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Set You Free: A Novel
Deena is running from a dangerous past. When she finds herself in a small fishing village tucked away on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay, she thinks she is finally safe. While there, she discovers a journal that weaves a story of secrets, passion, and unrequited love. In its pages, she discovers the answers to her struggle with the shadows of her own past. In the end, those shadows close in on her and threaten all that she holds dear.
- GenresContemporary
Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 23, 2017
This read is thrilling and full of suspense, keeping you tied to the pages, right through the book. The author did a fantastic job of keeping the story suspenseful, right through to the end, without overdoing anything. It was a great storyline as well.
I thought the detail, in the story, was fantastic. The author truly took his time to create a world and story with brilliant levels of background and surroundings, which made it feel very real and relatable. I also liked the level of detail put in to each character, making it very easy to connect with the story.
The characters were great, and fun to get to know each one. The author wrote each one, supporting or main, with the right amount of detail, personality and background to really make them realistic and worth getting to know. They built the story into something very interesting, and made the suspense intriguing, with how they reacted.
I liked the book, overall, and think a lot of suspense readers will enjoy every page.
* I chose to review this book, and provide my honest opinion.
I thought the detail, in the story, was fantastic. The author truly took his time to create a world and story with brilliant levels of background and surroundings, which made it feel very real and relatable. I also liked the level of detail put in to each character, making it very easy to connect with the story.
The characters were great, and fun to get to know each one. The author wrote each one, supporting or main, with the right amount of detail, personality and background to really make them realistic and worth getting to know. They built the story into something very interesting, and made the suspense intriguing, with how they reacted.
I liked the book, overall, and think a lot of suspense readers will enjoy every page.
* I chose to review this book, and provide my honest opinion.
July 19, 2018
I’d give this book 2.5 stars. I didn’t love or hate this book. It was an easy read, but I felt that the character development was a bit weak, and the resolutions too easy and slightly unbelievable for the situation. What are the odds that this girl would happen to stumble upon a journal belonging to the long lost love of her new neighbor? Not to mention, the whole journal story seemed forced, disjointed, and unnecessary.
How did she survive childbirth and eight years with a small child on a bag of stolen money? I know that people overcome greater odds, but this seemed like a bit of a stretch. Also, I find it hard to believe that Blake knowing Deena was on the run from men this dangerous would simply “watch over” her. He would have gone to the police. Or, he’d have gotten her out of town. Further, did anyone else get a Boo Radley vibe from Enos? Just me?
Oh well, I can say that I wanted to read this. I was intrigued to find out what would happen, although I could predict the majority of it. Eh...
How did she survive childbirth and eight years with a small child on a bag of stolen money? I know that people overcome greater odds, but this seemed like a bit of a stretch. Also, I find it hard to believe that Blake knowing Deena was on the run from men this dangerous would simply “watch over” her. He would have gone to the police. Or, he’d have gotten her out of town. Further, did anyone else get a Boo Radley vibe from Enos? Just me?
Oh well, I can say that I wanted to read this. I was intrigued to find out what would happen, although I could predict the majority of it. Eh...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2017
A well written thought out plot that captivates you and then draws you further in with the characters... can be a touchy topic within the pages but will have you yet turning them as fast as you finish the last. You will find yourself ignoring the world around as you set on edge to keep up with one thing after another. A book you diffidently want to read!
February 26, 2018
I can’t believe that Set You Free by Elmer Seward got me to like a small town story. Other than Sweet Home Alabama, I usually brush off that sort of story (doesn’t help that I felt trapped in the small town I grew up in). Still, Seward’s writing and storytelling skills actually got me to like this sort of story, and that’s the primary reason I think this book deserves 5 out of 5 stars.
Perhaps the biggest appeal for me in this story is the characters. In particular, I fell in love with the characters Enos and Mama Jo. The story focuses on Deena and Blake as they both try to escape their pasts (Deena quite literally). Still, I felt an instant heart-to-heart connection with the gentle giant Enos and the sassy-but-sweet Mama Jo. While Deena and Blake had the most prominent character growth, my attention was best kept by Enos’s development. Through his friendship with Deena and her daughter, Kat, he learned to stand up for himself and his friends, and he became what I consider to be a real hero. I won’t say anything else because of spoilers, but suffice to say that the growth of this minor character shows just how well Seward has written all the characters in general.
The book also stands out from similar stories because Seward adds an element of mystery and danger to it. Deena isn’t running from the typical “I did something bad” or “I lost someone I love” sort of dark past that most characters going to small towns do. Instead, she has truly dangerous figures looming over her, chasing after her with the intent to do her and Kat harm. We don’t find out for a while what that danger is and for even longer why it’s following her, and that mystery makes the plot very compelling. The way in which the town pulls together to protect their newfound family members warmed my heart and made me wish that more of America—more small towns, even—would be that way.
The only reason I hesitated to give this book 5 stars is because there are many parts of this book which can be considered stereotypical for the genre. With the exception of the nature of Deena’s past, the plot is cookie-cutter; the characters, even the ones I like, are slight twist on very common stock characters; and the themes are well-known in this genre. However, the way in which Seward weaves these together, along with the parallel narrative in the journal Deena finds, lifted it up beyond your typical small town story.
Overall, if you like contemporary fiction, pedestrian fiction, and maybe a little mystery and action added into the mix, you’ll want to read this story. The plot is gripping and the characters feel very real (sometimes to the point when you want to slap them for making stupid mistakes). Some of the book is a bit cheesy and some of the stereotypes can be hard to swallow, but the book in general provides a fantastic reading experience.
Perhaps the biggest appeal for me in this story is the characters. In particular, I fell in love with the characters Enos and Mama Jo. The story focuses on Deena and Blake as they both try to escape their pasts (Deena quite literally). Still, I felt an instant heart-to-heart connection with the gentle giant Enos and the sassy-but-sweet Mama Jo. While Deena and Blake had the most prominent character growth, my attention was best kept by Enos’s development. Through his friendship with Deena and her daughter, Kat, he learned to stand up for himself and his friends, and he became what I consider to be a real hero. I won’t say anything else because of spoilers, but suffice to say that the growth of this minor character shows just how well Seward has written all the characters in general.
The book also stands out from similar stories because Seward adds an element of mystery and danger to it. Deena isn’t running from the typical “I did something bad” or “I lost someone I love” sort of dark past that most characters going to small towns do. Instead, she has truly dangerous figures looming over her, chasing after her with the intent to do her and Kat harm. We don’t find out for a while what that danger is and for even longer why it’s following her, and that mystery makes the plot very compelling. The way in which the town pulls together to protect their newfound family members warmed my heart and made me wish that more of America—more small towns, even—would be that way.
The only reason I hesitated to give this book 5 stars is because there are many parts of this book which can be considered stereotypical for the genre. With the exception of the nature of Deena’s past, the plot is cookie-cutter; the characters, even the ones I like, are slight twist on very common stock characters; and the themes are well-known in this genre. However, the way in which Seward weaves these together, along with the parallel narrative in the journal Deena finds, lifted it up beyond your typical small town story.
Overall, if you like contemporary fiction, pedestrian fiction, and maybe a little mystery and action added into the mix, you’ll want to read this story. The plot is gripping and the characters feel very real (sometimes to the point when you want to slap them for making stupid mistakes). Some of the book is a bit cheesy and some of the stereotypes can be hard to swallow, but the book in general provides a fantastic reading experience.
October 30, 2017
3.75 stars
“Set You Free: Love, Lies, and the Secrets that Bind” by Elmer Seward is a suspense story with romantic elements that follows a mysterious woman named Deena who is fleeing in a terrible storm while accompanied by her young daughter. A chance encounter with a stranger named Blake changes her life as she gets integrated into the network of folks who inhabit the small town of Opechancano. Each person she meets has a challenge that they have fought to overcome, but they all are inexplicably willing to extend a helping hand to Deena and her daughter. Unfortunately, evil is stalking them, and the inhabitants of Opechancano may or may not be able to withstand the death and destruction headed their way.
I was entertained that this book opened with a scene that brought to mind the classic setting of a dark and stormy night. The author did a nice job of building on that base and gradually fleshing out the characters whose lives intersect, while reminding the reader that everyone has something painful that holds them in the past IF we let it. There are intriguing twists that play out as barriers are let down and the tragic events that have shaped these people are exposed. The pain exposed as the story progresses is artfully depicted and I enjoyed the way we were able to view each character differently as more information came to light. There is a bit of graphic violence, so those who are squeamish should proceed with caution, and the base subject is very sobering and thought-provoking. For me, the pace is a little uneven and a few things were predictable but I enjoyed watching the two different mysteries unfold and I cheered at the fortitude and small-town cohesiveness that is depicted even though I think that some things were tied up just a little too neatly. Those in the mood for a mystery within a mystery will undoubtedly enjoy this tale.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
“Set You Free: Love, Lies, and the Secrets that Bind” by Elmer Seward is a suspense story with romantic elements that follows a mysterious woman named Deena who is fleeing in a terrible storm while accompanied by her young daughter. A chance encounter with a stranger named Blake changes her life as she gets integrated into the network of folks who inhabit the small town of Opechancano. Each person she meets has a challenge that they have fought to overcome, but they all are inexplicably willing to extend a helping hand to Deena and her daughter. Unfortunately, evil is stalking them, and the inhabitants of Opechancano may or may not be able to withstand the death and destruction headed their way.
I was entertained that this book opened with a scene that brought to mind the classic setting of a dark and stormy night. The author did a nice job of building on that base and gradually fleshing out the characters whose lives intersect, while reminding the reader that everyone has something painful that holds them in the past IF we let it. There are intriguing twists that play out as barriers are let down and the tragic events that have shaped these people are exposed. The pain exposed as the story progresses is artfully depicted and I enjoyed the way we were able to view each character differently as more information came to light. There is a bit of graphic violence, so those who are squeamish should proceed with caution, and the base subject is very sobering and thought-provoking. For me, the pace is a little uneven and a few things were predictable but I enjoyed watching the two different mysteries unfold and I cheered at the fortitude and small-town cohesiveness that is depicted even though I think that some things were tied up just a little too neatly. Those in the mood for a mystery within a mystery will undoubtedly enjoy this tale.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
February 27, 2018
Set You Free: Love, Lies and The Secrets That Bind, Elmer Seward, 2017, CreateSpace
It's a rainy night in the Chesapeake Bay area. Blake is driving along, and he nearly hits Deena, and her young daughter, Kat, who are walking on the side of the road. It takes some convincing, but Blake drives them to Mama Jo, an older woman who is happy to put them up for the night.
Deena reluctantly agrees to stick around for a while, instead of heading to the bus station in Baltimore. Blake volunteers to help fix up the old cottage that Deena has rented. Deena reveals nothing about herself. A person would need a jackhammer to break through the emotional wall that Deena has built between herself and the rest of the world.
A man named Fry, and a couple of his "goons" are in the area, looking for Deena. He is the sort of person who does not take "no" for an answer. He also has no problem in killing anyone who gets in his way. Blake does not tell Deena, but sleeps in his car for a couple of days, outside Deena's cottage, watching for Fry.
Does Fry find Deena? Is he a vindictive ex-husband? Is Deena able to loosen up around Blake, even a little bit?
This is a really good story of emotional chains (not just on Deena's part), which can be just as strong as physical chains. There is also a bit of romance included. Read it; you'll be glad you did.
It's a rainy night in the Chesapeake Bay area. Blake is driving along, and he nearly hits Deena, and her young daughter, Kat, who are walking on the side of the road. It takes some convincing, but Blake drives them to Mama Jo, an older woman who is happy to put them up for the night.
Deena reluctantly agrees to stick around for a while, instead of heading to the bus station in Baltimore. Blake volunteers to help fix up the old cottage that Deena has rented. Deena reveals nothing about herself. A person would need a jackhammer to break through the emotional wall that Deena has built between herself and the rest of the world.
A man named Fry, and a couple of his "goons" are in the area, looking for Deena. He is the sort of person who does not take "no" for an answer. He also has no problem in killing anyone who gets in his way. Blake does not tell Deena, but sleeps in his car for a couple of days, outside Deena's cottage, watching for Fry.
Does Fry find Deena? Is he a vindictive ex-husband? Is Deena able to loosen up around Blake, even a little bit?
This is a really good story of emotional chains (not just on Deena's part), which can be just as strong as physical chains. There is also a bit of romance included. Read it; you'll be glad you did.
May 23, 2017
4.5 STARS
This suspenseful and well-written book caught my attention with the first sentence and kept me guessing and engaged all the way to the last word. Featuring two intertwining stories dealing with physical abuse and the toll taken on victims as well as those close to them, the main protagonists are well-developed in both timelines.
At times I disliked Deena’s prickly and abrasive demeanor but, honestly, her reasons for her sometimes rude reticence became more and more apparent as the book progressed. I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed, but I was delighted with the just rewards dealt out to the nasty, evil pursuers by some unlikely heroes. I finished the book feeling uplifted and hopeful.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
This suspenseful and well-written book caught my attention with the first sentence and kept me guessing and engaged all the way to the last word. Featuring two intertwining stories dealing with physical abuse and the toll taken on victims as well as those close to them, the main protagonists are well-developed in both timelines.
At times I disliked Deena’s prickly and abrasive demeanor but, honestly, her reasons for her sometimes rude reticence became more and more apparent as the book progressed. I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed, but I was delighted with the just rewards dealt out to the nasty, evil pursuers by some unlikely heroes. I finished the book feeling uplifted and hopeful.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
May 10, 2026
Set You Free pulls you in from the very beginning. The author does an amazing job of painting vivid scenes — I could practically hear the slamming screen door and picture the howling wind and driving rain in the first scene. The writing style is engaging and easy to get lost in.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the story overall, the ending felt a little rushed and somewhat unrealistic compared to the strong buildup throughout the book. That said, I did enjoy the surprise involving the journal at the end, which added an interesting final twist to the story. Overall, this was an enjoyable and atmospheric read.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the story overall, the ending felt a little rushed and somewhat unrealistic compared to the strong buildup throughout the book. That said, I did enjoy the surprise involving the journal at the end, which added an interesting final twist to the story. Overall, this was an enjoyable and atmospheric read.
September 3, 2017
Set You Free: Love, Lies and the Secrets that Bind is a gripping story. I felt a connection to Deena from the start. I understood her struggles and her having to deal with the past. There were some mystery and suspense element to the story, which made me wonder what would happen next. There are parts that were hard to read at times, as it deals with heavy issues. This is not a light read.
I thought Set You Free: Love, Lies and the Secrets that Bind was a really good book and believe it is a must read. I give it a full five stars.
Highly recommended.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I thought Set You Free: Love, Lies and the Secrets that Bind was a really good book and believe it is a must read. I give it a full five stars.
Highly recommended.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews