The truth is things happen we will never understand. When the unimaginable intrudes into our lives, colliding with our hearts, we are left choosing how to handle it. Forgiveness is not a simple issue. The way to grace is filled with challenges and confusion. Common misconceptions about nurturing healthy relationships and extending forgiveness complicate troubling situations.

The world's lies get in the way of forgiving, by promoting popular ineffective strategies like:

• Withholding forgiveness as personal power chains everyone to the problem forever.
• Pretending to "forgive and forget" allows a wrong to remain, as it festers and grows.
• The silent treatment implies agreement and accepting the unacceptable, showing a lack of caring.

Statistics show a majority of people value relationships as high priority. They recognize relational challenges need to be addressed, but their attempts haven't been successful. They would do anything to "fix" their relational breaks, but are unsure how.

The fact is we have to do something to repair our fractured relationships. Restoring relationships takes effort, determination and dedication 24/7, but the things we're doing to "fix" a broken relationship aren't working - and never will.Truthfully, the most effective way to repair relational breaks is by following a tried-and-true model, with time-tested steps that have proven to be effective.

International Speaker-Author Becky Cortino has cast the widest tent possible to plead the case for the necessity of forgiveness to repair relationships and live your best life. In her book RESTORING THE BROKEN PLACES, she provides a deep-dive into biblical principles surrounding forgiveness, presenting a fresh look at reasons common practices don't work, showing how to move toward restoring broken relationships by embracing grace to release painful bondage, to regain peace and mend broken relationships.

Readers will come away with a clear understanding of what forgiveness is and what it is not. They will be able to realize when extending grace is required and how to forgive. When they encounter a difficult situation, they will recognize an Unforgiving Spirit and love beyond it.

"Restoring the Broken Places is true to its promise and takes the reader on a journey of transformation. With deep thoughts, practical steps to walk out, and God's Word as the foundation, Becky's book is an excellent resource for those in need of giving or receiving forgiveness. We all face this dilemma, and Becky helps us figure out how to emerge victoriously from this battle." Amy Elaine Martinez, founder: Amy Elaine Ministries and Real Victory Radio

"Undeserved pain strikes us all. When unkind words or unwanted deeds hurt us, we choose whether we will move away from anger and walk toward healing. But how do we restore the broken places in our lives, especially when the grace needed to forgive deep wounds is so costly? Through biblical wisdom, thoughtful questions, and practical applications, Becky Cortino serves as an experienced guide on our journey to transformation." David Brannock, Pastor, Writer, Counselor, Greeneville, Tennessee

"Becky Cortino's Restoring the Broken Places goes a lot deeper into the spiritual side than most other books on forgiveness. Every chapter is full of scriptural references to back up her points for why it is so important to forgive, let go of resentment without masking the pain, or shortcutting the process to move from a life poisoned with unforgiveness into one set free with grace. If you have been hurt (and who hasn't?), read this book." Judy Rodman, Vocal Coach, Writer and Host of All Things Vocal blog & podcast