Setting Two Hearts Free

A Heart Set Free #3

by Janet S. Grunst

Would their love survive the invisible wounds of war?

Donald Duncan joined the Patriot cause for noble reasons, battling the British while enduring deprivation and hardship on every side. The war has changed him, and now the battle is internal. Returning home to Virginia is in sight where a new life and his Mary wait for him.


Mary Stewart spends the war years with her family at Stewarts’ Green, helping them operate their ordinary. Daily, she prays for Donald’s safe return, eagerly waiting for him … until that day the evil side of war touches her.


Two hearts changed by a war that dragged on for six years. Two hearts left hurting and struggling to find the love and trust they once knew. Is there a path for them to rekindle what was lost; Setting Two Hearts Free?

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Janet is a wife, mother of two sons, and grandmother of eight who lives in the historic triangle of Virginia (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown) with her husband. Her debut novel, A Heart Set Free was the 2016 Selah Award winner for Historical Romance. The second book in the series, A Heart For Freedom was released 2017. A lifelong student of history, her love of writing fiction grew out of a desire to share stories that communicate the truths of the Christian faith, as well as entertain, bring inspiration, and encouragement to the reader.

Reviews

[Elaine Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Janet Grunst has written a powerful book about a young couple beset by emotional and physical trauma, related to events during the American Revolution. Today, we acknowledge the existence of post-traumatic stress. Years ago, there were no resources for victims of PTSD and the misunderstanding of friends and families only added to their pain. Ms. Grunst has powerfully depicted the after effects of trauma, both physical and emotional. This is Book 3 in the "Heart Series:" Book 1 is "A Heart Set Free" and Book 2 is "A Heart For Freedom." I recommend the entire series to fans of historical romance.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series set during the American Revolution era. The exploration of life after a traumatic event such as war or physical violence remains a concern of utmost importance whether in the 1700s or the 21st century. But the scars come in many forms. Life must go on with some kind of coping mechanism in place. Hope and love play a big role.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janet Grunst rounds out her series set in Revolutionary War-period Virginia with a sweet story of love, loss, heartbreak, and healing in the Stewart and Duncan families. The love story of Donald Duncan and Mary Stewart will tear at your heart as they both face overwhelming hurt from events beyond their control. Realistic characters and events portray the struggle of those who feel their status as victims disqualifies them from happiness only to discover that God heals all wounds.

The effects of war and personal attack are handled with gentleness and insight that transcends time period. Historical places and events are portrayed in accurate detail. The characters spring off the page and capture the heart of the reader, drawing them in and keeping them turning pages. I look forward to more from this skilled and intuitive author.

[Dawn Linton]

Setting Two Hearts Free , by Janet Grunst is a delightful read! Character development kept me turning pages until the end. I am not a history buff, but I love how the author’s grasp of history colored the story. Her ability to convey complex love due to post traumatic stress, presents a reality of compassion, suspense, and unwavering faith. Don’t miss this awesome read!

I received an ARC. A favorable review was not required, and all opinions shared here are my own.

[J.M. Hochstetler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved revisiting the world of Stewart’s Green in Janet Grunst’s new release, Setting Two Hearts Free. Grunst shines at creating the engaging characters that populate the charming backcountry Virginia inn. Set in 1781, several years after the two previous books of the series, the story now centers on the Stewarts’ older daughter, Mary, and Donald Duncan, the son of their friends in Alexandria.

Grunst vividly depicts the trauma of war from the front lines to the home front, where those left behind must maintain farms and businesses in the absence of husbands, sons, and brothers. A soldier in the Continental Army, Donald endures exhaustion, disillusionment, and the mental and emotional toll of battle, intensified by his longing for a future with Mary that feels increasingly out of reach. Meanwhile, with Donald’s extended absences and irregular letters, Mary increasingly harbors doubts about their relationship as well. And when a British invasion threatens their peaceful lives, she suffers her own shattering trauma.

Grunst realistically and compassionately portrays the harsh wounds of war that Donald and Mary individually endure. The healing process that gradually draws them into a deeper, more intimate relationship of mutual dependence and shared strength will provide encouragement and spiritual insight for readers who may face struggles in their own relationships.

[Kate Breslin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is often in the aftermath of tragedy’s physical scars that we realize the deepest and most lasting wounds lie within. Author Janet S. Grunst brings us hope in this beautifully poignant tale of love torn apart by war’s terrible secrets; and only truth as the invitation to God’s healing grace can make us whole!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars Is there a path for Mary and Donald to rekindle what was lost?
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2020
March 1718, still at war with England 6 years later, the British are closer, Donald and Mary are still apart, 8 months until his dicharge . . .
Donald Duncan faces another day filled with unspeakable horror of the wounded and dying, causing his faith in God to waver. Plagued with violent nightmares, he wonders if his life will ever be normal again. Would Mary still be waiting for him?
Mary Stewart longs for letters from Donald. Patrick O'Brien is interested in courting Mary, and she is fond of him. She still loves Donald, but he has been gone so long. Have they grown apart?
Mary had a terrible incident that changed her, causing her such sorrow and guilt. Will she ever be joyful again? Would Donald still love her?

In Setting Two Hearts Free, Janet Grunst again captures the reader's attention and engages mind and heart. The issues addressed in this story are also current concerns. In fact, Janet Grunst dedicated this story to those who suffer invisible wounds of war and other trauma .

I read this as an ARC reader thanks to Janet Palmer Grunst. The review was entirely my own opinion.

[Debbie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written!

Setting Two Hearts Free is a wonderfully written story of love, heartache, healing, strength, courage and faith. Mary and Donald's tale is one that echoes the many lives that had to endure the agonies of war. Ms. Grunst has such a way of drawing a reader into her stories, making the characters a part of your life...even long after the story ends. Her previous books were just as powerful and I highly recommend them as well. We all have struggles in life, yet some much more than others. This story tells of such struggles. Even after I finished the story, I still have an ache in my heart for this couple. Yes, they are fictional characters, but I know that there are real “Marys and Donalds” out there, who truly struggle each day. And through these fictional characters, I pray for those real people. Thank you, Ms. Grunst, for another wonderfully written “Heart” story.

[Kathleen Rouser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Janet Grunst has again brought a crucial time in our nation’s history to life through the continuing Stewart family saga. Separated by Donald Duncan’s enlistment to fight for freedom during the Revolutionary War, he and Mary Stewart are no longer wide-eyed young teens filled with dreams, but they have become young adults facing difficult realities. Grunst weaves each of their stories with delicacy through the tragedies which befall them. Donald and Mary must decide whether they will allow these trials to determine their future. Readers of clean historical romance will be touched by this tender and positive story of what honesty, faith, and perseverance truly mean. Highly recommend!

[Georgia Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

After enjoying the first two books in this trilogy by Janet Grunst, A Heart Set Free and A Heart for Freedom, I was excited to read her third book, Setting Two Hearts Free. I think I like this third book even more than the first two. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to put it down. Although it came to a satisfying conclusion, I was a little sad that I was at the end and couldn’t read even more about this family. And it’s always nice to get a history lesson along with a story to help me imagine Revolutionary War times.

This book was provided free. A favorable review was not required.

[Phyllis Rundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

True to form, the author has brought us another historical story that is on point historically and with great character development. This is Donald Duncan and Mary Stewart's story. This is a couple who have been affected by a war that has dragged on for six years. Each of them have suffered much during this six year period: tragedy, disappointment, hurts, uncertainty and turmoil. Once they are reunited, will each of them be able to overcome the nightmare events that occurred to each of them during the six year separation to find a HEA. Be sure to read this story to find out. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Debbie Hipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Setting Two Hearts Free is the third in a series of historical Christian fiction by author Janet Grunst. Set during the Revolutionary War, this novel delves in to the inhumanity of war and the universality of men and women seeking peace in the midst of evil. Ms. Grunst develops her main characters, Donald and Mary, so fully that the reader is captivated by the story line and inspired by the work of God in the characters' lives.
I did not purchase this book, nor was a favorable review requested.

[Judith DeNazarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in the "Heart Series" by Janet Grunst, Two Hearts Set Free, was a truly enjoyable step back in time to one of the most historically significant periods of American history. Ms. Grunst has a way of creating such characters as living, breathing & likable Mary Stewart & Donald Duncan who deal with struggles which are as relatable today as ever. Her plots captivate the reader with it's clever twists and turns that keeps one asking "What's going to happen next?" I very much enjoyed Ms Grunst's, Two Hearts Set Free, and look forward to her next publication.

[Kathy Stackhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janet Grunst's third book, Setting Two Hearts Free, is just as entertaining as her first two books. There is some unexpected drama involving the two main characters which entices the reader to keep on reading to the end. I highly recommend this book. This book was provided free and a favorable review was not required.

[Dennis Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of suffering and love

This story shows the pain of fighting a ugly war and the nightmares that follow. It also revels the ugly truth of evil and the nightmares that are left behind. It is a beautiful story of true love and how it can help two people understand one another and deal with it all.

[Lesley Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully crafted and accurate historical novel. The writing is crisp and well defined. Descriptions make you feel a part of the scene and the characters are well developed. In addition, the author has tackled some difficult issues we also face today. Well done!

[Carol Stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set during the Revolutionary War, this is a story of a young couple both dealing with traumatic experiences beyond their young years. Their individual anxiety and pain causes them to separate, each feeling undeserving of marriage. Often poignant, I found myself rooting for Mary and Donald to find true love as they navigate sickness, misunderstanding and tragedy.

In addition to writing an appealing story line, the author has done an excellent job of researching the history and the culture, taking the reader into the daily world of this new nation called America. I enjoyed my time visiting our country’s early beginnings and have more of an understanding of the hardships families experienced.

Though third in a series, Setting Two Hearts Free can also be a stand alone novel.

I recommend this book for anyone who loves an engaging historical love story. You won't be disappointed.

I was given this book for a honest and unbiased review.

[Bonnie Spradlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

The books started kinda slow for me, but as I read it solely with the idea of, just finishing it, it got very interesting to the extent I didn't want to stop. This is rare for me. The ideal of following Mary and Donald through their trials and seeing how being truthful with people you love was very inspiring. This book was very well written.

[Diane K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good clean story

I enjoyed Jane's writing style. She wrote about the good and the bad that happened to the two main characters and how they dealt with both.

[Barbara. Hospel · Rating 2 out of 5]

not too interesting

Wish I could delete it on my kindle as it is insoluble to get rid of it. Kibone does not hell