Featured Review by fmd1821 -- Hearts Set Free by Jess Lederman

fmd1821 · Post by **fmd1821** » 10 Aug 2019, 04:34

[Following is a volunteer review of "Hearts Set Free" by Jess Lederman.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Jess Lederman’s novel Hearts Set Free is one of those inspiring books that are rare to find and amazing to read. Instead of presenting a linear plot, it offers three interwoven stories where fictional and historical characters interact with each other. The narrative covers around a century and long distances and leads the reader through a fascinating journey made of faith and love. There is a tale of revenge and horror when a young man and his mother start a journey to find her husband, who has left them for another woman. Then, there is a story of discovery, that of producer Tim Faber and Joan, his lover, whose quest for the truth includes the eternal debate about religion and science. Finally, we follow David Gold from his military service during the First World War to his retirement in Las Vegas after his days as a boxer are over.

Hearts Set Free addresses mainly Christian readers. The references to the Bible are frequent and significant both in quality and quantity. It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to understand the meaning of the book without some knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. The various stories have a single aim: to establish the importance and value of faith. This book has successfully proved it. Through its many situations (which are remarkable for their variety), Hearts Set Free explores several themes that speak to a Christian reader’s heart. It tackles topics as revenge and forgiveness and discusses the dichotomy between science and religion. These themes are presented in a way that makes readers reflect, and I personally have asked myself many questions while reading.

Many situations mean many characters. Among the strong points of this book, characters are those that make the difference. Each of them expresses a personal viewpoint and has strong opinions, adding value to the story. I like the presence of historical characters as Georges Lemaître and others. They give the book a profundity that otherwise would not be possible to achieve.

The only downside I have found in Hearts Set Free is that the three stories are a little confusing at the beginning. As in every complex book with more than one storyline, the passage from one adventure to another and from a group of characters to another requires some time. However, after a few chapters, the shift becomes easier, and the read is enjoyable.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Apart from its wonderful story, it is exceptionally well-edited. I recommend it to readers who like to reflect on what they read. I suggest them to take some time and find a quiet place to read Hearts Set Free. The book requires undivided attention both for understanding its meaning and for following the stories without being confused. On the whole, this is a great piece of literature.

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Hearts Set Free
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Post by **kandscreeley** » 18 Aug 2019, 16:11

I've read this one as well. It's interesting to be sure. It does follow quite a few characters who eventually seem to be connected. Thanks for your thoughts on this one.

Magnify3 · Post by **Magnify3** » 18 Aug 2019, 17:11

The title got my attention. It sounds like a book that I would read and enjoy. I do like Christian novels. Thanks for the review.

Juliet+1 · Post by **Juliet+1** » 23 Aug 2019, 13:19

Thanks for a very helpful review. I've always found books with multiple plot threads to be somewhat challenging. It usually takes a while to get oriented. I'll save this one for a quiet evening read.

Thehorselover · Post by **Thehorselover** » 29 Aug 2019, 12:13

I usually don’t like multiple character stories in the same book because it’s hard to keep track of what is happening to whom. It’s nice to know that the reading gets easier the further into the book you go.

ReneeBrown · Post by **ReneeBrown** » 01 Sep 2019, 17:21

Wow, this sounds like something I have never read before. I think I might have to check this one out. Thanks for the well-written review!

Aniza Butt · Post by **Aniza Butt** » 06 Sep 2019, 01:18

As i haven't read bible, it would be difficult for me to understand a book that has a lot of references from bible. Would pass this one. Hope the others like it.
Thank you for the review.