Karen Kingsbury Forgiven

Forgiven

Karen Kingsbury

Tyndale Oct 2005, $13.99, 358 pp.

ISBN 084238447

Popular and famous Hollywood action star Dayne Matthews has it all, but deep down he feels empty inside. Katy Hart who refused a part in a movie with him after she was attacked by a stalker made him feel alive, but she and Dayne live in two different worlds, and a true Christian would never becomes involved with a man like him. Dayne is looking forward to seeing Katy in Bloomington where part of the film will be shot.

Dayne knows that his biological family, the Baxters, live there but he won't reveal himself to them because he doesn't want to bring the ugliness of his world home to them. Katy who is the director of the Christian Kids' Theater (CKT), is dealing with the aftermath of two young children in the CKT having lost their lives to a drunken driver. The older teens want revenge, but Katy tries to teach them that it is not their place to pass judgement. She also has to deal with the deep feelings she has for Dayne, knowing that nothing could ever come of them while he tries to find meaning in his life. Thanks to her, he is on the road to finding himself.

This beautiful Christian inspirational novel has life lessons that reach out beyond religion. Dayne might have no choice in his decision not to introduce himself to the Baxters because his father has decided to search for him. The love the two protagonists feel for one another is beautiful, although both believe for different reasons that they can't be together. Katy's nurturing abilities to everyone she knows, combined with her faith, makes her a strong person who helps others through the tragedy. Karen Kingsbury has written a wonderful novel that makes readers feel hope.

Harriet Klausner