Forgiveness: A Workbook for Emotional and Spiritual Freedom

by Michelle Wadleigh

Develop and strengthen your “forgiveness muscle” with Rev. Dr. Michelle Wadleigh’s proven practices and exercises

In this revolutionary guide to self-acceptance and empowerment, Rev. Dr. Michelle Wadleigh writes, “Forgiveness saved my life.” Now, she invites readers to follow her down this hard-won path to freedom and wholeness, acknowledging that forgiveness is not a one-size-fits-all practice, and providing steps and guidance to meet readers wherever they are in their journey.

During her years of spiritual and metaphysical research, Michelle realized that without forgiveness we are doomed to repeat our mistakes and remain in a loop of pain and suffering. It’s only when we learn to wipe the slate clean that we can rise above the limitations of our past.

256 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2025

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness is a major key for the healing of our souls. Excuses are abundant, including it was the other person's fault, I don't think I can, it was something unforgiveable so why should I have to be the one forgiving, and a host of other thoughts that will keep you mentally and spiritually bound to a situation your mind and soul needs to move away from. It isn't always easy but is more powerful than imaginable if forgiveness is practiced, a clear set free that you have been craving but didn't realize how to have it.
Does all this sound easy to say but much too hard to actually do? If so, I highly recommend you read Michelle Wadleigh's powerful, simple to understand, and effective guide. It is written in easy to understand, compassionate manner to encourage you to rid yourself of the overwhelming side effects of unforgiving and being able to restore your peace of mind by breaking the chains. While it is Christian based, it is also just as effective for anyone and everyone who seeks to learn how to forgive, how to move on with their life, and how to finally have peace replace bitterness.
We all experience injustice and with this beautiful study, we can learn how to experience the peace of forgiveness.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book through GoodReads First Read program.

This book was painful to read. I do forgive the author for writing it, and I forgive myself for taking the time out of my reading schedule to read it.

First, the author backs away from God. Instead of taking a stand and talking about how God forgives us through Jesus, the author attempts to make her book desirable by removing God. She substitutes non-theological names to achieve this.

Most importantly, the book doesn't speak to people on their level but makes the reader feel like they are sitting in a philosophy class, which is taking an abstract look at the theory of forgiveness.

I looked forward to reading about forgiveness and the struggle people have with instituting it in their lives. I was very disappointed. Good idea, bad follow-through.

[Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Essentials for sharing Forgiveness by Michelle Wadleigh with me. I look forward to discovering Wadleighs insights and interpretations of forgiveness.


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[Dawn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness by Michelle Wadleigh

5 Stars

256 Pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Essentials
Release Date: November 11, 2025

Nonfiction (Adult), Self-Help, Self-Improvement

The author has taught forgiveness workshops. She explains the importance of forgiving for the sake of healing. You are forgiving to cleanse your body, mind, and soul. The forgiveness is not for the person or the action. It also does not mean you should invite the person back into your life.

I must admit some portions of the book were hard to get through. The author realizes there may be triggers and advises readers to take time and be tender to themselves. If you have been dealing with forgiveness issues especially with health issues, you may want to look into this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down. Won a paperback ARC of this title in a Goodreads giveaway. A solid read on a tricky topic, though I could have done without the religious, and particularly Christian, under- and overtones. Because of that, I don’t know that I’d recommend this to agnostic or atheist folks, or really anyone who doesn’t already read books like that. And yet, the focus of the book and the writing wasn’t bad, and I do feel that I learned a good deal about forgiveness (especially as an act) and thought about it more than I have in a while. So, mixed feelings on this one. Not bad, but not outstanding.

[Lisbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgiveness: A Workbook for Emotional and Spiritual Freedom by Michelle Wadleigh has been such an inspiring and powerful guide for my self-growth. Each morning, I complete the journaling exercises, reflecting on what I’m holding onto and consciously choosing to let it go, and I’ve already felt more peace. I like that it has me reflect and release any hate or animosity that I feel in general. Forgiveness is crucial and not only is it talking about forgiving others but it also focuses on learning how to forgive our self’s. Thank you to Goodreads for the giveaway! This book is perfect for anyone who wants to be a peace with themselves and forgiveness.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an insightful book. It truly has you look within yourself and find what you are holding on to. If you are ready to take accountability for your emotions then this book might be useful in your toolkit. It is also something that I think would be great to have as a reference. It gives such great and relatable examples that even if it’s not the exact case for you it might be close. It helps you to see where you are in the forgiveness process without judgement of self.

If you are holding on to hurt then this might be a good place to start in order to heal.

[Rhonda Fransoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful, loving, and transformative book. It is full of exercises, insights, wisdom, and truths that, once applied, will set you free from the chains of long-held blame, shame, and resentment. Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves. 🙏

[Book Bench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Built as a workbook the guide pairs a hard-won personal story with structured exercises for each stage of the journey. It's gentle and practical though the metaphysical framing will suit some seekers more than others. It's a solid pick if you want a hands-on practice rather than pure philosophy.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Helped me so much.