Stephen Cherry's Michael Ramsey Prize shortlisted Healing Agony argues that one of the most profound challenges a human being can ever face is how to forgive in the aftermath of injury, hurt or violation. This book explores the theology of forgiveness alongside a number of contemporary forgiveness stories in order to glean insights for those facing just this challenge. While God's forgiveness is revealed to be a simpler matter than is sometimes imagined, forgiveness between human beings is shown to be far more difficult, enigmatic and open-ended. This book offers a map of the rugged terrain that victims of serious harm, or those who seek to accompany them, will need to navigate if they embark on the venture of trust we call forgiveness. A Group Study guide for this title is available at http://religion.cherry.continuumbooks.com

How can we access the energy and wisdom needed to embark on the generous and healing venture of trust that we call forgiveness?

Topics of 18th century medical history covered include prenatal care, child care, epidemics, hospital care, surgery, venereal disease, spas and watering-places, psychiatric care (including "Bedlam"), quacks and quakery, medical care for the armed forces, seniors health, and death.

Nothing destroys trust like sexual betrayal. Beyond broken vows, a woman who discovers that the man she loves has been viewing pornography or having an affair must deal with devastating blows to her self-image and self-worth. She must grapple with the fact that the man she thought she knew has lied and deceived her. She may even bear the brunt of shame and judgment when the people around her find out. Drawing from her experience both as a marriage and family therapist and a woman who personally experienced the devastation of sexual betrayal, Dr. Sheri Keffer walks women impacted by betrayal through the pain and toward recovery. She explains how the trauma of betrayal affects our minds, bodies, spirits, and sexuality. She offers practical tools for dealing with emotional triggers and helps women understand the realities of sexual addiction. And she shows women how to practice self-care, develop healthy boundaries, protect themselves from abuse or manipulation, and find freedom from the burden of shame and guilt.

In a very practical way, Fr. Dwight Longenecker invites you to consider how each of the events in the lives of Jesus and Mary, represented by the mysteries of the Rosary, corresponds to an event or stage in your own life. Through stories, reflections, and prayerful meditations, you will uncover areas where you may need Christ’s healing touch, and learn how to take them to him in prayer through Our Lady. Learn to pray the Rosary for inner healing and discover a new life in Christ that is radiant, abundant, and free.

Richard Mabey is the author of numerous books on Britain's ecology, including the best-selling Flora Britannica and the Whitbread Prize-winning Gilbert White (Virginia).