Redeeming Love

So a good friend recommended this book to me for my wife. There were themes that she would relate to, and it would likely help her process a lot of her life.Well, for her protection, I thought I'd read it myself first. Yes, a late 30s male reading a 'romance' novel. I don't even like novels outside of Westerns. In any case, before the prologue was even finished, I was wrecked-- in a good way. God used this book, and is still using this book, on SO many levels for me. I was sober at home for a good week. My wife kept wondering what was wrong. Well, nothing was wrong. God was just plowing my heart in so many ways. And while I was embarrassed a little being moved by fiction and the characters, I recognized there are, and have been, many, many Angels, and Luckys, and Michaels in the world. There are real people in these situations. Probably not all situations at once, but each situation, there is a man, woman, or child who knows exactly the feeling of the scene. And that is painful, but necessary to realize. God uses it to change us to action.A few examples, this book immediately awakened my position as a father, especially to my daughter. I desire to love her so much better and be much more careful of my words and actions.The book also destroyed so many walls in my heart, specifically concerning relationships, bitterness, anger, forgiveness, marriage, and worth before Jesus. I don't think there's an area of my life it has not touched. Thus, I'm reading it again, only slower this time, and journaling it. The first time I could rarely put it down and even read it at work!The biggest impact this book made was on my marriage. It really helped me realize I was not loving my wife well at all, when I self-righteously thought I had been. In reality, in tension, I would digress and escape, instead of embracing and affirming her. While my bride does not have a history is a similar career, there were countless times when the life of Angel mirrored my wife's life exactly. Comments Angel makes, situations she is caught in, abuses she receives, lies she was taught. Therefore, I was able to identify with my wife and it has lead to me beginning to love her much more like Christ loves His bride, and not above her as if holier. Likewise, Michael Hosea puts me to shame, though he is a flawed, but faithful husband who wrestles with God, and accepts God's plan and sovereignty over all. He is patient and godly. He walks with Jesus well, while confessing his struggles. He helps her see he is just as wicked and undeserving before God.I also fell in love with Angel, and had compassion throughout. It was not what I expected. There is reader frustration seeing her run, but I also understood every single time. She never ran because she loved other men. I saw her past, youth, wounds, hardness, pain, self-sufficiency. And I had compassion throughout. I think it's what the Lord wants us to feel. I've tended to have a harshness towards the 'adult' themes of life. And of course it's an area for caution. But this book has led me to call out for liberation of those held captive. I believe very few caught in lifestyles of any realm of the sex industry or trafficking likely do NOT wish to be there, but have found themselves there nonetheless. So I am crying out for God to liberate the trapped, helpless girls who face this brutal gauntlet. Man's selfishness runs deep and without regard for the devastation it causes on others.The other characters of the book are simply fascinating, and each has a personality. Again, this is brilliant writing. But it also adds significant sub-stories to the already great book. I also love how Francine uses the latter portions of the book to reveal unknowns in the beginning. Normal I'm sure in novels, but since I don't read them, I'm not used to it! Fascinating from start to finish, and absolutely saturated in scripture and the gospel of Jesus. If I could, I would give Francine a huge hug. She, by the Spirit, has written a masterpiece, albeit 20 years ago now. And Praise God, it has changed my life.I'd like to buy this book in bulk from the publisher. I'd like to give it away. I think it can impact almost anyone. At the same time, as in my wife, I need to talk with her before having her read it. It is a heavy and beautiful book, which is amazing. But it can also be too heavy, if a person is not at a good place to absorb the emotion. As one reviewer put it, this book was clearly an anointing on Francine Rivers. Only God above could create such a story through his own people. So be ready for God to dig deep into your life, male or female, and bring to the surface emotions and judgments that needs exposed, rooted, or healed. I'm praying God never allows me to stop feeling the truth He has shown me in this book.

On my top 5 list this book stands as a monumental work in the landscape of Christian fiction, delivering a powerful retelling of the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer set during the California Gold Rush. This novel transcends mere storytelling, weaving a narrative rich with themes of forgiveness, grace, and the relentless nature of divine love. Rivers transforms a classic tale into an immersive experience, capturing the hearts of readers and leaving an indelible mark on the soul.From the outset, "Redeeming Love" introduces us to Angel, a woman whose life has been shaped by betrayal, hardship, and despair. Her journey is one of stark contrasts, from the depths of hopelessness to the heights of redemption, guided by the unwavering love of Michael Hosea, a man called by God to love her unconditionally. Rivers masterfully portrays the complexities of Angel's resistance and eventual surrender to love, mirroring the human struggle with accepting unmerited grace.What sets "Redeeming Love" apart is not just its compelling narrative but its profound spiritual insights. Rivers delves deep into the essence of God's love for humanity, showcasing it as persistent, patient, and transformative. Through the relationship between Angel and Michael, readers are offered a glimpse into the heart of the gospel, presented in a context that is both relatable and deeply moving.The novel's setting during the California Gold Rush adds layers of authenticity and richness to the story. Rivers' meticulous research is evident in her vivid descriptions of the era, from the bustling streets of mining towns to the untamed beauty of the American West. This backdrop serves as the perfect canvas for a story about finding treasure not in gold but in the human heart transformed by love."Redeeming Love" is also a testament to Rivers' skill as a writer. Her prose is both elegant and accessible, with a narrative pace that enthralls and captivates. Each character is meticulously crafted, their stories interwoven with themes of redemption that resonate with universal appeal. Rivers does not shy away from the darkness in human nature but confronts it with the light of hope, making the story's moments of joy and revelation all the more powerful.In conclusion, "Redeeming Love" is far more than a novel; it is an exploration of the depths of God's redeeming love for each of us. Francine Rivers has created a masterpiece that challenges, comforts, and ultimately inspires. This book is a beacon for anyone searching for a story of hope in the midst of despair, a narrative of a love that overcomes the greatest of obstacles. Whether you're a longtime fan of Christian fiction or a newcomer to Rivers' work, "Redeeming Love" is a must-read, a journey of the heart that will leave you transformed and reaffirmed in the power of redemptive love.

Redeeming Love is a compelling tale that weaves together elements of sorrow and conflict, offering a narrative that, despite its strong sexual focus, diverges from conventional faith-based Christian literature, remains profoundly engaging. The emotional struggle of the protagonist, Michael Hosea, showcases his unwavering faith in God, even amidst personal turmoil and challenges in his relationship with Sarah, also known as Angel. The book illustrates the Lord's patience and the profound meaning of intimacy, which Angel, shaped by her traumatic past, initially perceives through a lens of lust rather than love. Michael's role as a guiding figure highlights the importance of genuine affection that transcends physicality. The narrative also delves into Angel's internal conflicts, shaped by her upbringing, yet culminates in her eventual spiritual awakening. Ultimately, the story emphasizes the necessity of divine connection over earthly attachments, making it a compelling read that I highly recommend!

I liked how Gods word and Christianity was an important part of the story and the lives of the characters. Gods love is forever and always true. ❤️I had read this book years ago. My Good Book club found it as a book in a box with many books and the movie to share at the library. The second time around was even better for this older lady.