Hearts of Steel

Fiction. Romance. Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. When successful businesswoman Maggie Molinaro offends a corrupt banker, she unwittingly sets off a series of calamities that threaten to destroy her life's work. She teams up with charismatic steel magnate Liam Blackstone, but what begins as a practical alliance soon evolves into a romance between two wounded people determined to beat the odds.

User reviews

LibraryThing member alekee

This is the final book in this great series, based on fact but brought to life with this fictional story.

We are back with Liam Blackstone, he is still adjusting to his life of privilege, after spending most of it as a kidnap victim. In this read the author has placed Maggie Molinaro in his path, a

smart young woman whom with her Uncle has developed a crafted ice cream successful business.

Of course, life can't be smooth running, and greed does raise its ugly head here, in the form of a real person, and according to the author's notes some of the happenings were real.

We are offered a bit of sweet romance, a horrible bully with hired thugs, and those who want to help the less fortunate.

A page turner from gifted author Elizabeth Camden!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

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LibraryThing member SBMC

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.

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LibraryThing member Virginia51

I know that this has been my favorite book this year. I loved the characters and the romance and the suspense. I loved that there was laughter and some tears. I loved Maggie and Liam and all that they learned from each other to help them become better in their lives. I received a copy of this book

from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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LibraryThing member claudia.castenir

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.

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LibraryThing member BooksCooksLooks

Maggie has worked hard from a precarious start to form her own ice cream company. It’s not just popular but celebrated by people far and wide. But one small mistake threatens to take away everything she worked for so hard and long.

She offends the wrong man and that man holds some purse strings.

But Maggie is not his only target. Can she form an alliance that could possibly save her company? Could it also impact her life in other ways.

This is a romance novel, of course it does! Liam Blackstone believes in good working conditions for steel workers unlike some other people in town – specifically the same man who is causing problems for Maggie. Can the two of them work together to bring him down?

What do you think?

And what do you think is going to happen?

It all makes for a very satisfying romance novel.

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LibraryThing member fcplcataloger

I loved Hearts of Steel! This final book of the Blackstone Legacy trilogy has multi-layered characters and historical details woven into a totally captivating story. We first meet sixteen-year-old Maggie Malinaro in 1890, but her story quickly progresses to the year 1902, as the Gilded Age gives

way to the Progressive Era. Maggie sees her successful ice cream business threatened by one conniving man and her only hope may be Liam Blackstone. They are both intriguing characters, but Charles Morse is the ultimate villain, and the truly disturbing fact is that he really existed! In her historical note, author Elizabeth Camden explains that Morse designed "a network of extortion, bribery, and threats" to drive competitors out of business and create his ice trust. Remember, ice was a much-needed commodity in the early 1900s and Morse's monopoly was devastating! As they work together, Maggie and Liam experience a powerful connection that cries for a happy ending but there are so many obstacles in their way. Can work-obsessed, overachieving Maggie ever allow a man into her world? Will hot-tempered, impulsive Liam ever consider himself worthy of being Theodore Blackstone's son?

This book presents a vivid glimpse of the differences between the working class and the upper class in the early 1900s, but it also chronicles the personal struggles of both Maggie and Liam. There are fears and failures to overcome but hope and faith is ever present. I especially loved their spiritual growth, and I highly recommend Hearts of Steel to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

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LibraryThing member lifeofliterature

Everything this author writes is absolutely wonderful, including this incredible series, but this book might be my favorite of the three! You do not need to read the series in order; however, it is nice to get the background on the characters from other books. As is typical of her books, the author

does a fantastic job of researching the history and incorporating it so well into the story. I felt like I learned a lot about the time period and working conditions in the early twentieth century. And the villain in this story was a real man, which makes it that much more interesting! I am also always amazed at the unique jobs of characters in this author’s novels and thought Maggie’s position as owner of an ice cream shop to be a creative career. Additionally, I loved how strong and independent and smart Maggie is and really adored the development of her relationship with Liam, of course packed with steamy romance. This book is riveting and engaging and I really enjoyed every part of it. I highly recommend this series and I cannot wait to see what the author comes up with next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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LibraryThing member emmyson

Elizabeth Camden never disappoints! The third installment of the Blackthorn series is brilliant and kept me on the edge of my seat. Maggie and Liam were fantastic, and I totally bought into their story. While I think you could read this on its own, it’s definitely better to have read the first

two books. There’s backstory you’d miss without them.

Loved this story and can’t wait for more from Elizabeth!

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LibraryThing member lamb521

Title: Hearts of Steel (The Blackstone Legacy #3)
Author: Elizabeth Camden
Pages: 336
Year: 2023
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Liam Blackstone is a young man who was kidnapped as a young boy. Liam’s true identity was eventually discovered, and he has been reunited

with what is left of his family, his father and mother having preceded him in death. His biological family are the wealthy Blackstones, and they control U.S. Steel. Liam has been given a seat on the board to represent the “working man” as that is what his life experience has been. He longs to be the man he thinks his father wanted him to be, to be a better man. He meets Maggie Molinaro and urges her to fight against the wealthy man trying to cheat her out of what is owed to her. He joins Maggie in an effort to protect her in an escalating battle with a wealthy businessman, who is out to cheat and deceive as many people as possible to make money for himself.
Maggie Molinaro is a young woman who knows what it is like to be poor, without a roof over her head and wondering where her next meal will come from. She lives with her aunt and uncle and quit school at the age of fifteen to help them run their ice cream business. She knows how to do every job in the business from manning a pushcart around town, to making ice cream, to repairing machinery. She saves every penny she can as she vows never to be poor again. When a wealthy man tries to get away without paying a bill for her ice cream, she confronts him in person to get her money. Little does she realize she has painted a target on her back and this man will stop at nothing to see her business fail. Her new friend Liam shows her his tough side, but also his compassion and generosity for his fellow man.
I would have liked to see more of a faith journey in the story. God is mentioned a little or not at all in the first half of the book. There is also a strange, almost religious, practice with Uncle Dino and a twig from an olive tree. However, I did enjoy learning about the beginnings of the ice cream industry. I advise reading the author’s note at the end of the book as it separates fact from fiction. This author does a wonderful job of taking historical fact and weaving it into an enjoyable fictional tale.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

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LibraryThing member Anne_Rightler

Hearts of Steel by Elizabeth Camden is another captivating story by a favorite author of mine. I loved the main characters, Maggie, strong, decisive, and plucky; Liam, generous, determined, and defender of the downtrodden. Both with pasts that have left scars and struggles to overcome. The

historical aspect of the “robber barons” of the early 1900s is fascinating and actually, kind of infuriating! The story moves quickly and faith in God is woven throughout reminding the reader that He is involved in our lives and is helping bring guidance and restoration to our lives. Although third in a series, I read this as a stand alone without any difficulty. But now that I’ve finished and realize it’s part of a series, I’ll be going back to read the first two books. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will not want to miss Hearts of Steel. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

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LibraryThing member JaymeWill

Elizabeth Camden's new book, Hearts of Steel, was an enjoyable read. I was nervous to start this series at Book 3, but this could be a stand alone novel. There are characters from the previous books, but the reader won't feel lost or left out.

A chance encounter with Maggie Molinaro leaves Liam

Blackstone's life turned upside down. He hates bullies and sees Maggie stand up to one and even get the best of him. But when the bully sets out to ruin him and Maggie's ice cream business, Liam can't stand by and do nothing. Like David confronting Goliath, Liam and Maggie band together to fight against one of the most powerful and influential men in the city. Can they get the proof they need to succeed in stopping the villainous Charles Morse before Maggie loses everything she's built, and Liam loses his seat on the Steel committee?

I thought the book was great! The characters are likable, the plot line is exciting, and the descriptions are top notch! I love how Camden uses real points in history to write a full story. The antagonist, Charles Morse actually lived and did some of the terrible things described in the book. My only complaint is I felt the character of Maggie a little too obsessed with money. I understand that she came from nothing and feared poverty, but someone who loves the Lord would also trust that God has a plan and would take care of her. She seemed to trust more in herself.

Overall, a fantastic story that I would recommend anyone to read who is a fan of Elizabeth Camden, or Historical Christian fiction.

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LibraryThing member chrirob

Liam Blackstone may be part of one of the wealthiest banking families in America, but that doesn't mean he feels like he belongs. After being kidnapped at age 3, he lived with an abusive father, was forced to quite school after the 8th grade, and lived in poverty. He was infused with a burning

frustration against the wealthy and those of privilege. Then he discovered his true heritage, and became one of the privileged wealthy. He was reintroduced to the Blackstone family and was made a board member of U.S. Steel. However, he never has really belonged - he is still a welder passionate about helping his fellow workers & their families, that sometimes let his temper get the best of him. Getting along with the other board members of U.S. Steel has been very challenging due to his lack of education and experience, especially frustrating is the continuous barbs made against him by Charles Morse. It is while trying to make peace with Morse, that Liam meets local businesswoman and ice cream maker Maggie Molinaro. She is also trying to have a working relationship with Morse, but is also not having any luck. Maggie and Liam strike up a friendship as they strive to prevent Charles Morse from running other businesses into the ground in the name of greed and power. Will they succeed in beating such a powerful businessman that owns many of the businesses and has the power to corrupt & unfairly influence city leaders? Can their friendship survive as they are both driven to the breaking point personally and professionally?

This was a wonderful ending to the Blackstone Legacy series. I feel it rounded out all the characters from the three novels and gave them wonderful endings and new beginnings. I look forward to reading more books from Ms. Camden! She definitely brings her characters to life! Thank you LibraryThing for the Early Reviewers copy of Hearts of Steel!

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