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Women of Hope #4

The Forgiving Hour

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"Break out the tissues. I loved The Forgiving Hour and so will you." — Francine Rivers, International Bestselling Author***Twelve years ago, Claire Porter thought her entire life was over when she learned that her husband, Dave, was having an affair with a young college student. Following their divorce, Claire started over, including changing back to her maiden name of Conway.Claire now feels pretty good about her accomplishments. She has raised a wonderful son, Dakota; enjoys her work; and finally has a new love. When Dakota informs her that he is engaged, she looks forward to meeting his fiancée, even as she wonders if 31-year-old Sara Jennings is too old for her "little" six-foot-plus boy.Secrets never stay buried long, and only God can help Claire find forgiveness when betrayal comes back to haunt her.

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1999

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863 people want to read

About the author

Robin Lee Hatcher

120 books3,254 followers
Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog.

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5 stars
1,219 (61%)
4 stars
498 (25%)
3 stars
196 (9%)
2 stars
36 (1%)
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24 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
Profile Image for Lu Bielefeld .
4,304 reviews638 followers
November 24, 2017
I didn't know the work of the author, and I was surprised positively.
The story holds your attention from start to finish, but I confess that not everyone will like it because of the Christian reference in all scenes.
The journey of a wife cheated and abandoned by her husband with a young son.
She was devastated and left with the financial life ruined and having to start from scratch.
Her son grows up and becomes a wonderful adult and Christian but by bringing the fiancée to be meeting his mother discovers that she was his father's mistress and the cataclysm at the end of the marriage of his parents.
How to overcome and to forgive and how to accept the will of God for our Christian journey.
I confess that I could never accept and which I might even forgive but never forget and I stay away from these people. I still have a lot to evolve as a human being and a Christian.
I recommend to those who enjoy Christian readings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Paula Stiles.
41 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2018
Ew. This book is gross. It's written well enough from a technical standpoint, though the plot really drags, but the entire premise is icky. Basically, a man cheats on his wife with a college student, then ditches her and their young son. The wife is filled with resentment, especially when he also screws her financially in the divorce and never pays child support.

Flash forward a few years and the young son gets a call from his bio dad's new wife, saying he's died of cancer. Around this time, the son also meets a lovely somewhat-older woman...who just happens to be his dad's old lover.

Now, the premise is, frankly, ridiculous in the first place, but it could work as tragedy in the hands of a really good writer. Hatcher is only a reasonably decent writer, so what you get is moldy soap opera, instead.

The biggest problem is that the wife/mother is portrayed as bitter and hostile because she can't bring herself to forgive either her husband or the Other Woman, especially when the Other Woman shows up years later to get her hooks into her son. Excuse me, but forgiveness is a very different thing from being a doormat. The latter is what the author seems to think it is.

Also, girlfriend, there are tens of millions of young men out there. Surely, you can find one who *isn't* the son of the guy whose marriage you broke up. I mean, you helped destroy this boy's childhood. Come on. Have some self-respect.

In addition, after the husband dies, the son quickly forgives him after some warmed-over drivel from Daddy's new wife about how Daddy "had regrets," but somehow never found the time in the ensuing eight years to reach out to his old family. Part of seeking absolution is making amends, which the cowardly old dog made absolutely no attempt to do, ever. Yet, the book never digs into this meaty source for dramatic conflict, wafting off instead onto some fake feel-good stuff about "the log in your eye" and so on.

The double-standard is just amazing. The wife and even the Other Woman are berated by other characters for being too angry, while the husband who caused all of this emotional carnage is posthumously let off the hook with some "Oh, but he meant well at the end" nonsense. If this is a signal example of "Christian" fiction, I'll pass on any more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cindy aka "The Book Fairy".
714 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2025
What an amazing book! It really make me think of Corrie ten Boom even with the forgiveness theme very prevalent although for entirely different circumstances as this involved an affair. It was quite powerful as one would ponder how to resolve such an utterly awkward situation as presented in this story. It is stated that it isn't a true story as such but that she has experienced this within her own marriage. I often find that even with a fiction story, the inspiration often stems from some event not just imagined but may originated loosely from.

She wrote about how with the Lord, not only forgiveness but a restoration is possible if we let him help with the process. Anger and bitterness will only destroy the one not forgiving, but many relationships.....and that's not just even a spiritual truths but a scientific conclusion. Forgiveness doesn't excuse nor wipe out consequences as such but we don't want it to poison ourselves.

Yet again, Robin has wrote another excellent story that will stay with me for a long time. A one well worth recommending :)
Profile Image for Joleen.
2,658 reviews1,227 followers
December 3, 2018
The Forgiving Hour begins with a shocking revelation, then goes back in time for the many events leading up to that moment. We see lives changed because of careless, avoidable sin. We see guilt and bitterness, and what that does, not only to individuals, but to those around them.

However, the book is not all like that. There are many lovely storylines of the changed lives for those who’ve come to Christ. The gospel is shared in a gripping way and there are radically changed hearts.

However, the ultimate betrayal can be hard for even a believer to get beyond. But Christ is the ultimate example of love and forgiveness and deep healing.

***********************************************

This book was raw, and often earthy with subject matter not suitable for children. But for a teenager thinking that there's no harm in giving herself to someone, this might be a great read. There are unimaginable consequences for our actions, but an escape is offered, and God gives wisdom for those who seek it.

Personally I liked the book. I had a hard time putting it down. The topic of an extra-marital relationship is the basis for much of the book, but nothing is explicit. The affair is uppermost in the lives of two main characters, so mentioned a lot.

This was a very different book for Ms. Hatcher, but clearly it was an important issue to her. Lots of scripture showed how important it is to God, too.

I’m ready for a lighter read now.
21 reviews15 followers
June 1, 2016
The book was well written and the storyline good. I did like the message of forgiveness and moving forward. I just couldn't get past the ick factor of the fiancée having slept with her boyfriends father.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dana .
254 reviews14 followers
June 1, 2016
Such a hard concept to convey...

Forgiveness is so hard portray in print, even harder in life. Yet Robin has crafted a path through the darkness. She has laid out everything I needed to understand about letting go of the past and letting God guide my future. Thank you. I needed this book.
Profile Image for Robin Hatcher.
Author 120 books3,254 followers
Read
July 18, 2016
This novel is one that lingers in my heart all of these years later. I remember so well the morning I awoke after dreaming the opening scene. Even more, I remember the lessons God taught me so many years before about real forgiveness and the importance of it, for ourselves and for those whom we forgive.

The Forgiving Hour was my first book for the Christian market, my first women's fiction, my first hardcover release, and my first contemporary story after writing 25 historical romances for the general mass market. And it amazes me to this day how often it is listed among readers' favorites.
1,247 reviews23 followers
June 21, 2009
This book was a page turner. I couldn't read it fast enough to see how the story would evolve. The characters were personable and it was easy to identify with how they were feeling. Claire was trying to get over the betrayal of her husband and also accept christ into her life and learn to forgive yet at every turn it is thrown in her face with the arrival of her son's fiance and her husbands lover being one and the same person. Wow! unbelievable, yet what a plot thickener.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tanya.
445 reviews9 followers
January 9, 2025
Beautiful!!

OH MY GOODNESS!! BEAUTIFUL STORY!!

Robin Lee Hatcher is one of my favorite writers! Every book I've read from her pulls me right in, and I don't want to stop reading it. I've been up too late reading a few nights now. 😉

This book was a beautiful story of forgiveness and also of how God talks with us and wants us to guide us and how we sometimes let our emotions take over. The first page pulled me into the story, and I genuinely cared about the characters and their lives. I will be thinking about this story long after reading it.

I highly recommend this book and Robin's books. She has such a gift for writing, and I'm glad she's sharing her gift with us readers.
Profile Image for DianFlow.
436 reviews43 followers
March 8, 2014

Truly An Unforgettable Novel!




In The Forgiving Hour, Robin Lee Hatcher has penned a gripping, riveting novel of betrayal and forgiveness, and the consequences of sin as far reaching as ripples in a stream.




Claire Porter is content with her life as a housewife and mother. In her comfortable home in Boise, Idaho, surrounded by tulips and daffodils, her 12 year old son, Dakota, and a handsome husband, what more could she ask for? Although not a Christian, Claire prides herself in being a good, loyal wife who doesn't nag her husband, even if he does occasionally come home late and is temperamental at times. She is simply glad this handsome man chose her to be his life-long partner—until that fateful day she ventures into a dark pizza parlor and her near perfect life is turned upside down forever.




Now years later, Claire's grown son brings home his fiancée, Sara Jennings, who by a cruel twist of fate just happens to have been instrumental in the disintegration of her marriage. Claire's bitterness and lack of forgiveness towards Sara threaten to destroy Dakota's newfound happiness and that of his lovely fiancée; and a new love that is blooming in her own life as well. But surely no one would expect Claire to forgive this home-wrecker…not even God. Or would He…?




This book was absolutely amazing to say the least and I devoured it in two nights! I literally had a hard time putting it down as this spellbinding, powerful story played out, and I experienced a gamut of emotions throughout. I was impressed at how well the author intertwined Claire's and Sara's point of view so that the reader could sympathize and understand both of these extraordinary women. And yes, surprising as it may seem, Sara was extraordinary! This is a compelling story of broken relationships, redemption, and the healing power of God's love that will melt the reader's heart; revealing how we, too, can be transformed and set free by the power of forgiveness.




**Note to readers: Robin Lee Hatcher told me that this is the first book she wrote when she switched from writing secular fiction to Christian fiction, and for that reason it is very special to her. It also happens to be a favorite amongst her many reader fans. We are so glad Robin made the "switch!"
Profile Image for Mary Baker.
2,138 reviews55 followers
October 16, 2022
I liked this novel once I got used to the switching back and forth between Claire and Sara's points of view. The plot of the story touched me and encouraged me to continue reading to see how the actions of the characters worked out. I have read books by this author for several years now and expect to enjoy her books. I thought the idea behind the story was ambitious and well-handled.
869 reviews28 followers
August 9, 2020
This book is very well-written. It caught my attention and held it all the way through. The author did a very good job of keeping my attention as I wondered whether Claire would ever be able to forgive. I know I would have had a hard time, in her situation. Forgiveness is explained very well, as well as the results of unforgiveness and hatred.
Profile Image for Wendy Myers.
3 reviews
June 9, 2022
powerful

Wonderful story of God’s grace and forgiveness Very captivating book that kept me reading. Made you think if you could forgive like this.
Author 1 book69 followers
August 30, 2020
Claire (Porter) Conway has raised a wonderful son, Dakota; enjoys her work; and finally has a new love. When Dakota informs her that he is engaged, she looks forward to meeting his fiancée, even as she wonders if 31-year-old Sara Jennings is too old for her "little" six-foot-plus boy. Secrets never stay buried long, and only God can help Claire find forgiveness when betrayal comes back to haunt her.

Claire, happy and content, until she caught her husband (Dave) cheating. Unrepentive, he leaves.

I enjoyed the bible verses throughout the story; characters working out their faith. Claire, with God's help, struggled to move forward, at a slow pace, but still forward. This story is about emotions, heartaches and getting through them. It's also a romance story, not only earthly but heavenly as well.
Profile Image for Pearl Pridham .
66 reviews6 followers
September 23, 2021
Forgiveness–a theme of humanity
Forgiveness has always been a human theme. From the story of Adam and Eve on, the need of forgiveness has been central. The moment we err, that little elf called ‘conscience’ whispers in our ear. When we ban him from our presence, we suffer consequences. So does everyone around.

As humans, we crave to be forgiven, but we also have to learn to forgive. It’s a two-way street. Hanging onto resentment makes a person miserable, and also affects everyone around.

Can she find freedom from the stranglehold of bitterness?
Forgiveness is a human theme. Robin Lee Hatcher expertly plays out the theme of forgiveness in this novel of the lives of a woman and her son. They have been betrayed. They suffer years of resulting consequences and misery. Have they been permanently trapped in bitterness, or will they rise above it?

What do you feel about forgiveness?
What would be the hardest thing for you to forgive? How would you be able to forgive? The Forgiving Hour reflects some of the author’s own path to forgiveness. Not at all easy to forgive some things, but so emancipating.

Why I chose this book.
I received a free copy of this book via a one-day promotional Kindle e-book offer that the author gave her Facebook friends. Thank you, Robin! I loved it. Not only is the theme universal and vital to changing lives, the writing is beautiful. Emotions are felt and settings are seen through the views of characters. I love your writing style.

The plotline begins with the inciting incident when the main character is an adult, then goes back to where it all began years before in her teens. At the end we see the final result of the storyline. Readers see through the points of view of several characters, each of whom have subplots. It works very well. There is a prologue, seven parts, and an epilogue, totaling a little over 300 pages.

The author had previously referred me to this book to show me an example of the plotline of one of her most successful books. The reason she told me about it is because the novel I’ve been working on myself has a similar plotline. So glad to see how well it played out in The Forgiving Hour. Now to emulate her vivid writing style! Thank you for this bit of mentoring. It means a lot to me as a greenhorn novelist.

To learn more about the author and her books, visit www.robinleehatcher.com.
Profile Image for Dawn.
153 reviews9 followers
October 11, 2021
Anytime a book has the word “forgive” in the title the reader can probably expect to shed a few tears. I did, anyway. I loved how the author used the Bible and it’s truths to woo the characters to Christ. This wasn’t just a fluff book with a vague reference to Christianity. This book illustrates how important the Bible is when we are searching for answers in our own lives.
10 reviews
October 11, 2021
Truly forgiving

A story all about sin and the marvelous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. It's also about forgiving others as Christ forgives us. Well written.
Profile Image for Jennifer Cagle.
778 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2020
Totally awesome book!

This book was intensely moving, loving and heartfelt. It changed me as a person. I will definitely be reading more by this author. Beautiful Christian story!
942 reviews7 followers
October 9, 2021
When two strangers met at church they don't know that they have a past

When Sara met a man at church they didn't know that her past would bring them together but they proved love concerns all
Profile Image for Robert Ruesch.
Author 4 books6 followers
September 30, 2021
Robin Lee Hatcher is an excellent story teller. Better than that, is her way of bringing into focus the Biblical truths of life. The Forgiving Hour, is an “A+” of a read. If you only read one book this year, this is the book of choice.
Well done, deep depth of characters, a plot that keeps on going and going.
I felt my time invested in reading The Forgiving Hour paid theological dividends to me.
Thank you, Robin, for this book.
Profile Image for Sylvia Joseph.
136 reviews3 followers
July 22, 2020
Trusting A Mighty God

Wonderful novel of faith, love, temptation heartache, troubled marriage, unloved son, misgivings, young love, disillusioned ,teenagers,redeption, marriage, understanding, forgiveness,all these things out together makes a great story, that anyone can enjoy. I recommend it to anyone.
Profile Image for Edwina Cowgill.
323 reviews54 followers
May 21, 2020
Incredible Story

This is an incredible story of the ultimate betrayal with a plot twist that caught me off guard. It is a story of how we are to forgive out of obedience to God, even when we don’t feel like we can forgive. it is a story of redemption, God’s grace and mercy and His unconditional love for each of us. It is an emotional story and one that will change your life. I highly recommend this book!

I received this book for free and the opinion expressed here is my own.
152 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2020
A Heartwarming Story of Forgiveness

The characters truly come tomorrow in this book. I’m sure many others can identify with some of the pain involved in the story. What surprised me, was that this book made me feel very close to God and I found myself stopping to thank or praise Him for something many times while I read. It’s true that God does take our messes and turn them into joy. It doesn’t happen overnight, but you can look back and reflect on His healing and restoration later on. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
6 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2020
A Lesson Well Taught

The characters and their problems are relatable and reflect issues with peoples' faith and problems that they must deal with. The author did not preach to the reader , but taught by example. Using chacters' thoughts, the author This is a book that stays with you- that as each of us continue thru life and experience issues with God , we learn and apply what God tells us in the Bible.
827 reviews3 followers
June 27, 2020
Poignant story of heartache, betrayal and forgiveness.

Poignant story of heartache, betrayal and forgiveness all through the amazing power of God. Characters are realistic. Enjoyed their journeys to faith and determination to obey God although some took longer to submit. Well worth the read
Profile Image for Patty.
675 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2020
What a wonderful book about love, betrayal, and anger, and about God’s love and forgiveness — His forgiveness of us and of our need to forgive others!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews

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