The Prince of Spies

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.

I always love the insight this author brings to life as it was a century ago, by exploring unique and often overlooked jobs and the historical circumstances that affected (or were affected by) them. It was so good to finally read Luke's story, and Marianne was such an endearing heroine! I loved watching their story unfold, and appreciated that the author managed to serve up a healthy portion of tension and uncertainty without stirring in the typical dose of misunderstandings and a lack of communication. Bravo for dishing up something more unique while keeping the characters consistent! A very satisfying conclusion to a wonderful and entertaining series! [I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.]

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.