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The Blackstone Legacy #3
Hearts of Steel
Maggie Molinaro survived a hardscrabble childhood in the downtrodden streets of Manhattan to become a successful businesswoman. After a decade of sacrifice, she now owns a celebrated ice cream company, but when she offends a corrupt banker, she unwittingly sets off a series of calamities that threaten to destroy her life's work.
Liam Blackstone is a charismatic steel magnate committed to overhauling factory conditions for the steelworkers of America. Standing in his way is the same villain determined to ruin Maggie. What begins as a practical alliance to defeat a common enemy soon evolves into a romance between two wounded people determined to beat the odds.
A spiraling circle of treachery grows increasingly dangerous as Liam and Maggie risk their lives and fortune for the good of the city. It will require all their wit and ingenuity to navigate the dangerous waters ahead, but their crusade could cost them everything.
Liam Blackstone is a charismatic steel magnate committed to overhauling factory conditions for the steelworkers of America. Standing in his way is the same villain determined to ruin Maggie. What begins as a practical alliance to defeat a common enemy soon evolves into a romance between two wounded people determined to beat the odds.
A spiraling circle of treachery grows increasingly dangerous as Liam and Maggie risk their lives and fortune for the good of the city. It will require all their wit and ingenuity to navigate the dangerous waters ahead, but their crusade could cost them everything.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2023
87 people are currently reading
4108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
January 15, 2023
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.
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.
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February 13, 2023I have always loved Camden's ability to craft a historical novel. That aspect of this book fascinated me and truthfully, it was what kept me reading when I wanted to put the book down. This book is Catholic, and all the statements of faith made by characters are in relation to a works-based salvation. The biblical truth of Christ crucified and Titus 3:4-7 is completely absent in this book. While I can still read and enjoy a book while disagreeing with the doctrines I am reading, this aspect would pop up at entirely all-too-convenient times and somewhat flippantly sometimes. It was disingenuous to the characters.
Speaking of characters, they did not grow at all throughout the book. They were stuck in a cycle of fighting over a pride issue - money - and whenever one would finally feel remorse or regret over their actions, they are told they are 'trying to do the right thing, and that is enough' in God's eyes. Liam was so hot-or-cold that I could never see what Maggie saw in him. He also spent the entire book in search of vengeance without ever letting go that.
I did love the history, and truly the author knows how to do her research. This book really takes you into the setting and place it's written in. It is also a clean read.
Speaking of characters, they did not grow at all throughout the book. They were stuck in a cycle of fighting over a pride issue - money - and whenever one would finally feel remorse or regret over their actions, they are told they are 'trying to do the right thing, and that is enough' in God's eyes. Liam was so hot-or-cold that I could never see what Maggie saw in him. He also spent the entire book in search of vengeance without ever letting go that.
I did love the history, and truly the author knows how to do her research. This book really takes you into the setting and place it's written in. It is also a clean read.
February 6, 2023
3 stars, personally.
About this book:
“Maggie Molinaro survived a hardscrabble childhood in the downtrodden streets of Manhattan to become a successful businesswoman. After a decade of sacrifice, she now owns a celebrated ice cream company, but when she offends a corrupt banker, she unwittingly sets off a series of calamities that threaten to destroy her life's work.
Liam Blackstone is a charismatic steel magnate committed to overhauling factory conditions for the steelworkers of America. Standing in his way is the same villain determined to ruin Maggie. What begins as a practical alliance to defeat a common enemy soon evolves into a romance between two wounded people determined to beat the odds.
A spiraling circle of treachery grows increasingly dangerous as Liam and Maggie risk their lives and fortune for the good of the city. It will require all their wit and ingenuity to navigate the dangerous waters ahead, but their crusade could cost them everything.”
Series: Book #3 in “The Blackstone Legacy” series. Review of Book #1 Here! And #2 Here!
Spiritual Content- A couple Scriptures are quoted & remembered; Prayers, Thanking God, Crossing one’s self, & reciting Hail Marys and rosaries (both Liam & Maggie; including Maggie sending up “prayers to Jesus and God the Father, to all the angels and saints”); Going to a chapel to pray; Bible reading; Talks about God, Him calling us, & Bibles; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God, Jesus, His plan, & being our Heavenly Father; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, crossing one’s self, saying Hail Marys, & saying rosaries; Mentions of a Bible, Bible reading, books of the Bible, & those and events in the Bible; Mentions of Heaven; Mentions of churches, chapels, & going to them; A few mentions of Christians, Jews, & Catholics; A few mentions of blessings; A few mentions of a cathedral; A couple mentions of “the invisible thread of energy that pulled [Liam] toward God’s will” (someone else would call that the Holy Spirit and another would call it basic Christian compassion); A couple mentions of hymns; A mention of a priest; A mention of a theologian; A mention of someone getting a free college education from the Catholic Church (Book #1); A mention of holy water (from a church); A mention of the Holy Grail; A mention of wishing someone Godspeed; A mention of Maggie believing that “frittering away money” is a sin; A mention of a Madonna statue;
*Note: A mention of someone not being a fortune-teller; A mention of the phrase “speak of the devil”.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, a ‘hurts like the dickens’, a ‘what in tarnation’, three forms of ‘idiot’, three ‘stinking’s, four ‘dumb’s, eight ‘stupid’s, and nine forms of ‘shut up’; A few mentions of curses (including ones said by Liam; said, but not written out); A bit of eye rolling & sarcasm; Pain, Throwing up, Being punched/beaten, Being attacked, Being locked in a freezer, Fighting, Punching, Stabbing someone (in self-defense), Injuries, & Blood/Bleeding (semi-detailed); Being threatened & blackmailed (including by dirty cops which later causes Maggie to be on edge when seeing other police officers, up to semi-detailed); In the Prologue, teenaged Maggie is mugged, punched/beaten, & injured by a gang of boys (semi-detailed); Liam was kidnapped as a child & raised by a man who was physically and verbally abusive (up to semi-detailed in recalling past events and beatings; Liam wasn’t able to see his real parents again); Liam wants to punch a man at a few different times & does pummel a man once (which feels guilty that he liked punching the man, semi-detailed); Liam smokes a cigarette (once; even though his doctor orders him not to); At one point, Liam says he hates his life; All about many mentions of crimes/illegal (business) dealings, thugs, threats, blackmail, bribes, & dirty cops; Many mentions of fights, fighting, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of cheaters, cheating, & bullies; Mentions of heatstroke, bodies, & deaths; Mentions of prisons, arrests, criminals, & a charge of attempted murder; Mentions of a man hitting a (teenaged) servant; Mentions of vandalism; Mentions of ships capsizing, injuries, & possibly having to abandon ship; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors (including some being giddy over someone’s lurid person life and scandals); Mentions of alcohol (beer, wine, champagne), drinking, social drinking (at dinner/events), drunks, & pubs; Mentions of cigars, cigarettes, smoking, & tobacco; Mentions of throwing up; A few mentions of prejudices (such as someone implying that there’s “quite the criminal element” in a group of Italians; A few mentions of fires (used as threats); A few mentions of divorces; A couple mentions of stealing & stolen items; A couple mentions of poker/gambling; A couple mentions of hatred; A mention of Maggie recalling sleeping in a back alley as a child; A mention of telling someone to take a leap off of a tall building;
*Note: Mentions of an ulcer, pain from it, & possibly dying if it gets worse (semi-detailed); A mention of wanting to tell someone to stick something in a certain place.
Sexual Content- Two palm kisses, three cheek kisses, four barely-above-not-detailed kisses, two borderline barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kiss, and a semi-detailed kiss; Recalling kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Nearness, Shivers, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Noticing (up to semi-detailed); Winks, Blushes, & Flirting; Liam & Maggie toy with each other’s feet under the dinner table (borderline barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Liam walks into an office to find a woman on a man’s lap (she leaps away and fixes her blouse, no other details besides the fact that it isn’t the man’s wife; a mention of it again later); Liam & Maggie go on a couple trips together (for a noble cause), but there’s many others with them and she gets permission from her uncle after assuring him they will have separate rooms; A man tries to proposition Maggie; A ‘tramp’ and two ‘floozy’; Mentions of a man’s mistress, his cheating, & affairs; Mentions of a man trying to charge his wife with bigamy (which is illegal) to be granted an annulment; Mentions of kisses & a good kisser (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of flirting, blushes, & winks; A few mentions of a couple nuzzling & encouraging more kissing and cuddles; A couple mentions of a man’s lust (for a woman who is not his wife); A couple mentions of a woman accusing a rich man of being her child’s father but he proved he was out of the country when her child was conceived; A couple mentions of a fling (that sounded like Maggie to be far more than a fling); A mention of Liam thinking that he’s given into temptation most of his life (“whether it was women, wine, or his temper”); A mention of Liam being a “healthy red-blooded man” but restraining himself to prove he was a reformed man; A mention of a man warning that men don’t give gifts unless they want something in return; A mention of a man teasing about a woman throwing herself at him; A mention of jealousy; A mention of a crush; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of a woman (not our main character) posing in the nude for a famous sculptor (done to “renounce her mother’s stuffy ways” but later realized it was a stupid thing to do and it’s called a “youthful mistake”) & being blackmailed or the scandalous pictures will be released to the press (someone else calls her “smutty” and implies that another woman can take up nude modeling as well or “walk the streets”); A mention of a woman’s racy past; A mention of a man opening the door in just his knickers and an unbuttoned shirt (not-detailed).
-Maggie Molinaro, age 29
-Liam Blackstone, age 35
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1902 (Prologue in 1890 & Epilogue in 1909)
336 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
I’ll admit, I was nervous going into this novel. I always read this author’s books because of her fascinating historical details and plots, but her last three books weren’t my favorites and received a 2 star rating each from me due to content or characters. I was hoping that this book would be different and make the average ratings rise, and it did—for me, personally, that is.
Let’s back up a bit before I discuss the content notes in more detail. I adored both Maggie and Liam. Maggie was so strong but not in the typical “I-don’t-need-a-man-or-anyone’s-help” way that I’ve seen often and am frankly tired of seeing. Liam was rough around the edges—no question about that—but at the same time he’s so masculine in that protector way. He’s a leader and you can tell that skill set of his has been formed by leading unions. But also at that same time, he’s broken. The situation surrounding his kidnapping as a young child and not only being subject to an abusive “father”, he completely lost out to being with his actual father who never stopped looking for him. And that hurts. It hurts deeply and he wrestles with that. Liam could be described as a strong, broken hero.
I absolutely adored all the ice, ice cream, family businesses, and corporate drama parts. Which was the large majority of this book and I was so eager to see what would happen and how learn more interesting facts about my favorite time period. That’s why I always read this author’s books—while, yes, some have been misses for me, I always find the historical content and details she adds so interesting.
So, all that raving and I’m only giving it a personal rating of 3 and not even that for other age groups? Yep. Here’s why. There’s some parts that had me uncomfortable with recommending it for BFCG’s age ranges. The mentions of a woman (not our main girl) posing for nude pictures and them being leaked as blackmail, smoking and drinking being commonplace, walking in on a man fiddling with his mistress in his office, our main couple playing footsie under the dinner table. Now, of course, none of this is detailed, but it’s still there. I also have to say that the injustices because of the villain of this story and his actions drove me up a wall at a lot of times.
Overall? Hmm. As you can tell, I really liked the historical details and main characters from this novel—and I’m so glad that I enjoyed it more than the prior books in this trilogy—but I’m still going to have to go with these ratings due to some content that while added to the drama of the story, also affects the ratings for these ages.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
About this book:
“Maggie Molinaro survived a hardscrabble childhood in the downtrodden streets of Manhattan to become a successful businesswoman. After a decade of sacrifice, she now owns a celebrated ice cream company, but when she offends a corrupt banker, she unwittingly sets off a series of calamities that threaten to destroy her life's work.
Liam Blackstone is a charismatic steel magnate committed to overhauling factory conditions for the steelworkers of America. Standing in his way is the same villain determined to ruin Maggie. What begins as a practical alliance to defeat a common enemy soon evolves into a romance between two wounded people determined to beat the odds.
A spiraling circle of treachery grows increasingly dangerous as Liam and Maggie risk their lives and fortune for the good of the city. It will require all their wit and ingenuity to navigate the dangerous waters ahead, but their crusade could cost them everything.”
Series: Book #3 in “The Blackstone Legacy” series. Review of Book #1 Here! And #2 Here!
Spiritual Content- A couple Scriptures are quoted & remembered; Prayers, Thanking God, Crossing one’s self, & reciting Hail Marys and rosaries (both Liam & Maggie; including Maggie sending up “prayers to Jesus and God the Father, to all the angels and saints”); Going to a chapel to pray; Bible reading; Talks about God, Him calling us, & Bibles; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God, Jesus, His plan, & being our Heavenly Father; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, crossing one’s self, saying Hail Marys, & saying rosaries; Mentions of a Bible, Bible reading, books of the Bible, & those and events in the Bible; Mentions of Heaven; Mentions of churches, chapels, & going to them; A few mentions of Christians, Jews, & Catholics; A few mentions of blessings; A few mentions of a cathedral; A couple mentions of “the invisible thread of energy that pulled [Liam] toward God’s will” (someone else would call that the Holy Spirit and another would call it basic Christian compassion); A couple mentions of hymns; A mention of a priest; A mention of a theologian; A mention of someone getting a free college education from the Catholic Church (Book #1); A mention of holy water (from a church); A mention of the Holy Grail; A mention of wishing someone Godspeed; A mention of Maggie believing that “frittering away money” is a sin; A mention of a Madonna statue;
*Note: A mention of someone not being a fortune-teller; A mention of the phrase “speak of the devil”.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, a ‘hurts like the dickens’, a ‘what in tarnation’, three forms of ‘idiot’, three ‘stinking’s, four ‘dumb’s, eight ‘stupid’s, and nine forms of ‘shut up’; A few mentions of curses (including ones said by Liam; said, but not written out); A bit of eye rolling & sarcasm; Pain, Throwing up, Being punched/beaten, Being attacked, Being locked in a freezer, Fighting, Punching, Stabbing someone (in self-defense), Injuries, & Blood/Bleeding (semi-detailed); Being threatened & blackmailed (including by dirty cops which later causes Maggie to be on edge when seeing other police officers, up to semi-detailed); In the Prologue, teenaged Maggie is mugged, punched/beaten, & injured by a gang of boys (semi-detailed); Liam was kidnapped as a child & raised by a man who was physically and verbally abusive (up to semi-detailed in recalling past events and beatings; Liam wasn’t able to see his real parents again); Liam wants to punch a man at a few different times & does pummel a man once (which feels guilty that he liked punching the man, semi-detailed); Liam smokes a cigarette (once; even though his doctor orders him not to); At one point, Liam says he hates his life; All about many mentions of crimes/illegal (business) dealings, thugs, threats, blackmail, bribes, & dirty cops; Many mentions of fights, fighting, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of cheaters, cheating, & bullies; Mentions of heatstroke, bodies, & deaths; Mentions of prisons, arrests, criminals, & a charge of attempted murder; Mentions of a man hitting a (teenaged) servant; Mentions of vandalism; Mentions of ships capsizing, injuries, & possibly having to abandon ship; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors (including some being giddy over someone’s lurid person life and scandals); Mentions of alcohol (beer, wine, champagne), drinking, social drinking (at dinner/events), drunks, & pubs; Mentions of cigars, cigarettes, smoking, & tobacco; Mentions of throwing up; A few mentions of prejudices (such as someone implying that there’s “quite the criminal element” in a group of Italians; A few mentions of fires (used as threats); A few mentions of divorces; A couple mentions of stealing & stolen items; A couple mentions of poker/gambling; A couple mentions of hatred; A mention of Maggie recalling sleeping in a back alley as a child; A mention of telling someone to take a leap off of a tall building;
*Note: Mentions of an ulcer, pain from it, & possibly dying if it gets worse (semi-detailed); A mention of wanting to tell someone to stick something in a certain place.
Sexual Content- Two palm kisses, three cheek kisses, four barely-above-not-detailed kisses, two borderline barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kiss, and a semi-detailed kiss; Recalling kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Nearness, Shivers, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Noticing (up to semi-detailed); Winks, Blushes, & Flirting; Liam & Maggie toy with each other’s feet under the dinner table (borderline barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Liam walks into an office to find a woman on a man’s lap (she leaps away and fixes her blouse, no other details besides the fact that it isn’t the man’s wife; a mention of it again later); Liam & Maggie go on a couple trips together (for a noble cause), but there’s many others with them and she gets permission from her uncle after assuring him they will have separate rooms; A man tries to proposition Maggie; A ‘tramp’ and two ‘floozy’; Mentions of a man’s mistress, his cheating, & affairs; Mentions of a man trying to charge his wife with bigamy (which is illegal) to be granted an annulment; Mentions of kisses & a good kisser (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of flirting, blushes, & winks; A few mentions of a couple nuzzling & encouraging more kissing and cuddles; A couple mentions of a man’s lust (for a woman who is not his wife); A couple mentions of a woman accusing a rich man of being her child’s father but he proved he was out of the country when her child was conceived; A couple mentions of a fling (that sounded like Maggie to be far more than a fling); A mention of Liam thinking that he’s given into temptation most of his life (“whether it was women, wine, or his temper”); A mention of Liam being a “healthy red-blooded man” but restraining himself to prove he was a reformed man; A mention of a man warning that men don’t give gifts unless they want something in return; A mention of a man teasing about a woman throwing herself at him; A mention of jealousy; A mention of a crush; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of a woman (not our main character) posing in the nude for a famous sculptor (done to “renounce her mother’s stuffy ways” but later realized it was a stupid thing to do and it’s called a “youthful mistake”) & being blackmailed or the scandalous pictures will be released to the press (someone else calls her “smutty” and implies that another woman can take up nude modeling as well or “walk the streets”); A mention of a woman’s racy past; A mention of a man opening the door in just his knickers and an unbuttoned shirt (not-detailed).
-Maggie Molinaro, age 29
-Liam Blackstone, age 35
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1902 (Prologue in 1890 & Epilogue in 1909)
336 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
I’ll admit, I was nervous going into this novel. I always read this author’s books because of her fascinating historical details and plots, but her last three books weren’t my favorites and received a 2 star rating each from me due to content or characters. I was hoping that this book would be different and make the average ratings rise, and it did—for me, personally, that is.
Let’s back up a bit before I discuss the content notes in more detail. I adored both Maggie and Liam. Maggie was so strong but not in the typical “I-don’t-need-a-man-or-anyone’s-help” way that I’ve seen often and am frankly tired of seeing. Liam was rough around the edges—no question about that—but at the same time he’s so masculine in that protector way. He’s a leader and you can tell that skill set of his has been formed by leading unions. But also at that same time, he’s broken. The situation surrounding his kidnapping as a young child and not only being subject to an abusive “father”, he completely lost out to being with his actual father who never stopped looking for him. And that hurts. It hurts deeply and he wrestles with that. Liam could be described as a strong, broken hero.
I absolutely adored all the ice, ice cream, family businesses, and corporate drama parts. Which was the large majority of this book and I was so eager to see what would happen and how learn more interesting facts about my favorite time period. That’s why I always read this author’s books—while, yes, some have been misses for me, I always find the historical content and details she adds so interesting.
So, all that raving and I’m only giving it a personal rating of 3 and not even that for other age groups? Yep. Here’s why. There’s some parts that had me uncomfortable with recommending it for BFCG’s age ranges. The mentions of a woman (not our main girl) posing for nude pictures and them being leaked as blackmail, smoking and drinking being commonplace, walking in on a man fiddling with his mistress in his office, our main couple playing footsie under the dinner table. Now, of course, none of this is detailed, but it’s still there. I also have to say that the injustices because of the villain of this story and his actions drove me up a wall at a lot of times.
Overall? Hmm. As you can tell, I really liked the historical details and main characters from this novel—and I’m so glad that I enjoyed it more than the prior books in this trilogy—but I’m still going to have to go with these ratings due to some content that while added to the drama of the story, also affects the ratings for these ages.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
January 22, 2023
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)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
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)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
June 20, 2023
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. I highly recommend it!
I received this eARC through NetGalley and the publisher Bethany House and was not required to give a positive review.
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. I highly recommend it!
I received this eARC through NetGalley and the publisher Bethany House and was not required to give a positive review.
January 24, 2023
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.
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.
March 28, 2023
I've been a huge fan of Elizabeth Camden for many years, but this book missed the mark for me in a couple areas.
As always, the history was fascinating. I loved learning about what it looked like to run a business in the early 1900s, and what it looked like to fight for change.
Liam and Maggie are complicated characters. They both grew up very poor, and neither wants to return to that lifestyle. I liked their drive and work ethic, but personally, I found their romance hard to follow. It was a bit hot and cold and didn't seem to flow naturally.
The faith aspect was misleading. I am a Catholic, and I appreciate seeing Catholicism represented in Christian fiction. However, this book didn't get it right. Both Liam and Maggie talked as if they could "work their way" into heaven. Liam was constantly trying to be good enough to make his father and this Heavenly Father proud. Now, as much as I admire his goal to become a better man, there was no mention of grace or the fact that he does not have to prove his worth to God. God's grace in Jesus Christ is essential for salvation, and striving to be "good" without recognizing that fact is false theology.
All in all, not my favorite of Elizabeth Camden's books. I'm interested to see what she writes next, and praying that the gospel message will be more accurately portrayed (especially for those who don't understand authentic Catholic teaching).
*Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
As always, the history was fascinating. I loved learning about what it looked like to run a business in the early 1900s, and what it looked like to fight for change.
Liam and Maggie are complicated characters. They both grew up very poor, and neither wants to return to that lifestyle. I liked their drive and work ethic, but personally, I found their romance hard to follow. It was a bit hot and cold and didn't seem to flow naturally.
The faith aspect was misleading. I am a Catholic, and I appreciate seeing Catholicism represented in Christian fiction. However, this book didn't get it right. Both Liam and Maggie talked as if they could "work their way" into heaven. Liam was constantly trying to be good enough to make his father and this Heavenly Father proud. Now, as much as I admire his goal to become a better man, there was no mention of grace or the fact that he does not have to prove his worth to God. God's grace in Jesus Christ is essential for salvation, and striving to be "good" without recognizing that fact is false theology.
All in all, not my favorite of Elizabeth Camden's books. I'm interested to see what she writes next, and praying that the gospel message will be more accurately portrayed (especially for those who don't understand authentic Catholic teaching).
*Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 16, 2023
Ms. Camden has penned wonderful stories of the Gilded Age in American History and this one is no exception. She taken a prominent person in the past and adds fictional characters to personalize the story of corruption in the 1800s.
We have met Liam Blackstone in previous books and learned his background as an impoverished boy after being kidnapped from a wealthy family. Now we see how he struggles to become a part of this legacy of steel magnates.
Confronting the unscrupulous Charles Morse with whom he shares a seat on the board of U.S. Steel, Liam meets Maggie who is trying to collect a debt. Maggie is a self-made business woman who owns an ice cream factory. Together they take on a mogul who has everyone from police to politicians in his pocket.
The author imparts many interesting bits of history into the story. The scenes of harvesting and transporting ice and the making of ice cream captured my interest. She fleshes out the personalities of Liam and Maggie and doesn’t smooth the way for an easy life or a care free courtship. She sheds light on a very hot summer in New York City and how a supposed ice shortage impacted all walks of life. I like the way she showed how the business owners of Gadsen Street banded together as friends rather than competitors.
A fantastic addition to the Blackstone Legacy series. Recommended for fans of Historical Christian Fiction.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
We have met Liam Blackstone in previous books and learned his background as an impoverished boy after being kidnapped from a wealthy family. Now we see how he struggles to become a part of this legacy of steel magnates.
Confronting the unscrupulous Charles Morse with whom he shares a seat on the board of U.S. Steel, Liam meets Maggie who is trying to collect a debt. Maggie is a self-made business woman who owns an ice cream factory. Together they take on a mogul who has everyone from police to politicians in his pocket.
The author imparts many interesting bits of history into the story. The scenes of harvesting and transporting ice and the making of ice cream captured my interest. She fleshes out the personalities of Liam and Maggie and doesn’t smooth the way for an easy life or a care free courtship. She sheds light on a very hot summer in New York City and how a supposed ice shortage impacted all walks of life. I like the way she showed how the business owners of Gadsen Street banded together as friends rather than competitors.
A fantastic addition to the Blackstone Legacy series. Recommended for fans of Historical Christian Fiction.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
November 20, 2022
If you have not already preordered Hearts of Steel by Author Elizabeth Camden, go and do it! Give yourself a late Christmas gift. Plus, you can take time to read and get to know the other people in the series. I feel like out of the three, which I truly enjoyed the other two, the third one was my favorite, from the scars on the faces of the main characters as well as all their flaws, but most of all, she brought the history alive! You felt, smelled and tasted the vanilla and ice cream, the heat living without ice and the grime on the working people. It was an experience, and when I woke up in the middle of the night with a nightmare, this book kept me up rather than helped me fall back asleep.
Check out all of her series if you haven’t read them, but be sure go preorder this one. This is another one of her books going on my keep forever shelf.
Check out all of her series if you haven’t read them, but be sure go preorder this one. This is another one of her books going on my keep forever shelf.
April 1, 2023
1902 New York City
Great conclusion to the series! I particularly enjoyed the prologue and the history based upon Charles Morse. I'm appreciating my refrigerator and freezer more. The author does a great job of blending an engaging story line with historical details.
Great conclusion to the series! I particularly enjoyed the prologue and the history based upon Charles Morse. I'm appreciating my refrigerator and freezer more. The author does a great job of blending an engaging story line with historical details.
January 28, 2023
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.
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.
February 23, 2023
Thank you to Bethany House fiction for a gifted copy.
COMPASSIONATE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
First, I know this says it’s the third book in the series but I had zero problems reading this as a standalone!
The plot and setting were one of the best things about this book. I love unique historical dynamics that lead to me learning a lot of times that aren’t heavily discussed. I didn’t think ice (and ice cream) would create such an impactful story, but I love that I stand corrected about that. Filled with a powerful theme of doing the next right thing and showcasing compassion for those around you (and those who deserve it) were some of the highlights.
There’s a sweet romance woven on the sub-side of the major plot. I did like them together and thought that Maggie and Liam had good chemistry. The large gaps between their relationship left some space for the pacing to feel a little off as I had to wait for them to see each and other and communicate again too.
I did love that they worked together and tried to problem solve to the best of their abilities and what would benefit the entire area. I was really fascinated by the villain (who turned out to be based off someone real) and how these kind of business choices affect those who are working the hardest to provide a stable life for themselves.
It was a good read and I happened to listen on audio (and loved the narration!). I would easily be interested in more books by this author.
Overall audience notes:
- Christian Historical Romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: extortion, bullying, infidelity (side character), near death experiences, chronic illness (stomach ulcers)
COMPASSIONATE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
First, I know this says it’s the third book in the series but I had zero problems reading this as a standalone!
The plot and setting were one of the best things about this book. I love unique historical dynamics that lead to me learning a lot of times that aren’t heavily discussed. I didn’t think ice (and ice cream) would create such an impactful story, but I love that I stand corrected about that. Filled with a powerful theme of doing the next right thing and showcasing compassion for those around you (and those who deserve it) were some of the highlights.
There’s a sweet romance woven on the sub-side of the major plot. I did like them together and thought that Maggie and Liam had good chemistry. The large gaps between their relationship left some space for the pacing to feel a little off as I had to wait for them to see each and other and communicate again too.
I did love that they worked together and tried to problem solve to the best of their abilities and what would benefit the entire area. I was really fascinated by the villain (who turned out to be based off someone real) and how these kind of business choices affect those who are working the hardest to provide a stable life for themselves.
It was a good read and I happened to listen on audio (and loved the narration!). I would easily be interested in more books by this author.
Overall audience notes:
- Christian Historical Romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: extortion, bullying, infidelity (side character), near death experiences, chronic illness (stomach ulcers)
January 21, 2023
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.
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.
November 1, 2022
Classic Camden. I really love her writing style, although she is stronger in narrative (so each character's dialogue is worth the ink) than some may prefer. What a story! I love how realistic her plots always are, and that she features older heroines and imperfect heroes.
January 26, 2023
What a captivating conclusion to this series! I’ve been looking forward to Liam’s story since Book 1, and it was every bit as mischievous and fun as readers will have come to expect. I love the unique and intricate dive into details about history and the early 1900s working class that Camden brings to each story, and the way she makes the reader feel included in the fight for justice that her characters have undertaken.
A note for my Christian Fiction friends, the faith theme in this story is one of a works-based religion, but isn’t predominant and doesn’t detract from the story as a whole.
A very enjoyable read, and I look forward to Camden’s next!
[I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.]
A note for my Christian Fiction friends, the faith theme in this story is one of a works-based religion, but isn’t predominant and doesn’t detract from the story as a whole.
A very enjoyable read, and I look forward to Camden’s next!
[I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.]
December 19, 2022
"Hearts of Steel" is a romance set in 1902 in America. I keep reading this author's novels because she brings the time period alive in my imagination. The historical details were woven into the story and events from that time impact and motivate those in the story. It's very suspenseful, too. However, I felt so frustrated with the main characters. While they were complex and realistic, they didn't really grow as people.
I loved Maggie's strength of character to keep on working to recover when facing setbacks and her willingness to stand against an evil, powerful man and to sacrifice for the betterment of others. However, Maggie was careful with money to the point of being very frugal. Money made her feel secure. Money and how it's spent became a source of conflict in Maggie and Liam's relationship. Liam assumed she was interested in him because of his money, so she's careful not to ask money from him even when he offered that help. But it's also a pride issue. Look at what SHE did through her own hard work! At the end, Frankly, I assume Maggie and Liam will be fighting over each other's spending habits for the rest of their lives.
You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, but they'd help you to understand Liam. I liked Liam better in the previous two books, where he made a real effort to do what it took to gain his goal of helping others even when it was hard for him to make changes. In this book, he's single-minded in his desire to get revenge on his rival. Helping others was done mainly so he could look better than his rival. He used other people (including Maggie). He demanded things be on his terms even to the point of pushing Maggie to eat expensive food when she had good reason to not want to. He never did learn to tame his quick temper and even admitted that he didn't want to (despite the potential consequences) because it felt good. In the end,
Maggie sometimes prayed the rosary. Liam didn't believe in God but started reading his father's Bible. Liam had a moment when he realized that he did good things for the wrong reasons and liked how he felt when bullying his enemies. Maggie immediately told him that "You need to stop thinking of yourself as a bad person....you've been trying to do the right thing....Sometimes you will stumble, but you always pick yourself up and try again, and that's all God asks of you." No mention of Jesus or of confessing sin to God or of asking God for help. There was no sex or bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I loved Maggie's strength of character to keep on working to recover when facing setbacks and her willingness to stand against an evil, powerful man and to sacrifice for the betterment of others. However, Maggie was careful with money to the point of being very frugal. Money made her feel secure. Money and how it's spent became a source of conflict in Maggie and Liam's relationship. Liam assumed she was interested in him because of his money, so she's careful not to ask money from him even when he offered that help. But it's also a pride issue. Look at what SHE did through her own hard work! At the end, Frankly, I assume Maggie and Liam will be fighting over each other's spending habits for the rest of their lives.
You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, but they'd help you to understand Liam. I liked Liam better in the previous two books, where he made a real effort to do what it took to gain his goal of helping others even when it was hard for him to make changes. In this book, he's single-minded in his desire to get revenge on his rival. Helping others was done mainly so he could look better than his rival. He used other people (including Maggie). He demanded things be on his terms even to the point of pushing Maggie to eat expensive food when she had good reason to not want to. He never did learn to tame his quick temper and even admitted that he didn't want to (despite the potential consequences) because it felt good. In the end,
Maggie sometimes prayed the rosary. Liam didn't believe in God but started reading his father's Bible. Liam had a moment when he realized that he did good things for the wrong reasons and liked how he felt when bullying his enemies. Maggie immediately told him that "You need to stop thinking of yourself as a bad person....you've been trying to do the right thing....Sometimes you will stumble, but you always pick yourself up and try again, and that's all God asks of you." No mention of Jesus or of confessing sin to God or of asking God for help. There was no sex or bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
March 27, 2023
I think I liked this best of the three and that’s saying something! All three books in this series are super! And somehow I love them even though they’re about banking and business. 😂 There is fascinating historical detail in this that made the history of banking and its effects on working class people compelling. It made me feel like I was back in my AP U.S. History class in high school, which was my very favorite class and one of my favorite teachers.
Something about Liam’s story is appealing to me in this novel. I think perhaps it’s the complete contrast between how he grew up and how he lives now and how desperately and courageously he tries to navigate the differences and tensions between those worlds. I actually want to go back and reread the first book in the series because I don’t remember Liam very well from that book. I am a big fan of Patrick as well. He is such a big help to Liam and they speak a similar language of the working class.
Maggie is a joy to read about too. She is tough and tender at the same time and fights so bravely for what is right. This book is full of heart-pounding drama but there are lovely quieter moments as well. I love Maggie’s relationship with her aunt and uncle. (Did the olive tree survive??) The characters who populate Gadsen Street are wonderful! I want a book all about them. I love reading about a community who pulls together in the face of adversity.
Can’t wait for Camden’s next book!
Something about Liam’s story is appealing to me in this novel. I think perhaps it’s the complete contrast between how he grew up and how he lives now and how desperately and courageously he tries to navigate the differences and tensions between those worlds. I actually want to go back and reread the first book in the series because I don’t remember Liam very well from that book. I am a big fan of Patrick as well. He is such a big help to Liam and they speak a similar language of the working class.
Maggie is a joy to read about too. She is tough and tender at the same time and fights so bravely for what is right. This book is full of heart-pounding drama but there are lovely quieter moments as well. I love Maggie’s relationship with her aunt and uncle. (Did the olive tree survive??) The characters who populate Gadsen Street are wonderful! I want a book all about them. I love reading about a community who pulls together in the face of adversity.
Can’t wait for Camden’s next book!
January 11, 2023
#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.
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.
January 15, 2023
Elizabeth Camden has once again taken me on adventure I won't soon forget! This is the conclusion of The Blackstone Legacy Trilogy. If you haven't read the first two books I do highly recommend it because it gives a better backstory on how Liam got to where he is in this book. While I loved all of these books, I think this one might be my favorite. Liam's character is one that is easy to relate with and Maggie is just a great heroine. Maggie is a strong opinionated woman who can stand her ground and I really appreciated her subtle change and growth throughout the story. Camden really does her research so the history is so very interesting. I had no idea nor had I ever considered where businesses would have gotten their ice in 1902 New York City. I never thought about how important it would have been or difficult to keep things cold at that time. Considering Maggie runs an ice cream factory it became a central part of the plot. There are so many little historical details peppered throughout the book and I gleefully took it all in. I do wish that the epilogue was a tad longer and talked more about the other siblings in the family but it still wrapped up the trilogy nicely.
I highly recommend!
Five Stars.
"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."
I highly recommend!
Five Stars.
"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."
January 16, 2023
Heart of Steel by Elizabeth Camden was a satisfying ending to this series. I loved the hero of Liam. He has been an active character in the whole series. From the first book, he has been screaming to do the right thing and learn to achieve what his father, Theodore Blackstone, wanted for his family. He works hard and is not afraid to stand up for the backbone of America’s workers. In his story, readers are allowed to see Liam up close and personal. He has a heart of gold, a temper, and know that money is not what makes people happy. Then enters this story. Maggie, the heroine. She owns the Molinaro Ice Cream and promises to never be poor again. She is headstrong, vibrant, and willing to push back. I enjoyed her spunk and head-strongness. I related with her on a personal level because I am not afraid to stand up for what is right. I should have been a lawyer; people tell me all the time. The plot vibrates with the wrongdoing of one corporate man who is out to ruin everyone who he can. I love how Maggie and Liam are not afraid of him and strike back against him. The setting jumps off the pages of the story. Sometimes I was so immersed in Camden’s story that I forgot I was reading a story. It played perfectly well across my imagination. Another great book by Camden. I anxiously can’t wait to see what she writes next. Definitely one of my favorite writers.
I received a complimentary copy of Heart of Steel by Elizabeth Camden from Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Heart of Steel by Elizabeth Camden from Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
January 8, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Maggie and her Uncle Dino. It was fascinating getting an insider's perspective to the pushcart business. That they sold ice cream made it all the sweeter.
It was fun getting to see Liam and the rest of the Blackstones again. Liam recognizes Maggie's strength and determination right away. He doesn't always know how to deal with that but he respects it. I enjoyed their bantering a lot. They had great chemistry.
It was somewhat shocking to read that some of the crippling antics of the villain really happened. How awful. I appreciate learning things I didn't know before in the midst of a great story. The people in Maggie's neighborhood were so interesting, it would be fun to see a series or book come out of the Gabelli's or someone else on that street.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
It was fun getting to see Liam and the rest of the Blackstones again. Liam recognizes Maggie's strength and determination right away. He doesn't always know how to deal with that but he respects it. I enjoyed their bantering a lot. They had great chemistry.
It was somewhat shocking to read that some of the crippling antics of the villain really happened. How awful. I appreciate learning things I didn't know before in the midst of a great story. The people in Maggie's neighborhood were so interesting, it would be fun to see a series or book come out of the Gabelli's or someone else on that street.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 1, 2023
Elizabeth Camden continues to write fascinating historical fiction. I always learn new things from reading her books. Hearts of Steel was definitely my favorite in the series, and I love how the author fully developed the character of Liam and showed his growth throughout the series. I can't wait to read more from this author!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
November 23, 2025
3.5☆ Enjoyable story! Onto the next Camden series. :)
January 31, 2023
When this book came up for review, I almost passed on it. I could see it was part of a series and I just wasn’t sure how it would go jumping into an established series with established characters. But it sounded so good, plus I loved the cover, that I just couldn’t pass on this one! Often times, I also find that romances tend to be more standalone even if they are part of a series, so in the end I decided to give this one a shot and dive into a series already three books in.
To my delight, I found that all that worry was for not. This book could easily be read as a standalone and while it’s part of a larger series, the story/stories are uniquely their own. The other supporting characters (in this book) I believe have their own books in the series but overall I didn’t feel like I needed to read the other books to enjoy this one.
If you are a fan of historical fiction with some romance (clean romance that is) I think you will find a lot to enjoy in this book. This book has a ton of history and details that I enjoyed. This is my first Elizabeth Camden book but ti certainly won’t be my last—in fact I did order the other books in this series because I enjoyed this one so much! I reviewed this book as part of a book tour and there are other reviewers on this tour so be sure to check them out too if you want to see what they thought too!
Author Elizabeth Camden, has written a number of historical fiction novels all of which have been very well received. I haven’t read any of her books before but I have seen a few of them and actually have a couple of my TBR list presently. But it wasn’t like I was chomping at the bit to read them—-well that has changed. I decided to pick this one up because I loved the cover and thought it sounded like a solid piece of historical fiction with a happy romance as part of the story. Which yes it was that, but also so much more. I really loved all the historical details the author added in for readers to enjoy. Gilded Age America isn’t exactly my top go to time period when I read historical fiction, but I do enjoy it and this book absolutely nailed the historical angle of this time period. I felt like I was there and everything shimmered with tiny details that as a reader, I appreciate!
I really enjoyed getting to know Liam too. From what I have gathered from other readers/reviewers of the series is Liam’s story has been a long time coming. I loved his character and loved the mix of a rich man fighting for the equality of the working man in a time when that was rare. I thought it gave him a lot of character and I simply loved get know know him. Both Liam and Maggie in this book (his love interest) were very evenly matched and I felt they really belonged together. Maggie was a great heroine who had this wonderful immigrant, small business aspect of her story and I thought both Liam and Maggie worked well together. Both of them have had to overcome adversity in their lives and each has made something of themselves so I felt like they understood each other in a very unique way which made their story feel believable.
This book is a Christian fiction book, while faith doesn’t dominate the storyline, it is part of it and God/faith is references in the book. While this might not be for everyone, for me personally I didn’t feel like the book was ‘preachy’ or soul focused on faith. It was more like a part that was present in the story but not the focal point if that makes sense. I read this book more as historical fiction than Christian fiction. Camden is a new to me author but I will most definitely be reading more books by her! This was a great introduction to her writing style and I really enjoyed my time with the characters in this book!
To my delight, I found that all that worry was for not. This book could easily be read as a standalone and while it’s part of a larger series, the story/stories are uniquely their own. The other supporting characters (in this book) I believe have their own books in the series but overall I didn’t feel like I needed to read the other books to enjoy this one.
If you are a fan of historical fiction with some romance (clean romance that is) I think you will find a lot to enjoy in this book. This book has a ton of history and details that I enjoyed. This is my first Elizabeth Camden book but ti certainly won’t be my last—in fact I did order the other books in this series because I enjoyed this one so much! I reviewed this book as part of a book tour and there are other reviewers on this tour so be sure to check them out too if you want to see what they thought too!
Author Elizabeth Camden, has written a number of historical fiction novels all of which have been very well received. I haven’t read any of her books before but I have seen a few of them and actually have a couple of my TBR list presently. But it wasn’t like I was chomping at the bit to read them—-well that has changed. I decided to pick this one up because I loved the cover and thought it sounded like a solid piece of historical fiction with a happy romance as part of the story. Which yes it was that, but also so much more. I really loved all the historical details the author added in for readers to enjoy. Gilded Age America isn’t exactly my top go to time period when I read historical fiction, but I do enjoy it and this book absolutely nailed the historical angle of this time period. I felt like I was there and everything shimmered with tiny details that as a reader, I appreciate!
I really enjoyed getting to know Liam too. From what I have gathered from other readers/reviewers of the series is Liam’s story has been a long time coming. I loved his character and loved the mix of a rich man fighting for the equality of the working man in a time when that was rare. I thought it gave him a lot of character and I simply loved get know know him. Both Liam and Maggie in this book (his love interest) were very evenly matched and I felt they really belonged together. Maggie was a great heroine who had this wonderful immigrant, small business aspect of her story and I thought both Liam and Maggie worked well together. Both of them have had to overcome adversity in their lives and each has made something of themselves so I felt like they understood each other in a very unique way which made their story feel believable.
This book is a Christian fiction book, while faith doesn’t dominate the storyline, it is part of it and God/faith is references in the book. While this might not be for everyone, for me personally I didn’t feel like the book was ‘preachy’ or soul focused on faith. It was more like a part that was present in the story but not the focal point if that makes sense. I read this book more as historical fiction than Christian fiction. Camden is a new to me author but I will most definitely be reading more books by her! This was a great introduction to her writing style and I really enjoyed my time with the characters in this book!
January 18, 2023
I was fascinated with this book right from the start.
I loved not having to wait several chapters to jump right into what was happening.
I loved that this novel had so much suspense and history laced into it. It was informative and entertaining all in one. The love story was sweet and touching. I loved the familial connections and the brotherhood/sisterhood some of these characters had with side characters.
I thought the plot was really well done. The side plots were entertaining and kept me turning the pages.
I haven't read many books from this time period and loved how immersive the author was with the historical aspects while still keeping the writing engaging for any reader to read about. I especially loved the author's note at the end - do not skip it!.
I have not read the first two books in this series and had zero problems starting with this one. I enjoyed this one so much I will definitely be going back to read the first two to get more of the Blackstone family adventures.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
What you'll find content-wise: very mild fighting/arguing. Sweet romance. Mention of a side character having her photo taken in the nude. A side character's bout with infidelity. Mild mentions of drugs and/or alcohol. Christian themes through a redemptive character arc and beliefs that God is watching out for us.
I loved not having to wait several chapters to jump right into what was happening.
I loved that this novel had so much suspense and history laced into it. It was informative and entertaining all in one. The love story was sweet and touching. I loved the familial connections and the brotherhood/sisterhood some of these characters had with side characters.
I thought the plot was really well done. The side plots were entertaining and kept me turning the pages.
I haven't read many books from this time period and loved how immersive the author was with the historical aspects while still keeping the writing engaging for any reader to read about. I especially loved the author's note at the end - do not skip it!.
I have not read the first two books in this series and had zero problems starting with this one. I enjoyed this one so much I will definitely be going back to read the first two to get more of the Blackstone family adventures.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
What you'll find content-wise: very mild fighting/arguing. Sweet romance. Mention of a side character having her photo taken in the nude. A side character's bout with infidelity. Mild mentions of drugs and/or alcohol. Christian themes through a redemptive character arc and beliefs that God is watching out for us.
October 4, 2023
I’ve been anticipating Liam’s story. Imagine my delight when I found out it’s also features a strong, practical woman from an immigrant family who run an ice cream factory.
But did it live up to my high expectations? Not quite. I got excited when he started pursuing her so intentionally, but then the romance became very hot and cold, on and off (kind of like the lyrics of a certain Katie Perry song 😬), but, in a way, that dynamic worked for Liam and Maggie who are both dealing with lingering relationship emotions and insecurities.
As always, Camden’s research and flawed characters were a win. The romance of Book 2 (Written on the Wind) surprised me as my favorite of the trilogy, but I’ve enjoyed all three books thanks to the believable cast and the fascinating historical time period.
Half way through I was worried it was only going to be 3 ⭐️, but the ending with that noteworthy proposal made me smile, bumping it up to 4 ⭐️.
Read if you like:
*Immigrant ice cream factories
*Corporate drama
*Learning about the ice industry
*Strong heroines (who aren’t “I don’t need a man”)
*Broken heroes with fighting spirit
Hmmm… which Camden book to try next?
Content: Kissing only, some fisticuffs in a NY boardroom, and the antagonist is caught kissing his mistress.
But did it live up to my high expectations? Not quite. I got excited when he started pursuing her so intentionally, but then the romance became very hot and cold, on and off (kind of like the lyrics of a certain Katie Perry song 😬), but, in a way, that dynamic worked for Liam and Maggie who are both dealing with lingering relationship emotions and insecurities.
As always, Camden’s research and flawed characters were a win. The romance of Book 2 (Written on the Wind) surprised me as my favorite of the trilogy, but I’ve enjoyed all three books thanks to the believable cast and the fascinating historical time period.
Half way through I was worried it was only going to be 3 ⭐️, but the ending with that noteworthy proposal made me smile, bumping it up to 4 ⭐️.
Read if you like:
*Immigrant ice cream factories
*Corporate drama
*Learning about the ice industry
*Strong heroines (who aren’t “I don’t need a man”)
*Broken heroes with fighting spirit
Hmmm… which Camden book to try next?
Content: Kissing only, some fisticuffs in a NY boardroom, and the antagonist is caught kissing his mistress.
November 5, 2023
What a blast, and a perfect end to a series that didn't start so great for me! This was the most anticipated book of the series for me, and the humor, high stakes, and Liam's reckless, fierce compassion didn't let me down! His character growth, especially in this book, was incredible. Maggie's matched grit was great to read too. These characters' strength and determination made for a very enjoyable read. I loved the ice cream business POV😋, Liam's bulldog Frankie, and I was really shocked to learn that the antagonist, Charles Morse was a real life villain of 1900's Wall Street. I loved every page, and the well-researched plot was truly amazing. Finally, I liked the faith content in this as well. Both characters learned to stand firm in life's battles in God's strength while still finding beauty in the struggles, and Liam's dedication to becoming a renewed man of God was thoroughly uplifting. I wish there were more books like this one! 💕
March 16, 2023
It’s difficult for me to give any book by Elizabeth Camden less than 4 stars. This was closer to a 3.75 star ⭐️ for me though. It was a good conclusion to the series but definitely not my favorite. Very heavy on the banking and steel industry and somewhat slower paced. I enjoyed the historical elements. Elizabeth Camden does SO much research and puts so much detail into her stories! Every time I finish one of her books, I’m ready to pick up another one and learn more! I liked the two MCs together but I wish we would have gotten more time to build their relationship and to get to know them better. Overall, I think the story was a bit more plot heavy vs character heavy and I would have loved to see a bit more of the characters. But again, I think it wrapped up the trilogy well. I can’t wait to see what Elizabeth has coming next!
January 27, 2023
What a finale to the Blackstone Legacy series! I have been waiting for Liam to finally get his story, and it did not disappoint. Maggie is perfect for him and a fun character to boot. I enjoyed how Elizabeth wove this story with a real-life villain. That gave the story an added element of danger and intrigue. Elizabeth's story telling with factual historical elements is always impeccable and makes for fantastic reads. Great read!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher but also purchased my own Audible copy. I was not required to post a positive review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher but also purchased my own Audible copy. I was not required to post a positive review.
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