Set Free: Discover Forgiveness Amidst Murder and Betrayal

“Gaile Owens is my mother. I am her son. Please do not take this from me. There is no justice in taking her life. There is no justice in denying the healing power of forgiveness.”

Stephen Owens was 12 years old in 1985 when he discovered his father at home badly beaten and near death. Evidence proved Stephen’s mom, Gaile, had hired a hit man to carry out the murder, and she was sent to death row. Stephen and Gaile did not see each other for decades, but through an amazing series of life transformations and revelations about the tragic event, God opened a door for both of them to be set free -- one from a prison of unforgiveness, the other from a literal prison cell.

While the events surrounding Gaile Owens’ release made national headlines and have stirred widespread fascination, Set Free far exceeds the experience and expectations of a modern true crime story, proving to be much more about God as the loving author of true forgiveness.  

Stephen Owens lived with his aunt following the death of his father and incarceration of his mother. He graduated from the University of Memphis, earned a master's degree from Middle Tennessee State University, and enjoys a successful teaching career. He lives with his wife and two sons near Nashville.  Ken Abraham is a New York Times best-selling author known for getting "more heart on paper than any other cowriter in America" in books with 9/11 United Flight 93 widow Lisa Beamer (Let's Roll!), financial expert Dave Ramsey, action hero Chuck Norris, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and others.