebellious ways he falls madly in love with his biggest rival's daughter from a generation old family feud. Can't get much better than that. He also really grows up in this novel and becomes a better man, which I liked seeing.
I loved Marianne and all her sweetness despite her crazy family.
I am definitely recommending this trilogy to anyone, but I say read the books in order for the full affect.

The Prince of Spies
by Elizabeth Camden
Back of the Book: “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 reelection 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?”
Impressions: This was a satisfying ending to the Hope and Glory series. If you are a forbidden love romantic this is your novel.
Rated: Stolen kisses, jail, violence
Liked: I appreciated each sibling of the Delacroix family and the fact that they loved each other despite their differences in personalities and ideas. In contrast, the Magruder siblings showed no love towards one another’s differences. This series gave a valuable example of what messy relationships can look like with God and without God. The Delacroix family-centered their lives around their faith but the Magruder’s centered theirs on a façade of happiness. Real joy comes from our Heavenly Father. Real joy comes from the peace that you are in His plan and care. Although Marianne begins to realize her family is not all that she has built them up to be in her life she finds the relationship with Luke and his family as an encouragement to seek change in her life. Her experience in the ending with extended family allows her to see what God can do in changing hearts.
Disliked: The animosity between the Magruder’s and Delacroix families was re-sparked in this novel. Now with Clyde in Congress, there is a twist in the plot. I feel like the dark side of politics could get a bit seedy and scary. As an abuser looks to leave bruises in unseen places, those with power need to manipulate without traces to their reputation. I don’t think the relationship between Luke and Clyde would be one to trifle at the ending when Luke tries to be honorable. He was asking a lot but alas it is a book and it needed an ending so…
Quotes:
“’ When I was in Cuba, I thought I was going to die. My biggest regret was that I was going to leave this world without making so much as a scratch on it.’” – I think this is a legitimate thought for many people even unthreatened. Don’t we all want to make a mark, leave a legacy?
“’ Passion is what sets the world ablaze and drives men to strike out for the horizon and discover new worlds. It makes me get up in the morning looking for a new dragon to slay or an antiquated text begging for the breath of new life.’” – It makes you question your purpose in life if you start down this path of thinking. What does it all matter for anyway? Why do I wake up every morning (my kids prying my eyes open…duh!)? I can’t answer this question without reflecting back on my creator. Here is a link to some resources to think on https://www.openbible.info/topics/god_made_us
“He preached that problems, no matter how complex, could be boiled down to the fallen nature of man…Marianne’s complicated family histrionics no longer seemed quite so unique. Backstabbing, secrets, and lies dated all the way back to biblical times, and the same book provided plenty of guideposts for how she could have handled things better.” – I love how the Bible is full of broken and fallen people who He still chose to use for His glory.
“…People who expect quick or easy solutions aren’t dreaming big enough.”
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

This was an excellent book. The tension between the two families, how could they ever find their way out or to each other? All the deception and control, it looked hopeless. But that is what made the romance so good.

I kept expecting one of them to turn on the other, but their love for each other was so deep they would do anything to protect the other.

If you enjoy historical romance with a lot of twists and turns you will enjoy this read.


A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.