Forgive Me

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Pub Date 12 Nov 2020 | Archive Date 1 Apr 2022

Description

Don’t miss the brand-new book from the Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Lewis! I can’t forgive myself. Not after what I did.  Could you?

 
This is Claudia Winters’s last chance for a fresh start. Changing her name and leaving her old life behind, she has fled to the small town of Kesterly with her mother and daughter. Here, she hopes they can be safe for the first time in years.

But the past can’t stay hidden forever. And even as Claudia makes new friends and builds a new life, she can’t help feeling it’s all about to catch up with her… Until one disastrous night changes everything forever.

Tense, emotional and gripping, Susan Lewis’s latest novel is a spellbinding story of love, family, and the price of forgiveness.

Don’t miss the brand-new book from the Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Lewis! I can’t forgive myself. Not after what I did.  Could you?

 
...


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ISBN 9780008286903
PRICE £5.99 (GBP)
PAGES 416

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Average rating from 176 members


Featured Reviews

Wow what a story, even though I have finished it I have still been thinking out it. The book highlights a few things including an abusive relationship, Restorative Justice and recovery and rehabilitation. I can't seem to get my head around Restorative Justice, this book has opened up my eyes to it and I still don't really understand why you would want to do it but hopefully I will never be in that position where I would have to. Claudia, her mother and her daughter have had to make a fresh start away from their home because of an abusive relationship, Marcus is capable of anything and the girls do not want to be found. Just when life is getting back on track, something utterly devastating happens and Claudia is left sickened that Marcus has found them but has he? I don't want to give anything away but I really admire Marcy, Claudia's mother, I feel as though she is a very courageous woman, with having her family and friends around her I knew she would get there in the end. The rehabilitation process is a long and hard one speaking from experiences, not like what Marcy has had to go through but it is a long process and as long as you have your family behind you, I know it can be done. Susan Lewis books always have a habit of staying with you for a long time. I think this is a very good book and written well. It just begs the question could you forgive or would you?

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Wow! Susan lewis has done it again a masterpiece of a book! Forgive me is a truly touching and insightful family drama based back in kesterleigh with several familiar faces!
Claudia along with her daughter and mother are fleeing from Claudias abusive husband and move away for a new start with new identities.Unfortunately the past catches up with them in a horrific way and life changes forever. The remarkable courage, resilience and power of forgiveness make this read outstanding along with the memorable characters, I was intrigued by the details of restorative justice as it wasn’t something I had heard of before and the outcome of it in this case was remarkable, really illustrating that from something so awful and life changing with forgiveness, trust and support the long term outcome can actually be life enhancing.
Thank you net galley for this brilliant thought provoking read.

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Another great read from Susan Lewis. I couldn't wait to start reading this book after receiving an invitation from the publisher so I got started straight away and found it difficult to put down.
A heart rending story of a family who find themselves having to up sticks and go into hiding and then experiencing a tragic event which changes their lives forever. However, a twist in the tale makes very emotional reading. Love the characters in this book. Highly recommended!

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#ForgiveMe #NetGalley
Lewis is getting better and better with her every book.
Did you ever say sorry to anyone? I said sorry to someone. I think there's a moment in every person's life where they want to say sorry for what they do. But what if the person in front doesn't want to hear your sorry? What if someone wants to punish you for what you did? What would you do then?
I think this is her best book till date. After My Lies Your Lies, this book is a masterpiece by Susan Lewis.
Narration and characterization are the main strength of this book.
Go for it. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK Harper Fiction for giving me an advance copy.

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This is Susan Lewis at her best. A fast paced, well thought out novel, about family, friends and forgiveness. Marcy, Claudia and Jasmine are escaping Claudias abusive husband, but don’t foresee the consequences of this action.

It makes you think about what you would do if you were in their place. This has so obviously been well researched about one of the main points of the book. Loved it, one of the best reads I’ve had this year.

Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for an honest review.

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This was beautiful! Really beautiful, in a way I didn't expect it to be. I actually 'took a punt' on this novel - the cover/description didn't set my heart ablaze. But I was looking for a new read and I figured, why not. Well! This was wonderful. The story was really heartfelt and actually thought-provoking (it made one think about forgiveness and the grudges one keeps that end up hurting no one more than oneself). I loved getting to know the characters and how both their strengths and weaknesses amalgamated to make them the people they were. Nothing about this novel felt formulaic or predicable and I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, the way it was written (Archie's letters were amazing!), the pace, the dialogue, and the way the story itself evolved and eventually concluded. Five out of five and a big thank you to the publisher for letting me read this.

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Wow, what a book, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I was confused in the beginning as I couldn’t understand where or what the story was about, but when it clicked it was amazing even though I still couldn’t predict what the ending was going to be.
It was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions.
The book is brilliantly written and I found it hard to put it down.

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Absolutely fascinating story that involves restorative justice - a subject I knew very little about.

When Claudia and her daughter flee their home, leaving behind all traces of their past lives including their names, they hoped they would be able to build new lives away from Claudia's controlling criminal husband. However, any feelings of safety soon start to ebb away.

I loved this book and absolutely ploughed through it.

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I loved this book it's a story with a massive message but a great great moving story that I think you will be impressed with. It's a thriller that hooks you it has a possible love story but that didn't put me off I was too engrossed in the story to let that put me off.

Three generations Gran, Mum and Daughter relocate to escape the brutal life Mum was living or rather enduring at the hands of her husband, and teenage daughter living in fear when this should have been the adventure that teen years can be. O and there is Archie but you will get to understand who he is and what he has done to be so well you can read that for yourself.

Was this believable well it's a thriller it doesn't have to be but I could see it stranger things have happen but the twists could happen yes but will you see them coming???? The will they it won't they kept me from wanting to put this down so.......Over all I say 5 stars isn't enough I hope you do as well.

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What a wonderful, life affirming, heart warming story of love and second chances. It shows how good can come from awful things when we see each other as flawed and vulnerable human Beings. Beautifully written with characters and relationships you really care about. I was very moved on a number of occasions and heartily recommend that you read it.

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Wow, what can i say. Susan Lewis never disappoints me but this book i just loved. The style of writing was fantastic and loved how the story just took over my days. The characters were so loveable and plenty of little twists that you wouldn't have imagined happening. Already looking forward to Susan's next book if this was anything to go by.

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Yet another superb novel from Susan Lewis! This is a family saga intertwined with a touch of thriller.
Claudia, her daughter Jasmine and her mother Marcy completely change their identities and move away from London to Kesterley a small seaside town in a bid to escape Claudia’s controlling and abusive husband. Although he is in prison she is well aware that she won’t escape him forever. The family quickly settle in their new home and make many new friends. Their lives change following a fire at their recently restored house causing a devastating injury to Marcy. Archie Colbrook is the teenager responsible for the fire although he had no intention of harming anybody. Through the restorative justice system Claudia’s family and Archie’s lives become intertwined but Claudia finds it difficult to forgive the harm he’s done.
The characters are so easy to get to know and relate to. I was sorry when it ended.
My thanks to Rachel Quin, Harper Collins and netgalley for the opportunity to read and review

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From the outset, this book is filled with family love and loyalty. Stalking alongside though, is fear of retribution.
I read this book in trepidation of what was going to happen to the family trying to escape their past.
Very interestingly, there is a story running concurrently about someone on the wrong side of the path and we’re given snippets of what is going on there. I wondered how they fit together and was 3/4 through the book before the penny dropped!
As I made my way through the story, sad at what I thought was going to happen - I was in for a surprise.
The story is really moving. What wonderful things compassion and caring are.
This is the sort of book that when you turn the last page, makes you feel sad it’s over and leaves you wondering what happened next.

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A really great read . After being in an abusive relationship and having changed their names Claudia and her daughter Jasmine as they are now known move away to start a new life for themselves. They eventually find a forever home and along with her mother, try to forget the unhappiness of the past but a terrible incident happens which has a serious impact on all their lives. As they try to come to terms with what's happened and why, they realise it's all connected to her ex and with the help of all there many new friends can they finally feel safe again and can they find it in their hearts to forgive before finally finding happiness. A brilliant 5⭐read again from Susan Lewis

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I just loved this book, one of the best reads and a book you didn't want to finish and when you did kept thinking about it. So powerful with so many characters to love or hate and so realistic. Brilliant

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Claudias escape from an abusive marriage is merely the beginning of what is a beautifully written and sensitively handled book covering a range of difficult subjects from abuse to criminal acts, restorative justice and recovery from harm.
Restorative justice is not something I have ever had to really consider (thankfully) but the topic was well described and supported factually without spoiling the flow of the story. Although aware from the blurb that the story will take a turn for the sinister the initial chapters cover the rebuilding of a life for three women all affected by one abusive man and things seem to be going so well for them with their beautiful house, new business ventures and new friendships developing.
As the story unfolds and a fire changes things forever so we are introduced to the concept of restorative justice and the benefits it can offer to some victims of crime.
The interactions between the perpetrator and the victim are really eye opening both from a repentance and a forgiveness point of view.
A really though provoking read.

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I really enjoyed this dramatic story of doing whatever it takes to protect yourself and your family. The second part of the story with the justice programme I found really interesting and applauded
Marcy for her bravery. I really great read that I would definitely recommend.

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I was so pleased to be given the opportunity to read Susan Lewis's latest book, I've only recently discovered her novels but haven't been disappointed with one yet.

This book explores the power of restorative justice, through the eyes of both the victims and the perpetrator. It raised some interesting moral questions and I for one was not sure if I could have taken the same path as Marcy but felt it to be believable as the story unfolded.

As ever with Susan's books, the book is full of lovely, well rounded characters who are all round decent human beings. I really wanted to be a part of their lovely grown-up circle for the support and camaraderie through some tough scenarios. It also shows that not everything is black and white, with so many grey shades.

The book has some themes of domestic abuse, but covered sensitively. It is also infinitely readable - I couldn't put this down once I started it, it drew me in from the very beginning.

I would wholeheartedly recommend it, and also want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC..

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Having read previous books by Susan Lewis, I expected a good read and wasn’t disappointed. This gripping thriller draws you in from the very first page. As Claudia’s family escape from her brutal, abusive marriage trying to make a new life, the threatening sense of tension leaps off the page.
The story explores Chloe’s new life away from Marcus (her husband), trying to start again with a new name. I felt empathy with the family as they try to settle down and ensure that no-one discovers their new identity. The book also shows how difficult it is to begin again, especially with social media and its wide ranging influence.
Although written mainly from Claudia’s viewpoint, several chapters are told by other characters, her mother and daughter, Marcie and Jasmine. Also from Archie’s viewpoint, whom we learn more about as the story unfolds. The book is a real page turner as the family begin to find new friendships and develop work opportunities, but Claudia is always fearful that although Marcus has become imprisoned, he has thugs and acquaintances desperately searching for her.
The book is powerfully yet sensitively written, and you feel strong empathy for the characters, as their life becomes threatened and new friends and relationships help them. The story is brutal and heartbreaking at times, but with occasional light touches of self deprecating humour in the letters sent to Marcie during the restorative justice system. This is a real page turner which I couldn’t put down until I had finished reading. Highly recommended.

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I couldn't put this book down once I started it. What a tremendous story of love and forgiveness. I loved all the characters especially Claudia who went through so much what an amazing woman she was as was her mother whose power of forgiveness was incredible. That took so much courage. This was a tremendous read which was difficult and heartbreaking at times but beautifully written.

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What can I say I was hooked from the very first page such a heartwarming story about a family that had been through so much then have the courage to do what they did was truly amazing and gives you confidence in the human race. Her books get better and better can’t wait for the next one I would definitely recommend this book it was fabulous and want to thank the publisher and Netgalley for letting me review this amazing book,

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I confess I often reflect on what it would be like to start again - to reinvent myself. Although content enough with my lot it intrigues me thinking what I'd change about myself, circumstances and location. What decisions would I make? That's how this book left me after reading it. Thought-provoking and quite daunting in some ways. Susan Lewis is a superb writer with her handling of intriguing themes, characterisation, but mostly the suspense she skilfully creates. Will the family escaping from an abusive situation succeed? A gripping emotional rollercoaster - excuse cliche. All seems to turn out well, perhaps too neatly you reflect you suspect. Their support team was fascinating in its detail. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins.

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Susan has done it again wow what a thought inspiring read i really enjoyed the way the story developed the merry-go-round of emotions.....i lived this story as i read it would i be so forgiving i hope so but who knows
if you want a thought inspiring well written enjoyable but not able to put down book then this is definitely the one to read loved it....

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I'm new to this author but having absolutely loved her previous book 'My lies Your Lies' I was looking forward to this one with nervous excitement - would it be as good?

The answer is YES but it's really not comparable as it's completely different. Expecting another twisty, turny thriller I was a little disappointed at first that there was nothing to work out and as a result it felt a little slow. But, once I realised there wasn't meant to be and it was more of a psychological family drama than thriller, I realised it was just as good but just in a completely different way.

And, the reason it was just as good despite not being what I expected was Susan Lewis. Her writing is so powerful, so emotive, so descriptive and so well thought out and researched that it totally immerses you. Her characters are so well developed and relatable with both strengths and weaknesses, evoking strong feelings of anger and empathy for them. Once again I loved the multi-generational relationships and the way the characters support and forgive each other even those who've done some truly terrible things.

Her books always have a habit of staying with you for a long time afterwards. I guess the moral of this one was that not everything is black and white, there's so many shades of grey.

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Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down.
The characters and storyline had me gripped, it even had me question myself about how I would behave in that situation!
As always Susan Lewis writes in a way that truly gets you involved with the characters.
Thank you netgalley.

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Goodness me, if I could give more than 5 stars, I would!!!!
Susan Lewis has done it again!! What a story!!
I'd heard of 'Restorative Justice' or something similar before, and I would never have thought in a million years, that I would be thinking in the way I am now, after reading this book!!
The evil that is obviously out there, that can ruin lives is frightening!! Not only for the victims but also those that are dragged into the perpetrators clasp, just to save themselves and their nearest and dearest!!
This is a wonderful, heart rending, thought provoking story, that could happen to any of us!!
I feel very honoured to have read this book, and I have learnt a lot from it too!!
Thank you for such a brilliant story!!!!

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I found this book to be a slower start than Susan's previous books but what an amazing story it turned into. It is both heart-breaking and heart-warming, raising the question - could I, would I ? I wanted to get to the end to see how it would finish but at the same time I didn't want it to end. It is worth far more than the five stars I can give.
Susan Lewis does it again !!!

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I loved this book from start to finish. The whole family took a decision to disappear together for the safety of Claudia and Jasmine and Marcy was happy to give up everything to be with her daughter and granddaughter.
If only they could have known what would happen and the traumatic things they would go through. It’s an amazing thing for Marcy to go through the restorative justice programme.
Great read and well written with great detail.

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Oh, Susan Lewis, I do love your books!
A woman stifled by her overpowering husband finally finds a chance to escape a life of misery, with her daughter, and sets herself up with a new identity and life far away.
New names, new looks, new home, new friends.
But that fear never leaves...
I loved the way this book was written with the chapters of the story interspersed with letters from someone who obviously wronged one of the main characters.
I don't want to say too much for fear of giving away too much of the plot, but I was totally drawn into the whole plot, and there were twists. Oh, were there twists!
I was left guessing for most of the book, on a lot of points, and all the guessing ensured I continued reading.
Definitely a recommended read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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The main theme of this book is forgiveness. Sometimes the people most affected by a situation are the first to forgive while others close to them find it harder.

Claudia and her daughter Jasmine have escaped to a new life leaving behind an abusive husband and stepfather ,who is in prison for money laundering. Claudia’s mother Marcy joins them to build a new life far away from their old one. But can they truly leave the past behind? Or will it catch up with them in a terrifying way ?

The restorative justice scheme was something I had heard of before but never really thought about. The exploration of it in the book was very thought provoking and made me wonder how I would act if I were in the victims shoes.

To hold on to bitterness is definitely bad for you and to gain closure on events is what is best in the long run, something we all know but may struggle with! This book will stay with me for a long time. The storytelling and characters are so well written and the plot is painstakingly researched. I love Susan Lewis books, each one is very different but the common denominator is a well written, page turning, enjoyable read.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this brilliant book.

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A very interesting informative, inspirational read. Claudia and her daughter Jasmine along with Claudia's mother Marcy have escaped. Escaped from their past life- they have changed their names and moved to another part of the country making up a new history for themselves. Behind them is an abusive husband who is now in prison for insider information and money laundering but they fear recriminations as they have some important documents which could infer others in the case. After a while and beginning to make new friends and lives for themselves Claudia and Marcy independently tell the police as there is a search on for them as missing persons. They know that they have nothing to do with the case but are aware that there may be repercussions. I enjoyed this- its a well crafted and cleverly thought out plot. I liked Claudia and shuddered at her hearing the abusive voice from her past. This is about restorative justice- something I only partly knew about. Wow! What a powerful and interesting way to put this across. For those not in the know this is where, in the right circumstances(very much analyzed before hand), the victim(s) of crime meet the perpetrator with the end goal being that there is benefit and closure for both parties- a controversial topic of conversation Im sure- but this story does show how it can very much be used for the good and from personal experience I can see that it would, for me, have brought some closure and possibly healing. This made me smile and it made me cry. One of my 5** reads- about 10% of what I read in a year ( about 220 books ) only earnt by the very special ones and this one deserves it in spades. Loved it .
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This really is a gripping book from Susan Lewis and certainly makes the reader think about another, seamier, side of life. Quite traumatic in places but heart warming in others so a real roller coaster of a plot. It was a little slow at first but once all the threads started to come together it was really powerful. covering some very difficult subjects but underneath there is humanity and compassion. This is a book which I think will resonate with the reader long after it's finished

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You get a real sense of tension when reading this, you’re almost as on edge as the characters. Absolutely outstanding as always from Susan Lewis and one I’ll definitely recommend

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would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gut wrenching book

when you read one of susan lewis books you know you are in for a good read...with well thought out characters and a storyline that will grab hold of you and wont let you put the book down until you come to the end....

this book ticks all the boxes and then some...leaving you in tears and at times on the edge of your seat with anticipation....

not wanting to give any spoilers out but this is a heart warming story against such adverse actions that to even say what they are gives it all away...

but once you start this book be assured you will lose sleep as you will want to know how it all pans out....

cant wait for the next book from this author

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It is a long time since I have enjoyed a book as much as this. It is beautifully written and the subject matter so thought provoking. The characters are people I want to meet and get to know they are so well portrayed. I certainly did not want the story to end.

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My thanks to NetGalley and publisher HarperCollins UK for the ARC.
Absolutely Brilliant!! The tension which Susan Lewis weaves in this story simply drips from the pages; excellent writing and dialogue, great characters.

For five months financier, money launderer and fraudster Marcus Huxley-Browne has been on remand and on trial in London. Before his arrest he threatens his wife never to think of leaving him because she'd be watched and he'd find her. They'd been married for five years and he was abusive and controlling so his incarceration was the opportunity for the wife and 16yr-old daughter to disappear and start a new life, but always in fear that they would be found.
Claudia and daughter Jasmine head for the west country. Their disappearance is well-planned, Claudia's mother, Marcy, having sold the family home, had prepared an apartment for them in a seaside town. Gradually they settle into their new life, but always looking over their shoulders in dread of being found. Unfortunately, Eugena, Marcus's sister, reports his wife and stepdaughter as missing and at the point of the police considering digging up the garden at the London home, a decision has to be made - but what of the consequences?

Meanwhile, a young man, Archie, is writing a series of letters from his prison cell. Slowly his story unfolds intermittently as we follow Marcy, Claudia and Jasmine in their new lives, ultimately bringing Archie and that family onto a collision course - because Claudia and Jasmine didn't leave everything behind - they took something which Marcus desperately wants to retrieve..

Now, I'm not going to write any more, you really need to read this. It's emotional as well as heart-breaking and heart-warming. Excellent plotting.
A superb, engrossing read.

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This book had everything that I required, crime, drama, compassion and romance.
I liked watching the family as they rebuilt their lives in a new town and how they quickly settled into the community.
Marcy was my favourite character, I seemed to identify with her, although whether I could be as forgiving as her is another matter.
Reading about the restorative justice programme was really educational and interesting.

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I love Susan Lewis. Whenever one of her books takes me back to Kesterley, it feels like coming home.

I devoured this book in 2 days. It was so easy to read that the pages just flew by.

I loved the subject matter. Restorative justice is something I have had a little experience of and is something I feel can do a lot of good for this world. The way it is portrayed in the book is wonderful. As Dan makes clear, the example is not entirely textbook, however it shows how RJ can be done and the effects it can have.

It was lovely to catch up with Andee and Graeme and the other residents of Kesterley.

I really enjoyed the characters of Claudia, Marcy and Jasmine. I also loved Dan, for his calm presence, and Henry for being a wonderful human being. Even Archie was a lovable character by the end.

This story shows the true power of acceptance and of being given some control where you feel you have none.

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Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This book is about forgiveness. The people that are most affected by a situation are the first to forgive, but the others close to them find it harder.

So, Claudia and her daughter Jasmine have escaped, to a new life, they’ve left behind an abusive husband and stepfather ,who is in prison for the crime of money laundering.

Along with them, Claudia’s mother Marcy, also is with them to build a new life far away from their old one.

So, can they truly leave the past behind? Or will it catch up with them, in a way they’d not expected ?

The restorative justice scheme was something I heard of before, but didn’t really know much about. The way it was explored n the book was, for me very thought provoking, making me wonder how I would act if I were in the victims place.

Holding on to bitterness is definitely bad for you, gaining a closure in what’s happened is what’s best in the long run. It’s something we all know, but we still struggle with!

I think that this book will stay with me for a long time.

The story and the characters are so thought out and well written and I felt the plot was very researched albeit painstakingly.

Susan Lewis books, I love and each one is so different but, still they are so well written and page turners.

Recommend it.

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You always know a Susan Lewis book will be a treat and this was no exception. There are a few themes explored in this book - that of restorative justice and forgiveness being a big one, and one which isn't often aired. Domestic abuse takes centre stage and whether it's truly possible to start again. Claudia along with her mother Marcy and daughter Jasmine escape Claudia's abusive criminal husband on the day of his trial (unrelated, she has never reported the abuse). They make a new life for themselves, but are always looking over their shoulder. Running through the book are chapters from Archie, who is writing letters to someone he has harmed, via a restorative justice process with Dan, one of the family's new friends. What the harm is, and who is the victim, we don't find out until later. This is cleverly told, and draws us in to caring what happens to Archie. What lovely people (and what awful people) - and truly shows you never know what is going on behind closed doors. #netgalley #forgiveme

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I have read most of Susan Lewis' books. Some are fantastic but occasionally there is a duff one so I wasn't sure how it this one would be.
The story is about Claudia who escapes an abusive husband with her daughter, Jasmine, and goes to live with her mother, Marcia, in Westerly. Inevitably, they come in contact with Andee and her friends (who have appeared in previous books).
The result is a thriller crossed with family drama and I loved it.

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I was delighted to receive an ARC copy of this latest Susan Lewis book as I have read an thoroughly enjoyed many in the past.

The theme of this novel is forgiveness and the use of the restorative justice system to do this.

As this was something that I was not really aware of it was an extremely interesting read and I kept reading to find out more about it and the characters in the book. I wonder if I would have been in the same mindset as Marcy, the victim in this instance? This is a real moral dilemma which I feel was well researched and written.

As usual the characters are well rounded and engaging and the plot expertly written. At the outset we see Claudia, daughter Jasmine and mother Marcy escaping their lives after Claudia’s second husband has revealed himself to be an abuser, money launderer and drug dealer. They have changed their names and fled to another part of the county to restart their lives, in time doing so and beginning again. However the spectre of the past comes back to destroy their future.

What an amazing read. Completely deserves the 5 ⭐️.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins UK for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
Another masterpiece from Susan Lewis. Wow!
This book is so cleverly written, woven into the chapters are letters from the arsonist who set fire to the newly refurbished home of Claudia, her mother Marcy and her daughter Jasmine.
Their lives are changed forever by this event. The story is a family drama, how they got to be in their new home together, each of them taking tentative steps to start over, having survived one type of trauma and then to have their lives torn apart again by the fire is devastating.
The story is about forgiveness, acceptance, understanding, new beginnings and hope.
It’s a powerful story from beginning to end and Susan Lewis fans will not be disappointed.

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My first read by Susan Lewis, I have no idea why it's taken so long.! Excellently crafted book with lots going on. A story about family, relatiionships and the power of love in all its forms.

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Susan Lewis has really mastered the art of taking a topical subject relevant in today's society and making a good story from it without going overboard. Forgive Me is a well written, emotionally-charged story and in this book, some sensitive, uncomfortable and controversial subjects are explored, such as domestic abuse and restorative justice.

Claudia Winters has a chance for a fresh start in Kesterly-on-Sea in the West Country, Northern England. Taking her sixteen-year-old daughter, Jasmine and her mum, Marcy, the family are fleeing from Claudia's second husband, financier Marcus Huxley-Browne who is on trial for fraud, insider trading and money laundering. Before his arrest, he threatened Claudia, telling her never to leave him as he would have her found very swiftly. Meanwhile, nineteen-year-old prison inmate Archie is busying himself writing letters to someone he has caused terrible harm. The reader follows Archie and Claudia and their families on a collision course that will change everyone's lives.

Forgive Me was gritty, emotionally gripping and the story built very nicely. The characters were well-drawn and an interesting combination as Susan Lewis revealed their personal struggles, gradually drip-feeding information in a way that made me desperate to continue reading. The novel evoked many emotions within me including sadness, anger and disbelief. For certain, it was provocative and thought-provoking family drama-style thriller with forgiveness as one of the main themes running throughout. This was one of my favourite novels by Susan Lewis who continues to thrill me with her wonderful, top-notch writing style. Forgive Me is an extremely worthwhile read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HarperCollins UK via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

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A brilliantly twisty tale.
A psychological thriller with a strangely light and airy feel, despite the dark undercurrents running beneath the surface.
A well crafted plot and engaging characters. There are plenty of unexpected moments
Sensitively approaching the subject matter and very up to date, introducing current themes with flair.
A thoroughly enjoyable read

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So....I read this in a couple of days (lucky I am on holiday!!!). Absolutely gripped from start to finish. Asked to say nothing by her husband, we quickly discover that Claudia is a victim and needs to get away from her husband. Changing her name, she flees with her daughter and mother and starts again. She builds a new life with new friends. Only a few people know the truth. The book also introduces another person, what does he have to do with the story. It all becomes clear. Brilliantly written, fantastic story, twists and turns. Also understanding the power of forgiveness and how life can change through no choice of our own. Would totally recommend.

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