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The Prince of Spies
The Prince of Spies
The Prince of Spies
Audiobook12 hours

The Prince of Spies

Written by Elizabeth Camden

Narrated by Leah Horowitz

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

()

About this audiobook

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?
LanguageEnglish
Release dateFeb 16, 2021
ISBN9781980087052
The Prince of Spies
Author

Elizabeth Camden

Elizabeth Camden is a RITA and Christy Award winning author. A research librarian at a small college in central Florida, she has published several scholarly articles and four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and her love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. She lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit elizabethcamden.com.

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Reviews for The Prince of Spies

Rating: 4.720930186046512 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

43 ratings11 reviews

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Thanks for another great book! Really enjoyed the historical stuff on preservatives
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden entertained from beginning to end. Luke Delacroix is a bold, adventuresome sort with a penchant for conflict. Thanks to his choices and romantic attraction to Marianne Magruder, the daughter of a politician he is trying to bring down, the plot had plenty of tension and action. Between the secret romance, the feuding families, and personal struggles, I delighted in reading this historical romance.While reading The Princes of Spies, I noted and appreciated the well-rounded characters. It is expected that main characters will have flaws requiring change and growth. Luke and Marianne both dealt with internal and external issues as they gravitated toward each other. However, the secondary characters, such as Clyde, Vera, and Jedidiah Magruder, held their own complexity. The author captured how people are not always all good or all bad, but a mixture of both. Appropriately, Gray and Caroline stayed true to their personalities from previous novels.The Prince of Spies concludes Elizabeth Camden’s Hope and Glory trilogy. Although this novel would make a fine stand-alone read for anyone who enjoys Christian historical romance, I recommend reading all three books in order, if possible, as I thoroughly enjoyed them all.Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Title: Prince of Spies (Hope and Glory #3)Author: Elizabeth CamdenPages: 352Year: 2021Publisher: BethanyMy rating is 5 out of 5 stars.Luke Delacroix is known around Washington, D.C. as a fun-loving, no responsibility, rich man. After spending 15 months in a Cuban prison accused of treason, Luke has returned to D.C. a changed man. He wants people to see he has changed and to take him more seriously. To that end, he has begun a branch of a nationwide magazine in D.C. where he will be the correspondent on the scene. He has also volunteered for a trial where different additives/preservatives are mixed into different types of food and given to the participants. Their physical reactions are closely monitored. Luke also finds a local woman who holds his attention far more than anyone. Unfortunately, her last name is Magruder and she is the daughter of his family’s arch enemy Magruder Foods.Marianne Magruder has been hired by the Department of the Interior to take pictures of various buildings and their surroundings in anticipation of them being demolished for a new park that is being debated in Congress. Marianne has a keen eye for photography, but her parents would rather she get married and settle down. She meets Luke in an unexpected encounter and the romantic sparks fly, that is until she learns his last name. She and Luke continue to meet even after her father forbids it. As their romance grows, everything else in their lives comes apart. Marianne’s past is often thrown in her face by members of her own family. She just wants somewhere to belong, but maybe it’s time for a change.I loved Luke’s optimism and sense of humor! He was lighthearted yet felt emotions deeply. He was dedicated to making a contribution to the world, and his faith led the way. Marianne learned about faith in action through observing Luke. He wasn’t perfect, but he gave his all in every thing he undertook. Marianne struggled with trying to earn love in a family who gave the appearance of loving her, but in reality sought their own interests before thinking about her. It was so interesting reading about a time in our history where there was no governing body to administer safety over the country’s food supply and production. I always learn something new in this author’s stories, which is why she is on my “must read” list. I’m looking forward to what interesting topic she writes about next!Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    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.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    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.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is the third and final book of the Hope and Glory series and I believe that it's my favorite. I enjoyed Gray and Caroline's previous stories but oh, my, there's just something about Luke Delacroix! Is it because he chooses to live outside the lines? That he cares deeply for correcting the wrongs of the world? Or his deep faith in God that became even stronger while he was locked up in a Cuban jail? Yes, Luke Delacroix is a hero to remember!The Prince of Spies is set in 1902 and author Elizabeth Camden offers another look at the wealth and prestige that was prevalent in Washington, DC during this time. She also provides a glimpse of that era's political scene, with the wheeling and dealing behind closed doors, and introduces readers to the Poison Squad, a group of young men determined to prove that the artificial chemicals being used in food were detrimental to human health. Best of all, she shares the overwhelming attraction that develops between Luke and Marianne Magruder, the daughter of Clyde Magruder, a longtime adversary of the Delacroix family. Marianne is certainly drawn to Luke but she is also very devoted to her family. Can they overcome the many obstacles or will Luke and Marianne need to sacrifice their happiness?If you enjoy sweet romance that takes your breath away, suspense that keeps you intrigued until the end, and historical fiction that enlightens as it entertains, you will want to read The Prince of Spies. Camden has once again proven her exceptional writing talent!I received a copy of this book from the publisher but I wasn't required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    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.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    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.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    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.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The Prince of Spies is book 3 in the Hope and Glory series by Elizabeth Camden, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in 1902 Washington DC, and we follow ex-government spy, now magazine journalist, Luke Delacroix, as he works to improve food legislation. He meets governmental photographer Marianne Magruder and instantly falls for her, but when they learn each other’s family names they realize they have landed in the middle of their families’ long lasting feud, and it seems impossible to have a future together. Luke takes part in a test of canned foods, while Marianne’s photography skills prove important in the work for food safety.Main character Luke Delacroix is a magazine journalist who worked secretly as a government spy. He seems the character who develops the most through the 3 books, from an entitled thrill-seeker in need of his brother’s rescuing in the first book to a more mature adult who still has a lot of self doubt. He spends more time contemplating the value of his work and his future, which makes him very relatable.Supporting character, governmental photographer Marianne Magruder is very grateful to her powerful father for having given her a privileged life in want for nothing and acts like I would expect for a woman of her time. I love that she goes through a personal development. This makes her my favorite of this story.The Prince of Spies reads well as a standalone. Hints to previous books are given, but it would make the experience even richer to have read the two previous installments. Apart from following Luke’s journey to find love, this fascinating plot focuses on his use of contacts to improve the food and drug industry. My favorite part of the story was the little mystery element about Marianne’s estranged aunt. While in Cuban prison, Luke had plenty of time for Bible reading and he seems to have established a strong faith. Marianne seemed to have a spiritual awakening towards the end of the story.Elizabeth Camden has been one of my go-to authors for years. I love her writing style and choose to read one of her books every year. Anyone who likes romance plots combined with technical inventions will enjoy this. Fans of Elizabeth Camden will love this story. Similar authors to explore might be Roseanna M. White or Jody Hedlund.Thank you to Bethany House Publishers, Elizabeth Camden and NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.Conclusion: in this fascinating story ex-government spy, now magazine journalist, Luke Delacroix is working to improve food safety laws while struggling to be with the woman he loves. Her father owns the company which produces unsafe canned foods and is the one Luke is fighting against.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    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.