Title: Forgive Me by Susan Lewis
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: 397 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss
Summary:
From the internationally bestselling author of over 40 novels comes a gripping story of love, family, and the price of forgiveness, for readers of Diane Chamberlain and Lisa Scottoline.
In prison, Archie Colbrook spends his time writing letters. Letters addressed to a person against whom he committed terrible, nameless harm. Archie knows he doesn’t deserve forgiveness. Yes, he didn’t mean to hurt anyone, and sure, he was only following orders. But does that matter? He still did it.
In a small coastal town of Northern England, Claudia Winters hopes to feel safe for the first time in years after fleeing from her abusive husband with her mother and daughter. Their new life is supposed to be a fresh start. But Claudia knows the past won’t stay hidden for long—and she can’t help but feel that someone is watching her. And that something terrible is about to happen.
Linked by one irrevocable act of violence, Archie and Claudia’s lives intertwine. Claudia can’t overlook what Archie did to her family—but is forgiveness the only way to truly move on?
Tense, emotional, and gripping, Susan Lewis’s latest novel is a spellbinding story of family and the power of forgiveness.
Review:
Forgive Me by Susan Lewis is a touching novel with a hint of mystery.
After careful planning, Claudia Winters and her sixteen year old daughter Jasmine are finally starting a new life. They are joined by her mum Marcy Kavanagh as they settle into life in Kesterly-on-Sea. Claudia still cannot help looking over her shoulder as she restarts her decorating business after meeting Andee Lawrence. With Andee’s help, Claudia finds and restores the perfect home and they finally seem to free of their past. However, unbeknownst to them, someone has discovered their location and will stop at nothing to ensure she cannot reveal anything about her controlling, abusive husband.
Nineteen year old Archie Colbrook is currently on remand awaiting trial. He is skeptical when Dan Collier approaches him to see if he would like to participate in the Restorative Justice program. Dan’s request is a little unorthodox since Archie has yet to be convicted of his crimes, but he believes in the healing power of the program. Through a series of letters, Archie reveals information about his past along with his sincere remorse for his crime. But Archie’s concern and dedication to his mum prevents him from revealing any information about who hired him.
Forgive Me is a compelling novel of forgiveness, redemption and healing. The characters are three-dimensional with relatable flaws and strengths. The storyline is well-developed and unfolds at a brisk pace. The setting springs vibrantly to life and is easy to visualize. With unexpected twists and turns, Susan Lewis brings this emotional story to a heartwarming conclusion. I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this incredible novel.
