Hearts of Steel (The Blackstone Legacy Book #3)

I love reading books in this era; the trials and successes the characters go through are so down to earth, and love that there is always the Christian aspect included.

Finding this series has been a delight for my historical novel loving self.I read the books out of sequence, don’t do that. Read them in order and you’ll enjoy them immensely.

I haven't read the first 2 stories in this series but didn't feel I was at a handicap when it came to this third and final one. Camden's voice is excellent and made reading the story an effortless and thoroughly enjoyable experience. She drew me into the life of 1902 New York making me feel I was an active participant. I loved learning what life was like and seeing the disparity between the working class and the rich.Maggie Molinaro is a tremendous feisty character. I found her very easy to like and was soon rooting for her in her battles against the dastardly Charles Morse. Her goodness and willingness to be the sacrificial lamb were admirable.I took longer to like Liam Blackstone even though there's an immediate empathy for his situation as a former kidnap victim that denied him spending anytime with his father, Theodore, who by all accounts was a wonderful man. Liam's vengeance was both well written and at times a little hard to handle as a reader. Good on Camden for giving us a protagonist that is so visibly flawed for the entire story. We need more of that.The David vs Goliath story was also well constructed: Maggie being the 'David' as she seeks to initiate changes in certain industries. I enjoyed reading the rampant corruption that one man (Morse) was able to initiate for his own purposes. Fascinatingly, Camden reveals in her Author Note at the end that Morse and his antics were indeed historical fact and not just her clever authorial creation.Why only a 4? I struggled with the romantic connection between Maggie and Liam. I didn't believe it. It's not to say such a relationship couldn't happen between two people of a different societal standing but their 'romance' all seemed a bit forced. Friendship, yes, I could believe but the chemistry between them didn't jump off the page for me.There was much mention of God and again it seemed a little forced. Neither Maggie nor Liam appeared to have any relationship with God. Certainly, we learn at the beginning that Liam didn't have any form of relationship and by the end there was an acceptance of God's hand in various circumstances which I wondered were more authorial observations rather than believable heart-felt acknowledgements.This was a thoroughly enjoyable read as I so looked forward to picking it up each time. I plan to read the first two in the series in due course.I was very fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from Bethany House via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.

The first two books of the Blackstone Legacy were extraordinary, and Hearts of Steel has proven to be the divine icing on a very tasty cake! Liam Blackstone, a struggling hero, is a man straddling two worlds, and the tension is literally eating him alive. Maggie Molinaro struggles with insecurity and circumstances which threaten to consume her small business and that of her fellow business owners. With never a dull moment, Elizabeth Camden portrays the lifestyles, struggles, and triumphs of early twentieth America. Once more, she has done what she does so well--woven a tale with historical value, and made me feel a part of it all!

My favorite part about Elizabeth Camden's writing is that she writes smart women whose men respect them for it, in a time when that was rare. This book was no exception. Liam shines in his growth and Maggie is good for him and good on her own.

This book is great! As were the first two in this series. Elizabeth Camden never disappoints! Her research and knowledge of the times she writes about is amazing! I learn something new with every one of her books. And they are expertly written! I hope she never stops writing!

Loved it. Liam has finally met the one for him. I wish someone would take Poppy out or at least give her a decent personality. Other than her being a horrible person, all of the characters are amazing. Great story and great ending. Would recommend to everyone!

This was such a good series! Each book seemed to get a little better. Even though he had to work so hard for it, I'm glad Liam found some happiness. I enjoyed the whole series!