"There is almost nothing as freeing as forgiveness. Either to be forgiven, or to forgive someone who has wronged, offended, or hurt you, or all of the above. Forgiveness is a powerful thing, and it has been said that if you are someone who holds on to grudges, you are likely to be the worse for it. Hence the saying, “bitter and twisted.”

Some of the most powerful books I have read (aside from the Bible) which have a strong theme of forgiveness are:



Safely Home, by Randy Alcorn  AND The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof.

Both these tales, although set in very different fictional worlds seem to have a profound effect on the reader. Each of them have a strong message of forgiveness and redemption.
For me, Randy Alcorn’s Safely Home, which I “read” by listening to the audio book was even more moving because of the characterization of the voices. Mr. Fielding and Li Quan’s growing relationship as friends, and Mr. Fielding’s transformation as the story develops is one that spoke to me. Their contrasting approaches to faith in the beginning of the book, and how it ends, is beautiful and I admit there was a particular scene where I lost it, blubbering like a baby!

The Lady and The Lionheart is just as memorable, and Charlie mirrors the character of Jesus in that he gives himself to suffer for the helpless, for the ones he loves, and to free them. The tenderness with which this hulking big guy treats Ella Beckley is indescribably precious, reminding readers of the Father God’s heart for us. Charlie forgives, even though he is damaged because of those who wish to misuse him, he still forgives, and sees the bigger picture. By the way, the lions he tames might just steal your heart too.

Looking for a memorable read that is not just entertaining, but that will touch your heart and challenge your perspective on life, these two are a good place to start.  "