Rating: 5 stars / 5 - It was amazing
Summary: The Prince of Spies (Hope and Glory book 3) by Elizabeth Camden
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? (from
Goodreads).
My review
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.
Where to get your copy
Book Details
Language : English
Hardcover : 352 pages
ISBN-10 : 0764238094
ISBN-13 : 978-0764238093
Randi,
ReplyDeleteI just started following your blog after following you on IG. It seems like you and I enjoy the same genres. I knew you liked CF, but mysteries too?! :) I can't wait to read this final book in the trilogy. Thanks for the review.
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. We seem to have simiar tastes, yes. I try to alternate between historical romance and mysteries throughout the year. Just realized you have a blog too, so I'm giving you a follow. Enjoy reading The Prince of Spies and have a nice weekend.