Forgiveness is not simply the absolving of an enemy, or one who has done us wrong. Forgiveness must encompass all those things which disturb the tranquility of our soul: the barking dog that robs you of sleep, the heat of summer, the cold of winter. Forgive the ingrown toenail, the flea that bites; forgive the cranky child, wrinkles, a forgotten birthday.
Barbara Wood (born January 30, 1947, in Warrington (Lancashire, England) is an American writer of historical romance novels. Her family moved to California, where she grew up. In 2002, she received the Corine Literature Prize.