What a great conclusion to the Blackstone Trilogy! Once again, Camden astounds with her unusual yet detailed historical research, plopping fictional characters down in the midst of real-life people and events, bringing the times to life in refreshing and riveting ways! I adored Ian and Maggie, and loved how real and relatable their flaws and faults were, especially Ian: for a man who struggled with his temper, it was actually a relief to see him "lose it" because it made him so much more realistic! And Maggie's determination and sacrifice in the midst of her own struggle with fear brought tears to my eyes more than once. I can't recommend this book—and this series—highly enough!! MUST READ!!

This is book three in the Blackstone Legacy series, I feel it is. a stand alone book, however you do miss some history of many of the characters if you jump right into this one. Liam Blackstone, we met in previous books, I just love him so I was glad to get to read more about him. He is not your typical wealthy man. He sometimes acts before he thinks. Maggie Molinaro is not sure how her world has turned upside down. Maggie and Liam must overcome many obstacles and try to help many who are suffering in their town. If you enjoy reading historical books with some mystery, drama and of course some romance you will love this one.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

Readers will not want to miss the latest installment of the Blackstone Legacy. Loved learning about Charles Morse, a powerful businessman in New York during the late 1800's and early 1900's and his corruption. I loved Maggie's strength as she fought for her ice cream business. Liam's personal growth throughout the story was encouraging. Also readers will not want to miss the first two books in this series. Loved it! Highly recommended!

Review 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.

Hearts of Steel is the third book in The Blackstone Legacy series by Elizabeth Camden. I appreciate the authenticity and depth that Ms. Camden brings to each of her books with a historic context and characters that are brought vividly to life in the pages of her writings. This book was especially intriguing because of the tough situations that the main characters faced, fighting against injustices and even social injustices, class divides, and other prejudices. I appreciated the wholesome romance that Ms. Camden wove into the storyline as well as how she brought back into the storyline previous characters from her first two books in the series. I always enjoy discovering how authors bring characters that were sideline characters into the forefront, like she did with Liam Blackstone.

If you haven't read the first two books in The Blackstone Legacy series, I would recommend you read those before picking up Hearts of Steel. Hearts of Steel can be read alone; however, the context and background of this book is developed more in Carved in Stone and Written on the Wind. As I have progressively read more of Ms. Camden's books, I am struck with how notably and increasingly excellent they are. I absolutely enjoyed Carved in Stone and yet I was even more intrigued by Written on the Wind. I believe that Ms. Camden has a rare talent for bringing historically accurate settings to her readers along with compelling characters, complex plots, wholesome romances, and stories that seem to jump off the pages. I enjoyed Hearts of Steel and highly recommend it!

Hearts of Steel explores how Liam Blackstone deals with his struggle to fit into the position that society has placed him in with his newfound wealth and status. Liam had always been a hard-working and slightly rebellious steel-worker, but after a strange sequence of events finds himself heir to a vast fortune and in a precariously held position on the US Steel Board. Liam wants to be a voice for the many steel workers who have been unjustly treated by the system, but he also has a desire to fit into his newfound family and become the kind of man his father would have been proud of. Liam happens into Maggie Molinaro, a hard-working young woman who runs a successful ice cream shop and he can't keep his mind off of the stubborn young woman. As Liam learns more about Maggie and her struggles against some of the conniving and unjust practices in New York City businesses, he discovers that they both are fighting against the same cruel and unjust man. Liam and Maggie work together to fight the injustices before them, but Liam's position on both sides of the issues becomes more difficult to maintain and his stress and anger begins to eat away at him. Can Liam maintain his position on the US Steel Board and be an advocate for the thousands of steelworkers counting on him? Can Maggie keep her business running despite the many attacks and obstacles? Will Liam and Maggie be able to maintain their friendship and relationship? Can Liam and Maggie overcome their preconceived notions and past scars to have a chance at peace and happiness together? Read Hearts of Steel to find out for yourself! Happy readings!

Disclaimer: Bethany House graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

Elizabeth Camden has done it again, she continues to write historical novels that center around characters that are relatable and events that can be traced as historically correct.. I'm hooked and readers will be as well.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction absolutely can’t miss Elizabeth Camden’s novels. Hearts of Steel covers everything from corruption to shipwrecks, plus it will give you a craving for ice cream. Don’t miss her Blackstone Legacy series!

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

Hearts of Steel is a historical romance novel written by Elizabeth Camden. It is book three in The Blackstone Legacy series, but it is not necessary to have read the previous books in order to enjoy this one (although I do recommend that you read all three.)

Summary: Liam Blackstone’s tumultuous past has affected his present more than he cares to admit. Despite being born into the Blackstone family, he was kidnapped as a small child, and raised in a brusque, abusive steel worker’s family.

Now that he has regained his rightful place in the Blackstone family, he wants to overcome his anger issues, learn from the past, and become a man his father would have been proud of.

But with injustice facing him at every turn, he finds it difficult to find peace.

His seat on the U.S. Steel board is now in jeopardy, and the stress is eating him alive. Can he learn to calm his fears, control his temper, and move forward? Or will he lose everything he’s worked so hard for-including the lovely yet scrappy Maggie Molinaro?

My Thoughts: This is a wonderful book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the premise, I love the tough yet sensitive characters, and I love the overall fight of good vs. evil set, with a dash of romance as well.

Elizabeth Camden is a fantastic author, and I love how she sets her books during important moments in history-making them come alive, while still enjoying a wonderfully satisfying adventure.

I highly recommend this book, as well as the series. It is definitely one of my favorites from the past year, and I can’t say enough good things about it!

I would like thank Bethany House for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

This was a great time line and interesting characters. I loved the aspect of the ice cream parlour coming up against the ice trust and dealing with a heat wave. I really enjoyed the historical elements in this story.

Hearts of Steel
by Elizabeth Camden
Publisher: Bethany House Publishing
Series: The Blackstone Legacy book 3
Rated: 4
Obtain: Borrow
Back of the Book: “His steel empire has catapulted him to the top of the world but loving her could cost him everything.
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 fortunes for the good of the city. It will require all their wit and ingenuity to protect everything--and everyone--they hold dear.”

Impressions: This is the third book in the Blackstone Legacy series however it can be read as a standalone novel. I enjoyed the light suspense in this historical romance. The characters were relatable and admirable. The gumption of both heroine and hero were entertaining and enjoyable to cheer on. I did not find the faith-based references balanced with the characters actions in this book. I think that the book would have been better if the character's faith was not mentioned or if it was better developed in guiding the character's choices. Overall, this was an enjoyable read.

Quotes: “’Everybody fails sometimes,’ she said as gently as she could. ‘It isn’t a permanent condition. You’re going to get over this.’”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com

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.

Elizabeth Camden once again draws you into an historical saga that completes the Blackstone legacy.

Liam Blackstone did not have the upbringing his siblings had after he was kidnapped as a young child. Growing up in the shadow of an unscrupulous man, Liam strives to make his real father proud.

Maggie Molinaro is a hard working girl who has made great strides, starting with an ice cream cart, to an ice cream factory. But when she crosses the line with a powerful banker her life, and the lives of her neighbors, come under attack. Charles Morse becomes a common enemy with Liam and Maggie fighting to put an end to the corruption that plagues the streets.

Elizabeth Camden is such a gifted writer. She uncovers some of the most fascinating details. Ms. Camden writes with history intertwined among the fiction. I have learned something in every book she has written. The facts are always so fascinating when you come to the end of her books. I could not put this book down.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the Publisher and NetGalley. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Classic Elizabeth Camden, fabulous historical fiction! I love how she takes an important need for change and puts a voice to the challenges at the time. In Hearts of Steel, Author Elizabeth Camden beautifully immerses us in New York in the 1890's.

Maggie Molinaro had a poor and difficult childhood, she has become a successful business woman, and she along with others on her street have taken risks to start small businesses.

Maggie isn't afraid of hard work, and learns how to repair her own machinery. She has spunk and goes to the home of a powerful man, Charles Morse, and stands up to him after he doesn't pay her what he owes her. Unfortunately, soon after, she and "the entire food industry in New York City are now at the mercy of Charles Morse's ice trust."

She meets Liam Blackstone and together they embark on a journey to bring this man and his corruption to justice.

I highly recommend Hearts of Steel and the whole Blackstone Legacy series! I love, love, love historical fiction by Elizabeth Camden. I always learn something as well as completely enjoy her stories. Don't forget to check out the fascinating Historical Note at the end of the book.

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own. 5 stars!

Hearts of Steel, set in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, is a story of resilience, the power of community and the spirit of survival. Drawn together, by a common goal to take down the leader of the Ice Trust, Liam Blackstone and the sweet Miss Maggie of Gadsen Street set out to expose Charles Morse for his underhanded business practices while simultaneously fighting the inconvenient attraction between them..
This story was like a game of high stakes poker, where the characters were willing to lose everything in their fight for justice. The story moves along at a medium pace and was intriguing. While Liam, could sometimes be too much of an alpha hero for me, I admired Maggie's caring nature and could relate to her penny-pinching tendancies. Although I prefer to call it being frugal. Charles Morse was a real life character, and I have to say, I'm glad I never knew him! Once again Elizabeth Camden has excelled at taking a small piece of little known history and crafting an engaging story around it. Hearts of Steel is a satisfying conclusion to the end of this series, it could possibly be read as a stand alone, but I think you would enjoy it more if you read the previous books.

Choose this book if you like:
Alpha male heros
Tough cookie heroine
Corporate corruption
Different worlds
Emotional scars
Powerful families

Thank you Elizabeth Camden, Bethany House and Net Galley for the free DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The highly anticipated sequel by Elizabeth Camden has finally arrived! I loved following this hero’s rags-to-riches story in the previous book and was excited to see how his story would play out. As always, Mrs. Camden did not disappoint! Not only is the reader treated to niche historical details throughout the dramas, but the characters are well built and believable. The plot gets thicker and thicker as the protagonists fight the immoral schemes of the villain, which as it turns out from the historical note at the end, was an actual man! I read this novel in a matter of days and highly recommend it to anyone looking for history, drama, and a human story. It’s got romance, intrigue, and humanitarian efforts, and I loved every moment of it.

Thank you to Bethany House publishers and Net Galley for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review; all opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

You can always trust Elizabeth Camder to come up with lovely and interesting stories that arose out of a small piece of American history. I enjoyed reading about the ice cream business and liked that the main male character is so different. I liked the romance and humor. However, I didn't quite enjoy reading about the Steel Board and its proceedings and found myself skipping those parts.

Definitely a book I found myself looking forward to reading at the end of a day. I have not read the other books in this series but had no trouble following the story.

4 and a half stars from me. Rounded up to 5 in my star-rating.

In this continuation of the Blackstone Legacy, we meet Maggie Moriano, a woman driven by her fear of falling back into poverty, and who pinches every penny to turn her ice cream business into a success. She is on her way, until she makes a personal enemy of Charles Morse, both by calling him out on his underhanded dealings and by forging a relationship with Liam Blackstone. Maggie and her fellow Garsden Street business owners become collateral damage in the war between the greedy, immoral capitalist Morse and the undereducated but people-focused Liam.

Elizabeth Camden once again delivers a story of an interesting and undertold slice of history. In fictionalizing the plight of good people working hard, only to be felled by unregulated monopolies and loose laws and corrupt systems, she forces the reader to consider lines and boundaries of profits versus charity and justice versus revenge. The characters demonstrate repeatedly that the quick solution isn't always the best solution, and that sometimes self sacrifice is required to make the world better for everyone.

4 stars.
I do wish we'd seen more of previous books' characters. Although they make appearances, it would be nice to feel that we were still following the larger story of those we'd previously met in this fictional journey.

We've followed the Blackstones for three books now, and have come to a satisfying conclusion. Liam has been present in all three books, but it our main guy in this installment...and he doesn't disappoint. His heart of a lion shines through in his fighting for the common man and standing up, sometimes against his better judgment, to the fat cats. Maggie, our leading lady, comes from poverty and has scratched her way up the ladder, but she hasn't forgotten those struggles and vows to help others who are doing the same. The theme of power and corruption is front and center, as well as acknowledgement that having power doesn't necessarily lead down the path to corruption...it is a choice.

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.

HEARTS OF STEEL by ELIZABETH CAMDEN is a most enjoyable historical romance novel that takes place during the Gilded Age in New York City. Although it is part of the Blackstone Legacy series it can easily stand alone.
Maggie Molinaro and her uncle Dino and aunt Julie have built up a flourishing ice cream business in Gadsen Street, after starting out selling ice cream from barrows. This goes well until the unscrupulous Charles Morse, hoping to get Liam Blackstone off the board of U S Steel, stops ice deliveries during the heat of summer to make Liam lose focus, and his temper, when the woman he cares for is affected.
There are some wonderful characters and the title aptly describes Maggie and Liam with their honesty, courage and compassion.
The author has woven the story of the real Charles Morse into the book. We see how power and the love of money can corrupt those in power. Will Maggie and Liam together with lawyer Patrick O’Neill, be able to bring about justice in the city that has been intimidated by Morse and his henchmen?…..
I like to see how the business community of Gadsen Street stand together to fight the discrimination against them, I also like the way the author takes us right into the characters’s emotions.
I found Hearts of Steel inspirational and highly recommend the book.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.