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Heart of Steel
In the early morning hours of September 13, 1920, a tragic murder takes place at the Pulchalski farmhouse in Southington, Ohio. Twelve-year-old Stanley desperately runs along a dusty country road sent by his mother to fetch the Sheriff. An infamous scandal unfolds over the next several weeks taking Stanley and his siblings on a harrowing journey through a notorious orphanage and an incredible attempt to escape. Finding true love is Stanley's only hope to finally come to terms with the torment of his tragic past. The story is based on true events in the life of Stanley William Miller. It inspires the heart on how a young man’s devotion to his family pushes him beyond impossible odds and testifies to the perseverance of the human spirit.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2019
183 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 22, 2019
One of the best reads of the year. This novel written by K.D. Miller takes you through a 1920 rural Ohio true murder mystery that leaves you wanting for more. This book is a remarkable story of sacrifice and selfless love for mother and siblings that everyone needs to experience. Set aside enough time to read the entire book because you will not want to put it down. Looking forward to motion picture.
March 14, 2020
Heart of Steele is one of those books that leaves you an emotional mess after you turn the final page. This heartfelt story is written by the grandson of Stanley Puchalski/Miller and what a story it is. Kevin Miller pulls out all the stops and pulls no punches when telling it like it must have happened. Told with heartfelt love of siblings and their mother, he writes as if he were walking in their footsteps and we are walking with him. I was captivated by the detail and how he set each scene. Raw, gritty and at times a bit bloody, I could not put it down until I reached the very last page. And at that last page, I had tears in my eyes. This is a book for the ages and it leaves one wondering just how many similar stories might be ferreted out if one were to just ask the right questions and look in the right closets. Read Heart of Steel – you won’t be disappointed.
June 28, 2020
The descriptive narrative grabs you from the beginning page and doesn’t release its hold on you. You, the reader, savor the words like fine chocolate. You walk away trying to slow your read, not wanting to rush it along. But you can’t. It’s that good! Kevin Miller’s words call and you answer. You don’t want to read it in one setting, but you cannot help yourself. You cannot quit reading. As readers we hope to discover a book we can’t put down. This is one of those. A book you will love and the fact that it is based on a true story makes it even better.
January 10, 2024
Can't believe this one actually brought tears to my old eyes! Never happened before, and I've read many books!I
I miss my parents and brothers both living and dead more at this moment than ever. It will be a long time before I find a book that moves me as deeply as this!
I miss my parents and brothers both living and dead more at this moment than ever. It will be a long time before I find a book that moves me as deeply as this!
February 12, 2021
I love true stories I especially loved that it was about a local coming from youngstown myself
January 8, 2024
Near 100 yr Secret unveiled
It is so ready to get swept up by this story. The fact that these children survived the harshness of their early childhood and lived productive lives and stayed connected is incredible. Absolute must read. They didn't sit back and wait. They took it upon themselves to be a family.
It is so ready to get swept up by this story. The fact that these children survived the harshness of their early childhood and lived productive lives and stayed connected is incredible. Absolute must read. They didn't sit back and wait. They took it upon themselves to be a family.
January 8, 2024
Couldn't put it down
Told in straight tones, no wasted words. A strong determined young man who came through so much sorrow, but came face to face with himself.and won. Great book
Told in straight tones, no wasted words. A strong determined young man who came through so much sorrow, but came face to face with himself.and won. Great book
September 15, 2019
Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman
Heart of Steel: Based on a True Story by Kevin Miller takes us back in time to rural Ohio in 1920 – to the Puchalski Farm just out of Southington, Ohio. Family patriarch George Puchalski, a Polish immigrant, has made a success of his “American Dream” as a respected businessman and farmer in the rural district. George, however, has his demons, with a wandering eye, a violent temper, and an alcoholic disposition, which are expressed with rage and violence against, his wife, and children. After one particularly violent episode in which his wife and daughter, Sophie are both viciously beaten, the family is in turmoil. When George is murdered in his bed, one night and his wife arrested for complicity in his murder, the five siblings suddenly find themselves as orphans. It falls on twelve-year-old Stanley William Puchalski to step up and become a “little man”, in order to protect his siblings from the abuses that are inherent in Orphanages of the time. We follow Stanley’s rights of passage into adulthood, as Stanley William Puchalski transforms himself into Stanley William Miller, as the five children seek to put their violent pasts behind them, forever.
Author Kevin Miller has taken a gamble in writing about such a hidden and violent past from his ancestors. This is never an easy task, as it is difficult to be objective when dealing with family histories, with so many sensitivities to be aware of. In Heart of Steel: Based on a True Story, Miller handles the difficult teenage years of his grandfather with clear pride, but also tempered with an understanding that this young man, forced to grow up so early, was also stalked by demons, similar to his father. He was able to give the character a wonderful balance between his clearly big heart and his burgeoning wild side. I particularly loved the determination and courage Stanley showed in taking responsibility for his four siblings at such a tender age. The author’s pride in his grandfather’s courage shines through this book like a beacon, as does the love between his grandfather and grandmother. This story is one, first and foremost, of love – a mother’s love for her children that would drive her to commit and unspeakable act and the love of five siblings for each other and ultimately both of their parents. I thoroughly enjoyed the overarching them of forgiveness that ran through the narrative. This is a fantastically easy book to read and one I would highly recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction and family drama, or simply anyone who loves a good tale, especially with a basis in fact.
Heart of Steel: Based on a True Story by Kevin Miller takes us back in time to rural Ohio in 1920 – to the Puchalski Farm just out of Southington, Ohio. Family patriarch George Puchalski, a Polish immigrant, has made a success of his “American Dream” as a respected businessman and farmer in the rural district. George, however, has his demons, with a wandering eye, a violent temper, and an alcoholic disposition, which are expressed with rage and violence against, his wife, and children. After one particularly violent episode in which his wife and daughter, Sophie are both viciously beaten, the family is in turmoil. When George is murdered in his bed, one night and his wife arrested for complicity in his murder, the five siblings suddenly find themselves as orphans. It falls on twelve-year-old Stanley William Puchalski to step up and become a “little man”, in order to protect his siblings from the abuses that are inherent in Orphanages of the time. We follow Stanley’s rights of passage into adulthood, as Stanley William Puchalski transforms himself into Stanley William Miller, as the five children seek to put their violent pasts behind them, forever.
Author Kevin Miller has taken a gamble in writing about such a hidden and violent past from his ancestors. This is never an easy task, as it is difficult to be objective when dealing with family histories, with so many sensitivities to be aware of. In Heart of Steel: Based on a True Story, Miller handles the difficult teenage years of his grandfather with clear pride, but also tempered with an understanding that this young man, forced to grow up so early, was also stalked by demons, similar to his father. He was able to give the character a wonderful balance between his clearly big heart and his burgeoning wild side. I particularly loved the determination and courage Stanley showed in taking responsibility for his four siblings at such a tender age. The author’s pride in his grandfather’s courage shines through this book like a beacon, as does the love between his grandfather and grandmother. This story is one, first and foremost, of love – a mother’s love for her children that would drive her to commit and unspeakable act and the love of five siblings for each other and ultimately both of their parents. I thoroughly enjoyed the overarching them of forgiveness that ran through the narrative. This is a fantastically easy book to read and one I would highly recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction and family drama, or simply anyone who loves a good tale, especially with a basis in fact.
October 3, 2021
True story satisfying if predictable easy read - spoilers
The author authentically narrated the heroic if imperfect life of his grandfather with a young male perspective. In spite of the family secrets, it is almost a fairy tale like story once the protagonist finds his way out of his household. Historic setting of prohibition era and gangster danger presence works good enough for those of us who have lived through real life epics of males in power peering through their lens and giving us their perspectives for our entire lifetime. The rest of you might gag a little. The male violent abuse of power towards females is never tolerated by our hero. Starting at a young age he easily earns tons of money and physically overpowers villains as needed to save everyone: his siblings, his mother, his friends and employees, and finally his girl. He also gives up much to keep his true love as his fiancé and wife. Stays on his pedestal, and predictably ends with his wife’s reflection of adoring their life together at his funeral. My husband picked this book and we both read it at the same time and enjoyed talking about the hero’s story together.
The author authentically narrated the heroic if imperfect life of his grandfather with a young male perspective. In spite of the family secrets, it is almost a fairy tale like story once the protagonist finds his way out of his household. Historic setting of prohibition era and gangster danger presence works good enough for those of us who have lived through real life epics of males in power peering through their lens and giving us their perspectives for our entire lifetime. The rest of you might gag a little. The male violent abuse of power towards females is never tolerated by our hero. Starting at a young age he easily earns tons of money and physically overpowers villains as needed to save everyone: his siblings, his mother, his friends and employees, and finally his girl. He also gives up much to keep his true love as his fiancé and wife. Stays on his pedestal, and predictably ends with his wife’s reflection of adoring their life together at his funeral. My husband picked this book and we both read it at the same time and enjoyed talking about the hero’s story together.
July 6, 2020
Strong Story, Strong Storytelling
Author Kevin Miller delved deep into his untold family history to give us a story based on his grandfather’s harrowing childhood, and the man he became. Set in Ohio during the 1920s, “Heart of Steel” hits all the right notes of that period, a time of Prohibition in America. Miller pulls no punches with the dark side of events and does a masterful job blending fiction with fact. His characters are compelling and well-developed, and the dialogue is snappy, often fun. I read it in far into the night to find out what happens. A treat for fans of historical fiction set in the fascinating early 20th century, and those who enjoy novels based on true events.
Author Kevin Miller delved deep into his untold family history to give us a story based on his grandfather’s harrowing childhood, and the man he became. Set in Ohio during the 1920s, “Heart of Steel” hits all the right notes of that period, a time of Prohibition in America. Miller pulls no punches with the dark side of events and does a masterful job blending fiction with fact. His characters are compelling and well-developed, and the dialogue is snappy, often fun. I read it in far into the night to find out what happens. A treat for fans of historical fiction set in the fascinating early 20th century, and those who enjoy novels based on true events.
November 14, 2019
I could not put this book down from the moment I began to read it. I'm a fan of stories based on real events and this story stole my heart. I cried, I laughed and felt Stanley's anger and pain. The story begins with a family tragedy and murder in 1920 rural Ohio. The murder mystery takes many turns and twists. We follow Stanley and his siblings through an abusive orphanage and all the perils that follow. My favorite part of the story is the beautiful love story towards the end helping Stanley to finally find healing. I wanted so much for his ending to be a happy one. I highly recommend this book. It will capture you from the first few pages.
August 23, 2019
Thos book hooked me on the first 3 pages.
What a great step back in time to America in the 1920's and 30's. Based on a true story involving abuse, murder, love, farming life and prohibition. Good flow and plenty of suspense.
What a great step back in time to America in the 1920's and 30's. Based on a true story involving abuse, murder, love, farming life and prohibition. Good flow and plenty of suspense.
September 16, 2019
A glimpse into history
This book is quite different from my usual reading genres, but the storyline kept me turning pages, curious about what would happen next. Mr. Miller did a great job of showing his characters and the turmoil through their struggles.
This book is quite different from my usual reading genres, but the storyline kept me turning pages, curious about what would happen next. Mr. Miller did a great job of showing his characters and the turmoil through their struggles.
October 26, 2020
This short book is based on the life of Stanley William Miller. It begins with him as a child with an abusive father and continues through several years as he faces many obstacles, but keeps his love of family strong in his life.
December 14, 2020
This story is so amazing. I could not put it down. The way Stanley at such a young age was able to overcome so many obstacles and still become such an awesome adult. Life can be so hard but this story shows you what perseverance can do. It is a must read
April 1, 2021
Such a moving life story
The courage and strength of the main character is phenomenal, and he lead such an extraordinary life. I love the fact that it is based on a true story, and I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone.
The courage and strength of the main character is phenomenal, and he lead such an extraordinary life. I love the fact that it is based on a true story, and I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone.
December 31, 2023
This novel was a great read. It held my attention from beginning to end. Every family has secrets, and this book starts with an abusive father, a murder, and then an escape from an orphanage. It's a tale of resiliency and reinvention. Despite our baggage, we can always choose to take a different path and make something of ourselves. Miller is a wonderful writer. He is great at characterization as well as fast-paced storytelling. I highly recommended this book and can't wait to read some of his other work.
October 21, 2024
Touching
Southington, Ohio is next door to Braceville where I grew up; so finding this book I knew I had to read it. Understanding the history of the 1920s and 1930's helps to visualize the surroundings and mindsets of the people within the story. I wish I could go back and look for the landmarks.
I am not familiar with the family or the story, but the author approaches the subject in such a way to capture the believable feelings and actions to hold a family together after tragedy. He shares the years afterwards. I laughed and cried
Southington, Ohio is next door to Braceville where I grew up; so finding this book I knew I had to read it. Understanding the history of the 1920s and 1930's helps to visualize the surroundings and mindsets of the people within the story. I wish I could go back and look for the landmarks.
I am not familiar with the family or the story, but the author approaches the subject in such a way to capture the believable feelings and actions to hold a family together after tragedy. He shares the years afterwards. I laughed and cried
January 16, 2024
DNF
I tried so hard to get through the poor writing to get to the story but I just couldn't do it. I got to about 20% of the book. There is constant point of view changes, present tense, past tense, future tense....what? The book is just a mess. How anyone can say this is a well written book is beyond me. It's hard to condemn a book that clearly means a lot to the author. I'm sure the story itself is a good one. However, the execution of it in this book leaves much to be desired.
I tried so hard to get through the poor writing to get to the story but I just couldn't do it. I got to about 20% of the book. There is constant point of view changes, present tense, past tense, future tense....what? The book is just a mess. How anyone can say this is a well written book is beyond me. It's hard to condemn a book that clearly means a lot to the author. I'm sure the story itself is a good one. However, the execution of it in this book leaves much to be desired.
January 30, 2024
Great book but...
I would like there to have been more info on the orphanage hell-hole they were imprisoned in. Also whatever happened to the old farm? Lastly the mom did apparent short stint in prison- hard to believe for the time. It was long before spousal abuse was in the forefront that it is today. I also wonder what happened to the actual perpetrators?
Very enjoyable read, however. Unable to put down. A true testament to the human spirit.
I would like there to have been more info on the orphanage hell-hole they were imprisoned in. Also whatever happened to the old farm? Lastly the mom did apparent short stint in prison- hard to believe for the time. It was long before spousal abuse was in the forefront that it is today. I also wonder what happened to the actual perpetrators?
Very enjoyable read, however. Unable to put down. A true testament to the human spirit.
February 3, 2024
Glad I read this story.
Almost didn't read this. Didn't sound like something that would hold my attention. I guess I gave it a shot because it took place in Ohio where I live.Later in the book he moves to Canton ten miles from where I live. Many places that are mentioned I'm familiar with. Very interesting life story. So many hardships for a child to overcome. Would love to have known more about the years of raising his children. A very good read.
Almost didn't read this. Didn't sound like something that would hold my attention. I guess I gave it a shot because it took place in Ohio where I live.Later in the book he moves to Canton ten miles from where I live. Many places that are mentioned I'm familiar with. Very interesting life story. So many hardships for a child to overcome. Would love to have known more about the years of raising his children. A very good read.
November 2, 2024
Good read
This a very compelling story. It is written well. I guess my real sadness is it wasn't longer. I must also remember that the author's goal was to share is family's story. Not muddy it up with lies for entertainments sake. Kevin did a great job. I enjoyed it. Part of me wished for "muddy" LOL
This a very compelling story. It is written well. I guess my real sadness is it wasn't longer. I must also remember that the author's goal was to share is family's story. Not muddy it up with lies for entertainments sake. Kevin did a great job. I enjoyed it. Part of me wished for "muddy" LOL
September 2, 2025
Heart of Steel is one of those rare books that grips you from the very first page and never lets go. Stanley’s story is raw, heartbreaking, and deeply inspiring. The fact that it’s based on true events makes it even more powerful I felt every ounce of his fear, his strength, and his devotion to family. A beautifully written story of survival and resilience.
August 5, 2020
I learned about this book via a Christian radio station so I was disappointed with all the language in the book. A few here and there is one thing but when the F bomb is dropped as often as it was, it seems a little extreme. The story was interesting. It amazes me what humans will do to survive.
October 31, 2020
The story was interesting and well written, but I found myself skipping over much of it because of the offensive language.
I was born 20+ years after this happened and I don't remember that kind of language being all that common. Too bad.
I was born 20+ years after this happened and I don't remember that kind of language being all that common. Too bad.
January 24, 2024
Tragic family story that progressed to a great story.
This book puts you in the heart of the story. You have all the ups and downs as the characters do. The ending is poignant. Liked this book as it shows how much the family dynamics influence the children.
This book puts you in the heart of the story. You have all the ups and downs as the characters do. The ending is poignant. Liked this book as it shows how much the family dynamics influence the children.
April 1, 2024
What a heartfelt and wonderful story.
Stanley William Miller was indeed a man who defied all odds to be the man he was. A man who was true to every promise he made no matter how daunting. There is something we can all learn through the life of this man.
Stanley William Miller was indeed a man who defied all odds to be the man he was. A man who was true to every promise he made no matter how daunting. There is something we can all learn through the life of this man.
September 18, 2024
Couldn't put it down
This story was so beautifully told it brought me to tears. To find out that it was actually based on reality touched my heart even more. What a wonderful story told by a brilliant author.I can't wait to read more of his books.
This story was so beautifully told it brought me to tears. To find out that it was actually based on reality touched my heart even more. What a wonderful story told by a brilliant author.I can't wait to read more of his books.
September 23, 2024
Thank.you Lord
This was such a wonderful book. It confirms what the Lord can do in your life and what it means to be a true family and take care of each other until the end. Thank you for this book.
This was such a wonderful book. It confirms what the Lord can do in your life and what it means to be a true family and take care of each other until the end. Thank you for this book.
November 17, 2024
excellent tale from beginning to end
Loved the style of writing-I read on the cover it was based on a true story, but reading the historical narrative at the end gave a poignancy to Stanley’s story. Well done Mr. Miller.
Loved the style of writing-I read on the cover it was based on a true story, but reading the historical narrative at the end gave a poignancy to Stanley’s story. Well done Mr. Miller.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews