Angel, sold into prostitution as a child, survives by keeping her hatred for men alive. Then she meets Michael Hosea who loves her unconditionally. Day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance, her heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. So Angel runs…
I love anything Francine Rivers writes!!
This is the only way to truly love…with forgiveness, kindness, patience, etc. This is how God loves.
This is one of those books you will think about way after you’re done reading it. Very inspiring.
It shows the amazing grace of God in a way I had never seen it. I was so in awe of the male character and understood the female character too well. Glad I read it.
One of my favorite books. This story is beautiful. I highly recommend it to anyone. My favorite book by this author.
The book of Hosea has always been a favorite of mine and this book brings that story of unconditional love to light in the old west. Even though you sort of know how it’s going to end, there are still surprises and twists to keep you engaged.
I can’t imagine another book ever taking this one’s spot as “my favorite book of all time.” It’s such a wonderful portrayal of Jesus’ unconditional love for us.
Very inspirational. Not sure I could show as much forgiveness.
Excellent Biblical allegory by one of my favorite authors!
A story written from one of the greatest books, the Bible. This story is about a man named Hosea and his love for one whore. I love this author and have read many of her books. She is such a talented writer and has a very captivating style that leads me straight into God’s loving arms. You will definitely love this read and it will stick with you throughout a lifetime.
This is an incredible book for Christian Fiction fans to pick up! This book takes place in the 1850’s California. Angel, the main character was sold when she was very young to a local brothel. Ever since then Angel has both hated and not trusted any man.
When Angel is 18 years old a young God fearing man, named Michael Hosea, notices her one day. God tells Michael that Angel is to be his wife. Obviously Angel doesn’t believe Michael one bit when he explains how much better her life could be if only she chooses to become his wife.
I will let you find out the rest for yourselves. It is an emotional read so absolutely have tissues on hand. This is one of the best books I have ever read! Which considering that I have been a devoted reader for more than 10 years I have read plenty of books.
Besides being a page turner, this is a book that exemplifies God’s grace and mercy.
This IS, and always will be, my favorite book of all time, next to the Bible. It’s a beautiful love story, but with many twists and turns, involving unpredictable events that leave you at the edge of your seat. I could not put it down. I think I read it in a day and a half.
The story is loosely based on the book of Hosea in the Bible, that deals with God’s unconditional love of us despite all of the times we turn our backs and are disobedient to him. But it’s written from the standpoint of a man who has great character and has fallen deeply in love with a woman who repeatedly saddens him by her immoral lifestyle and choices. Yet over and over he gives her grace, even though she is ungrateful.
This is a book I would give TEN stars to if I could! If you are on the fence about buying it, hop down and get it! You will NOT REGRET IT!
I finally finished listening to the audio book version of Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love. The story was a remarkable journey from the depths of depravity to forgiveness and faithfulness. While there were parts of the story that dragged and other parts were more descriptive than necessary, overall, I found it to be worthy of the accolades it has received by so many.
I would note that while the numerous times Jesus’ name is used in the story is meant to be in prayer, the way the narrator said ‘Jesus’ made His name sound like a curse word. That was my only complaint about the narration.
Outstanding love story loaded with heartbreak and hope.
Readers don’t consciously look for themes as they read. But all journeys of transformation (and life) include them-trust, forgiveness, acceptance, faith, love, fear, survival, selflessness, responsibility, redemption. Most stories focus on one or two. But Francine Rivers has skillfully woven them all into Redeeming Love.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “Into each life some rain must fall.” Angel, sold into prostitution as a child, doesn’t just withstand a little rain. There are downpours, torrents, and floods that build into a tsunami of horrors. And with each abuse, each betrayal, comes doubt, worry, and the erosion of self-worth. Until she is only a shell of the person she was born to be.
Enter Michael, a man of God, a God that Angel scoffs at, belittles, and turns away from. When Michael seeks out Angel, how can it be for anything but her body, her beauty? But as time and Michael’s faith ever so slowly show Angel another possibility for life, she must choose to accept or turn away from the love that is offered.
This retelling of the Bible story of Gomer and Hosea during the California gold rush showcases Francine Rivers’s amazing talent. Be prepared for a ride on the emotional rapids, gliding along the soft current of love, speeding on the swells of joy, then plunging into the whirlpool of fear and distrust and the sinking of betrayal. And doing it all over again. Our lives are built on the many people and experiences that surround us, how we interact with them and the impact they have on us. So it is with the people and experiences in Angel’s life, all building to the dramatic climax that is hoped for and
expected, and yet how it plays out is far different than what you expect.
Rivers writes, “She was the blackest night, and he the starlight piercing it, creating an unfolding pattern in her life.” Get ready to see a shriveled flower come back to life. Get ready for the beauty and wonder of this story.
Fantastic book!
This book is a gripping story from the first page. I have read it 5 times already. The story of love and redemption is so clear in this book. Francine Rivers did a fantastic job retelling the story of Hosea and the prostitute from the Bible. Highly recommend it and watch for the movie coming late 2021 or early 2022.
Very interesting, modernized version of a biblical story. Reminds us that we all have demons that distort the way we see things.
I loved the beautiful story in this amazing book. It was my first one by Francine Rivers and after I went out and bought 4 more of her books to read. Loved her Mother Daughter relationship books!