This grab-you-in-the-gut first-hand account of growing up in an abusive household should be read by anyone who has ever wondered: Is what I experienced abusive? Is what I experienced as a child abusive? Is what I am permitting abusive? Or, Is what I am doing abusive?
Written with refreshing clarity, objectivity and frank matter-of factness, many readers will recognize themselves and be touched by Nancy 's straightforward voice of validation. This author leads the reader deftly into the still largely uncharted controversial and confusing arena of forgiveness: What is it? When is it appropriate? How does it or doesn't it link with my healing? She offers wonderful signposts and resources along the way for the person wending their way through the wilderness of recovery from the silent inner pain abusive families inflict.
This is a powerful contribution to the field of recovery from abuse. I will recommend it to many of my clients. ^top >Book II reviews
Chris Richards, M.S.W.
Heal and Forgive is an eloquent examination of survival and ultimately, spiritual prosperity that holds promise for abuse survivors seeking the next level in healing and for anyone who wishes to further understand the tragedy of abuse. ^top
Mark Hardy
Attorney
Heal and Forgive is a sensitive and perceptive book that would be very helpful for anyone who has been abused. This is a very personal odyssey of self-discovery, pain, revelations, discouragement, hope, healing and forgiving. The author offers perceptive and knowledgeable insights and reveals much about the difficult and often baffling process of healing that can occur as a result of facing abuse. This helpful and compassionate book is a blueprint for surviving the pain of abuse and reconstructing a healthy life. ^top >Book II reviews
Judy M. Harris, M.A.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Heal and Forgive is compelling, essential reading for the adult survivor of childhood abuse. Like the author, I also found forgiveness to be fleeting, difficult and unfulfilling. Ms. Richards, through her life experiences has been able to lay out a concise blueprint that will promote personal healing. I now have renewed faith that forgiveness, inner-peace and happiness are truly possible. ^top >Book II reviews
Daryl Frank, Adult Survivor
Powerful ... compelling ... Heal and Forgive clearly outlines the steps necessary to forgive an abuser. This is an excellent read for anyone looking for direction with his or her own recovery from abuse or with the struggle to forgive. ^top >Book II reviews
Heal and Forgive II
In Heal and Forgive II, Nancy Richards picks up where Heal and Forgive left off, taking us through the aftermath of divorcing a parent, to arriving at the acceptance that allows us to heal and move on to a new life.
Whether you regard the idea of a family reunion with eager anticipation or numbing dread, Heal and Forgive II is a must-read. I would not advise anyone to even consider reconciliation without educating themselves on the pitfalls as well as the victories they might expect, and how to handle each one. In sharing her experiences, Nancy Richards gently guides us through the confusing jumble of conflicting thoughts, feelings, fears, and hopes involved in a possible reconciliation with our abusive families. Heal and Forgive II will educate you about the aspects of reconciliation you never even thought of, assist you in processing and understanding each one, and help you decide how to proceed next. An essential resource before taking that first step toward reconciliation, and an invaluable reference for every step along the way. ^top
Sister Renee Pittelli
Director, Luke 17:3 Ministries
For Adult Daughters of Abusive, Controlling, and
Abandoning Birth-Families
Richard's latest book reminds us that wisdom born of pain and struggle is true wisdom. She has the ability in sharing her story to engage others with similar experiences and in ways that give insight and direction. We are indebted to Richards for sharing her strength and courage with us. Again she helps us realize the limitations and capacities of the human heart and gives us hope that adequate healing from violence in families may be possible. I recommend this book to any survivor struggling with the brokenness that an abuser can do to a family. May truth help to heal the wounds and soften the scars. ^top
Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune
Founder and Senior Analyst,
FaithTrust Institute
Richards offers a gripping and revealing piece of work. Heal and Forgive II brings new meaning to the act of forgiveness. The author takes us on her journey from surviving horrific abuse to becoming a successful advocate on the subject of healing. I was moved by the similarities of our childhoods. I too, was a victim of child abuse and am comforted that I am not alone in my struggle to make peace with my past. Nancy illustrates the importance of validation, self-love and self-protection. Since reading her books, I am now on the right road to recovery. ^top
Leona Idom, Survivor
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