Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
I really loved the idea of this book. Who doesn’t like a good story of redemption? And it really was a beautiful story that was beautifully written. If that had been all it was, I could have safely given this book 4 or 5 stars. Sadly, the author went too far with some aspects that made this a book that was hard to really love, or make me want to recommend to others.
First, the book is loosely based on the book of Hosea in the bible. If you’re not familiar with Hosea, he was a prophet who was called by God to marry Gomer, a prostitute. Gomer was unfaithful to Hosea over and over again, going back to her old life instead of staying true to her husband. But God asking Hosea to marry such a woman wasn’t about sticking with your spouse for better or worse until they finally change. It was about demonstrating how the Israelites were doing exactly what Gomer was. And just how Hosea kept going back for his wife, forgiving her, God was doing the same for them. Beautiful, right? Sadly, the way the author portrays this story does little to communicate the truth of that part of scripture.
Second, I was bothered that the author seemingly has God audibly speaking to the characters, mainly Michael. Not only that, but God tells Michael, a faithful Christian, to marry a prostitute. Guys, God is not asking any of us to marry non-Christians. Hosea in the bible was not an example to follow today. That was a specific circumstance for a particular time in history.
Third, the author gets theology wrong throughout the book. Perhaps the most glaring is when Michael tells Angel that God doesn’t condemn, he forgives. Well, she got half of it right at least. He does forgive. But he does condemn those who reject him. That’s kind of Theology 101. There is also a passage in the book where Michael is trying to compare Angel’s past with women in the bible who also had sordid histories. The obvious example is the prostitute Rahab, who ended up leaving that life and became part of Jesus’s lineage. But in a perplexing move, the author also lumps Ruth and Mary (the mother of Jesus) into the mix by pointing out that Ruth slept at the feet of a man who wasn’t her husband, and Mary ended up pregnant by someone other than her husband. Was the author actually insinuating that these actions were sinful? I’d really like to think not, but that is definitely what the casual reader would take away from it.
I wish this book had just been a redemption story about a woman who finds faith and figures out how to love. Unfortunately the way the author misrepresented God and the bible leaves me unable to recommend it, especially to Christians.
First, the book is loosely based on the book of Hosea in the bible. If you’re not familiar with Hosea, he was a prophet who was called by God to marry Gomer, a prostitute. Gomer was unfaithful to Hosea over and over again, going back to her old life instead of staying true to her husband. But God asking Hosea to marry such a woman wasn’t about sticking with your spouse for better or worse until they finally change. It was about demonstrating how the Israelites were doing exactly what Gomer was. And just how Hosea kept going back for his wife, forgiving her, God was doing the same for them. Beautiful, right? Sadly, the way the author portrays this story does little to communicate the truth of that part of scripture.
Second, I was bothered that the author seemingly has God audibly speaking to the characters, mainly Michael. Not only that, but God tells Michael, a faithful Christian, to marry a prostitute. Guys, God is not asking any of us to marry non-Christians. Hosea in the bible was not an example to follow today. That was a specific circumstance for a particular time in history.
Third, the author gets theology wrong throughout the book. Perhaps the most glaring is when Michael tells Angel that God doesn’t condemn, he forgives. Well, she got half of it right at least. He does forgive. But he does condemn those who reject him. That’s kind of Theology 101. There is also a passage in the book where Michael is trying to compare Angel’s past with women in the bible who also had sordid histories. The obvious example is the prostitute Rahab, who ended up leaving that life and became part of Jesus’s lineage. But in a perplexing move, the author also lumps Ruth and Mary (the mother of Jesus) into the mix by pointing out that Ruth slept at the feet of a man who wasn’t her husband, and Mary ended up pregnant by someone other than her husband. Was the author actually insinuating that these actions were sinful? I’d really like to think not, but that is definitely what the casual reader would take away from it.
I wish this book had just been a redemption story about a woman who finds faith and figures out how to love. Unfortunately the way the author misrepresented God and the bible leaves me unable to recommend it, especially to Christians.
One of my favorite books in the entire world. So incredible
This is probably my favorite book of all time. I have read it and re-read it and re-read so many times. Every time I read it, it touches my heart. It is a beautiful portrayal not only of Hosea and his wife, but also of God's love towards people. I love it and would suggest it to EVERYONE.
The last 100 pages made this book for me. There were moments in between that I enjoyed, but I had to hold those moments close as the constant angst in this book never ended. But, even with that the message of the book, connection to the characters, and overall Journey is worth every second. Read. This. Book.
This book is so amazing. It made me realize how important it is to trust in the man above I would recommend everyone read this, especially if they are wanting to grow closer to Christ.
I really wanted to like this book, but I felt it could have ended WAY before it did. The main female character, Angel, got on my nerves. Hopefully, the movie will be better.
I've had this on my reading list for a while. hate I waited so long to read it, the best book I've read in a long time
Redeeming love teaches us that though we may consider ourselves beyond redemption, there’s hope for us still.
Such a great book. Probably longer than it needs to be but there are so many life lessons folded into the pages.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ amazing/want to read it again/loved it
When I first started reading this book I was like, “Wow, this is depressing. I’m not sure I can read through a whole book like this.” But, after a few chapters, I was hooked. What a great story that really challenged my own walk with the Lord. I also think it’s been a while since I’ve cried this much while reading a book, so if you read it, get ready for the tears to flow.
When I first started reading this book I was like, “Wow, this is depressing. I’m not sure I can read through a whole book like this.” But, after a few chapters, I was hooked. What a great story that really challenged my own walk with the Lord. I also think it’s been a while since I’ve cried this much while reading a book, so if you read it, get ready for the tears to flow.