The Prince of Spies

As this series ends, first of all, I'm a big fan of the Delacroix family and the covers of these books. I want to frame them and put them on my wall! I can't help but love Luke and I love him next to Gray, so I'm glad they got so much screen time together in this one. I've enjoyed watching Luke mature over this series and even more in this book and liked watching him fight for the woman he loved.
I was never bored in this book. Once again Camden highlights obscure, fascinating history, which is why I return to her again and again. In some ways, this was my favorite of the series.
With that said, Camden doesn't write the most refined prose. There's a lot of use of the passive voice and telling instead of showing. Although I truly appreciated the message of love and humility in relationships with difficult people and Luke's insistence in following the fifth commandment, as terrifying and painful as it was, Marianne's relationship with her parents really was concerning. They were abusive to her and yet she still felt like it was her fault and she should have "done better." I'm not sure that she ever really got over her unhealthy dependence on her father. It was interesting how Camden handled it, and I wonder how I would have if I'd written it. The other thing is that we briefly returned to the wrong ideas about worthiness that gave me major red flags in The Spice King. Luke prays in Prince of Spies, "I pray that this experiment will be successful and make the world a better place. I pray it will help make me worthy in Your eyes." 🚩🚩🚩
There is nothing we or Luke can do to make ourselves worthy to God. The gospel is that Jesus, the only One in heaven or earth found worthy, came down to earth and saved us in our utter unworthiness. All of our performance and making the world a better place can not make us one ounce worthier to God.
Aunt Stella was an interesting plot twist. In the end, good won and love won, and Luke Delacroix was a delightful hero.

PRINCE OF SPIES is the third novel in the Hope and Glory series by ELIZABETH CAMDEN. Although it can stand alone I suggest you read the books in sequence - you will not be sorry.
In 1902 the feud between the Delacroix and Macgruder families reaches new heights. When Luke and Marianne meet, while rescuing her nephew's dog, there is a spark between them which grows against all odds.
Luke is as intense as ever and just as determined to bring down his nemesis, Clyde Macgruder. He joins the "Poison Squad" and is trying to stop dangerous additives from being used in food - something the Macgruders would rather keep quiet. He is a journalist, and is also translating Don Quixote into less stilted, more passionate English. He is altogether passionate, but is trying hard to conform since spending fifteen months in a Cuban jail and nearly dying there. His family is supportive, but they went through a hard time when he was in prison.
Marianne loves her parents. Although she is her father's illegitimate daughter she gets on well with them both. They are very wealthy. Although she does not need the money, she works as a photographer for the government. She longs to make a difference and feels she is doing something important.
This is a book that deals with family dynamics, jealousy, betrayal, relationships, politics, the desire to make one's life matter, and through it all there is a strong Christian message.
I cannot recommend this novel, and in fact the whole series, highly enough. I was looking forward to this book and am definitely not disappointed.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I had no idea this was the third book in a series. It stood alone just fine, but I’m definitely curious about the other books now.

I really enjoyed this story. There’s a bit of a Romeo and Juliette aspect with the feuding families and a forbidden relationship, but a much happier ending.

I was fascinated by the historical aspect of food safety, the Poison Squad and the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and the creation of the FDA.

*I received a review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

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 had 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 Years 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.

In the Prince of Spies, Elizabeth Camden weaves a perfect blend of historical events with a compelling story!

The long awaited third book in the Hope and Glory series both fascinates and informs the reader about the struggles at the turn of the century regarding the fight for food safety and purity. The Prince of Spies is very much a continuation of the storyline first introduced in The Spice King, but told from Luke Delacroix's point of view.

I appreciated the historical aspects of the book, but after having enjoyed Luke's mischievous ways and penchant for trouble in the first two books, I couldn't wait to read his story and what type of woman would win him over. I loved that he was a man of principle and character and wouldn't yield to pressure even when it cost him a high price. He is very much a prince, but not without his flaws. He constantly pursues doing something important and memorable to measure up to the men in his family, in addition to wanting to atone for past mistakes. He also suffers from post traumatic stress and it's affects will have a reader very much sympathetic to his suffering.

Marianne is the woman who captures his heart from the first page. Her bravery is on full display as she risks her life to save a dog fallen through an icy lake. Not even knowing who she is Luke pursues her and her identity, only to discover she is a Magruder, a family the Delacroix's have a three generation feud with.

"Luke wouldn't let an inconvenient attraction stand in the way of a lifelong grudge. No matter how much he admired Marianne he intended to get Clyde kicked out of Congress." And so it begins, the push and pull of the heart against family loyalty.
In many ways Marianne is an admirable character, but with a less than stellar start in life, she suffers through the abuses of her family feeling less than valued as a family member. She only wants to be accepted and loved so it takes her a while to find her footing and stand up to their mistreatment. There was so much angsty disfunction in this family, I was ready for Marianne to get as far away from them as she could.

I really enjoyed reading about previous siblings and spouses Gray and Annabelle, Caroline and Nathaniel. I loved the relationship Luke and Caroline had as twins and it was one of the most poignant portions of the story when Luke felt he was losing Caroline as she was about to marry,
"I feel her starting to pull away already," he said. "Ever since we were infants, Caroline and I have been a team. Two peas in a pod. Now she's moving to another pod." So touching!

Nearing the end, the book, the story went a bit different than I was expecting and each reader will need to decide for themselves if they agree and are satisfied with Luke and Marianne's actions and choices.. I would have chosen to do some things differently, but the final chapter was stellar so all in all, I'm a happy reader. I appreciate Bethany House Publishers making a copy of The Prince Spies available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

Very well written and engaging. I enjoyed the star-crossed lovers trope and learnt a lot about the guilded age as well. A cute romance, and I also liked the progression of the relationship between Marianne and her step mother.

To me, this title is the best of the series. Read it from cover to cover and nary a paragraph skipped - something that I seldom do with novels these days. In fact, many a time, it was hard to put down my kindle.

I've come to expect Elizabeth Camden to introduce us to intriguing portions of history and this time we come to know about the Poison Squad and the work of Dr Wiley, and yes the Poison Squad and Dr Wiley really existed. So interesting even to me because, though I am not American, what happened here had an impact worldwide.

I loved how unpredictable and impulsive Luke was. I didn't like him in the first book but he was a really fun and refreshing character in this last one. The development of his romance with Marianne was slow and sweet, and you couldn't help but root for them.

I don’t read novels for spiritual enlightenment so I can’t comment much on those elements, but prayer, church and a return to faith are mentioned briefly in this book.

What will the author will come up with next? I can’t wait to see!

The Prince of Spies is a fantastic story. I have read all three books in this series, and I think I like this one the best! Luke has been out of prison now for a few months, and he meets Marianne on the ice, trying to rescue a poor dog that is going to drown.. He doesn't know the lady's name at first, but he knows he must know more about her. They soon learn that their family names are families that have been at odds for generations. Sworn enemies. They continue to see each other anyway, and their future doesn't look very promising. She faces her family with a betrayal by her, knowing she could be disowned. How will they ever be together with all of this family trouble?
Great, clean story I loved reading!

From the moment they met rescuing a dog that had fallen through the ice, Marianne Magruder and Luke Delacroix were irresistibly drawn to each other. The problem? Their families had been feuding for decades. As Luke, an investigative journalist, seeks to uncover the truth about preservatives added to the Magruders’ canned food company, will he lose Marianne in the process? Find out in this intriguing work of historical fiction.

This book was so interesting to me! I absolutely have loved the focal point of this series and this book was a solid end to the story! Luke is such a charming and charismatic hero! I absolutely loved him and thought he brought such life and energy to this story! I enjoyed Maryanne’s quit wit and felt like she paired well with Luke! I wanted her to be more independent, and that was something I really struggled with in relation to her character. She was bold and daring, except when it came to her family.
The Delacroix family is simply the best! The siblings have such good comradery! The Magruders are the absolute worst. It was hard to read about their toxic family relationships and dishonest dealings. The history in the story was fascinating to me! I’m a foodie, so this subject matter of adulterated foods kept me turning the pages. I love how Elizabeth Camden is able to infuse her writing with so many historical facts without it seeming like a history lesson. I always walk away from her books feeling like I have uncovered a bit of little known history! I throughly enjoyed this story and would happily recommend it to historical romance readers!

I Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author kept my interest throughout and I kept wanting to read more. I do not usually enjoy the Historical Fiction, but this one really gripped me. The characters appear to be totally real and they showed me a reminder of concern for truth and honesty in families.

The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden is an engrossing tale against a family feud as the main hero works on against the artificial chemicals in food. If readers have read the previous stories in this series, then they are familiar with Luke. First, as the trouble maker, then he returns as repetive toward his hurts. Of course, Luke needs the pages to tell his story and show his love story. With the introduction of Marianne, readers are introduced first hand to the other side of the family feud. She hands the dilemma in her family with grace and maturity. The romance sparkled from the first chapter with the rescuing of the dog from the frozen water. It kept growing deeper and deeper as the story moved along. As always with Camden's novels, I love her ability to dive into a historical element and make it fascinating for the readers to follow along. I love how the story captures the importance of the Food and Drug Administration. As an added bonus, Camden included a chapter at the end that features all the sibling four years later. Overall, The Prince of Spies was an engrossing tale that I finished in one day.

I received a complimentary copy of The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Camden does a fantastic job of retelling history and it always keeps me engaged and leaves me wanting to learn more about the subject matter. She is excellent at historical fiction. This was a great conclusion to the series and I loved the premise of two people falling in love from feuding families, ala Romeo and Juliet. I loved Luke's playful sense of adventure and it made me want to follow him where ever he goes. Very delightful and enjoyable!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Elizabeth Camden does such a fabulous job at taking an obscure piece of history and bringing it to life. I really enjoyed learning about the food testing and the 'Poison Squad'. Her research into all this is impressive, and I love how she seamlessly weaves these truths into fiction.

I'm also a fan of forbidden romances and so I was super happy to find out this story features that trope. I really loved Luke's character in this series. He has a bit of a recklessness about him, but he possesses a good heart. Marianne was an interesting heroine. I often felt bad for the way her family treated her and rooted for her happiness.

The author has done a remarkable job with this series and I can't wait to see what she does next.

**I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

"He barely knew her, but their spontaneous attraction was dangerous. Then again, Luke had always loved flirting with danger."

Ever since meeting the charming and sometimes reckless Luke Delacroix in book one of Elizabeth Camden's Hope and Glory series, he instantly became a favorite character of mine. After playing a supporting role in the first two books of the series, Luke gets his story told in book three, The Prince of Spies. Luke's story was definitely worth the wait.

Readers will be treated to a fantastic tale rooted in a deep rivalry lasting several generations between two important families, the Delacroix family and the Magruder family. When Luke Delacroix and Marianne Magruder meet and sparks fly, tensions also increase as they soon discover that they belong to feuding families.

Elizabeth Camden is one of my go-to authors for historical fiction, and her Hope and Glory series is my favorite of hers. She intricately weaves relatively unknown bits of history into her novels, such as the The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and "the Poison Squad," a group of men who voluntarily participated in food safety trials with a variety of preservatives. Although I am sad this series is over, the Delocroix family will have a permanent place on my keeper shelf where I can easily revisit old friends.

The Prince of Spies is highly recommended for readers of historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Like finishing the most satisfying meal. As expected, Elizabeth Camden delivers a wonderful story, dynamic characters, and blessed little reprieve from my everyday life.

I have just closed the cover of the final book in the Hope & Glory series, a smile on my face and my heart full. What a satisfying way to finish my time with this family of siblings. No one else can take you into the Gilded Age like Elizabeth Camden. From the first book (The Spice King) through the last, these characters have made their way into my heart and memory and won't be forgotten. I have loved how this series ties each of the siblings together--their stories melding from one book to the other. Luke has been woven through each of the previous books and it is good to finally have a focus on his own story. Not to be outdone, Maryanne has a fantastic story of her own and the growth that she goes through is beautiful.

I have been to Washington, DC and as Camden describes the setting, I can picture each place she mentions with detail. I believe this is a story-series is worth having on your shelf.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Prince of Spies
by Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House
You Like Them You Are Auto-Approved
Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance
Pub Date 16 Feb 2021 | Archive Date 16 Mar 2021

Good read! This is one of my first books of the year for 2021. I highly recommend it. Historical fiction plus!
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for the ARC.

5 star

In this conclusion to the Hope and Glory series, Luke Delacroix has returned from Cuba and while trying to regain his health and strength, he is determined to take down the congressman who has been his family's nemesis for years - Clyde Magruder. However, when he meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman's daughter, his agenda becomes cloudy. Can he find a way to pursue his goals of food safety, without harming the woman he is falling in love with?

The Prince of Spies was a very satisfying conclusion to this series. I loved how different each sibling's story was, yet how they fit together as a family. Besides the intriguing background of the regulations regarding food safety, it was super interesting to read about the planning and development of the National Mall. I don't think I've read anything else set in DC during this time period, and I really enjoyed it.

I give this book 4 stars. Elizabeth Camden has a knack for unusual storylines, and this was another one done well.

I received a digital copy of this book, via Netgalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Book #3/3 of the Hope and Glory Series
Publishing Date: February 16, 2021

I’m not going to lie, I read this book because of the cover. I had only briefly skimmed the synopsis before requesting a copy. I had no idea it was the third book in a series. That being said I think this book can be read without ever having read the previous books however you will probably spoil the outcome of the previous books for yourself. Each book in the series depicts the romance story of each of the Delacroix siblings.

This particular book featured Luke Delacroix’s story. Luke, recently returned to Washington after a stint in a Cuban Prison, is determined to take on Congress and particularly Congressman Magruder. The Delacroix’s and Magruder’s have a long history of feuding regarding competing food processing companies. In the opening pages of the book, Luke meets Marianne, unbeknownst to him she is Congress Magruder’s daughter.

And thus the Romeo and Juliet retelling begins. The romance story is rather unremarkable: man meets woman; man falls in love with woman; man cannot be with woman due to extenuating circumstances; love prevails over all. It was all a little PG for my liking.

What I did find to be rather remarkable about the story was the time and events in which this story was set. Luke is determined to prove to Congress that there were negative health effects for consuming certain preservatives in food. He even volunteered for an experiment in which he was fed food laced with vast amounts of preservatives. According to the Author’s Notes the study of preservatives, and the fight to have the government ban them, are based on actual historical events which eventually led to the formation of the FDA. I think we often take for granted that there were those who came before us who figured out what was safe for humans to consume and in what dosages.

I definitely recommend giving it a read if you’re looking for a wholesome non-WWII historical romance.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #BethanyHousePublishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The third (and sadly, final) book in the Hope & Glory series (extra hard because I think this is my favorite series from the author so far!)

Luke Delacroix, former spy and twin of Caroline (book 2) has recently returned from the Cuban prison he was in during books 1 and 2. He is still on the hunt to find accountability for the food poisons he is certain the Magruder family utilizes in their canned food recipes. Now living in the Washington DC area, he signs up to be a part of the Department of Agriculture's new scientific study that is testing the impact of certain chemicals in human subjects. Based on the real-life "Poison Squad" in 1902, the experiments (led by Dr. Wiley who was ultimately the first head of the FDA) begin to take a toll, but Luke is determined to find answers to support his crusade.

Photographer Marianne Magruder (father Clyde Magruder, a recently elected Congressman) and Luke have a chance meeting, and those proverbial sparks fly immediately...but are momentarily squelched when they realize each other's last names. Yet, they aren't squelched for long, and their commitment to each other and the truth is inspiring.

With witty banter, interesting dynamics, with a poignant peek into the state of affairs of this time period, it is quite easy for me to recommend this book. Please do start with book one to enjoy the entire series; you'll be glad you did!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! I was so excited to read this much awaited conclusion to the Hope and Glory series by Elizabeth Camden. And it was well worth the wait.

Luke Delacroix, charming, kind, intense, somewhat fearless. He meets Marianne Magruder in a most unusual circumstance. She is on the ice, trying to recuse her nephews little dog who has fallen through the ice. Luke glides over the ice to meet up with Marianne, and ends up falling into the frozen water. But the dog is rescued, and Luke is smitten. Until he finds out that she is Clyde Magruder's daughter, the man he is intent on getting out of Congress.

This story intrigued me. Elizabeth Camden has a way of weaving little known history facts in every novel she writes. The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and "the Poison Squad" were at the heart of this story. Before the Food & Drug Administration, companies added toxic food additives to preserve food, which led to people dying. Marianne's family produces canned goods which added these poisons and Luke is bound to bring it to light. But as his affections grow for Marianne, things become entangled. As their relationship blooms, two people falling in love from feuding families, the Romeo and Juliet aspect explodes.

I thought it was beautifully written. I couldn't put it down. Deserving of a 5+.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have enjoyed Ms. Camden’s books for several years now. The historical detail interwoven with fictional elements is truly delightful to read. When I read her books, I feel as though I have stepped through a portal and entered another time, watching the character’s interactions and events play out right in front of me. The characters have depth, the history is told in detail, and there is a richness in her writing that very few authors have. Prince of Spies was exactly what I expected in reading one of Ms. Camden’s books. I thoroughly enjoyed this 3rd book in The Hope and Glory Series. The series follows the Delacroix family and their rise to wealth and power at the end of the Gilded Age to the beginning of the 20th century. Prince of Spies takes place in Washington D.C. in 1902. Luke Delacroix has recently been released from a Cuban prison where he spent 15 months. He becomes a journalist in Washington D.C. to stop the re-election of a certain Congressman.
Marianne Magruder is a photographer hired by the Department of the Interior to take photographs of the old buildings around D.C. that will be torn down in order to fulfill the McMillan plan (of which the National Mall was the core of the plan).
The Delacroix and Magruder families have hated each other for generations. Luke and Marianne do not. Instead, they begin to fall in love and dream of the life they could build together if it wasn’t for the fact the Marianne’s father is the Congressman Luke is trying to stop!
Luke desires sweeping reforms in the food industry that would eliminate the deadly chemicals used to preserve canned food- especially in Magruder canned foods. Marianne is convinced it is not that bad- her father would never adulterate the food to that degree and hide the scientific findings. Or would he? Marianne sets out to prove her father right and finds out more than she bargained for. Luke sets out to destroy her father but then starts to realize that perhaps revenge is not the path God would have him take.
The book’s themes of forgiveness, hope, romance, and courage were threaded throughout the plot. Luke is trying to right wrongs done to him and his family; to forgive is not something he does easily. They each hope that they can each make changes in the world. Luke through his journalism, and Marianne through her photography. In some respects, the romance angle of the book was almost like reading Romeo and Juliet without the tragic ending. They both have a desire to be with each other, but it will come at a cost. Marianne is courageous in that she is doing work in a man’s world and holding her own!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I even went so far as to look up some of the historical people and places that were mentioned, because it was just so interesting! I had several questions while reading the book and was disappointed that they were not answered by the time I had finished reading. I cannot say what my questions were because they will give away too much of the plot! I hope to see another book in this series- perhaps following one of the Magruders?
I thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions in this review are my own.

This is the third book in this series, and yes I have read them all, you get to meet each of the siblings, but this can be read alone.

This is Luke's story, he is Charlotte's twin, whom we met as he was in a Cuban jail in a previous book. He is still on his mission for the betterment of mankind, with his experience in the food market, he wants the bad additives out!

What he doesn't expect is meeting the daughter of the families arch rival, now how can that possibly work out? Well, you need to read this awesome book to find out.

We meet some horrible happenings here, and some really made me cringe, but there is also joy and hope and love that we are blessed to enjoy as we turn the pages.

I wish there were more siblings, I enjoyed my time with the Delacroix family!

Make sure you read the authors notes at the end of this book, great information about the beginnings of the FDA in 1906.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

First off, if you love to learn history and the science of development of society, pick up an Elizabeth Camden book. You will never simply just be entertained, you will also learn so much. I love history and read a lot of books, but I learned so many new facts and info that I had never known before when I picked up this novel.

Want to learn something new, but not really a fan of history books? I had not ever read about “The Poison Squad”, but in “Prince of Spies” by Elizabeth Camden, I was enthralled and horrified that this experiment was even needed, but so inspired by the brave souls that worked for food safety. Of course, the hero and heroine made it all the better. I wasn’t sure from the other books, if I could fall in love with them both as much as I did, but this author never disappoints. It is not so much a focus of a love story, but it is there for sure. I would say that the unhealthy family dynamics and mention of a parent’s infidelity may be something you would discuss before giving this book to a younger teenage reader, but otherwise, this series would be perfect for high school history studies.

I highly recommend the whole series.
I obtained this book from the publisher. The opinions contained herein are my own.

Elizabeth Camden does not disappointment or readers. I love the series of books that she has read so well on these two families. Thank you Net Galley and to the publishers for a fantastic book. Always look forward to her next book.

Luke Delacroix is still recovering from his time in Cuba when he helps a young woman rescue a dog off the ice. Luke is instantly smitten, as is she. And then they discover that Luke is a Delacroix, and the young woman is the daughter of Clyde Magruder who Luke has history with over deadly coffee and has sworn to get out of Congress. Marianne’s father forbids her from ever seeing Luke again, but their paths keep crossing. Luke, in his ongoing effort to make amends for being involved in food adulteration that got 3 people killed years ago, has signed up to be part of Dr. Wiley’s new Poison Squad that will be testing food additives for safety. Marianne has been assigned to take the Poison Squad’s photos as part of her job for the Department of the Interior. Forming a relationship seems ridiculous. Marianne’s family is prone to anger and as the story of her Aunt Stella demonstrates, there are limits to their love. Luke’s family has butted heads with the Magruder leaders for decades over food safety issues. And Luke has opened a branch of a newspaper in Washington, D.C. primarily for the purpose of getting Magruder and 4 others out of Congress. But why can’t they get each other out of their heads?

This very satisfyingly wraps up this series. It sees Dr. Wiley’s work fighting for food safety, which was introduced in the first book, to a monumental moment. Caroline gets married over the course of this book. And the feud with the Magruder’s has to be met head on and dealt with one way or another. And all the Delacroix siblings have had their moment to shine and deal with their personal issues now. I liked the inclusion of history bits about how the National Mall was designed and developed during this time period. I had never heard about that before. I felt like the faith elements all kind of got thrown in at the end. They were still good, but I would have liked things spread throughout the whole book rather than just left for the climax. The 2nd book in this series is still my favorite, but I do like how the author tackled themes of unconditional love, grace, and reconciliation in this book. The entire series is a great choice for those who like Christian historical romance filled with well-researched history bits that don’t come up in many other books.

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content beyond a couple kisses. (It is mentioned that Clyde Magruder has had affairs that resulted in children out of wedlock, but no details of those affairs.) The Magruder family is prone to bursts of anger that can result in thrown items, fists, and a dead dog. The hazards of consuming questionable food preservatives at the turn of the century are accurately related, including fatalities.

I received an ARC of this title from Harvest House through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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.

I really enjoyed this! The hero and heroine meet right off the bat...but its not smooth sailing, but when is true love? Enjoyable, especially for those who love gentle Christian fiction with romance

There has only been one book by Elizabeth Camden that I really didn’t care for. Normally I’m a big fan! Enjoyed this title, the third and last in the Hope and Glory series. All three were good; the second, A Gilded Lady, was my favorite.

The improbable love story in this book was coupled with real historical happenings, namely, the beginnings of regulation in the food industry to make sure all foods were safe for human consumption. There really was a “Poison Squad,” where young, healthy young men subjected themselves to living and taking meals together for months on end, some of which contained possibly dangerous additives or preservatives. The findings of this study resulted in the founding of what we now know as The Food and Drug Administration. I absolutely love it when I learn history because it’s couched in a great story! This author is quite good at doing that time and again.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I was allowed to read this advanced readers copy, but I wanted to read the first two books in the series first. So I bought one and borrowed one from the library and I am so glad that I did! I loved the build up and the background that those two books provided. I wanted to know more about Luke from the very first book when he lands in prison. You know there is more to the story! I loved The Gilded Lady more than I thought I would. And for me, learning the history of this time in America's history was fascinating! I had never read this author before and am not much a fan of historical fiction. But I recommend this series highly!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC. The opinions are entirely my own.

I opened the book and was grabbed by the first word--Marianne. I smiled. I have read several sibling trilogies over the last couple years and have enjoyed every single volume. This book was no exception, and in this series, it was my favorite. I will always believe that books in a series should be read in proper order, and that is again my opinion for the Hope and Glory series. This series is centered in Washington, DC, in the transitional years at the turn of the 20th century during the McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt administrations. It was during this time that the United States was becoming aware of food additives. Elizabeth Camden always crafts wonderful stories around real people and historical events. In this book, Luke decided to take part in some research involving adulterated foods. I love the way Luke has grown over the series and "become a better man." I enjoyed how he and Marianne met, how they instantly became a match, and how they each were willing to sacrifice everything for the other. It was great to meet Aunt Stella--what a surprise!

There is one misgiving I have in rating this 5 stars--a single unnecessary word near the end of the book that easily could have been left out. I want to be able to recommend books to friends and their daughters, and to know that there is nothing offensive. Unfortunately, that one word was a disappointment. I am thankful to Bethany House and NetGalley for the opportunity to receive the complimentary advance copy.

A satisfying ending to the Hope & Glory trilogy by Elizabeth Camden.
Once again, Camden brings us back to the food industry at the turn of the century. The Delacroix family is still fighting and petitioning government officials to bring policies in place that would prohibit putting additives into processed foods. It’s unbelievable the kinds of things that were added to canned foods prior to 1906, for the sake of the almighty dollar. In this novel readers are given a glimpse into the Poison Squad and the formation of the Food and Drug Administration.
The story that brings us all the interesting historical details focuses on the third Delacroix sibling, Luke. He’s back stateside after imprisonment in Cuba, determined to continue the Delacroix fight and prevent other unnecessary deaths due to eating doctored processed foods. What Luke didn’t count on was a complication called Marianne Magruder – daughter of his archenemy in the food industry, and the woman he falls in love with.
A modern, historical re-telling of Romeo and Juliet, Prince of Spies is a delightful read.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

"The Spice King"--book 1 in the Hope & Glory series--was my first exposure to Elizabeth Camden as an author, and I've closely followed the series ever since. This book absolutely lives up to my (very high) expectations!

We've been teased with bits and pieces of Luke's story from the beginning, and I was very excited to finally get a full-length book just for him. (Cue "Home Alone" reference: "A lovely cheese pizza, just for me.") It was particularly fascinating to read for a couple reasons beyond that, too:
a) I adore Washington, DC, having visited there many a time over the years and spent a lot of time at various points on the National Mall--and I never knew its history. So learning about that was fascinating, and lends a new depth and appreciation to my trip memories!
b) With 2020 being an election year, many an eye has been on DC anyway. Reading "The Prince of Spies" felt particularly timely and somewhat prescient.

I'm sad to say goodbye to characters I've gotten to know so well through the series, though each has certainly and happily gotten the attention and story they deserve. Wouldn't it be fun to see them pop up as sidebars in Camden's future books?

I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Star-crossed lovers meets industrial revolution. I really enjoyed this book--it kept me up too late last night! Here is what I enjoyed:

--The plot & characters: While the feuding family bit seemed like an overdone story angle, I thought that the author handled it really well. The characters were complex--not all good and not all bad. And, both of the main characters were devoted to their families, which made the family feud even more complicated. There were few truly bad characters in the book--maybe Andrew and his wife? The additional plot of food safety was also quite interesting. As a fan of history, I enjoyed learning about that issue.

--The pacing in the book was good and kept me quite interested. I found it hard to put the book down.

Overall, I was quite pleased and would recommend the book to friends!

The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden is the third and last book in the Hope and Glory series. I do recommend reading the earlier books in this series, as Luke, the main character, has been in them quite often. I suppose it gets covered in short in the book itself, but you’ll miss a lot by skipping the first two books, especially as all previous characters play a role in this one too, yay!

Also, this cover! It’s so stunning and I can’t get over the fact that when you lay all three books in a row they form a matching image! That’s reason 2 to read the entire series by the way.

Ok, about the book itself now. We have Luke, charming, intense, sensitive, kind and fun, who throws himself into situations without thinking. I was a bit reluctant as I love more introverted nerdy men and I definitely got that with the first two books, but I have to admit I loved him! Luke is a rounded, layered, very interesting character and I’m here for it. His funny remarks make me giggle and I can’t help but fall in love with his easy way, and feel for him when his traumatic past hits him. I would have liked to see more of his PTSD though, that was the only aspect that didn’t feel genuine to me, you mostly only see what’s on the outside, not the inner world to go with it. But that’s a minor detail and basically the only thing in this book I didn’t like. Because it is AMAZING. We get a dual POV between Luke and Marianne, which works perfect. Their forbidden romance is truly a work of art, and I loved every minute. It has a bit enemies to lovers in it, which was my favorite part. Marianne works at the photography department and her job is to photograph buildings mostly, or anything that can be used, and she does it splendidly. Her character is amazing too, how she stays upright in a difficult family situation, and how she copes with everything, trying to be honest at all times.

But of course this wouldn’t be an Elizabeth Camden novel if there weren’t many other plots going. We continue the plot set in book 1 about toxic food additives, though it’s taken to another level. I always marvel at how amazing Camden can make something that sounds really boring and makes it into the most exciting thing ever, with lots of details of niche history. Applause! And there was this ball thrown by Caroline I really really want to attent, it was so imaginative... basically I just loved the entire book. There were many unexpected plots and turns and I kept guessing how it would all end. And I loved to see how Luke, a fairly new Christian, is growing in faith, and helps Marianne to discover it, too. They fit so well together! And I love them!

All in all, I loved it. Obviously. This entire series has a place in my favorites and I wish there were like 8 siblings. But all good things must come to an end...

And with that, my review ends too, but not before one last thing, as I have to mention a trigger warning. Don’t read on if you don’t want to know, because it’s a mild spoiler.
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There is one situation concerning animal cruelty that left me crying.

Another fantastic story From Elizabeth Camden! This series is by far my favourite from her! While I enjoyed this story I definitely prefer the two previous books in the series. I thought the story was a little too slow and didn't have as much happening in it as her other works. I really loved Luke and Marianne! Luke especially had such a different character to any other book I've read. All in all it was a great story!

I've now read the entire Hope and Glory series and I have to say each book was better than the last. I would say Luke was my favorite character of all and was glad to have the final edition centered around him. The characters developed well over the course of the story and my interest was maintained from beginning to end. While you could follow this story if read as a standalone, these novels do build off one another and would be best enjoyed in sequence. I would say this is a light and quick historical fiction/romance. So if your reading mood is such, give this one a go!

The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden is the third book of her Hope and Glory series. As it concludes the series, I expected happy endings for all involved—Nathaniel and Caroline, Gray and Anabelle, and Luke Delacroix, as well. In the last two books, Luke was the character always in the background. He is the one whose story at which Camden hinted but never fully explained. Even then, readers began to understand his commitment to others and selfless heart, even when he engaged in reckless, seemingly mindless behavior. His past failures, though, nag him and burden his heart.

He is still recovering from his time in a Cuban prison at the beginning of The Prince of Spies. Immediately, the courageous Marianne tugs at his heartstrings. When grown men refused to cross thin ice, she scooted across the precarious surface to rescue a boy’s dog named Bandit. Luke, the chivalrous man that he was, goes to help. We quickly learn of Marianne’s work as a photographer at the Department of the Interior. Meanwhile, Luke’s greatest aim is to rip certain lawmakers from their positions of power. Their support of food preservatives had cost three people their lives and endangered many more. If Luke could prevent them from being reelected, he would.

What neither of them know, at first: their last names. Luke is a Delacroix, while Marianne is a Magruder. Their families hated each other. Their love was forbidden from the start. When I read this “Romeo and Juliet” cliché, I rolled my eyes. I enjoyed the warmth between Luke and Marianne. They find love in amid drama and a political maelstrom, but…the “we can’t be together because of family vitriol” annoyed me. I should have expected it prior to reading The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden, but I didn’t.

If Camden’s job was to make me abhor Marianne’s family, she excelled. The only characters I even remotely liked was the outspoken old grandfather and her nephew, Sam. All of the others were, for the most part, despicable. Marianne’s father was of questionable character. Her mother was overly dramatic and constantly ill. Her sister-in-law was haughty and judgmental. And her brother…I don’t even have words to describe him. He is the scum of the earth, for a multitude of reasons. With a family like the Magruders, of course Marianne would seek love elsewhere. Camden gives no indication of whether Luke is her first love—though we know Luke is certainly a ladies’ man—but it would not surprise me if he was. I wasn’t certain whether Marianne’s love was true and real, or whether she only fawned over Luke because he offered an escape.

An Example of Historical Fiction
Camden intricately and perfectly weaves history into The Prince of Spies. I knew very little about what occurred in D.C. during the early 1900s. I lived in D.C. for a time, and her descriptions made me go searching for photos—both current and historical—of the area I once called home. She also informs her readers all about the fight to provide oversight over food preservatives. I don’t want to give anything away in this area, so I’ll refrain from saying more. But I will say had I not seen her historical note at conclusion of the novel, I never would have believed something portrayed in the book existed.

I enjoyed The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden. I liked the entire series, though I think the second book was my favorite. Camden’s mastery of historical fiction is unsurpassed. She succeeded in making me interested in a genre that I found disagreeable. A fun note: If you line the books up side by side, they make a complete picture!

Disclaimer/Trigger Warning
All my praise, though, must also come with a warning. I avoid posting any spoilers in my novel, but I feel it is necessary with The Prince of Spies. A father has his son’s dog shot as punishment for cheating on a test…when everyone in the class also cheated. As a dog lover, I found the inclusion of such a heinous act atrocious and heartbreaking. And shooting an innocent dog as punishment for something so unimportant as cheating? Unacceptable. Loathsome. I wanted to disclose the shooting so readers of my review would be remotely prepared for it…because I wasn’t. If this makes anyone avoid reading The Prince of Spies, I wouldn’t blame you in the least.

The conclusion I have been waiting for! The Delacroix family has held me captive since I was first introduced. Luke is the most charismatic of the siblings and finally gets to tell his own story! I love everything about Luke: his wit, charm, intelligence, commitment to family, country and truth. It seems to fit that his love story would have to be big and complicated as well, and yet, it is perfect. Marianne is exactly the type of woman Luke needs to anchor him and make him a better version of himself. Marianne is a complicated character as well who brings great balance to Luke’s many layers. Their love story is one for the ages and not easily forgotten. Romance, family, mystery and intrigue… I loved everything about this clean, inspirational, historical fiction book. You will want to read the previous two books in the series to fully appreciate this one. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth Camden’s historical fiction and this book #3 in the Hope and Glory series does not disappoint. I totally enjoy how Ms. Camden can take an obscure historical fact and write such an impressive novel. I enjoy her writing, the development of characters and story line. I highly recommend this book along with her many others. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is the author for you.

I have been absolutely loving this series and I think as a whole it just might be my favorite work of Camden’s to date!
I love the way the stories are intricately connected telling a story as a whole while also being three individually complete works. And the way that this is reflected in the covers is definitely one of the coolest things ever!
I have loved Luke since the moment we first met him and I have been anxiously awaiting his story! He was as charming as ever but we also got to see his maturity and his drive for justice that had developed over the years. He was a bit reckless at times but it often served him well and the world needs people who aren’t afraid to jump in and get their hands dirty in the name of justice!
I had a love/hate relationship with Marianne. I appreciated the way she saw and captured the world through her camera lens and she had a genuinely kind heart that just wanted the best for everyone. But her naïveté and blind loyalty when it came to her family got a little bit frustrating at times, especially since her family was awful and did nothing to earn it. Also (and this is going to be super vague to avoid spoilers) when she had the chance to speak up and come clean about something and she didn’t even though she knew someone was suffering unjustly for what she’d done, I lost a lot of respect for her.
Overall though I did enjoy the romance between the two of them and they were really cute together!
One of Camden’s greatest strengths as an author is the way she weaves history into the very fabric of her stories, and this book was no different! The surprisingly captivating journey to see that there were regulations in place for what was put into food that was being sold was honestly something I’d never thought of before this series but now I know so much about it! And the parts about the changes they were making to the landscape of our nation’s capital that we see today were extremely interesting to me!
I enjoyed the way the story played out and watching them fight for justice while also learning that it doesn’t always come how you imagine it and that there is room for grace as well. There was a bit at the end that seemed a little off the rails, connected but I didn’t fully understand why the author went the direction she did-it kind of felt like that moment in old musicals where a random song and dance routine is thrown in that just makes you scratch your head. But in the end I thoroughly had a delightful time reading this book and I was definitely sucked into the plot! I’m looking forward to whatever the author has in store for us next!

Luke’s story has been long anticipated and doesn’t disappoint. Set in 1902, he’s back in the States, setting up a new office of the paper he writes for. He helps to rescue a dog from icy waters and meets Marianne. She is a photographer with the Department of Interior. When they learn who the other is, there is much to decide. He’s trying to redeem himself from guilt of past negotiations that went wrong, when food additives caused irreparable harm and sets himself up to be part of the Poison Squad. Fun group of people, who form a tight bond. We meet many of them, plus Dr. Wiley, Clyde, Vera, Andrew, Delia, Sam, Colonel Phelps, and of course Gray, Caroline, Annabelle and Nathaniel along with a few others. Page turning story that won’t be put down until the last page.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have read every single one of Elizabeth Camden's books and I do think there has been a shift since her early books. The early books definitely felt more historical romance. The romance was the main action of the story and things happened around that (the Great Chicago Fire, Library of Congress, etc). I still learned a lot, but I felt like most of the focus was on the romance.

Now I would say her books are more in the historical fiction category (with a large amount of romance). This isn't a bad thing--I have greatly appreciated what I've learned through these books. In this book specifically, I learned a lot more about the rules there were and weren't about food and preservatives at the turn of the century in the United States. But with that shift, I do feel like I'm left wanting more romantic details. I loved Luke and Marianne and their interactions, but I wanted a lot more and there just wasn't room enough in the book for that. Personal preference, but I'm rating books based on personal preference, so that's allowed and why this was 4 stars instead of 5.

In the Prince of Spies, we FINALLY get Luke's story after hearing so much about him in Grey and Caroline's books (which I now want to go back and read and also can't wait to get my print copy of The Prince of Spies so I can line all these covers up to make the fantastic picture). And leave it to Luke to fall in love with a Magruder!

A few things I liked about the book:

-A good forbidden love/Romeo and Juliet story (without the death). You could feel the chemistry between Luke and Marianne from the beginning and that was a delight. And I liked the way their identities unfolded and how they started navigating that. And then figured out they really couldn't ;)

-Strong female/great partnership. Marianne works as a photographer for the government because she wants to do something important, even though her family has tons of money and she doesn't "need" to work. While some of the men in her family (and women) don't understand that or just simply humor her, Luke gets it and partners with her in it. He's always encouraging and loyal to Marianne. Also, he's got his own struggles that she helps him with. This is no damsel in distress story.

-I also love sibling dynamics and it's so fun to see how far Gray, Caroline, and Luke have come in their relationships. I would have liked more haha. That seems to be a theme for me.

Overall, it was a fascinating book about a time in history and events I didn't previously know much about and I loved learning more. I just also love the main characters and apparently wanted a little more day to day of them (which I know would have made the book way too long, so it's not possible, but I like my characters, what can I say?).

I received an ARC of this book, but all thoughts 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.

Elizabeth Camden cast an exotic spell on me in The Prince of Spies. The spell gave me the power of time travel. It gave me the opportunity to see a relatively modern and very realistic reenactment of Romeo and Juliet's love story with a very different execution and outcome. It gave me the ability to turn into many persons at a time. A photographer. A spy. A politician. A scientist. And now that the spell is gone, I wish I never came out of it.

Set in 1900 United States, this story was a clever and honest combination of suspense, romance and political stories. Luke Delacroix has only one aim in his life. To take down the corrupt family who has been his family's enemy for years and finally has destroyed his family. He has spent years in prison. Worked as a spy and now a gritty journalist. He has been working tirelessly against Congressman Clyde Magruder to expose his shady business practices in food industry endangering common people. Even if it means taking part as volunteer in a dangerous scientific study. Then he meets Marianne. The sweet, talented and smart photographer. The biggest problem? She is the only daughter of his enemy.



I thoroughly enjoyed my time travel. This story blended historical events and scientific events so beautifully with a heartaching romance. The story was fast paced. Never a dull boring moment. Luke and Marianne both were incredibly strong characters. Luke is burning with guilt from inside and he is consumed by vendetta. He is brave and strong with a very strict moral compass but his bitterness was making his life miserable. Marianne showed him the other side. Beyond hurt and anger. She is a beautiful soul. Who loves unconditionally and wholeheartedly. I admire her spirit and fierce determination. She had a whole journey of finding peace regarding her complicated family and self discovery. They have an instant connection. An easy camaraderie that shines through the pages. A partnership in mischief and dreams. The love story made me swoon and sigh before the twists kept on turning my world upside down. It was not an easy path but they found their dream destination.

After finishing The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden, I am feeling elated and enriched. An enticing journey into the past. Full of dramatic moments and sweetest feelings.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily by Netgalley and Bethany House.

What a story! I devoured this riveting historical fiction and found it to be a very satisfying ending to this series. I especially enjoy the way in which Camden makes history come alive. She obviously does her research and finds the most interesting facts and weaves them into a vibrant story. Her main characters are wonderful and flawed at the same time. They both learn faith lessons along this journey. Even though their romantic relationship faces trouble from the start, they do have quite a bit of fun getting to know each other. In the end, each must decide what sacrifices to make for the relationship to continue. Actually, this story would make a great movie. The entire series would for that matter. But you don’t have to have read the previous books to enjoy this one! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Prince of Spies, another unputdownable read from consummate storyteller Elizabeth Camden, brings to an end her Hope and Glory series. It is a fitting conclusion to the chronicle of the Delacroix siblings Gray, Caroline, and Luke. This is Luke’s story, and I loved it! It captured and kept my interest from the first word to the last. A fast moving plot that twists, turns, and surprises; well-developed engaging characters who evoke a myriad of emotions; rich historical detail woven seamlessly into the fictional story; a touching forbidden romance that involves sacrifice and determination; and inspiring spiritual truths sprinkled throughout the narrative make for an exciting, satisfying read. Like the other book in the series, this one works well as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading the entire series to get the full effect of the story. This is one of my favorite books and series, and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

A thrilling ending to Elizabeth Camden’s Hope and Glory series! The Prince of Spies will captivate readers with Luke’s long-awaited journey to fulfillment, as well as Camden’s impeccable research and storytelling ability.

I have been eagerly looking forward to Luke’s story for quite some time, and from the moment I saw the cover I was enchanted. I am happy to report The Prince of Spies is perfectly, incandescently swoony and redemptive. I loved Luke and Marianne from the beginning, and it was wonderful to see familiar characters again, as well as new characters who captured my heart, attention, and occasionally my ire. I continue to be astounded by Camden’s ability to easily draw the reader into morally and ethically challenging situations that ultimately inspire and fulfill.

Although I am sad to see the Delacroix siblings’ stories come to an end, The Prince of Spies wraps up the series in a compelling and inspiring manner. I am eagerly awaiting Camden’s next series! 4.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"The Prince of Spies" is a Christian romance set in 1902, mainly in Washington DC. This is the 3rd in a series, but it works as a standalone novel. Historical details about the events and politics of the time were woven into the story and affected everyone's lives. The main conflict was about how some food companies were adding fillers and chemical preservatives to the food to make a greater profit, but other people were concerned about the health effects of doing so. Luke was willing to do anything to prove the dangers of these additives, including joining a study testing their effects on humans and using his journalistic skills to remove politicians that stood in the way of a law protecting the consumer. Unfortunately, not only did he fall in love with a gal whose family was feuding with his but she firmly believed her father's assurances that the preservatives their company used would only save lives.

Though I loved the historical detail, I don't care for doomed love themes, which dominated the first half of the story. They were attracted to each other, but they kept resolving to avoid each other because of the trouble a friendship would cause them with their families. But they just couldn't stay apart. They also had to avoid talking about some things they deeply believed in. Something needed to change if they were going to have a healthy relationship. And it did.

The characters reacted realistically, were complex, and I cared about what happened to them. They genuinely admired each other's character, built each other up, and became better people from having known each other. There was no sex. There was one use of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting historical romance.

Thank you Elizabeth Camden, NetGalley, and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read this book!

The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden is book three in the Hope and Glory series. I had the opportunity to read A Gilded Lady last year and I absolutely adored it! Needless to say, my hopes were high for this book! Luke Delacroix is the younger brother of Gray Delacroix and Caroline’s twin brother. He is very close with his family but is often risking his life, driving his family crazy. After he was spying for America and ended up in a Cuban prison, Luke is finally home. He is charming, yet reckless. But not as reckless as the young woman he spots on a frozen lake trying to save a dog. He doesn’t hesitate to assist her in the rescue. After the successful rescue of Bandit, Luke gets a moment to meet his co-rescuer, Marianne. He has never been so instantly captivated by a woman before. Unfortunately, she is a Magruder. The Magruder’s and the Delacroix’s have been enemies for years. His current mission is to prevent Clyde Magruder from getting re-elected to Congress. However, Clyde is Marianne’s father. Their connection is too much to ignore but will their family strife keep them apart?

This is a timeless tale of rival families and how love can conquer all. I love the Delacroix siblings. Gray is stern, yet completely loyal. Caroline is a socialite, but not afraid to speak her mind. Then there is Luke. I can see how Marianne finds him irresistible. While he has a happy-go-lucky exterior, he is deeply affected by his time in prison and is very in tune with his emotions. Marianne is lovely but frustrating at times. She has the WORST family. Seriously, I would have killed Andrew myself. Yet, she defends them over and over again. They are completely toxic. I honestly would have left and never looked back. But she is strong and doesn’t hesitate to do the right thing.

As always, Elizabeth Camden weaves an intricate tale. This one takes place during the time period of Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency. While I really wanted to see Theodore Roosevelt… In the previous book, we got an intimate look at the McKinley Presidency. BUT I loved reading about The Poison Squad. The Poison Squad is a group of volunteers that ate certain foods to see the effects of food additives. I never heard about this part of history and I found it very fascinating and very relevant to issues in food and medicines we see today.

I read this book in a day! I highly recommend it and guess what?! It releases today! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!

The Prince of Spies is an engaging tale set in a rich historical setting.

For me, Elizabeth Camden’s books are almost always winners. This novel was no exception. In fact, this may be my favorite thus far.

For those who’ve read the other books in the series, the suspense starts immediately when Marianne and Luke meet. And what a meet cute! Somehow, they don’t know who each other are at first, and I was holding my breath wondering what would happen when they found out the truth.

When they did, I was surprised by the reaction. But instead of the back and forth I was expecting, Camden surprised me. I loved the way she developed their relationship, even when they couldn’t see each other. Both Marianne and Luke are relatable, making it easy to root for them to work out their relationship.

I loved seeing Gray, Annabelle, Caroline, and Nathaniel again. Although you can read Prince of Spies as a standalone, I think these appearances are more enjoyable if you’ve read the series.

As far as spiritual elements, Luke and Marianne have great discussions about his reliance on God and what he learned while in prison. Though at one point, he makes a statement that he hopes working for the food trial will make him worthy in God’s eyes, this is never addressed again, nor does he realize he’ll never be worthy. While I can see even mature Christians wish they could be worthy of their salvation, most of us know we never will be. And Luke’s statement may concern some Christian readers. But I got a subtle hint later in the novel that suggests he knows he can’t earn salvation. I think it should’ve been addressed though.

Overall, The Prince of Spies is a romantic historical tale that will make romance fans sigh.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed 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.*

If I introduced this book by saying an important element of the plot was the actions that led to the passing of the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, I'm not sure many people would be interested--and yet, Elizabeth Camden has made it fascinating in this book. Luke's work on the "Poison Squad," where volunteers ate food additives to test how safe they were (or, weren't) and his concerns about food safety were so interesting! Marianne's job as a photographer working for the government was also really interesting, particularly how she was photographing the area that would become the National Mall. All the historical details were woven into the story so well, and I loved reading all of them. The characters were great as well, Luke as he's trying to serve a purpose and Marianne as she struggles with her family secrets. Their romance was fun but also sweet, as they helped each other and brought out the best in each other. Great book!
4 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I loved the two previous books in this series and loved this one even more. This was my favorite of the series. I love Luke and Marianne. I loved learning about some of these first drug trials. This was fascinating. I did not want to put this book down. It was fun to read about the feud between these two families. I recommend reading this series in order because it is a great series and you will enjoy them better in a row. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

This book is for all of those who believe, or want to believe, in love at first sight, and that there is such a thing as a soulmate. Luke Delacroix found his in a highly unusual place, but find her he did. Marianne Magruder was smitten from the first time she saw Luke crawling out on the ice to help her rescue her nephew's dog who had fallen through a weak spot. Neither could have imagined the difficulties or the joys that would arise from their meeting that fateful day.

In this series, Hope and Glory, Camden's story revolves around the safety of the food industry in the United States. We may still be concerned when we see some of the virtually unpronounceable things that are added to our foods, but we should be grateful to the people whose work and sacrifices mentioned in this story led to the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act, and eventually to the establishment of the Food and Drug Administration. Camden takes what could be a rather dry topic, and builds her story around it, filling it with romance and intrigue. She is a skilled writer who always offers her readers an entertaining story with depth.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Prince of Spies from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

What a fantastic conclusion to a great series! One of my favorite parts of Elizabeth Camden’s writing (there are actually lots of things I love about her writing) is her ability to study such a fascinating subject and bring it to life on the pages. In this particular series, I have learned about food safety at the turn of the twentieth century, and this novel further delves into this captivating history. I love how well researched her books are and this one is no exception! I also really enjoyed the romance in this novel; in fact, I think it is my favorite couple of the three stories. Although not strictly necessary since this romance stands on its own, I do recommend reading the books in order as you do get some glimpses of former characters from the series in the book. The story flows very well and captivated my interest from start to finish. I have greatly enjoyed this series and was a little sad to see it end. I cannot wait to read more by this author. This novel is highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Wow! What a great conclusion to this series! The twists and turns. This book kept me guessing and I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry between Luke and Marianne was very sweet. I highly recommend this series!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

The Prince of Spies
By Elizabeth Camden
5 stars

In the conclusion of the Hope and Glory series we meet the charming but reckless Luke that we've heard so much about in the first two books. In this Romeo and Juliet esque tale of two feuding food and spice companies, Luke meets and falls head over heels in love with his rival's daughter. Their tale of love conquers all will touch you and the carefully researched history of packaged foods and preservatives will fascinate. One of Camden's best work yet!

I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

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.

This is book three in the Hope and Glory series, The Spice King is book one and The Gilded Lady is book two. I feel this is somewhat of a stand alone book, however, you miss a lot of history if you jump right into this one. By reading the first two you get to know the Delacroix family.
Luke Delacroix meets Marianne Magruder under some unusual circumstances. With so much history between the two families, you know there will be some major ups and downs. I loved the chemistry between Luke and Marianne. I also enjoyed getting to know the "Poison Squad'. Reconnecting with the Delacroix family is always a pleasure as well.
I love the writing style of Elizabeth Camden and always look forward to reading her books. If you like historical romance you will enjoy this one.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.

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.

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.

Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Elizabeth Camden’s last in the Hope and Glory series turns it’s focus to the bold and brass Luke Delacroix, a man determined to do whatever it requires to take down the Magruder family, even if its means setting aside love and his life.

I need to say this at the beginning of this review: I despise the story of Romeo and Juliet and all that story represents. It is the stupidest outcome of a story ever and I don’t find it romantic in the slightest to die because you think that you can’t live without someone you love. That is a lie I won’t help live on. Hearing this story was akin to R & J made me a bit wary of reading it but I am most pleased to say that while it contains some elements, it did not mirror that story too closely. The story opens with Marianne Magruder trying to rescue her nephew’s dog who has fallen through the ice. A handsome young man appears, offering his help, and although he falls into the icy waters as well, they are all soon pulled to safety. A photographer for the Department of the Interior, Marianne quickly snaps a picture of the rescuer before he is rushed off by his brother to get warm. His laughing face remains fixed in her mind in the coming days but she doesn’t see him anywhere she goes. A chance second meeting comes when Marianne is sent to photograph the “Poison Squad”, a group of young men who volunteered to participate in a study to determine if currently used food preservatives are safe for human consumption. Drawn to each other, they meet the next day to develop the photographs and discover, to their horror, that they are supposed to be sworn enemies. Luke has made it his current life’s mission to see Clyde Magruder’s family and business come to absolute ruin after they destroyed the Delacroix’s livelihood following the Civil War. Luke’s brother Gray has managed to rebuild a goodly part of the Delacroix name but Luke will not be satisfied until the Magruders take a fatal hit like his family did. Hoping to prove that Clyde has been using preservatives in his food processing that is jeopardizing to human health, Luke has taken on the task of the Poison Squad testing group. Marianne is caught in the middle of this battle of men’s wills and while she loves her father, she also finds herself falling in love with Luke and his fight for others. Can she help Luke without betraying her family? And if she does have to choose, which one is worth losing for the other? You’ll have to read to find out. I really loved the very deliberate and slower playing out of this story. Ms. Camden gave readers a chance to really see and feel the pain of her characters and the consequences of their actions. She didn’t gloss over the vile and hateful things the Magruders said and did to make the story more pleasing; rather she let them show their true selves and let the chips fall where they would. I loved the slow burn of tension that was present from the first chapter. She didn’t give anything away until necessary and I was really frustrated, I’ll admit, with “nothing” going the right way. But by the end, I was cheering for the right to win and for the hurtful people to finally get their comeuppance. The love story had plenty of allusions to Romeo and Juliet but it also included some of the excellent elements of Don Quixote, which, interestingly, plays a good plot point in the story. The faith of the characters was very evident and was also very well challenged within the pages of the story. Marianne’s apathy towards God would be changed by her relationship with Luke and her family in ways she never expected. Luke would find himself the voice of reason when it comes to faith and that inspires him to hold fast to his beliefs. One last thing of note was the historical aspects that were included. It was interesting to read about the ways that our government and food distribution companies approached food preservation before the creation of the FDA. I loved getting a glimpse at the work that Dr. Wiley did, although in a fictional account, and seeing how it would change the world. His work showed the importance of ensuring that what is put inside the human body is both safe and helpful to it’s sustenance. I will most certainly be recommending this story to others with the very great hope they will find it as informative and entertaining as I did. Very Good, Ms. Camden!!

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Elizabeth Camden is an expert at taking an obscure piece of history and making it interesting by weaving it into her stories. In The Prince of Spies, readers learn about the Food and Drug Administration’s human testing for chemicals in food and the man (aka The Poison Squad) who were the test subjects.

I really enjoyed that Luke and Gray had some scene time together. We learned a lot about Luke’s relationship with his twin sister in the previous book, so it was nice that much of the Delacroix sibling relationships in this book focused on the brothers.

On the surface, Luke may seem a brash and overconfident, but his heart is in the right place (which we see with his communication with Marianne). And Marianne herself is a complicated character—longing for the acceptance of her family, but also somewhat naïve to the truth of their deeds. And of course, you’ve got the forbidden romance angle with the families standing firmly in different camps.

One other fun historical event is woven throughout the book: the planning of the Washington Mall. Camden conveys the differing opinions of what will become the place many of us visit today.

I was a fan of this series before the final book, but the way each story can stand on its own while also weaving the stories of Gray, Caroline, and Luke together throughout all three books strengthens my opinion.



Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

shared on insta and twitter and fb:

Lady Camden has said that this was the most romantic of her stories and in a way she's right because LUKE DELACROIX holy cow

and so I am gonna tell you that if you like Le Bridgerton you might wanna check this out: not because it is of the regency ton but because the family dynamics are as sparkling to me as the romantic relationships


Each singular in each sibling's meticulously researched and emotionally mature love story, yes, but because the sibling friendships and dynamics provide such a lovely current through the trilogy ( and its innovative covers)


Anyhow, I always had a soft spot for gentleman spy Luke and how he slowly came into himself through Gray and Caroline's stories and here he is that dashing dapper spy of mine who meets his lady love (Marianne! <3 ) while saving a puppy even as she saves his heart


There's a lot of Romeo and Juliet and a ton about kindred spiritness being found in a first, momentous engagement and this meet cute to all meet cutes sizzles


anyways, Camden is the best and I love it!

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 out. Luke, the brother who had been cast into prison in a foreign country. The only characters from the first books that really made an appearance were Luke’s brother and sister, and the great thing about that is that you don’t have to read the previous two books to be connected to this one. It would help understand that back story, but not really required.

The story of the romance building between the two large family powerhouses was intriguing. This was one of those stories that I started and refused to quit until I was finished with the book. There was just enough drama and excitement to push me to continue going page after page.

There were parts of the story was Marianne’s family was absolutely quite horrid, but then again, Gray’s display of character wasn’t all that great either. Seemed like a person lacking in joy, although it was made up for 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 did enjoy this book and it ended with a smile on my face. Look forward to reading more books by Bethany House.

My love for Elizabeth Camden’s novels runs deep. She is one of my absolute favorite authors. I feel called to share the Camden love and make the world aware of her beautiful historical fiction stories!

The latest installment in the Hope and Glory series was possibly my favorite! In Washington DC, 1902, Luke Delacroix is on a mission. While trying to take down corrupt members of congress, he falls in love with the daughter of his arch nemesis, Marianne. It was such a sweet forbidden love story. I loved seeing how their story unfolded. Luke is so charming and fun. I loved his infectious positive attitude. Marianne has such great character growth- from someone timid and worried to someone brave and strong.

As always, one of my favorite parts of the story was the rich historical background. I always learn something new and want to immediately research the topic, because I can’t believe I’ve never heard of it before. This time, what surprised me most was the existence of the “poison squad,” a group of men who participated in a trial testing the levels of chemical preservatives in food. It was so fascinating to see how the food industry evolved at that point in history. Her books are always a perfect combination of well-researched history and a beautiful love story. I loved this final installment!

(4.5 stars) - Wonderful conclusion to a wonderful trilogy!

I've been eagerly awaiting Luke's story since book 1, & it doesn't disappoint! Luke is a complex hero, but still very much a hero. It's refreshing to have a story where doing what's right is more important than one's own personal desires. Marianne is a sympathetic character but for different reasons.

In a way, the author juxtaposes two characters who are faced with difficult choices, & each chooses a different direction. This brings readers back, in an abstract sense, to the difficult choices Annabelle & Gray had to make.

The story is romantic yet realistic - and there's some serious food for thought mixed in there (no pun intended). The history has been fascinating & the conclusion is happy & mostly satisfying (there's a part that some will find frustrating). This is one of Camden's best book series yet!

*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: overtly Christian, but realistically so

The Prince of Spies is a twist on the Romeo and Juliet story, complete with feuding families and threats of poison. When Luke Delacroix helps a lady save a dog, he is immediately intrigued and wants to get to know her better. Unfortunately, she is Marianne Magruder, from the Magruder family who have been Delacroix enemies for decades. She’s the adopted daughter of Congressman Clyde Magruder, who Luke wants removed from office because of his history of favouring his own business interests over the public good. (In this case, “public good” means not producing food that kills people.)

Luke volunteers for medical trials intended to determine if the food additives Magruder and others use are safe. The men become known as the Poison Squad, which is based on real-life research conducted by Dr Wiley, the man responsible for the establishment of the US Food & Drug Administration in 1906. It is thanks to Dr Wiley and his Poison Squad that we now understand what preservatives are safe for use in food, and in what quantities.

That’s the kind of historical factoid which fascinates me and is the element that raises Elizabeth Camden’s novels into the must-read category for me. Anyway, back to the story …

Marianne is attracted to Luke, enough to go behind her father’s back when he forbids her to see Luke again.
But she’s fiercely loyal to her father and the Magruder family, despite Luke’s accusations. As the story goes on, it becomes apparent that she’ll have to choose between her family and Luke (although historical record, as well as the fact this is a romance novel, makes her choice obvious). This doesn’t detract from the plot – if anything, it strengthens it as I wonder how the author is going to achieve the impossible.

The Prince of Spies is the third novel in Elizabeth Camden’s Hope and Glory series. I suspect it’s the final one, as the Delacroix siblings are now all married. however, it’s definitely a cast of characters I’d like to read more about, for the historical context, for the brilliant writing, and for the characters themselves.

This is definitely a must-read for fans of Christian historical romance, or those historical fiction fans who enjoy a good story based around real-life events. Recommended.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

The Prince of Spies is the third and final book in the Hope and Glory series by Elizabeth Camden.
This may just be my favorite series by her yet, it's fabulous.
If you love historical books and want to learn something from them read this author's books because her research is immaculate. She brings to the forefront what other authors won't. It may not be pretty and delicately wrapped in a bow but it's the truth and sometimes the truth can be harsh when it's exposed.
Each of the siblings have a turn at telling their own story in this series and this is Luke's story.
Taking place in the Gilded Age Washington, D.C. 1902.
The book starts with Luke seeing a young woman attempting to rescue a dog who has fallen through the ice. Not knowing who she is he rescues the dog but can't get this woman out of his mind.
They make a connection on that ice but he still doesn't know who she is.
After he's able to track her down and realizes she's the daughter of Congressman Clyde Magruder that's when the trouble starts.
At one time the Magruders and Delacroixs family had a joint business partnership in the food industry. Luke and Clyde ran this business partnership.
The Delacroixs made sure the quality of their products where safe for consumers but the Magruder family added fillers and preservatives to the product to stretch the profits without permission from the Delacroixs family. When this turned fatal for some of the consumers Luke never forgave himself or the Magruder family.
When it turns out that Marianne is the daughter of this congressman will it even be possible for the two to be friends let alone any more?
It was fascinating reading about the "Poison Squad" . This was a group of volunteers before the Pure Food and Drug Act, the FDA. These men ate food with preservatives and fillers in a four month study to see how ingesting it affected them, sometimes it proved fatal.
This author's books are auto-reads for me. The research and quality of her books goes above and beyond others.
Make sure to read the fascinating historical note at the end of the book about the Pure Food and Drug Act.
I highly suggest this book and look forward to her next book.

Published February 16th 2021 by Bethany House Publishers
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Prince of Spies, by Elizabeth Camden is book three in The Hope and Glory Series. This story takes place the early 1900’s in the Washington D.C. area. This story takes over where the second in the series ends, so this series should be read in order.

Marianne is out with her nephew when the nephew’s dog falls through the ice. She has gone out onto the unsafe ice to try to rescue the dog. When Luke becomes aware of the situation he also goes out on the ice to help and ends up falling through the ice. The onlookers step in and help with the rescue.

Luke Delacroix comes from a food industry family that has had a feud with the Magruder family, also in the food industry. While Luke’s family focus is high quality, safe, healthy foods, the Magruder family adds preservatives to cheapen their food. Luke feel guilty for taking part in selling coffee with additives that resulted in three a few people dying. He has served time in a Cuban prison and is now home and plans to do something about the food industry. When given the opportunity he takes part in a study of foods with additives to help prove the danger involved. As his and Marianne’s relationship grows, he finds out she is part of the Magruder family.

This is a great conclusion to the series. I enjoyed reading of the previous characters and what was happening in their lives. While this story has unexpected twists and turns, it is easy to see what the story was leading up to. The part in the story that I especially enjoyed was when Marianne and her grandfather would voice their feeling about what was going on in their family. The story is great at pointing out that what appearance someone might have to the public is not always what the true story is. I appreciate the strong faith Luke has especially when it came to dealing with her parents. I also enjoyed that Marianne had a life outside of being a congressman’s daughter and she followed her passion with having a job she enjoyed.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

A fast and fun read! Definitely more twists and turns than I was expecting, would recommend! The characters were enjoyable and the plot, though it initially seemed quite simple, was well thought out.

A delightful Romeo and Juliet type of story that’s firmly placed in real events. A really good read! This book had it all. I loved the hero and his questions. The heroine was trying so hard to keep the peace. The book was masterful. I missed the book before this one, but can't wait to go back and fill it in.

The Prince of Spies takes a look at the food industry in the early 1900s. Things we now take for granted were in experimental stages and could prove dangerous such as the additives in foods. Now we have FDA approved to let us know what has been added. This book continues the family story from the two previous books. A very interesting book which I found to be the best one of the series. It features Luke Delacroix the younger brother from the previous book and the daughter of their hated rival, Marianne. Luke's sole desire is to uncover the shady work of Congressman Clyde Magruder. He never intended to become great friends with her and certainly not learn to love her. Marianne knew her family would never let her become involved with a Delacroix. The author does such a great job in using historical events and writing a very interesting book to keep you reading. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read an early copy.

This book was reviewed for Historical Novels Review, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. Per their policy, I cannot post the review until after it is published May 2021. I will update the review after that date.

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.

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.

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.

We met Luke Delacroix under terrible circumstances in the first book of the Hope and Glory series, then again in the second book. Now, he gets his own story. The Prince of Spies, the long-awaited (for me) third book in Elizabeth’s Camden’s series is ready for your reading pleasure. And, indeed, it is a pleasure. 🙂

The Delacroixes, Luke in particular, have one major enemy: Clyde Magruder, a competitor in the food industry. So the last thing Luke expects is to fall head over heels when he meets Marianne Magruder, the daughter of his nemesis.

Fresh out of a Cuban prison, the intrepid Luke deals with the afteraffects of months locked up under horrid conditions, never wanting to experience that atrocity again. A government photographer, Marianne has her own issue with a secret from her past. Together, they’re an early 20th-century Romeo and Juliet, the victims of a feud worthy of the Hatfields and McCoys – minus the flying lead.

From the get-go, I enjoyed meeting Luke and could tell he would be a worthy hero, which he is. He’s brave and mischievous and loyal, the first and latter being a characteristic Marianne shares. She’s loyal to her family, even when they don’t deserve it, but even she has her limits. I loved seeing how these two got together when it seemed all was lost.

The whole series swept me up and carried me off to the late 1890s/early 20th century, involving me in espionage, assasination, and the foundations for the present-day FDA.

So, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. I give a full five stars to The Prince of Spies. Okay, I give them to the whole series.

As she stretches out on the frozen river trying to rescue her nephews dog who has fallen through.. a man is suddenly beside her with the help no one else was willing to offer. When all were safe back on dry land, they both were set on a destiny that would change three generations of rivalry and their future. Can their newfound interest in each other survive a political firestorm, or will the three generations of family rivalry put an end to any romance? Interesting interaction between the families and an ending I was hoping for.

I’ve long been a fan of Elizabeth Camden and have greatly enjoyed the previous books in this series, so I was excited to see Luke’s book out in the world! I’ve been anticipating his side of the story, especially after all of the shenanigans his siblings have credited to him in the last two books. As usual, this book certainly didn’t disappoint, though I am a little sad to see the end of the series.
As expected, Ms. Camden’s writing beautifully brings to life Gilded-Age Washington, DC. I always greatly enjoy the different roles and historical nuances her books portray. For example, I had no idea the government paid photographers to document buildings and such during this time period. Another aspect of the history that I found fascinating was the push for what became The Pure Food and Drug Act. The theme had been a part of The Spice King as well and it was interesting to see it become more resolved in this book. And it was so interesting to read about the plans for the National Mall, along with the differing of opinions regarding its construction! I’m also just a nerdy reader.
History aside, I adored Luke and Marianne’s love story! It was so sweet, but also a little steamy now and then. Luke is such a kind hero, though his passion for justice and truth can rub against this trait. And Marianne was someone I think I would dearly enjoy knowing, especially as I saw her character change throughout the story.
Overall, I have greatly enjoyed this entire series and would recommend reading all of the books, if you have the time/inclination!

*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

Ugh! I was expecting more action due to Luke's previous work. But sometimes undercover work isn't all about shooting and breaking into the bad man's house. However I was hooked with the romance aspect and found myself laughing with the poison squad. Also the author tied and ended this series perfectly!

Luke Delacroix has cut a dashing figure across the first two books of Camden's Hope and Glory series, and now he has his own chance to shine. Back in Washington, DC, after his stint in a Cuban jail, Luke's mission is to see certain congressmen ousted from their positions for their support over untested preservatives and fillers in mass-produced canned food. The root of Luke's dedication is the Delacroix's generations-long feud with the Magruder family, whose food empire has been known to use questionable practices.

One winter day Luke helps rescue a dog, and falls half in love with the spunky woman who assisted him. They manage to form a friendship before either of them realizes their last names: He's a Delacroix, and she's Marianne Magruder, the daughter of Luke's sworn enemy.

Marianne traverses Washington as a photographer for the Department of the Interior, documenting the status of buildings around the district. When she's sent on a job to photograph the new hygienic table trials—a months-long human experiment on food preservatives—she runs into Luke again.

This book is full of fascinating history surrounding Washington, DC, in 1902, as well the beginning of what would eventually be the Food and Drug Administration. Luke's vibrancy and Marianne's loyalty provide the perfect blend of personalities to carry the ins and outs of the plot. I enjoyed the Romeo and Juliet romance, and found this to be another winner from this author!

Content warning: There is one instance of actual swearing in this book, which took me by surprise. Use your own discretion about choosing this or any other reading material.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

My thoughts ms Camden just totally out done herself with a series. I didn't care much for the first book but I love the second and this third one not the series out of the ballpark. I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved Luke. And attention between the characters were outstanding. If you like historical romances set in the gilded age you will love Miss Camden's series. She writes about unique subjects that you won't see another books. She is one of my very few favorite historical authors.


I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

The third book in this series does not disappoint. It was beautiful to see Luke again and his twin sister, Caroline. Their older brother Gray is also there, though I need to go back and read his story. This story was reminiscent of all star crossed lovers, but this one had a happily ever after. A hard fought, flawed happily ever after, but happy nonetheless. Because without the bitter, where is the sweet.

Trigger warning - there was an incident with an animal that would be upsetting to some, but it did set up the true character of a secondary character.

I loved the real life look into our food safety laws and the history of preservatives, also the creation of the National Mall in Washington, DC. This book reminds that the glitz and glamor of the upper crust is a carefully preserved mask. It delves into the heart of what is important in family, country, and honor. It also has a beautiful relationship with faith and Christianity, showing that faith very much belongs in the forefront of our lives. It shows the power of forgiveness and the healing power of love and truth.

I received an early ecopy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Another masterpiece by Elizabeth Camden. Beautifully written, excellent character development and a very satisfying conclusion to this trilogy. Five stars.

This was another wonderful book by Elizabeth Camden! The characters, setting, and plot were very nicely formed. And it was really interesting to get a look into the early days of food preservatives being used in mass production. It was scary the way it was being used back then! And I loved getting a deeper look in the story of Luke, since he was a very interesting character I first met in the earlier books of this series. Plus the plot had a very interesting twist to it with Luke being a Delacroix and Marianne being a Magruder. Personally I think this was the perfect story to wrap up the series, and I highly recommend it!


I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

Thanks to Bethany House for the free review copy.
This was such a sweet conclusion to this trilogy. Luke is filled with such passion for whatever he does, and I enjoyed reading about his journey with trying to reconcile all of his different passions together - especially when they clash terribly with each other. Luke's story is full of hardship, yet he grew in his faith. The experience of this was so great to read about.
I love forbidden romances, and with family rivalries being the love interests in this one made it so much fun to see how it would all work out. Luke and Marianne were such a fun couple to read about. I liked their chemistry and honesty. This relationship took courage, and the process of seeing that being developed in each of them was such great character development.
Also, the story wraps by telling what happens with all of the siblings, which gives such fun closure to the stories.

The Prince of Spies is book number three in Elizabeth Camden's Hope and Glory series. While I believe this could be read as a standalone, I feel like readers will definitely get the most out of the story if they have read the first two books as Luke's story really has been introduced all throughout the series.

I must admit even from book one it was really Luke's character that drew me in the most, so I was thrilled to finally get to read more of his story. From book one to book three, his growth and development as a character has been really entertaining to read.

This book and the series as a whole is fantastic with a great blend of mystery, romance and history. I could not get enough and found this book to be well worth the wait. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is definitely one to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

The Prince of Spies( which the title is also a play on Prince of Spice which I love) is the final book in the series, which means, besides the plot and character development it also has the responsibility to tie up loose ends from the previous books. Which it does magnificently.

Luke meets Marianne and they have instant attraction, going out of their way to meet up. Until they find out their families are mortal enemies, a la Romeo and Juliet-esque. And like Romeo and Juliet, there maybe poison involved.

I love the use of history in this book, actual history of Washington DC and the beginnings of the FDA. The small tidbits of the start of the National Mall, demolishing a beautiful train station to make this happen. I very much appreciate how much research and details Camden sprinkled throughout her books and this want an exception.

I also enjoyed the romance between Luke and Marianne. Had great pacing, a mixture of internal dialogue and external conversations, and was relatable/believable.

And the plot was not neglected! Following actual events Luke volunteers as a taste tester for a study to see the affects of eating preservatives found in food in the Edwardian Era. Food Mariannes father made his fortune off of. Great pacing and very interesting, the plot add to the romance and entwined itself firmly within.

Like a three strand rope, history, plot, and romance are Camden’s bread and butter and this one did not disappoint.

Finally, finally! Luke's story is amazing!
I've been putting off reading this story for what seems like awhile.
It's one of those that I knew I'd have to read. But if I went ahead and read it, then my time would be over with these characters. Bittersweet.
I just loved the story! I will admit, it is a bit cliche....two families that are at bitter odds with each other, what are the chances that two people fall in love...can we just say Romeo and Juliet?
In spite of that, this is such a fun story. I loved seeing how this might come about, and wondering what might need to happen to make their love story work.
Luke was always the bad boy of the Delacroix. But he's a changed man. And he is bent on changing a few things in the Washington area. Not the least of which is Clyde McGruver's underhanded food packaging practices. And how unfortunate that the lovely Marianne....is Clyde's daughter.
Even though these two were forbidden to see each other, somehow they just can't help themselves.
Elizabeth Camden has once again done such a fantastic job at bringing those early days in Washington to light. Lots of amazing details, beautiful setting, and much more.
The Prince of Spies is a truly delightful ending to a beautiful series.
I can't wait to see what Ms. Camden comes up with next!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

One of the things I love most about reading Christian historical fiction is learning something new from the author’s historical research. Elizabeth Camden’s books are wonderful for helping the reader understand more about the historical setting in the timeline of her books. However, the best part of her books are the characters. They always have depth to them, and by the time you finish a book, you feel as if you’d almost known the characters in person. The two main characters in this book, Luke Delacroix and Marianne Magruder, seem to have everything stacked against them as a couple. There’s a long-standing, bitter feud between their families. Yet both Luke and Marianne are people of faith and character. Even as they realize their deep love for each other, they still know that their future with each other seems out of the question due to their family loyalties. I admired both Luke and Marianne’s desire to do what is right, even if it kept them apart. I was especially surprised, but pleased, with a decision Luke makes towards the end of the story, and I gained a new insight into the Biblical command of honoring your parents.

The political intrigue in the book adds much to the tension in the story and drew me into the storyline. This is the last book in this series. You can read this one easily on it’s own, but I’d suggest reading the three books in order. You’ll understand more about the history and relationships among these characters.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

One of Elizabeth's best!!! It was funny, heartbreaking, and uplifting all at the same time. And as always, I love how it is based on real-life events! Highly recommend!!!

Prince Of Spies by Elizabeth Camden is my favorite book of The Hope and Glory trilogy. I love Luke's carefree exterior. He appears to be a playboy but he is so much deeper. And Marianne is a delight. I loved the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation. This was the perfect conclusion to a fabulous series. So grab your sweet tea and settle into your favorite reading spot for an enjoyable, satisfying read.

I was given a copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

Romeo and Juliet in a more modern age. Marianne is a strong, female lead in that she has a job in an age when women were not expected to work but yet she enjoys her job of photography for the Department of the Interior. Luke is an heir in the food industry and is a man of principle and character who makes decisions that may begin from a desire for repentance; but are rooted in a foundation of faith. There families have been involved in a feud for several years but their mutual attraction draws them together to overcome the family barriers.

Excellent! And nothing short of what I have come to expect from Elizabeth Camden. I confess that when I read the first book in the series, I did not expect Luke to ever get his own book. But then came the second book and I was so excited to read and get to know intriguing Luke Delacroix. And even more excited when I saw that he would have a bit of a Romer-and-Juliet kind of romance, but with a hopeful and redemptive end, I assumed and will let figure that out :)

When I began reading The Prince of Spies I immediately thought of Romeo and Juliet. Instead of the Montagues vs the Capulets, we have the Delacroix family vs the Magruder family. Sparks fly from the moment that Luke and Marianne meet. Unfortunately, their families are fierce competitors in the food industry. Luke is on a mission to expose Marianne's father for putting harmful chemicals into preserving food.

Luke puts his life on the line to research and change the food industry while secretly courting Marianne. I loved both of their characters. I couldn't help but root for the "star-crossed" lovers. Their story is sweet despite the obstacles in their way.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Luke Delacroix and Marianne Magruder have instant chemistry when they meet on ice of the frozen Potomac while saving a dog. They are already half in love with each other when they reveal their last names and realize that their families are archenemies. They try to stay away from each other but the connection is just too strong.

This is set in early 1900's Washington D.C. and since Marianne works for the government and Luke is a crusading journalist we got to see the city and the era through their eyes. The historical fiction part of the story was incredibly well done and makes me want to read more Elizabeth Camden novels. The characters and romance were both sweet and likeable. I got frustrated with the family members of Luke and Marianne but it seems like that was intentional and was meant to drive home the point of the Jesus-like patience that Luke and Marianne needed. While Luke is vocal about his faith and eventually Marianne discovers her faith I thought that could have been emphasized more and would have helped with the plot and with character development. Overall, this was a smart and fascinating novel that I would recommend.

One of my favorite things about Elizabeth Camden's books is that she chooses settings that are lesser known historical events. Her books are well-researched and well-written.
This book has it all: well developed characters, family drama, political cover-ups, and a touch of US history.
I highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction.

I can't believe I waited so long to read this book . . . Camden knocked it out of the ballpark with this one! I absolutely fell in love with Luke in the first two books of the series, and this one only reinforced that love. The story kept me hooked and I could hardly put it down. Also that cover . . . So pretty! Camden's writing is as wonderful and engaging as ever. I was skeptical about Marianne's character, but I loved her spunk and sass and enjoyed seeing her relationship with Luke unfold.