Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers - a Must Read, Epecially for Avid Mystery Readers
Posted: Thursday, April 30, 2009
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
I am not one for romance novels. They are much too predicable, and everybody lives happily ever after. I much rather read a "Who-Done-it" kind of story with a lot of twists and turns, and with any kind of luck, a happy ending.
So when a good friend of mine encouraged me to read Redeeming Love, naturally I was reluctant. Thankfully, she would not relent until I promised to read it.
This story is not just another sappy old romance – it is a loosely retold story of the book of Hosea where God commanded Hosea to marry a prostitute. He did this to demonstrate to his people, Israel, the sadness and righteous jealously he had because of their disobedience. He likened their serving and worshiping false gods to that of a committing adultery – just imagine your spouse prostituting themselves repeatedly…
Travel back in time to the 1850's. Experience the California gold rush – where greed and prostitution often went hand in hand. Angel, who was sold into prostitution as a child has grown up in this filthy world – hating men and all they stand for. And then one day, a man comes to her rescue. Michael is drawn to her in a unexplainable way that causes him to whisk her away – ignorantly believing that his unconditional love, and his respect for her would cause her years of built up anger, bitterness, and pain to melt away and they would live happily ever after.
Much to my surprise, there was adventure, unexpected twists, and not so happily ever after moments; revealing the violent and raunchy world of sex for hire and the beauty of sex in its intended context. Passion at its best – making this book a page-turner from the get-go.
This story will have you questioning love, patience, and endurance. Is it all worth it, and will it payoff? I found myself angry, compassionate, teary-eyed, and challenged in my own way of thinking. This story went straight to my heart, reminding me of that old adage – "Never judge a book by its cover". Truly, we never know where someone has been until we have walked in his or her shoes.
This book also makes for a perfect Reader's Club read in that there are questions at the end of the book for group discussion and light Bible study.
Overall – a great read for simple pleasure or a higher spiritual purpose. A Modern classic for sure, and I highly recommend it!
I'm not much in to love stories, either, but this sounds like something I would read. Thanks for sharing with us, Teresa.SandraHi Sandra, I think you would love it. It is a beautiful story of redemption.I do hope you check it out. Thanks for the comment,
I highly recommend ANYTHING written by Francine Rivers. She has an incredible knack for writing across a wide variety of genres. If you liked this one, go find her Mark of the Lion Trilogy which is a story about the early followers of Jesus, set in the first century Roman empire. She has also written several modern day novels dealing with very relevant issues such as, abortion (The Atonement Child), aging and euthanasia (Leota's Garden), Pastoral misconduct (And The Shofar Blew), divorce (The Scarlet Thread). All of them are very thought provoking and excellent reading... Did I mention I'll read ANYTHING by Francine Rivers?? :)Hi Jean...... so I am guessing you like Francine Rivers :-)I tried the Mark of the Lion series, tried 4 times to get going on the first book and it just didn't grab me, maybe I will give it another try, now that I have read this one. I def. read the Atonement Child, this sounds good to me!Thanks for the input! I am sure it will inspire others to read her! Have a blessed weekend!
Wow, Teresa, a book that stirs up all that emotion, sounds like a great book to read, and good for a group discussion, I am glad that you found one that you liked, that contained all the emotions that you could feel, and still see the spirtualality! Great read, and great article.....Your friend and fan....GaryHi Gary! Thanks for the comments. I do love it when I get completely wrapped up in the life of the characters! Ted Dekker's books do that do me - like I want to start praying for these people! But then I get a grip and remember they are not real :-)Have a fabulous weekend!! Your amigo ( or is it amiga ) Blessings! T
Great article. Well done.Sounds like a very well written book. Thought I don’t know if it is for me. Well, don't judge a book by its cover. If I see the book I shall have a bit of a read.Hi Connor, that is what I kept saying :-) I am glad my friend annoyed me about reading it.have a wonderful weekend! Blessings to you, Teresa
hi t,your writing has become so much more refined, and to the point, as mine also did at about the same time i had been writing. it sounds good. it always did, but now, it sounds more mature and professional, even, and yet, i love the personal articles, too.and oh my God!...."God commanded Hosea to marry a prostitute."i don't even know where to begin. :)so, i won't.thanks for a good read,my best,sueHi Sue, Thank you for the compliments, wow! Very encouraging.I know, God asking Hosea to marry a prostitue used to throw me off when I first became a Christian and started studying the bible. But, wow! It is an incredible picture of God's heart, compassion, grace, his holiness and juctice. Hosea was a prophet was called by God to give the people a message, and by Hosea experiencing this one sided love and relationship with this prostitute gave Hosea an insight to God's heart that he would not have been able to effectively communicate.The peoples' disobedience (which was putting them in constant danger and pain) was so drastic, that it called for a drastic wake-up call.Kind of like what we in our own lives experience. For example, how can I help someone in an area that I have not experienced for myself. And how would I know the danger of sin unless I experience the consequence?Anyway, it all makes perfect sense as we learn the word of God and come to understand His character - a place where perfect love and perfect justice = Holiness. The book of Hosea gives me hope and humbles my heart that God would continually receive me back everytime I stray. I know I wouldn't take my husband back if he continually cheated on me, yet God always takes me back everytime I "cheat" on Him. That is an incredible love.I suppose you didn't need this long of a response, but you made me think about what other readers might be thinking, so I thought I would explain :-)Thanks again! t
Teresa,This is a beautiful write, an excellent review, and you have made me want to read it. (Like you, I'm not much into the romance novel -- aside from the classics.) In fact, after reading all the comments, I plan to check out Francine Rivers.Thank you so much for sharing this,NancyHi Nancy,Thank you for the great review of this review :-)I think Jean did a great job of promoting F.R. I think you would love this book, it will go straight to your heart.let me know what you think!Blessings to you! Teresa
Hi Teresa,Very good read. Really nice, makes me run to the bookstore to buy the book. Thanks. May your day be filled with sunshine and laughter.Your fan,NenitaHi Nenita,Thanks for the kind words! I could use sunshine and laughter! Right back to you :-)I do hope you run off to the bookstore :-)Blessings and thanks for being my fan. Teresa
Sounds like a great book. Now I'm going to have to get my hands on one. Thanks for a very informative article.God Bless,Linda DHi Linda! How are you? I know you would love this book, you should read it.Blessings to you! Teresa
Not one for romance novels, unless the main character morphs into an alien or something, but your enthusiasm makes me wonder if I should!Hey Bro! Judging from the love you express for your wife, and being the passionate person you are, I know you would love this book. It is a wonderful story of redemption - one I know you would relate to.Go ahead, give it a try. I know a lot of macho men who love this book :-)Blessings to you! Sis.
I really thought this book was awful, and tossed it 3/4 of the way through. Boring, and no character development, to entice me into reading more.HI ML, thanks for your comments. This is the beauty of varying styles - there is something for everyone! Although you may have given up too soon. There were huge character changes! Thanks again for taking the time to comment. Blessings to you!