Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Redeeming Love

Review Copy

Redeeming Love – Book Review

There are few novels whose characters are so real – whose lives are so heartbreaking – whose personal struggles resonate so deeply – that the Prologue alone leaves you feeling choked-up and teary-eyed. But that’s the power of a masterful writer – and that’s the response that Redeeming Love evoked in me.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is the heart-wrenching story of Sarah, an unwanted child who is sold into prostitution at age 8, shortly after her mother’s death. Angel – as she is called by the man who buys her – has experienced enough pain and betrayal in her short life to learn that she cannot trust anyone – particularly men – and especially the God who has allowed this to happen.

Eager to escape her life of childhood horrors, at 18, Angel flees West in search of freedom – but freedom is nowhere to be found. Forlorn, Angel gives up hope of ever finding happiness as her life takes a turn for the worse. Soon, Angel finds herself working in a shanty town brothel in 1850 during the midst of the California gold rush.

It’s in this brothel that Angel first meets Michael Hosea. Like many who have come before him, Michael says he is different. Like many who have come before him, Michael makes promises. Like all who have come before him, Angel knows better than to trust him.

However – Michael is different.

Michael Hosea is a farmer who longs for a wife. When he sees Angel walking through town one day, he hears the voice of the Lord telling him, “This one, beloved.” He is stirred by Angel’s beauty – and excited for his future – until he learns who Angel is – what she does – and just how hardened her heart has become. Surely, Michael thinks, this cannot be the woman God has chosen for me to take as my betrothed…

What happens when the destinies of a loving, godly man and a wounded, worldly woman intertwine? Is there anyone who can help Angel overcome the pain that is so deeply ingrained in her soul?

In Redeeming Love, Francine Rivers vividly retells the Biblical story of Gomer and Hosea in a fresh and profound way. I was drawn to this story from the moment I started reading it – as a million readers have been before me. One caveat: when you’re ready to read this book, make sure you have ample time on your hands, because once you start, you won’t want to put it down.

Redeeming Love is a timeless classic that shows God’s unconditional, all-consuming, redemptive love towards those who are the most broken and disenfranchised in life – the ones who need His love the most.

The 20th Anniversary Edition of this book, which I reviewed, contains a 6-part Reader’s Group Guide which is suitable for group and individual study.

This story is amazing. I rate this book 5/5 stars.

Redeeming Love – Book Trailers

Usually, a book is lucky to have one book trailer. This book is so well loved, that several fans have created book videos of their own! Have fun learning more about this book through the eyes of these creative individuals!

Book Trailer One

Book Trailer Two

Book Trailer Three

About Francine Rivers

Francine Rivers

Francine Rivers began her literary career as a romance novelist. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife and mother of three. 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 re-released by Multnomah Publishers in the mid- 1990s, Redeeming Love is now considered a classic work of Christian fiction and continues to be one of the Christian Booksellers Association’s top-selling titles, holding a spot on the Christian bestseller list for nearly a decade.

Since Redeeming Love, Francine has published more than 20 novels with Christian themes – all bestsellers – 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 awards 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 Hall of Fame. In March 2010, Francine officially became a New York Times bestselling author Francine’s novels have been translated into over twenty 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 the time spent with their three grown children and every opportunity to spoil their five grandchildren. She uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

The Testimony Of Francine Rivers

If you’d like to learn more about Francine, watch this video, where she shares her testimony with us!

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Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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10 Responses to “Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers”

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  1. Gail Golden says:

    This is one of my favorite books. You are right – The first time I read it, I could not put it down, and read it till I couldn’t stay awake any more. Over the years, I’ve read it several times, and given it as a gift more times than I can remember. I’m always on the lookout to buy this book second-hand at garage sales, thrift stores, etc. and give it away as a way to help and minister to women. It’s just a beautiful picture of the love of G-d for all of us.

    Francine Rivers touches my heart in every book she writes. Oh, the power of story…

    Blessings,
    Gail

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      This is the first Francine Rivers book that I have read.
      I decided to review it based on her reputation as a writer alone.
      Wow – I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked up this book!
      I am SO glad I read it but wow – let me tell you – emotionally, it was tough in many places!

      I also did not know that this book was written 20 years ago until I saw the 20th anniversary seal on the book.
      Because it is written as historical fiction, it is truly timeless.
      I will definitely be looking for more of Francine’s books to read.
      If you have any to recommend, I’d love to hear them! 🙂

  2. Wow, sounds like an intense and moving read. Thanks for introducing me to this book.

    I hope you will stop by my blog, I have just started a Small Victories Sunday link up to share your favorite book, recipe, craft or inspiring small victory post with me and my readers. I sincerely hope you stop by and link up, you always have such great books and crafts, it’d be the perfect place to share your fabulous content!

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Thanks for sharing Phyllis! I’d love to hear what others think about this book – I’m sure a lot of people have read it since it’s been around for so long!

  3. Gail Thomas says:

    This IS my all time Favorite book!!! I too recomend it to ALL women! A Picture of how God adores and esteems us..even though we are damaged goods! His love is amazing!
    Check out The Mark of the Lion series! It will BLOW. Your. MIND.!

  4. Lori says:

    I just bought this book at a yard sale and gave it to my newly married daughter. I hope it will give her a glimpse both of what a husband’s unselfish love looks like and what the Father’s unselfish love looks like. Thanks for sharing the bio information on Francine. I was unfamiliar with her story.

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      That’s one of the nice things about a story that’s been around so long – you’re apt to find a great deal on it!

      I hope your daughter enjoys this story. It truly shows us how much we need God’s love and light in our lives!

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