MY REVIEW:

The Prince of Spies is exactly the kind of book I love to spend a few hours with. The author has a masterful touch when it comes to weaving sometimes obscure historical facts into an engrossing tale that comes to life on the pages. Both this book and the first book of the Hope and Glory series, The Spice King, contained a multitude of facts about safety (or the lack of) in the food industry as well as efforts that were made to ensure its safety. I found the details about the Poison Squad to be of particular interest.

It was fun getting to know Luke Delacroix even better as he was an intriguing character in the previous novels. His determination to do his part in making food safer for customers was only overshadowed by his love of family and his new devotion to Marianne McGruder, daughter of the Delacroix family’s greatest rival.

The bad blood between the two families and the romance between Luke and Marianne had a slight resemblance to the story of Romeo and Juliet but thankfully did not go in the same direction. I thought Luke was the perfect hero and mostly liked Marianne as well. Her devotion to her family was admirable despite their unscrupulous actions – after all they were family. I did admire how her eyes were gradually opened to the truth and managed to make the proper decisions.  

I do so hate to see this series end but I am confident that the author has even more delightful books in store for her readers. Loved, loved, loved The Prince of Spies as well as the other two books and I encourage everyone to pick up copies of all three books.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Luke Delacroix has long had a reputation of being an impulsive adventurer, the wild son of one of Gilded Age Washington’s most prominent families. In reality, he has been secretly carrying out an ambitious agenda in Congress. His current mission: to thwart the reelection of Congressman Clyde Magruder, his only real enemy in the world.

Trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman’s only daughter. Luke is fascinated by the vibrant Marianne and her daring work as a government photographer, leading them into a forbidden romance. Now they must embark on a dangerous gamble to reconcile their growing feelings 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?

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Camden (www.elizabethcamden.com) is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.