Redeeming Love

If you have never become acquainted with Francine Rivers' books before, then let me say up front that she is the absolute best Christian fiction author being published today - period. She must do an enormous amount of historical research for her books as her details are so explicit. Her trilogy on Rome beginning with the book, A Voice in the Wind, are some of the greatest books I've ever read in my life.
Additionally, for those unfamiliar with her writing style, Ms. Rivers is not afraid to discuss or write about subjects that are complicated and messy. This book is a testament to that. She journies into the life of a prostitute more than some may care to go - but should. At times, this story of Redeeming Love, a retelling of the life of the prophet Hosea, is difficult to bear. The gritty topic matter is not a light read and at times may make you put the book down for a rest. It is this realism that makes Ms. Rivers' books so powerful. This story explores the unconditional love of an Almighty God and our human instincts to disbelieve or even reject that love. Taking the Biblical story of Hosea and placing it in a more modern setting, the old west, gives the original story a deeper picture and an even clearer message.
For those of you who have already read the book, I urge you to check out the old John Wayne movie, "North to Alaska". I believe that this movie may have been the inspiration for Ms. Rivers' book. The story lines are incredibly similar and even names are identical. Of course, Ms. Rivers' story is far more realistic and deals with weightier issues than this old classic movie, but fans of the book will enjoy watching the film just to marvel at the similarities.
Francine Rivers is one of the few sure bets in Christian fiction these days. I assure you you won't be disappointed with this or any of her other books.

I just didn't like this book. I read it a couple of years ago, and I won't go into the plot because it has been done. My problem was not the supposed things that go against the Bible, or the heavy subject matter--I for one think that even Christian novels should deal with matters in a realistic way, not sugar-coated or watered down, and Rivers was true to the issues in my opinion. It was hard to read at some points, but, then again, it was appropriate to what was happening.

I personally thought that the story just went on a little too long. Angel left, came back, left, came back and so on. I was happy when she finally just decided to do something with her life instead of go back and forth. I understand that this demonstrates the way that God never stops pursuing no matter how often He is turned away from, but this analogy between the characters got old.

I will say that Rivers does know how to weave a tale. I just thought this one could have ended 100 pages sooner. I am willing to give her other books a try just because the writing itself was good.

I truly did want to love this book because I had heard from so many that it was wonderful. It just wasn't "my cup of tea."

I love this book. I try to read it about once a year. It reminds me of how God's love has redeemed me from my past.

About the Book:
California's gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep. Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside. Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father's heart in everything, Michael Hosea obeys God's call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel's every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance her frozen heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband's pursuing love, terrified of the truth she can no longer deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael Hosea does...the One who will never let her go. A life-changing story of God's unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love. Over 1 million copies sold!

My Review:
I am not a big romance junky and don't normally enjoy books like this, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book. It was not overdone in romantic details, but more implied (sometimes lacking in real emotion though) which made the book in my opinion. I loved the theme of forgiveness, not being judgmental and seeking yourself and worth within God. I am pretty familiar with the story of Hosea and how that marriage represented Israel's betrayal of God so it was hard to not think of that story when reading this book. I think the author did a wonderful job of modernizing that story in a different light without coming across as judgmental. Her characters are well developed and relatable which draws you into the story. The way she brings Michael and Angel together shows the real conflict of letting go of your past and embracing and accepting someone else's past for the sake of love.

This story reminded me so much of Gods unfailing love, grace and forgiveness. It was easy to get frustrated with the Angel character, but how many times have I been the same way? How wonderful it is that I know I have a Savior and Redeemer always willing to welcome me back into His arms and forgive me time and again.

Author Biography:
"New York Times" best-selling author Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist. Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote "Redeeming Love" as her statement of faith. First published by Bantam Books and then rereleased by Multnomah Publishers in the mid-1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set during the time of the California Gold Rush, is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the CBA's top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian best-seller list for nearly a decade. Since "Redeeming Love," Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes--all best sellers--and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America's Hall of Fame. Francine's novels have been translated into over 20 different languages, and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa. Francine and her husband, Rick, live in northern California and enjoy time spent with their three grown children and taking every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren. Francine uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

Discaimer: "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

This book was a gift to me on my 19th birthday which was five years ago. Over this weekend, I have been rereading it. Francine Rivers has a talent for being brutally honest about what goes on in the dark corners of our world (and the physical relationship between a man and wife) without being offensive. This book isn't Pretty Woman set in the gold rush era. This is a book about a woman who has had her very soul shattered. She can't even trust anyone enough to tell them her real name. I appreciate the fact that the author doesn't skim through Sarah's/Angel's history but doesn't go into gory detail. These things happen still today. Even today, with all our laws and protections, there is still a huge problem with trafficking little boys and girls as well as adults for sex slaves. It's time we be honest with ourselves about what happens to these people. We can't pretend that the world is nice and flowery. If we want to help people, we need to face the horrors of their past, not reject it outright for fear of offending your Christian ears.