Forgiven

I received a copy of FORGIVEN: THE AMISH SCHOOL SHOOTING, A MOTHER’S LOVE, AND A STORY OF REMARKABLE GRACE by Terri Roberts with Jeanette Windle from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. 

This is such a gripping tale.  Do not expect to start reading this, put it down, and pick it back up later down.  It will haunt you until you finish it as soon as possible. 

I was partly familiar with the story of the Amish school shooting.  My family and I visit Pennsylvania frequently.  We heard about it there, from many with tears in their eyes, and later on we watched a dramatized movie.  I thought the movie was done tastefully, but somehow reading about it is much more heart-wrenching.  Be prepared to cry through most parts of this book.  You will feel chilled.  The hairs will stand up along your arms. 

The forward is by Beverly Lewis.  I am familiar with her Amish novels.  My mom and I are avid readers of hers.  This, although sad and traumatic, is a perfect companion to those.  It shows a different side to the happy stories, one that is very true. 

FORGIVEN will leave you frozen.  I highly recommend it, but please be prepared for the rawness of this book.