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What are readers saying about Redeeming Love?
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-10 08:20:40.
(Language: English)
 
"Redeeming Love" is one of those books that stick in your memory from the moment you read it until the day you die. I started reading the book and literally could not put it down. I read throughout the night, on the road as we travelled to my grandparents the following day and completed the book as we arrived at my grandparents home that evening. I was changed forever by the realization of how much God actually loves us and the lengths He goes to, attempting to restore us back to Him. He never gives up on us no matter how many times we run away from Him and throw His love and sacrifices He has made for us back in His face. "Redeemeing Love" is a must read for all! Young and old will be changed forever after reading this book. I borrowed my copy of "Redeeming Love" to a very close friend of mine who still has not returned it after nearly 8 years because she said she was not ready to part with it. That is how much this book can impact your life.Gaynore Cele 
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Eden posted a review at 2011-11-08 12:48:33.
(Language: English)
So Beautifully written!!! I have read it so many times already and shared it with friends.The story of Michale and Angel are such a refletion of the relationship between the flighty nature of man and the persuing, persistant and relentless love of God. One of my favourate books of all time.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-09-24 04:55:42.
(Language: English)
Sigh, what a portrait of love, of endurance, of breaking down the protective barriers around a person's heart. She had been used and abused and she had become hard and emotionally reclusive. They both lived on completely different planes, they got to the point where they both loved the other, but even then their perception of reality was completely different. This is where I find myself connecting so closely with the characters. Their lives up to the point of the story had been so utterly different that it really caused them to color each event and situation completely different from the other. Even though that is the case in this story the lesson I take away is that there are two things, patience and living each day as it comes, that can help the two different colors blend into one.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-09-28 12:38:24.
(Language: English)
Francine Rivers is an amazingly gifted writer with the ability to capture my attention and emotions right from the get-go. I could not tear myself away from this book! The story of Angel and her struggle to feel worth is one both males and females can relate to, and Michael Hosea's character reminded me so much of God's character and how He will continue to pursue the ones He loves even if we are unfaithful. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good story, but also for people who need a refresher on how redeeming is God's love for us!
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-11-07 07:02:48.
(Language: English)
I hope I'm not frowned upon for this review by all the lovers of this book...perhaps the fact that I'm a guy who has read this will help ingratiate my opinion into consideration. Perhaps not. To put it bluntly, I consider this book to ultimately be a recycling of an already told story. Rivers is a talented writer, no question, but with her talent, she could have spent the creative energy used for this elsewhere, perhaps to muster up a fresh new tale of Christianity's love. I respect the influence and significance of the books in the Bible but we as a species have only improved since they were penned; it is time for writers to stop riding the Bible's coat-tails to literary success, Mrs. Rivers included. All in all: Lovely, yes. But redemption will have to come some other way in order for me to consider this a notable contribution. (Addendum: The query below is "Was this review helpful?" not "Do you agree with this opinion?" It's already known that you the no-clicker doesn't agree with this opinion, this is the only review out of 100+ that is not a praise! But consider that a negative criticism, as much as you don't like it, can be more helpful than a praise. Even 10 pages of them! kthxbai.)
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-12-05 11:23:08.
(Language: English)
This book is literally life-changing! I've always loved the story of Hosea, in the Bible. This retelling of it, set in the old west, is beautiful and graphic and striking! It shows that no matter what you do, God loves you, and that God's love is great enough to change you into what you want to be. I love the way Rivers shows internal dialogue and that she's not afraid as a christian author of difficult subject material.I got this book for a friend of mine, who hates to read. She picked it up one day, and could barely put it down. She finished it in record time, then called to thank me, saying the book was just what she needed, then!It's a must read!
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-08-05 09:17:24.
(Language: English)
I can't believe I haven't gotten this review written because I finished the book about a week ago! This book should come with a warning "May make you stay up til all hours of the night reading!" What a wonderful book. I just cannot say enough good things about it. A lovely story about a little girl living in hell on earth and how one man answers God's call to save her. I won't say any more for fear that I would give too much away. But I will say this is a must read! Wish I was you and could be experiencing it for the first time all over again! Enjoy!
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A Reader posted a review at 2012-03-13 06:28:01.
(Language: English)
Awesome book. You have to read this.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-09 04:45:50.
(Language: English)
this book is the most amazing eye opener. I was given it while away on a getaway last weekend. I couldnt put it down. this book really teaches us that we can go to God no matter who we are and no matter what we have done. It proves He has a plan much greater than any of us can even begin to imagine. We have to learn to trust in Him, think if Michael Hosea hadn't let her go for that last time, Angel, Amanda, Sarah wouldn't have had a chance to create what she did and save those girls, Faith and cherry as well as many others in the end. we have to listen, but not only listen obey they voice and what it says even if we don't feel its the right thing to do it is, and their is a reason. We just have to learn to trust and put our full faith in God alone and not worship the people we love but worship the creater who made those people.
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A Reader posted a review at 2012-01-22 12:51:28.
(Language: English)
Excellent!
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-02-18 07:03:19.
(Language: English)
Francine is the best author. No fluffy romance here. Deeply moving and "can't put it down". Takes place in the 1800's or so. Angel is a woman who has lost her innocence and hope. Michael Hosea is a man has received a challenging and unique calling. Read and you will never bee the same. Francine rivers says that it is a story reflective of her own spiritual Journey . Carry a kleenex. This is one of the greatest reads ever! This is a story set in the early pioneering days. A story of how love develops between Angel and Michael Hosea. A must read, can't put down type of novel. It is intense and beautiful story of how God love is so tenacious and strong. neverfailing
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-06 09:46:18.
(Language: English)
One of the things that I cherish the most about all of Francine Rivers' books is her ability to confront topics that many christians and even churches shy away from. Not only does she confront them, but she tears down every wall you have put up around your heart in the process. Regardless of whether you are married, single, sexually abused, or still a virgin - you can relate to this book. Every time that I read it, I draw a different aspect out of each of the characters and even God. No matter how many times I have read this book, the sheer magnitude of what God asked of Hosea astonishes me. I am both humbled and in awe that such a man could exist, much less the fact that there is a God who exists that loves me beyond even what Hosea felt for his wife.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-06-24 04:17:06.
(Language: English)
For those who have been hurt and abused and for those who are looking for love beyond all measure, this story was written for you. While no one could ever relate the perfect love story as well as Christ did on the cross... based on the Old Testament story of Hosea, this book comes pretty close. Sometimes as Christians, we lose the magnitude of what God's grace and mercy really means to us because it becomes so familiar. This story retells the ultimate love story with such intensity that you can't help but fall in love with Jesus all over again and gain a deeper understanding of His love for you... While this is a beautiful love story that is shared between a man and a woman - the real romance is between a loving and faithful God who wants to redeem a world full of lost and hurting individuals no matter what they've done(Could that be you?!) As for those who have never heard the real story of God's love, I trust "Redeeming Love" only wet your appetite for the real thing.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-10-15 07:47:05.
(Language: English)
This book turned out to be quite extraordinary. I know that you could theologically tear it apart at times, but for some reason it resonates deeply with me and helped explain much of the Gospel to me. Waiting on the Lord. Trusting the Lord. Fearing the Lord. Loving God and others as He has loved us. As with the book of Hosea, it lays out such a beautiful portrayal of Love and how God loves us with such and everlasting love. Love enough to endure the cross. I see it as inseparable in scripture that to love deeply requires a deep death which is mostly death of self. On the flip side, it reveals a great truth, that the deeper the pain we experience, the deeper the love of the Father provides to restore. We as believers stand in a grace that says the Gospel of Jesus Christ can wipe any stain clean. The past four months has challenged me thoroughly culminating with this book. It is easy to see the ashes in someone’s life, but can you see the beauty and evidences of grace in them? Child molestation, rape, physical abuse, abandonment, drugs, alcohol, pornography, adultery, etc. If Jesus does not wipe it all clean, then the cross is not sufficient and it is not Good News. But He has finished it… In fact, I now see that those who have experienced more trials have received a greater degree of grace which makes them that much more beautiful. Truly we are blessed creatures to have received such wonderful grace. Thank you Jesus. ~Lance
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-04-06 08:33:05.
(Language: English)
I should preface with the fact that the first Rivers novel I came upon was one of her old, secular ones. I thought it was amazing, and got so excited when I found out she was a Christian novelist now. This book is definitely spectacular plot-wise. The internal conflicts are wonderfully deep. Just a few points. *SPOILERS* Why are all of the Christian characters so intuitive to the needs and feelings of others? Just because someone is Christian does not mean they know everything going on in someone's head. It was one thing for Michael, the husband, to "know" something was wrong with his wife when she wasn't acting like it. But then a million other characters are like "I'm so understanding and sympathetic. I can tell something is wrong with you because I'm just so intuitive." Elizabeth, Michael, Miriam, John, Susanna, Jonathan, etc. Honestly. Not everyone is like that, and after a while, the book started to get...not boring, but just...expected? I don't know the word I'm looking for. It definitely made all Rivers' secondary characters far too static. Paul is actually the only interesting one out of them, and that's because he's a sinner! Okay, I'm not being fair to Miriam. She could be my best friend irl. Adored her. But then Susanna shows up, and it's like "okay, so here's another Miriam. big whoop." Second point: As a Catholic, I'm pretty upset by the anti-Catholic undertones in this novel. I am not the person who can say if it was purposeful or not, but it's there nonetheless. Let's take a look - Angel's mother, Mae, was a devout Catholic who carries her rosary beads and prays to God for help and deliverance. Her lover turns her out because she refuses to abort her child, her devout Catholic parents turn her out, and then so does the priest at the church...so conclusion: All of Mae's Catholic resources were not enough to save her. Her God didn't help her. Then, miraculously, 10 years later, protestant Michael Hosea rescues Angel from a brothel because he was open to the Word of God. Page 246, when Angel tells the Altmans that her mother was Catholic, what happens? "Andrew's mouth fell open. 'Brother Bartholomew said they worship idols.' Elizabeth blushed bright red at his comment, and John coughed. Andrew apologized. 'No need,' Angel said. 'My mother didn't worship any idols that I remember, but she prayed a lot.' Not that it ever did her any good." What do we learn from this conversation? That the Altman parents don't see a need to correct their children's misunderstanding of the Catholic faith - probably either because they believe Brother Bartholomew is correct or they just don't know. If the problem is that they just don't know, wouldn't the natural response be "Andrew, we don't talk about things we don't know enough about."? But my favorite part is the thought Angel has right after she says her mother used to pray a lot. "Not that it ever did her any good." That's right. Nothing good comes from a Catholic praying. I know Rivers is just writing what Angel would think, but the least Rivers could do is extend us the courtesy of clarifying later that it wasn't Mae's faith that never gave her any help. Toward the end of the novel Angel, at the end of her rope, still openly refuses charity from a priest - it is clear that her anti-Catholicism is deep set. But Rivers wraps up her problems in a two-sentence "Some priests are very nice people" sentiment. Hey, thanks for the shout out. But did you know it's not just the priests? The two-sentence sentiment brings up another point: passage of time. There's a phrase some editors will use that's something like "That book read itself." It connotes that the book is fast-paced and exciting. Ordinarily, that's a great thing. In this book, well...I can't be the only one who had trouble knowing what season it was at times and what month and what year. Heck, I never even knew how OLD Angel was! She was 8 when she was sold into prostitution, and then...is it 10 years later she meets Michael? And how old is Michael? 25? 30? 45? The book seems to move at a pretty slow pace to start, then in the middle months go by in one chapter. Then Angel leaves and six more months go by. Then years. What? Three years went by in the turning of a page? UGH! I HATE THAT SO MUCH! Can't anyone just write a book that doesn't just skip time arbitrarily? A lot happens in three years. People change. Some die. Some have babies. And then planting the reader into the world three years later isn't fair to the reader. We feel like we have to get to know the characters again. They could be completely different people. But for the novel's sake, Rivers doesn't change any of her people. They're all exactly the same as they left off. In all the book is an excellent read if you're looking for main characters with intense internal conflict. The passage of time and static secondary characters can be overlooked when a novel's principals are so excruciatingly in love. I will probably try to read more of Rivers' novels, but if the anti-Catholic thing comes up again, I might have to give her up. I love inspirational novels, and we should all get along.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-01-20 04:41:17.
(Language: English)
Every Christian should read this book. It will help you understand how much God loves you and to what lengths He will go to draw you to him. Normally I don't like retellings of Bible stories, but this is the exception that proves the rule. In ,Redeeming Love, Francine Rivers skillfully rewrites the book of Hosea, setting it in the gold rush era. Hosea becomes Michael Hosea and prostitute Angel stands in for Gomer. Until I read this book, not only did I not grasp the depth of love Hosea must have had for Gomer, but I also did not understand why Gomer would leave her husband over and over. Once I finished reading Redeeming Love, I rushed to my Bible to read the book of Hosea with fresh eyes and a deeper understanding. We are Gomer. Our Lord is Hosea. He will pursue us again and again until we are completely His.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-06-18 01:12:44.
(Language: English)
Redeeming Love Wow i found this book to be absolutely amazing and would recommended a million times over. If your searching for a book that once you start reading it you won't want to put down, you've found it, lets just say I spent some late and I mean late nights ready this book ..Redeeming love is one of the most heart touching books I've ever read it not only shows you how special love could truly be between a man and a women, but it also takes you beyond this world and makes you realize how much God truly love us that he is willing to forgive even some unspeakable sins. This book brought tears to my eyes to see what a cruel world we live in because a lot of girls have and are going through similar situation like this, getting forced into prostitution and feeling as if there worthless and that know one could ever possibly love then. I hope that at least one person going through a similar situation would get a chance to read this book because I know that it would change there whole outlook on life as they know it..
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-08-10 07:01:19.
(Language: English)
I don't like romance novels and I'm still unsure why I even cracked opened Redeeming Love, especially with a title like that, let alone continue reading but I found it to be a beautiful book and well worth the read. It’s set in the 1850's and based loosely on the biblical book of Hosea. The novel follows a young girl as she grows from small child to adult. Her father hated her before she was born and left her and her mother - her father's mistress, to fend for themselves in a cruel and unwelcoming society. That pain carried throughout the heroine's life; she was sold into child prostitution and subsequently into her marriage. If you're open to it you’ll go on a journey that delves into pain, loss, guilt, forgiveness, finding oneself, and the heartache that can come from judging others. I was captivated from the beginning and couldn't put it down. The book cover might be corny yet the story itself was anything but. I was definitely moved, so much so that I still think about it days after finishing the last page.
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A Reader posted a review at 2012-01-22 11:29:58.
(Language: English)
Rereading it. One of my top ten of all time. A modern day retelling of the story of Hosea and a book I would urge everyone to consider reading...no matter your sex or background. It's commentary on prostitution, judgment, esteem, trust, obediance and Gods unconditional love are seldom more thoughtfully and painfully displayed. Let anyone among you who is without sink be the first to throw a stone at her. -Jesus, John 8:7
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-07-01 12:10:12.
(Language: English)
First time I saw this book thot It was a bible,until I saw the tittle.Well,its basically a biblical story visualise to potray this modern time.Its all abt d prophet Hosea except that in this book he's not a prophet but he's a christain,he fall in love with a pretty prostitute(who had a very sad and hard upbringing and was raped at d age of 7) after various attempt of winning her,he gave up trying until he was asked by God to visit her one last time,dre he resuced her frm a maniac and askd her to marry him,she agreed cus she wanted to end her misery. Hosea actually did his best for her,everytime she runs away to her former life,Hosea still goes back to bring her back and he kips showing her luv,eventually after her last escape,she returned home never to run away anymore.
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Emily posted a review at 2007-09-08 08:37:18.
(Language: English)
I seriously can't believe I just read a romance novel. I should have known. This book was recommended to me by a devote Christian/romance novel addict friend. I really don't like romance novels. But, oh, this is a wonderful book. Rivers, while delving into some romantic stuff, provides description, but not so much that you want to puke. Over all, this is a beautiful book about forgiveness, finding oneself, and the wrongs of judging others. I think Rivers was so scared of being corny that she didn't dare try to put in a lot of emotion, but there is still a fair amount of emotion. The story revolves around Angel, a prostitute who has taught herself not to feel, having been used by men all her life. Then she meets Michael Hosea, who insists she marries him. She soon finds herself warming up and falling in love with Michael, but the low opinion she has for herself keeps getting in the way. The message happens to be more powerful than the actual story, though at times the plot is very absorbing, especially at a particular climax near the end. This is an amazing retelling of the Book of Hosea, and I've learned to never judge anyone. Tacky and unpolished at parts, poetic at others, "Redeeming Love" is worth a read, even if you don't like romances.
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Cindy posted a review at 2012-03-15 02:08:04.
(Language: English)
Excellent and very well written.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-04-03 05:35:45.
(Language: English)
Awesome read! A rare can't-put-it-down experience for me. A different kind of love story, this book is about hurting people, healing, forgiveness judging and valuing people, and what should be first in your life. It's about the bondage of false freedom, and the entrapment of our own snares we set for ourselves. The book touches on the "happily-ever-after" mentality (a ring on your finder is wonderful, but it isin't the end to all your problems). It is about how you have to work through your "baggage", that your spouse cannot fulfill your every need-they are only human. The daily ups and downs of loving someone, the difference between real love and just sex, and intimacy as it was meant to be-between a man and his wife-not the dirty or perverted thing the world offers. It is also, and really mainly, about the personal, intimte relationship each of us can and should have with God. It is about hearing His voice and trusting Him. About learning to love Him and accept His love, too. Based of the book of Hosea, with a healthy dose of Song of Solomon, it makes me want to reread those books, too. I never thought about that story from Gomer's point of view. As taistfully done as I think it really could be, the content is still "mature" out of necessity (if you know the story of Hosea, you know that). There are a few things I would have done differently, but all-in-all, it was an excellently done, engaging story with depth and meaning-an awesome read. I can hardly wait to read some more of her books.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-09-29 01:28:46.
(Language: English)
Stayed up until 4am reading this one - rought me to tears every few pages. It is NOT about Hosea and Gomer, but about two people struggling whose lives are mirrored in that story. At one point Michael tells Angel about the biblical story, but she cannot fathom it because she is not yet a Christian. Author does an OUTSTANDING job developing the inner thought world of the main characters, including their prayers (in italics), God's voice to them and even Satan's whispers (both in bold text). www.francinerivers.com contains a wealth of her other biblically based books as well as electronic discussion files (.pdf) to download. Rating = 5 +++
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-05-30 10:07:23.
(Language: English)
Love, love, love this book! Honestly, there is just so much about this book that I can relate to. The storyline is so true for us today and captures the work that Christ did on the cross for us...we are just so unworthy and yet we are so precious to Him. It also shows how we judge and keep on judging people around us and how that can impact in our own lives and impact those persons who we judge. How many times do we just walk away shaking our heads, cross the street to get away from someone that we consider "outsiders" or beneath us in some way?! Sarah was redeemed and it took her so long to realize the grace she was under...
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