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4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
This was a bit of an unexpected and surprising treat. I was wary of reading this because of its label as Christian fiction. That alone gave me pause because usually when something labels itself Christian, it usually translates to conservative Christian which is a complete turn-off to me. I was afraid that this book would come off as preachy and full of bad theology that would completely disgust me. I was intrigued by its being a retelling of the book of Hosea. I'm a bit of an Old Testament scholar so am familiar with the story of Hosea and Gomer. Therefore, I decided to give this book a chance and just hoped it wouldn't be too preachy for my taste.
It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was floored by just how powerful this story ended up being to me. The story of Michael Hosea and Angel really drew me in. I found myself actually caring about the characters. They were so well written and well developed that I was sucked into their story. I was struck by just how much I could relate to the character of Angel. Here is a character who has been completely and utterly destroyed by the people in her life. So much so, that she can't open her heart to anyone anymore because she doesn't believe it will do her any good only harm. She wallows in her hatred and lets it fester in her heart. She doesn't want to even open herself up to the possibility of love even for somebody as good and noble as Michael Hosea. I can relate so much to that. I think that is why this book really hit me. Like Angel, I too have had my heart trampled and my love gone astray. As a result, I've lost the ability to really care or let anybody into my life. I've lost the ability to trust that another person isn't going to just abuse or mistreat me, just like Angel.
This book will sit with me for a while. I didn't think I would like it. I didn't think I would relate so deeply to it. I didn't expect for it to hit me this way. It did. That's a testament to Francine Rivers and her skills. Now, I can see why this book is so beloved by so many. I can see why it has sold so well and gotten so many good reviews. It's well deserved. Definitely was worth my time. As for the theology? Well, it actually wasn't that offensive. In fact, it was pretty in line with what I believe. What a relief. I'm so glad this didn't end up being a book that made me feel the urge to throw it across the room after reading it. It had that potential. It ended up being about so much more than I even thought possible.
It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was floored by just how powerful this story ended up being to me. The story of Michael Hosea and Angel really drew me in. I found myself actually caring about the characters. They were so well written and well developed that I was sucked into their story. I was struck by just how much I could relate to the character of Angel. Here is a character who has been completely and utterly destroyed by the people in her life. So much so, that she can't open her heart to anyone anymore because she doesn't believe it will do her any good only harm. She wallows in her hatred and lets it fester in her heart. She doesn't want to even open herself up to the possibility of love even for somebody as good and noble as Michael Hosea. I can relate so much to that. I think that is why this book really hit me. Like Angel, I too have had my heart trampled and my love gone astray. As a result, I've lost the ability to really care or let anybody into my life. I've lost the ability to trust that another person isn't going to just abuse or mistreat me, just like Angel.
This book will sit with me for a while. I didn't think I would like it. I didn't think I would relate so deeply to it. I didn't expect for it to hit me this way. It did. That's a testament to Francine Rivers and her skills. Now, I can see why this book is so beloved by so many. I can see why it has sold so well and gotten so many good reviews. It's well deserved. Definitely was worth my time. As for the theology? Well, it actually wasn't that offensive. In fact, it was pretty in line with what I believe. What a relief. I'm so glad this didn't end up being a book that made me feel the urge to throw it across the room after reading it. It had that potential. It ended up being about so much more than I even thought possible.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual violence
okay, i really like this book. but you kind of have to get past the fact that angel is annoying sometimes and michael is all "obey me." because if you can't get past that, you'll be annoyed, too. BUT when you see michael more as God and angel as us (sinners who continue to turn out backs on God), the book strikes much more of a chord. it's interesting because i think rivers intends us to see michael hosea as a Christlike figure, but she also makes it very clear that michael is NOT God and should not be seen as God. anyway. it's a good book!
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Love it! Will read again has hard moments but love the different emotions....
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting
Still a great book once you read and get the entire picture.
A powerful message that met me at a sensitive time in my life. I enjoyed the parallels to God's love for me. I am now a Francine Rivers fan.
What an amazing book! This is the first Francine Rivers book I've read, and I will be looking out for more. I really enjoyed this tale of love and redemption, which is closely related to the book of Hosea from the Bible. It is a stark illustration of God's relationship to Man, and one is at all times reminded of this 'secondary' story.
Francine's writing is clear and illustrative, pulling the reader into the story. It is easy to see how her works have become so popular. Francine deals with some really difficult life issues (prostitution, child rape, incest - but not explicitly) with care, not glorifying any of them but simply illustrating the emotional impact on the victims of these horrors. I really related to the characters in this book, and at one point threatened to smash Duke's face in (read the book to find out who he is). I love a writer who can create a hateable villain.
This book drags the reader (willingly) to the tops of mountains of joy, and then smashes them down to the depths of despair. I found myself going through the whole gamut of emotions as I read, and at least twice found myself in tears at the beauty of a section, or really angry when something went just WRONG yet again. A great book that I highly recommend to any reader, Christian or not.
Francine's writing is clear and illustrative, pulling the reader into the story. It is easy to see how her works have become so popular. Francine deals with some really difficult life issues (prostitution, child rape, incest - but not explicitly) with care, not glorifying any of them but simply illustrating the emotional impact on the victims of these horrors. I really related to the characters in this book, and at one point threatened to smash Duke's face in (read the book to find out who he is). I love a writer who can create a hateable villain.
This book drags the reader (willingly) to the tops of mountains of joy, and then smashes them down to the depths of despair. I found myself going through the whole gamut of emotions as I read, and at least twice found myself in tears at the beauty of a section, or really angry when something went just WRONG yet again. A great book that I highly recommend to any reader, Christian or not.
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is hands-down one of the best books I’ve ever read! I picked it up just three days ago and couldn’t put it down. This story is so emotional, heartbreaking yet beautifully heartwarming at the same time. It took me through every emotion imaginable, and by the end, I was left in awe of God’s love and grace.
The story of Sarah/Angel is both gut-wrenching and inspiring. From the very start, her life was filled with pain and unimaginable hardship, no child should ever have to endure what she went through. But this book is a powerful reminder that God is always present, working all things out for our good, even in the darkest moments.
And let’s talk about Michael Hosea. Wow. Everyone always talks about “book boyfriends,” but can we please start a conversation about “book husbands”? Michael is the absolute standard. His unwavering love, patience, and faith in God were everything Sarah needed to heal and see that she was worthy of love and redemption. The way he loved her through every trial was truly next level, no worldly man could ever! Michael Hosea is top tier, period.
Francine Rivers masterfully weaves a story of unconditional love, faith, and redemption, showing how God’s grace can transform even the most broken hearts. Redeeming Love is truly a chef’s kiss masterpiece, and I’ll definitely be reading more of Francine Rivers’ books in the future.
If you haven’t read this book yet, you’re seriously missing out. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page: a reminder that no matter how far we’ve fallen, God’s love is always there to redeem us.
The story of Sarah/Angel is both gut-wrenching and inspiring. From the very start, her life was filled with pain and unimaginable hardship, no child should ever have to endure what she went through. But this book is a powerful reminder that God is always present, working all things out for our good, even in the darkest moments.
And let’s talk about Michael Hosea. Wow. Everyone always talks about “book boyfriends,” but can we please start a conversation about “book husbands”? Michael is the absolute standard. His unwavering love, patience, and faith in God were everything Sarah needed to heal and see that she was worthy of love and redemption. The way he loved her through every trial was truly next level, no worldly man could ever! Michael Hosea is top tier, period.
Francine Rivers masterfully weaves a story of unconditional love, faith, and redemption, showing how God’s grace can transform even the most broken hearts. Redeeming Love is truly a chef’s kiss masterpiece, and I’ll definitely be reading more of Francine Rivers’ books in the future.
If you haven’t read this book yet, you’re seriously missing out. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page: a reminder that no matter how far we’ve fallen, God’s love is always there to redeem us.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
I realize this book is an allegory, but it felt twisted to me in a way that felt very theologically strange. Maybe I’m overthinking it.