Marilyn N. Anderes,

National Retreat Speaker/Author

“I just finished reading Forgiven Much and wanted to commend it . . . her writing is timeless . . . most of all her story made the crucifixion and resurrection come alive to me. I know this work will help many, so I will be taking copies of her book with me on retreat ministry to offer as resources so others can experience what I have!”  

                                                                   

B. Culbertson, Licensed Professional Counselor, Bible College Professor

​“Riveting, I couldn’t put it down. Once I opened the book, I was hooked! Leslie Dean’s writing is exceptional. Dean weaves her story with attention to every detail and integrity with biblical accuracy. Her writing brings the Bible to life, it’s like reading in 3D. You feel Mary’s heart pound, her tears fill your eyes, and her moments of joy give you a sense of happiness. Mary takes you places you didn’t know you could go—like the cross. I have never read a more detailed description of what I might have seen that day, as my Savior hung on the cross. I felt like I was actually there! Forgiven Much is a message of encouragement, hope, love, and most of all GRACE.

 

Biblical History Fan,

Barnes & Noble review

​“Mary Magdalene came alive! I read this book a few years ago and loved it! Recently, I discovered the TV series, The Chosen, and I was overwhelmed at the parallels in how the character of Mary Magdalene is played in this series and how Ms. Dean wrote about her. I had to read it again and I was not disappointed. If you like The Chosen, you will love this book. It will bring the character of Mary Magdalene to a new level for you. Great book!

 

Angela Ackerson, LCSW-C

​“Dean’s writing is exceptional. She weaves her story with attention to every detail, and integrity of biblical accuracy. Her writing brings the Bible to life, it’s like reading in 3D. You feel Mary’s heart pound, her tears fill your eyes, and you experience her joy. Mary takes you places you didn’t know you could go—like the cross . . . I felt like I was there! Forgiven Much is a message filled with grace”.

 

Tom Sandoe, Tacoma, WA

​“Forgiven Much is a must read. Anyone can benefit from reading this book. Transport yourself back in time to witness the baby Jesus in the manger, to be His neighbor, to be His friend. And most of all to experience his crucifixion and resurrection! You will believe you were there—you will feel it! Some say this is a "woman's" book . . . and it most certainly is. But it's much more than that. It pierced me deeply as a man.”

 

   Georgette Forney, Co-founder,

Silent No More Awareness,

President, Anglicans for Life

​“Forgiven Much is a moving novel that takes you through great pain and profound redemption. The author’s creative genius to set the story in Biblical times allows for a surprising second half of the book. Weaving together current issues women face with wisdom from On High, makes this a novel that will have lasting value . . . I highly recommend it. Silent No More Awareness is proud to endorse this book on our website and our sister sites.” 

                       

Linda C. Hostelley, Author,

International Christian Speaker, Prophetic Artist

“I could not put this book down . . . one of the best books I have ever read. She does not shove religion down your throat but draws you in, and then you get hit with a pow from her remarkable story line!”

 

Pastor Cynthia Smith,

Church of God of Prophecy

​“Forgiven Much is written as fiction, yet is overflowing with eternal truth… Dean’s passion for the main character is personal and revealing… Her story beautifully portrays the unconditional love and acceptance of our Heavenly Father…”

                                                                                         

Jacquelyn Seldon, Executive Director, Pregnancy Care Clinic of the Eastern Shore

​“Forgiven Much is a beautifully written depiction of Christ’s extravagant love for us. Leslie writes so you feel the love of Christ wash over you as you experience the main character’s beautiful story of redemption and restoration. Forgiven Much is a reminder to each of us that there is no sin or trauma that can separate us from the love of Christ.”

                                   

Kristen Johnson, Editor

Opine Publishing

I cried, prayed, laughed, ached, and rejoiced through every page. It was a privilege to review this work; it is the

     best of its genre that I have read."                                                                            

​

Taylor Welsh, Millsboro, DE

"Forgiven Much" was recommended to me to read when I was in a dark place in my life. I was so depressed that I didn't think I could pick up a book, so I didn't. I added this book to a list of others and truly believed I would get to it sooner than I did. Months passed and I decided to pick a book at random off my reading list, and as God would have it, I chose "Forgiven Much" just a week or so before Christmas. Talk about divine timing! While the experiences may differ in detail, the feelings of rejection, shame and abandonment, the confusion and concern regarding family members who should have protected Mary, and the actions of self-destruction are all too familiar. I felt like I was right there at the first Christmas with Mary, navigating a wide range of emotions and learning how to heal parts of me that I didn't know needed healing. What a perfect read as I was preparing myself for all the "stuff" I knew I'd have to face at Christmas that I usually try to keep my distance from the rest of the year. There are so many other positive things I could say, but I think my point is made! I am amazed at Leslie Dean's knowledge of scripture and the humble obedience it must have taken to write a book that is so confronting, yet vulnerable. I think anyone can benefit from reading this book and I would recommend it to everyone.

 

Lynette Wright

Director of Outreach Ministries

​“Forgiven Much is a story of hope shared from someone who has experienced the forgiveness and restoration only God can offer… As a wounded healer, Leslie reminds us that we all have a story to tell, and that God will use it to bring healing to others who are walking where we did."

 

Norm Smith

Teacher/Software Developer

“Dean has uniquely brought the major current abuse and abortion issues to a Biblical setting.  Then and now seem merged into one seamless time…The writing is imaginative, but much more than imaginative. It is real and it is Biblical. Scripture comes alive and deepens our understanding of its practical application. A must read.

 

Amy Jefferson,

Abuse survivor

“I was astounded how Leslie was able to put into words the feelings of any abused or addicted person… It is an awesome story!... Leslie has, with God’s help, been able to give us a special gift with her writing talent. In the hands of hurting people, this book could be a life-changer . . . a life saver. AMAZING pretty much sums it up!”

 

Tracy Covey, LPC

“Dean takes abuse, abandonment, addictions, codependency, abortion, and self-loathing and weaves them into a story that helps readers understand why. Her words bring to life her despair, encourage readers that there is hope, and that hope is in Jesus Christ.” 

                                                                                                Pastor Pat Lloyd, Support & Recovery Minister               

"Leslie brilliantly weaves her life into the fabric of God's redemption story, an invitation He extends to each of us.”

​

Robin Smith,

Pastoral Counselor, Life Coach

“Well written and enthralling book! I couldn’t put it down and finished it in 4 days. Leslie Dean vividly unfolds this character’s life. It draws you into Mary’s world with clarity about what she was thinking and feeling, and how her identity was shaped by things that happened to her. There were many twists and turns as she was seeking to find relief from the shame and brokenness. She was hoping the “next thing” was her ticket to happiness, and joy. Eventually she does find what she is looking for, the One True Love. I think everyone can relate to something in this story, whether you have been in a tumultuous relationship, felt alone and betrayed, or are seeking answers to your own identity. As a Pastoral Counselor, I have already recommended this book to several people, knowing they will find themselves somewhere in Mary’s journey.”

​

Loretta McWilliams, RN, Maternal/Child Health

“Dean’s book really impressed me with her ability to portray the lead character during biblical times, and her knowledge of the Scriptures. She made the Bible come to life… and revealed how her lead character can forgive with the same depth she received it, helping others who have been rejected and abused.”

 

Matthew Morris, Salisbury, MD

“For me, this book sheds real light on the tragic happenings some women face in their lives, and the prison in which they often dwell, made up with bricks of betrayal and lies—due to physical and emotional trauma. Forgiven Much profoundly reveals the only hope they have.”

 

Felicia Warfel, Seaford, DE

“I have the privilege of knowing the author personally. This book was written out of the depth and beauty of her soul. This moving story makes clear that Jesus offers forgiveness, even for the most messed up lives. Once I started it, I could barely put it down. I’m anticipating starting the author’s next book tonight, The Making of an Orphan. Highly recommend reading this book.

​​