A riveting novel set at the turn of the 20th century, as Liam Blackstone seeks to uncover the corruption at the elite levels, he risks his health and his heart.

Liam Blackstone sets his sights at the top as he fights for fair treatment of blue-collar workers, using his new position and family name to aid in his war. I loved Maggie from the very beginning with her hardworking, penny-pinching ways, passion for her business and family. It was also wonderful to see Patrick at Liam's side through it all.

Engaging, with a plot all the more gripping for its ties to real events. I loved how this book brought to life the struggles of hardworking small business owners in the face of big business threatening to strong arm the competition into doing their will. Based on true events, this gripping novel had me cheering for Maggie and Liam all the way through, I loved how history came to life through the everyday people and their courage!

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

Talented author Elizabeth Camden has concluded her Blackstone Legacy series with yet another riveting novel featuring Liam Blackstone and Maggie Molinaro. Hearts of Steel is overflowing with rich historical history and captivating characters. Set in New York in 1902, this book has Liam and Maggie teaming together to fight corruption within the city. The main characters were colorful, engaging, and plucky, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship change and grow. It was fun seeing some of the people from the first two books showing up to help Liam and Maggie with their quest. Liam impressed me with his determination to learn and overcome his weaknesses and his early upbringing. Maggie’s hard work and resolve to succeed was also exemplary.

I always learn much about little slices of history from Camden’s books, and this one is no exception. The historical notes from the author in the back of the book stated that the main corrupt businessman in the story, Charles W. Morse, actually existed and used extortion, threats, and bribery to force competitors and others out of business.

With plenty of suspense, action, inspiration, and romance, this book kept me turning the pages. It’s a fantastic addition to the series. Messages of faith, hope, strength through adversity, and the importance of family combine to add depth to this enthralling tale. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.

I am a longtime fan of Elizabeth Camden and this book is a perfect example of why.

Liam's story is an epic conclusion to an unforgettable series! It weaves fascinating historical details of turn-of-the-century New York City with an intriguing story of corruption and treachery, of bravery and love.

This is a David vs. Goliath story full of complex characters, suspenseful moments, and an oh-so-sighworthy romance between Maggie, the owner of an ice cream company and Liam, who grew up in the working class but is now one of the wealthiest men in the city. Together they fight for justice and I love how much they learn and grow from each other. Such great character arcs!

I could not get enough of this story and the ending was everything it should be. Highly recommend to any fan of historical romance!

This is the third book in the Blackstone Legacy series and while it can be read as a standalone, Liam's story actually begins in the first book and reading the series in order will give you a better appreciation and understanding of his character and the Blackstone family dynamics.

I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.

I loved Carved in Stone. And Written on the Wind is my new fave Elizabeth Camden novel. But it’s Hearts of Steel that I’ve been waiting on: Liam’s story. We find out why he is so important in the series arc in book 1, and we get to know his personality a little bit more in book 2. Still, I had no idea where the author was ultimately going to take his character, and I was excited to find out!

Liam is a classic test study of nature vs. nurture, his personality a complex mixture of his rough-and-tumble upbringing and his aristocratic birth. The thing I have loved most about Liam thus far is his genuine quest to use his newfound power for the good of society, particularly to improve the working conditions of those who proudly spend their blood, sweat & tears just to put food on their own tables. In Hearts of Steel, we see this passion of his come full circle – and hang in the balance. He has tried so hard from the beginning to overcome his weaknesses when it comes to interpreting stuffy legal documents or understanding the math behind the policies, all to prove his worth in his own mind and in the sight of the other U.S. Steel board members and his Blackstone family. This existential struggle that’s been brewing inside him since Carved in Stone boils over in this third book and takes readers through a range of emotions right alongside Liam. I thought the author painted these layers with great talent, fleshing out Liam’s heart and his history with a skilled hand and a thread of grace.

No less emotional, however, is Maggie’s story in Hearts of Steel. Her quest for justice puts her in the crosshairs of a powerful enemy – a true villain who also has his eyes set on Liam’s destruction – and suddenly everything she has worked so hard to build is on the brink of collapse. She’s not one to back down from a fight, though, and she definitely has a tough one ahead. My heart went out to her throughout this book, and I just wanted to reach into the pages and make it all better for her. That’s not how great fiction works, though, is it? And it’s not how God works in the lives of those who follow Him. Adversity, not comfort, makes us stronger, and while one day God WILL make all the sad things & all the struggles & all the loss untrue, for now the fact of it is that we will have hardships in this broken world. This proves to be true in Maggie & Liam’s story as well. The adversity they endure on these pages makes them each more deeply layered, stronger characters whose stories are all the richer and more dimensional. The kind of characters that live on in your heart long after you’ve turned the last page.

Bottom Line: Hearts of Steel by Elizabeth Camden brings Liam Blackstone’s story full circle and introduces readers to a plucky heroine in Maggie Molinaro. She & Liam each have scars that motivate their decisions – hers with practicality and Liam’s with passion. This unlikely pair got deep into my heart, and I ached with them as things continued to go from bad to worse to even worse still. Yet even amid the brewing battle against a truly onerous man (who I was dismayed to find out was an actual historical figure with long-lasting repercussions for American history), Camden weaves connecting threads of hope that culminate in a happily-ever-after born not from fairy tales but from the lessons only learned in adversity. Liam’s story is well worth the wait from book 1 to book 3, and the addition of Maggie makes it all the sweeter – in more ways than one!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Another great Elizabeth Camden story! Her characters and story are always so compelling, and this one was no exception. Although I wished for more romance throughout the book, I enjoyed watching each main character fight their own battles. I love that I always feel the urge to research a historical event after I read her books- this time I learned more about Charles Morse and his effect on the city of New York. Love the themes of redemption, hard work, and found family.

I love a good David and Goliath story! The underdog in this story is Maggie, a determined, focus women living in early twentieth century New York that pulls herself out of poverty through hard work building an ice cream factory. Her livelihood is threatened when an evil businessman, determined to control the US Steel Board of Directors, sets his sites on Maggie and her friend Liam. I loved how Maggie didn't let intimidation prevent her from doing what was right or from losing her faith. I did not realize this was the third book in a series about a family. It can definitely be read as a stand alone, and I will seek out the first two books in the series.

I absolutely love how all of the Elizabeth Camden books that I have read revolve around the solution to social issues in our country's history. Hearts of Steel focuses on underhanded business practices that hurt small businesses and their employees, and the danger of monopolies. It is set in New York City in the early 1900s. The antagonist is a true character, Charles W. Morse who cornered the ice industry using tactics that closed businesses, and even caused the deaths of some children in orphanages and other sick people from heatstroke both in real life and in this story. Later in his real life, his actions in cornering the copper market would lead to panic on Wall Street and a run on the banks, which eventually led to the creation of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913. Reading how Camden's fictional characters battled Morse was truly fascinating. Also like her other books, Camden has included a bit of romance that adds to the tale, yet does not overshadow the heart of the story.

I highly recommend Hearts of Steel, but would suggest that even though it works as a stand-alone read, it will be more thoroughly enjoyed by reading The Blackstone Legacy series in order. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Hearts of Steel from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Although I knew Liam from the previous two books, I didn’t even see Maggie coming! From the first pages, I was invested and rooting for her. Together, these two main characters were certainly determined to ensure justice, especially for hardworking working men and women. One reason that I’m quick to pick up a Camden book is that I appreciate all the research behind her historical fiction. In this book, I was surprised by some of the inner workings of businesses during the early 1900’s and I was sad to read about the existing corruption. However, this hardship caused neighbors to unite and work together which was very different for them. The romance that developed didn’t take a straight path. Their relationship was certainly interesting though as the two weren’t an obvious fit which made it a little more fun and wonderful at the same time. I’m really impressed with this strong third book in this series. Camden finished with a well developed story which left me wanting to hear more of her stories. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Set aside extra time to read this book because it's hard to put it down. A return to the Blackstone series, featuring Liam. Who doesn't love a strong, handsome Irishman with a good heart? He was kidnapped from the wealthy family when very young and later learned who he was but has had to fight many things to keep going. Maggie and her uncle built a business from the ground up. Liam and Maggie both experienced trauma in their lives but became more resilient for having survived it. Both lived in poverty and worked hard to overcome it, each getting down and dirty in their business to accomplish their goals. They're very well matched. Christian strength. This will take your emotions through the ringer, but you'll love it.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#HeartsOfSteel #NetGalley #ElizabethCamden #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction

Elizabeth Camden is excellent at writing historical fiction. I love reading about the time periods she writes about and this book is no exception. The ice cream push carts were very interesting and I loved learning about them. I did find the romantic aspect of this story a little flat. I didn't feel any romantic connection between the two characters. In the end, this book was just ok for me.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Liam's story was well-worth the wait. Beneath the tough, unschooled, impulsive exterior of a welder lies a tender, loyal heart of a gentleman who only wants acceptance, love, and good for the working class. Liam's tenacity, focused drive, and generosity make him an excellent hero though his flaws are constantly thrown in his face. His journey of finding himself and God is fraught with mishaps but his persistence and determination to overcome these setbacks are truly admirable. I loved getting to the heart of Liam with all of his broken pieces, self-awareness, and thirst for justice.

Maggie is a worthy partner for Liam. Her hard-working, devoted, loving spirit matches him in bravery, intelligence, and fortitude. I loved how history of NYC was woven around Maggie's work and how vivid the world of steel and banking industries felt throughout the story. The author truly has a gift for elaborating on little known historical facts to create captivating and stunning historical fiction. It's an absolutely satisfying conclusion to The Blackstone Legacy!

I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

I quite enjoyed Liam’s story!
Readers finally get to know the missing/discovered Blackstone heir in Hearts of Steel.
Liam’s attempts at trying to become a better man – like his father Teddy Blackstone – continually fail throughout this story. His struggles are relatable, though his temper gets the better of him and causes more problems than he needs.
Maggie is independent and fiercely afraid of falling into poverty again. This fear drives every decision and prevents her from finding contentment until the end.
It’s an interesting love story – both needing the other for business pursuits (though this point isn’t acknowledged by either character). Lots of conflict, drama, emotional outbursts, and twisty plots will keep readers engaged in the story until the last page.
The backdrop to the story is the American Ice Trust crisis at the turn of the 20th century. It’s a fascinating story and the author seamlessly weaves these details through the fictional stories – entertaining and educating readers at the same time.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Elizabeth Camden's books are a must-read for me. I love how she always features strong female characters with interesting jobs. Her research and attention to historical detail are evident, and I always learn something from her books.

I enjoyed finishing off this trilogy by reading Liam's story. It was fun to revisit the characters from the previous two books, though this story could likely stand on its own as well.

Maggie's character was a great one. I loved her determination and hard work and care for those around her. The info about her ice cream company was very interesting as was the true story about the ice shortage and the man who caused it. I never realized how vital ice was to people at that time. I loved her neighborhood and the variety of people who inhabited it.

I appreciated Liam's growth in this book. He learned a lot. He began reading his father's Bible and strove to emulate positive traits from the father he never knew. He truly stated that he wasn't good enough to go to heaven on his own merits, but I did find it disappointing for a Christian book that he still seemed depending on his own merit and some vague sense of "following God's will" at the end rather than the work of Jesus on the cross. That was the one thing I wished was written differently and with more attention to the true gospel of Jesus, without which we can never be saved.

But overall, a great story that wrapped up the story of the Blackstone family nicely.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House for access to this arc.

Having enjoyed the previous book in this series, “Written on the Wind,” I just sort of skimmed the blurb before asking to read this book. Well, actually I think I asked first then read the blurb. But regardless, this is a great finish to this trilogy and one that readers can jump in at any point and read.

One thing I really like in this book as compared to the last one is that Liam and Maggie spend little time apart. When they meet, they both feel a little warm glow and “maybe, possibly” there could be more but there’s no jump into any else just yet.

When their relationship does progress a bit, they’re still in early stages when realistic and potentially devastating conflict reasons arise that pull them back from anything more – she has unintentionally riled a powerful man who can’t have his skin-flint and unethical ways exposed to his fellow bankers. If Liam helps her, he risks his place on the board of directors and his ability to fight for the rights of the 160,000 steel workers employed by US Steel. This is taking place around 1902 so labor unions and securing decent treatment for workers in companies owned by robber barons are things being hashed out and fought for (in some cases, literally). If you’ve forgotten your US history or never had lessons in such, google robber barons, monopolies, muckrakers, Tammany Hall, and antitrust legislation.

In addition, Liam has worked himself ragged to rabble rouse for the rights of men with whom he used to work before he found out who he is. With a peptic ulcer that is eating him up, if he pushes himself too hard physically or mentally, he could collapse or the ulcer could rupture potentially leading to his death. He’s also been hurt recently by a woman who was feigning love for him because of his newly-discovered wealth and position and who cruelly mocked him to her friends. This isn’t something that happened years ago and which Liam just can’t let go – it’s still a raw betrayal. When he overhears something from Maggie that sounds very similar, it hits Liam hard. Yet instead of lashing out and cutting all ties, he pulls Maggie aside and tells her, “I’ll keep helping you and the other underdogs but there’s no ‘you and me’ anymore.”

Maggie’s reasons for being a penny pincher – which she freely acknowledges she is – are also baked into her. Her immigrant family arrived with nothing, fought to establish themselves with years of hard work, have built their business from nothing into their American Dream, and once faced losing it all. She’s known poverty – true poverty – and is determined to never go back to that. Eventually Liam rethinks his initial reaction to what he heard and admits that “there’s nothing wrong with not wanting to risk being poor.” He also knows what she’s up against when she takes on Charles Morse and admires her grit and determination.

The weapon used against the residents of NYC by this particular robber baron is ingenious and one I wouldn’t have thought of but given the time period, it’s essential. It also really happened. Watching the way it’s manipulated and how the NYPD, ship docking rights, graft and bribes are used to back it up is a lesson in political corruption and greed that, unfortunately, is still with us today. Where there is a great amount of money, there will be lawbreaking done by those elected to protect us.

Maggie and Liam both have a past “someone.” They both have to work through a bit of jealousy towards the other’s someone. Booyah for including scenes that let these jealousies gently die and prove that those past relationships are over. Liam and Maggie express to the other the fact that they’re falling in love. Liam also tells Maggie that they’ve withstood tests to their relationship, they’ve seen each other at their best and worst. They not only love each other but also respect each other.

At times during the story, I got impatient with Liam’s temper. His modus operandi is to go full tilt at who he sees as an enemy and there are times when pride spurs him even faster. He does pay a price for this. Eventually he also holds his tongue a tiny bit and keeps from using his fists but I wasn’t fully convinced he had changed until the epilogue. There was also a bit more religion in this book and not just watching characters practice their religion or read a Bible but also a bit of gentle reminders (mainly towards Liam) to be more a man of God and find God in his life.

The resolution of the external conflict was handled well with Liam deciding not to use certain weapons because he found them morally distasteful and also to allow his attorney to use the power of the law to enact change and attempt reform. Perhaps less satisfying than “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, Prepare to die.” but also more long lasting and, as Maggie also wants, more able to help the little guys against the greedy ones. And the underdogs are who these two, who have hearts of steel, are fighting for. B

I absolutely love the uniqueness of the author's stories. Her stories are so well researched and filled with detail which is what I love. She mixes fact and fiction so marvelously and it turns into an unputdownable story.
This is the third book in the Blackstone Legacy series. I have been waiting for Liam's story and this is it.
Growing up in Pittsburgh with the steel mills I found many things in the book familiar, like the factory conditions being unsafe.
I have to say I really admired our two main character, Maggie and Liam. Similar in many ways, yet different.
Maggie Molinaro worked with her uncle on the rough and dangerous streets of Manhattan, from the time she was a young teen building from the ground up an ice cream factory. Her uncle was an immigrant and she helped him realize his dream, which also became her dream. It started out with pushcarts selling ice cream around the neighborhood from morning til night. Barely able to pay their debts. Maggie despite all her struggles doesn't give up. She and her uncle slowly build their inventory from ice cream pushcarts to opening their own factory and supplying delicious ice creams to other businesses.
Liam Blackstone may have been born into wealth but not he's too good for the average person. He has empathy for the working man and their trials and situations.
Standing in the way of their successes is a man determined to have it all no matter which way he needs to get it. Will he succeed with his evil corruption, lies, and pay offs. It certainly appears to all be going in his favor and no one can stop him.
Maggie and Liam are determined to stop him with the help of others but is it too late?
Excellent! I have read this author's books right from the start of her writing career and they continue to amaze me. I love how she brings to the forefront little known history and creates stories from it.

Pub Date 17 Jan 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Great historical fiction! A page-turner from author Elizabeth Camden! The author immerses us, in the unjust practices in New York City businesses in 1902, bringing the story to life. Historical settings -compelling characters, and a complex plot. A story of good versus evil.

Loved the strength of the main characters Maggie and Liam, and how they worked to overcome the difficulties in their lives, as well their flaws.

The story moves along at a medium pace, taking a small piece of history and crafting an engaging story around it.

Beautifully written, the characters are well-developed and believable, with drama, danger, suspense, a real-life villain, and a sweet romance.

If you love historical fiction, you will not want to miss this book. Highly Recommended it!

I received this eARC through NetGalley and the publisher Bethany House and was not required to give a positive review.

This was so good! I've been looking forward to Liam's story for a while now, and it did not disappoint.

Liam was such an admirable guy. He might not have thought he was, but he's one of the best. So dedicated, strong-willed, and fiercely passionate about righting injustices. Yes, he had a temper, but he was constantly working on being a better man, and I loved that about him. Maggie was determined, frugal, business-minded, and brave. I loved that she never backed down and held firm in her resolve despite daunting odds. I also loved that she owned an ice cream factory. That was so cool!

I always say this after I read an Elizabeth Camden book, but I love learning about the lesser-known facts of history she includes. This story featured the corruptness of the American Ice Trust and Charles Morse. I knew nothing about this beforehand and found it so fascinating. So infuriating, too. I was outraged by the corrupt and heartless things that took place.

While this is the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance.

I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Hearts of Steel is the third book in the Blackstone Legacy series, but I can safely say you can read it as a standalone. with no issues (I have not read books 1 and 2)

What immediately drew me to this book was the fun premise. I love an immigrant small business story and I loved the hard work that Maggie and her uncle undertook to grow in the early 1900s. Liam is incredibly wealthy by birth but also has had his fair share of trials in his life.

Together Maggie and Liam band together to take on a corrupt man in power who threatens Liams place in the Steel industry and Maggies very way of life. I loved the concept of people joining together to stand against a common enemy especially when it comes to every day people working hard to make a living. This is a book about self worth, standing up for the every day man, and learning to stand on your own two feet by the sweat of your brow.

Maggie and Liam have a sweet courtship that has some rocky elements to it as they navigate Maggies need to make something of herself and Liams easily accessible wealth. They have a large divide to cross but as they work together they start to understand their relationship can go beyond that.

Overall there were several elements I really enjoyed and loved seeing how everything came together In a way that felt realistic to the time period...and the villain was even based off someone in history! If I had to complain on anything I do feel like the pacing of the romance was a bit off for me...I don't tend to love so much on and off again but these characters are brash, opinionated and don't back down from a fight so this dynamic fits them well.

Thank you Bethany House for an early copy of this book, the opinions are my own.

Hearts of Steel is another clean historical fiction romance from Elizabeth Camden.
Pros:
Clean romance
An intriguing look at city-wide corruption
Interesting end notes on the very real villain of the story

Cons:
The beginning is not engaging enough to hook the reader (I would have abandoned it if not reading for a review)
No chemistry between the hero and heroine
Some passages seemed very juvenile in descriptive terms (he had a tummy ache?)
Some of it was just not believable for the time period (the hospital scene where Maggie is taking care of Liam)

Overall, not my favorite Camden book, but I’m not giving up on Camden just yet.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

#BookRevew: HEARTS OF STEEL by Elizabeth Camden

Have you read the first two books from The Blackstone Legacy series? I did and I was anticipating Liam’s story. I like the author’s writing style, but somehow Liam’s character didn’t have the grit and courage as I expected him to be. Maddie had her flaws as well but she was a driven lady. She also assisted Liam when needed. Liam had a big heart for the less fortunate. In the end, I think they were good for each other.

The details of the ice cream business were interesting. I can’t imagine relying on ice blocks from Maine to run a business in the early 1900s. The effects of the summer heat and ice shortage was so sad. I was also interested in Liam’s ulcer treatment. It was so different back then. He had money too so he had better options than others.

Charles Morse was an irritating character and he was actually real. His actions in the book were similar to his real life accounts as per the author’s note. I felt compassion for those hard working people in Gadsden who had to endure his wrath like Maddie. People like him still exist today and this concern should be on our prayer list all the time.

This was a good end to an interesting series with lots of compelling historical events.

Rating: 4 stars

Series: The Blackstone Legacy 3

Pub date: 17 Jan 2023

Thank you Bethany House Publishers and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.