What do you think?
Rate this book
Amazing Love: True Stories of the Power of Forgiveness
Corrie ten Booms amazing personal courage and her ability to share the reality of Jesus Christ have made her writings continually popular, and the Corrie ten Boom Library has become a source of inspiration for thousands of readers. Now with two new additions to the library, readers will continue to enjoy this beloved author s words of wisdom. After her release from a World War II concentration camp, Corrie traveled around the world, proclaiming the gospel. Amazing Love tells how she encountered Gods love in some of the most unlikely places during her extensive travels. The twenty-seven short vignettes tell of Corrie s post-war experiences in various parts of the world, revealing the maturity of her Christian service. This book was first published by Christian Literature Crusade in 1953 and by Revell in 1964.
122 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1953
72 people are currently reading
2279 people want to read
About the author
Corrie ten Boom
102 books1,666 followersCorrie ten Boom and her family were Christians who were active in social work in their home town of Haarlem, the Netherlands. During the Nazi occupation, they chose to act out their faith through peaceful resistance to the Nazis by active participation in the Dutch underground. They were hiding, feeding and transporting Jews and underground members hunted by the Gestapo out of the country. It is estimated they were able to save the lives of 800 Jews, in addition to protecting underground workers.
On Feb. 28, 1944, they were betrayed and Corrie and several relatives were arrested. The four Jews and two underground workers in the house at the time of the arrest were not located by the Nazis and were extricated by the underground 47 hours after they fled to the tiny hiding place (located in Corrie's room).
The ten Boom family members were separated and transferred to concentration camps. Corrie was allowed to stay with her precious sister, Betsy. Corrie's father (Casper), her sister (Betsy) and one grandchild (Kik) perished. Corrie was released in December of 1944.
These acts of heroism and sacrifice became the foundation for Corrie ten Boom's global writing and speaking career which began after she was released.
Ten Boom has received numerous awards for her writing and speaking. Notably, she was honored by the State of Israel for her work in aid of the Jewish people by being invited to plant a tree in the famous Avenue of the Righteous Gentiles, at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, near Jerusalem. She was also knighted by the Queen of the Netherlands in recognition of her work during the war, and a museum in the Dutch city of Haarlem is dedicated to her and her family.
On Feb. 28, 1944, they were betrayed and Corrie and several relatives were arrested. The four Jews and two underground workers in the house at the time of the arrest were not located by the Nazis and were extricated by the underground 47 hours after they fled to the tiny hiding place (located in Corrie's room).
The ten Boom family members were separated and transferred to concentration camps. Corrie was allowed to stay with her precious sister, Betsy. Corrie's father (Casper), her sister (Betsy) and one grandchild (Kik) perished. Corrie was released in December of 1944.
These acts of heroism and sacrifice became the foundation for Corrie ten Boom's global writing and speaking career which began after she was released.
Ten Boom has received numerous awards for her writing and speaking. Notably, she was honored by the State of Israel for her work in aid of the Jewish people by being invited to plant a tree in the famous Avenue of the Righteous Gentiles, at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, near Jerusalem. She was also knighted by the Queen of the Netherlands in recognition of her work during the war, and a museum in the Dutch city of Haarlem is dedicated to her and her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
January 20, 2019
Boy, did I need this. I cried and prayed as I read it on so many late, heart-broken nights. Corrie writes with such humility, authority, and simple truth. Two of biggest things that stuck out at me as I read was the fact that we are fighting from a place of victory and the power of forgiveness . . . I really needed the reminders throughout this book, both practical and spiritual. I highlighted too many quotes to share here.
December 15, 2021
After surviving the concentration camp, Corrie ten Boom toured the world, telling her family's story and preaching the power of forgiveness. She was invited everywhere, and often when she wasn't addressing a crowd, someone in her host's family or hometown was asking her advice on how to be reconciled with estranged family and neighbors. Because of her experiences, people caught up in these conflicts were often too ashamed not to at least hear her out, and many acted on her advice.
This book is a collection of those experiences: Two-page stories of people choosing to forgive each other, choosing to take on the responsibility of learning how. ten Boom is open about her own failings as an untrained de facto counselor in these situations, as well as about her own struggles to forgive when her travels brought her into conversation with former Nazis. Her writing style is plain and straightforward, almost like diary entries written with an eye toward public consumption. The stories are moving and deeply involved with ten Boom's Christian faith, which is the source she credits for the ability to forgive and sustain forgiveness. Historically interesting and perhaps motivating for anyone mired in interpersonal conflict.
This book is a collection of those experiences: Two-page stories of people choosing to forgive each other, choosing to take on the responsibility of learning how. ten Boom is open about her own failings as an untrained de facto counselor in these situations, as well as about her own struggles to forgive when her travels brought her into conversation with former Nazis. Her writing style is plain and straightforward, almost like diary entries written with an eye toward public consumption. The stories are moving and deeply involved with ten Boom's Christian faith, which is the source she credits for the ability to forgive and sustain forgiveness. Historically interesting and perhaps motivating for anyone mired in interpersonal conflict.
January 26, 2025
Having read The Hiding Place, I expected great things from this book. But it is small and unassuming.
I will say that she got some of her theology a bit muddled. Christians cannot be possessed by demons but oppressed: the Holy Spirit indwells those who are in Christ and darkness flees from Him. Also, salvation does not mean simply saying “yes” to Jesus. It involves recognizing one’s sin and depravity, humbling oneself, and crying out for salvation from the Savior, Jesus.
I will say that she got some of her theology a bit muddled. Christians cannot be possessed by demons but oppressed: the Holy Spirit indwells those who are in Christ and darkness flees from Him. Also, salvation does not mean simply saying “yes” to Jesus. It involves recognizing one’s sin and depravity, humbling oneself, and crying out for salvation from the Savior, Jesus.
October 24, 2025
The faith that this woman possessed is so simple and profound. Nothing about this book is highly theological, but it was simple and full of power. I think it's one of the most precious books I've read this year. Several times I had to wipe tears away just realizing the simplicity of how she lived her life - if God said it, He will do it - and realizing how jumbled up I've made my own faith sometimes.
Not the best written book I've ever read, and some of the stories stopped before I wanted them to, but I found when I really thought about it that I liked it better that way. She doesn't consider herself to be a greatly intelligent person, or profound. She just trusts God that He will use her in His way - with her limitations. What an inspiration. May I be the same.
Not the best written book I've ever read, and some of the stories stopped before I wanted them to, but I found when I really thought about it that I liked it better that way. She doesn't consider herself to be a greatly intelligent person, or profound. She just trusts God that He will use her in His way - with her limitations. What an inspiration. May I be the same.
May 13, 2011
“Amazing Love,” by Corrie Ten Boom. This dear sweet lady wrote about her experiences and travels after living in the horrors of the concentration camps during World War II. She shares different stories of different people as well as cultures and the beautiful thread of God’s amazing love that was able to touch each person.
I do want to say just a few words about the narrarator, Nadia May. She has the warmest voice! I melted right into the book as Ms. May began to speak. Her accent is lovely and she is very easy to understand. I truly hope to hear more books narrarated by her in the future!
Growing up, I read Corrie’s book, “The Hiding Place,” for a book report and was so horrified at the trials that this woman had to endure. To have been able to listen to her story now, years later, and the intense love that our Heavenly Father had for this woman, a humble watchmaker, it brought new revelation of what a wonderful God we serve. Instead of allowing herself to become embittered, she made the choice to allow the love of God to shine through her life.
I was so pleased to listen to the different people that Corrie was able to touch with the love of God! Inmates in various prison cells, Hollywood stars, and even the very people who had abused her and her sister in the concentration camps. She chose the high road, to love, not to hate.
Corrie Ten Boom by far is one of the most inspirational people I have ever read about. Her simple faith will challenge you to move beyond the limitations that we have been taught to place within our own lives. She does not judge, but she does pose a challenge to live out the love of God, rather than just talk about it. She has a very timely message for the culture and society in which we live in today. I hope you will consider adding this book to your collection!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from ChristianAudio.com, book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I do want to say just a few words about the narrarator, Nadia May. She has the warmest voice! I melted right into the book as Ms. May began to speak. Her accent is lovely and she is very easy to understand. I truly hope to hear more books narrarated by her in the future!
Growing up, I read Corrie’s book, “The Hiding Place,” for a book report and was so horrified at the trials that this woman had to endure. To have been able to listen to her story now, years later, and the intense love that our Heavenly Father had for this woman, a humble watchmaker, it brought new revelation of what a wonderful God we serve. Instead of allowing herself to become embittered, she made the choice to allow the love of God to shine through her life.
I was so pleased to listen to the different people that Corrie was able to touch with the love of God! Inmates in various prison cells, Hollywood stars, and even the very people who had abused her and her sister in the concentration camps. She chose the high road, to love, not to hate.
Corrie Ten Boom by far is one of the most inspirational people I have ever read about. Her simple faith will challenge you to move beyond the limitations that we have been taught to place within our own lives. She does not judge, but she does pose a challenge to live out the love of God, rather than just talk about it. She has a very timely message for the culture and society in which we live in today. I hope you will consider adding this book to your collection!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from ChristianAudio.com, book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
May 29, 2023
Good content. Sort of excellent DLC for `the hiding place', or just a really helpful book on forgiveness, depending on how you decide to see it.
November 15, 2025
Short stories illustrating God's love and how He teaches us to love others.
June 18, 2020
Wonderful book about her Christian ministry teaching the gospel around the world after WWII.
September 8, 2024
Classic faith work by Corrie ten Boom. Also an interesting look at post-war life and faith.
August 6, 2024
Such a humble, bold, inspiring person to read from.
November 8, 2021
This is my second book by Corrie Ten Boom after her story, The Hiding Place." "Amazing Love" consists of 27 short accounts of experiences she had while bringing Christ to others around the world - from Sing Sing to Bermuda.
I appreciated that several times she was the one learning the lesson and, as before, I was impressed by her simple faith and her strong convictions that challenge me in my own faith.
I appreciated that several times she was the one learning the lesson and, as before, I was impressed by her simple faith and her strong convictions that challenge me in my own faith.
August 8, 2023
Beautiful reminder of Gods faithfulness, but I had no idea how charismatic her theology was. A lot of what she said was concerning.
July 14, 2020
What joy to find corrie wrote more books. This was a collection of vignettes that showed how she spread the gospel to all people, whether in Germany, Holland, America, to the college student, professor, refugee, former Nazi...
The same reason that drew me to her in her seminal memoir exists here. Corrie doesn't present abstract faith but shows a lived in, moment-by-moment walk of faith. This doesn't mean that God's presence is any less miraculous but it means that we cannot forego the earthy reality of being human creatures. How do I say this? It's that I find it incredible that she exists and lives in the midst of one of the most devastating abominations of the 20th century and she continues to walk by the same faith afterward as she steps into civil society again. What a powerful testimony. Especially seeing her address very practical doubts that Christians have as well as developing the deeper aspects of faith, one that goes beyond just the prayer of salvation.
Particularly striking was the continual message that i keep noticing in these Christian memoirs i'm reading– the importance of not knowing about God but *knowing* Him. The chocolate sermon really brought this point home. Also how God transcends and provides a way for all situations, whether it is all-consuming hatred or epistemological barriers.
The same reason that drew me to her in her seminal memoir exists here. Corrie doesn't present abstract faith but shows a lived in, moment-by-moment walk of faith. This doesn't mean that God's presence is any less miraculous but it means that we cannot forego the earthy reality of being human creatures. How do I say this? It's that I find it incredible that she exists and lives in the midst of one of the most devastating abominations of the 20th century and she continues to walk by the same faith afterward as she steps into civil society again. What a powerful testimony. Especially seeing her address very practical doubts that Christians have as well as developing the deeper aspects of faith, one that goes beyond just the prayer of salvation.
Particularly striking was the continual message that i keep noticing in these Christian memoirs i'm reading– the importance of not knowing about God but *knowing* Him. The chocolate sermon really brought this point home. Also how God transcends and provides a way for all situations, whether it is all-consuming hatred or epistemological barriers.
December 4, 2025
I recently had the opportunity to discuss The Hiding Place, Corrie’s most known book during one of my residency interviews. My interviewer, a 70+ year-old female physician, had not only read the book but had listened to and met Corrie on one of her ventures to share the Gospel to a dying world. This physician recalled with great detail the remarkable fervor Corrie had to love others, not only the people of God, but those who had mocked and tortured her in concentration camps during WWII, and this was evident throughout the many testimonies in this short book.
“When we read the Bible we should never use as our guide the wisdom of men or the standards of our own reason.”
“If, after having been forgiven for a sin, we are still worrying about it, even for five minutes more, we are robbing both Him and ourselves of much joy… The devil makes us conscious of sin. The Spirit of God makes us conscious of sin, and then conscious of victory.”
“We rob the work of Jesus Christ of its efficacy, and we stand powerless before the adversary, because we doubt the integrity of the Word of God.”
“When we read the Bible we should never use as our guide the wisdom of men or the standards of our own reason.”
“If, after having been forgiven for a sin, we are still worrying about it, even for five minutes more, we are robbing both Him and ourselves of much joy… The devil makes us conscious of sin. The Spirit of God makes us conscious of sin, and then conscious of victory.”
“We rob the work of Jesus Christ of its efficacy, and we stand powerless before the adversary, because we doubt the integrity of the Word of God.”
February 4, 2025
I have been increasingly disappointed in the Corrie ten Bom books I have read lately. While her stories are amazing and inspiring, her presentation of the gospel is lacking. While repentance is absolutely necessary for salvation, very few of her presentations even mention it. According to her stories, we simply have to believe and "accept Jesus into our heart." I hate to say anything negative about this amazing lady who suffered much in concentration camps during WW2, but this needs to be said so that people are not deceived. Also, I was encouraged to see that at least one other reviewer also pointed this out.
January 8, 2024
This was a great little book ♥️ it was like a shortened version of her "Tramp for the Lord", with a few repeated stories and a few new ones. I liked TFTL more because I felt like she went more in depth, but as soon as I thought that the chapters began to get a little longer and have more meat. I think for both books the forward to this one says it best: It's not that you meet Corrie, it's that you meet Corrie's Christ. I prayed through this book, I hundred for the Word, and teared up with joy at Jesus's victory. So grateful a friend recommended it!
April 25, 2024
"You do want to enjoy the resurrection life with Christ, but you refuse to be crucified with Him daily and to die unto self. The result is not only that you lead a poverty-stricken spiritual life, with little in it of the victory of Christ, but that this bleeding, perishing world is minus one more intercessor.
Do awaken and see the reality of this truth.
Give up your life for Christ's sake, and you will save it. Sanctification is not a burden, but a blessed release."
Do awaken and see the reality of this truth.
Give up your life for Christ's sake, and you will save it. Sanctification is not a burden, but a blessed release."
December 21, 2023
Corrie ten Boom is the spiritual grandma I’ve always wanted.
She makes you feel your spiritual standards are too high, then you feel they are too low, then you realize you need new standards altogether.
She makes you feel your spiritual standards are too high, then you feel they are too low, then you realize you need new standards altogether.
January 28, 2025
I loved reading Corrie’s insights. The short book has many short chapters with anecdotes from her ministry post-WWII (and concentration camp). What struck me most is her childlike faith and constant prayer. What a hero of the faith.
November 27, 2022
Absolutely amazing.
November 3, 2023
10/5 stars!! What an amazing writer Corrie is. She provides numerous illustrations in life that help to understand deeper concepts. I want every one of her books!
January 11, 2024
Encouraging and uplifting to see the hand of God at work through broken people and difficult circumstances.
March 15, 2024
I want what she had.
February 10, 2025
An enjoyable, easy read. Full of little stories and testimonies that encourage and challenge.
December 28, 2025
perfect snowy day read! Corrie Ten Boom wrote straight from the heart, so her books are always powerful.
September 11, 2025
Corrie Ten Boom reminds us in this collection of stories just how simple the Gospel is... and that it is our human nature to make it more complicated than necessary.
June 17, 2016
Corrie Ten Boom always has such keen insights. I loved these quotes, "At Ravensbruck I had had good training in casting all my care and burden upon Him; for He careth for you" (I Peter 5:7). My suitcase of cares was full to the brim, and when I emptied it before the Lord I prayed, "Lord, here they are; help me now to leave them with Thee and continue my way unburdened." What a great image of useless carrying around heavy burdens.
And my favorite, "Jesus does not patch things up. He renews."
It is a fairly quick read. It is not one of my favorites of hers but if you want some light inspirational reading this is the ticket.
And my favorite, "Jesus does not patch things up. He renews."
It is a fairly quick read. It is not one of my favorites of hers but if you want some light inspirational reading this is the ticket.
December 15, 2022
This is a review of Amazing Love by Corrie Ten Boom. The edition of this book was printed in 1985, and was published by Christian Literature Crusade in Fort Washington, PA. This is one of the shortest and most unique reads from Corrie Ten Boom.
At just a little over 111 pages, this short read from Corrie is made up of chapter after chapter of short stories. Each chapter is roughly two pages long, and equates to about 27 short stories or chapters. This read, unlike The Hiding Place and Tramp for the Lord, does not tell a story where one chapter connects to the other. Rather, this short read follows short reflective challenges and encouragements from the life, ministry, and experiences of Corrie Ten Boom.
I think there is some great stories and reflections in Amazing Love, but it is certainly my least favorite read from Corrie Ten Boom. Her other books have shown off her story and the theological, missional, and experiential depth that stemmed as a result of her journey. This book, Amazing Love, just does not witness in the same way as her other books, to her miraculous dependence on the Spirit of God, nor does it feature as many challenging takeaways for me. That critique being identified, should not insinuate that this book was a regrettable read. As a light read, Amazing Love carries beautiful stories and challenging reflections. I agree with Norman P. Grubb, in the Foreword of Amazing Love, that Corrie Ten Boom, a worldwide, troubadour of Christ, shares with readers in this book, “all the vividness of first-hand experience, contacts and conversations with all sorts in camps and jails, with actresses and students, with sophisticated and illiterate.” As he says, in this book we see the way her faith has made her wise and winning at commending Jesus to so many.
This book, Amazing Love, will challenge readers to see the way that God love’s amazingly encounters us, transforms us, and ultimately works through us. Each story challenges us to live out a life walking with the Spirit of God. Corrie Ten Boom remarks, that we “should not try to be anything but an open channel for the Spirit of God. You never can be anything else, even though you may think so at times. Follow the pathway of obedience, and you will be used by God far beyond your own powers.” That simple statement captures Corrie’s faith, faith journey, and the way God has been able to use her over the years. I recommend this read for those looking for short reflections on a life lived well in step with the Spirit of God.
At just a little over 111 pages, this short read from Corrie is made up of chapter after chapter of short stories. Each chapter is roughly two pages long, and equates to about 27 short stories or chapters. This read, unlike The Hiding Place and Tramp for the Lord, does not tell a story where one chapter connects to the other. Rather, this short read follows short reflective challenges and encouragements from the life, ministry, and experiences of Corrie Ten Boom.
I think there is some great stories and reflections in Amazing Love, but it is certainly my least favorite read from Corrie Ten Boom. Her other books have shown off her story and the theological, missional, and experiential depth that stemmed as a result of her journey. This book, Amazing Love, just does not witness in the same way as her other books, to her miraculous dependence on the Spirit of God, nor does it feature as many challenging takeaways for me. That critique being identified, should not insinuate that this book was a regrettable read. As a light read, Amazing Love carries beautiful stories and challenging reflections. I agree with Norman P. Grubb, in the Foreword of Amazing Love, that Corrie Ten Boom, a worldwide, troubadour of Christ, shares with readers in this book, “all the vividness of first-hand experience, contacts and conversations with all sorts in camps and jails, with actresses and students, with sophisticated and illiterate.” As he says, in this book we see the way her faith has made her wise and winning at commending Jesus to so many.
This book, Amazing Love, will challenge readers to see the way that God love’s amazingly encounters us, transforms us, and ultimately works through us. Each story challenges us to live out a life walking with the Spirit of God. Corrie Ten Boom remarks, that we “should not try to be anything but an open channel for the Spirit of God. You never can be anything else, even though you may think so at times. Follow the pathway of obedience, and you will be used by God far beyond your own powers.” That simple statement captures Corrie’s faith, faith journey, and the way God has been able to use her over the years. I recommend this read for those looking for short reflections on a life lived well in step with the Spirit of God.
June 12, 2025
These daily snippets vary from warm and rich in the Gospel to worksy and condemning. There's lots theologically where I'd differ to Corrie, at least in emphasis. But I think her tone in the final chapters was very strong, even using the term 'wicked' to describe people who haven't 'surrendered all' to Christ, and a very strong emphasis on making sure you'll be found to be faithful on that final day. This, for me, switches the focus on to me and what I'm doing in response to the Gospel and away from Jesus and the Gospel. Corrie was a wonderful woman of faith, with a remarkable story and testimony to God's faithfulness. And some of these chapters really do warm your heart to Jesus. But as I've said, some heap burdens and guilt, and chip away at a Christian's Gospel assurance. I know she cared deeply about evangelism and mission work, but it sometimes feels like if people weren't doing as she did and giving up everything and living 'wholeheartedly' for Jesus, as she sees it, that they aren't being faithful Christians and may not even be secure in their salvation.
I wanted more time spent looking up to Jesus rather than looking within. Because if I look within, I'll only either be discouraged and condemned or full of pride and self-righteousness. I just needed more Gospel hope.
That being said, some chapters did exactly that and were incredibly heart-warming. But I can't recommend this book, because some chapters do the opposite. I'd recommend reading The Hiding Place, if you haven't already.
Her closing words were fab though:
'Where am I exactly?
Already, at this moment, I am in Him.
And underneath me are His eternal arms.'
I wanted more time spent looking up to Jesus rather than looking within. Because if I look within, I'll only either be discouraged and condemned or full of pride and self-righteousness. I just needed more Gospel hope.
That being said, some chapters did exactly that and were incredibly heart-warming. But I can't recommend this book, because some chapters do the opposite. I'd recommend reading The Hiding Place, if you haven't already.
Her closing words were fab though:
'Where am I exactly?
Already, at this moment, I am in Him.
And underneath me are His eternal arms.'
June 15, 2020
Corrie seems like such and authentic soul. This compilation of short stories on her adventures telling people about Jesus is inspiring. She speaks so plainly but with such depth and conviction and uses stories and analogies to make things clear. Like those that fall away from the faith soon after their conversion-this is like a mom who comes into her boy sleeping on the floor next to his bed. She asks him what he is doing and he says he fell out and she asks how? He says well, I started asleep to close to where I started. In this way many who come to Christ then do not move into maturity and easily “fall out of the bed” so to speak.
Her prayer life and faith shine through everything she does. Her ministry to prisoners, refugees, and the developmentally disabled is especially humbling.
Where am I exactly? Already, at this moment, I am in Him. And already around me are His eternal arms
Her prayer life and faith shine through everything she does. Her ministry to prisoners, refugees, and the developmentally disabled is especially humbling.
Where am I exactly? Already, at this moment, I am in Him. And already around me are His eternal arms
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews