The Blackstone Legacy: Book 3
Publication Date: January 17, 2023
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.
At the dawn of the 20th century, New York City provided budding entrepreneurs with plenty of opportunities. Young Maggie Molinaro is determined to leave her impoverished days behind and focuses her efforts on growing her uncle’s ice cream pushcart business into a company.
Author Elizabeth Camden traces Maggie’s efforts in Hearts of Steel as a successful businesswoman who co-owns an ice cream factory. She meets the lead male character, Liam Blackstone, while trying to collect a debt from a powerful but corrupt banker.
Liam has his own troubled childhood memories, but as a leader within the steel industry, he’s forced into working with the corrupt banker. Liam and Maggie join forces to battle the bully while drawing closer. Will they give up their aspirations for love, or will it make them stronger?
As the third book in The Blackstone Legacy series, I had no problems reading the story out of sequence. The author deftly brings this time period to life and empowers the main female character with a drive for success.
Aside from the conflict with the banker, both characters wrestle with their own personal demons. While Liam equates failure with being unworthy, Maggie has a difficult time accepting gifts from others. Thankfully, they overcome past trauma to become more resilient.
Hearts of Steel delves into a challenging time for women in America—especially those in the business world. Drawing upon rich historical details, the author spins a tender tale of love set against adversity.
Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded age America featuring clever heroines and wonderfully romantic storylines. Her works have been honored with the RITA Award, Christy Award, and Daphne du Maurier Award. With a master’s in history and a master’s in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. She lives with her husband in Florida.
