Rating: 
Summary: A Powerful Witness
Review: When Redeeming Love was first released, as an admirer of Francine's story telling skills I rushed out to buy a copy. After reading it I returned to clear out the shelves of three different book stores, buying 4-5 copies at a shot. When it was released in hardback through a book club, I bought another 5 copies. Why so many books? Because it is the BEST witness of the Father's love that I can give to someone who will not listen to "God talk" or read traditional Christian fiction. What is a well written romance on the surface, is so much more at its core.This story gets inside of the readers heart and mind, it creates a hunger to be loved unconditionally. To be loved in a manner the world via Hollywood tells us is possible, but life experince tells us is not. This is God's love at work in Michael's life and Angel's, and for those readers who allow it, in our lives as well. We all sin and fall short of the mark, Angel did so in a very public manner. We all need to be redeemed, to know that we are loved beyond measure. Francine's retelling of the book of Hosea allows a glimpse of the depth and breadth of the Father's love for each of us.
Rating:
Summary: I cried after every chapter
Review: WARNING! Do not start reading this book unless you have a good chunk of time. You will not be able to put it down. I do not usually read fiction, and especially not romances, but I have to say, this is a very good book. The story and characters are Biblically based on the story of Hosea. What really struck me, was how Rivers was able to portray God's love. That's why I cried. Each chapter showed just how Jesus reaches out for us, even after all our many times of rejecting Him. The resolution at the end did not seem corny to me. And the sex was just suggested (I mean, the story is about a whore, so what to you expect?). I have recommended this book to several of my friends and they all liked it too. I went on to read The Mark of the Lion series, which I also enjoyed, but none of those books are as good as this particular one.
Rating:
Summary: Redeeming Love
Review: This was my first book I read by Francine Rivers, and I really enjoyed it. She has a great ability to spin a tale that you don't know where she's going, but you want to find out! I especially liked the "forgiveness" this story was based around & Francine's knowledge of God's word. This book shows a very hard side of life, but also a very beautiful side of life. I recommend this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Crosses the Line
Review: This book came across to me as a Christian's excuse to read smut. One could write a similar story full of sexual details about David and Bathsheba, but I don't think it would honor God. I realize the author was trying to portray the theme of amazing forgiveness, but it got lost for me somewhere in all the sex.
Rating:
Summary: Redeeming Love
Review: This is the first of Francine Rivers' books I read. I enjoyed it and could hardly put it down. You can't help but be touched by this story. The author has a way of writing that keeps where she's going a mystery.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book
Review: This is one the best novels I have ever read! Warning, it is very difficult to put down! She does an incredible job of peronifying God's endless love for us through the retelling of Hosea. After reading this book, I have begun reading through many of her books and have found this one the best so far.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful and heartwrenching love story
Review: This book will grab you by the heart in the first few sentences and hold onto it all the way through to the end. As a new-comer to Christian writting, I have to say this is the most powerful story I have ever read(And I am an avid reader). Taking place in the 1850's, it is a re-telling of the book of Hosea. Angel, having been thrown into prostitution as a child, is bitter and holds a deep hatred for men. Michael Hosea, a God fearing and loving farmer, is told by God this is the wife he has been praying for. Although Michael questions God(who answers him again) he takes Angel to be his bride and sets himself down a path to which his love, patience, and understanding will be challenged by both her and God. There are moments in this story that are written so well you can't help but feel Michael's desperation at the challenge God has put before him. And, you can't help but love what he is trying to make her understand, and love her as well despite all her flaws and misgivings about life and the Lord. I promise you will weep with such saddness and at the same time weep because Michael Hosea is so pure in his love for her. In fact, so much so that God has to intercede and remind Michael that his love for Angel is through God and not it's own entity. I promise this book will be worth your while. You will find youself looking for people to loan it to. It is just too good of an experience to keep to yourself. If you haven't yet grasped the full understanding of what God's love is, you will get a pretty big insight reading Redeeming Love. Francine Rivers has a beautiful gift and I will continue to look for books she puts on the shelf. Your sister in Christ, Shelli
Rating:
Summary: I would give this book 10 stars!!!!
Review: I have never read a book that has changed my life like this book. From the moment I began this story to the time I finished it, I found myself changing my attitude towards people and God. I have shared this book with over 30 people, just recommending it myself. Buy this book!
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely outstanding Novel!!
Review: "Redeeming Love" is a truly wonderful book, which will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The story was so touching, and Ms. River's did a superb job of developing the characters. It is an exceptional story about Sarah, "Angel," a young girl of 18, who was sold in to prostitution as a little girl of seven. Michael Hosea, a divout Christian farmer, is instructed to marry her. A battle of wills ensues, and even when they eventually get married, Angel refuses to be held down. Gradually, Michael's unconditioal love, and gentle manner melt her heart, but Angel fears that she is unworthy, and is torn in to by conflicting voices of light and darkness. She leaves Michael to go back to her old life, and the story becomes suspenseful, and very exciting. I appreciate that Francine River's charcters are depicted as human, and are not portrayed as perfect. Angel can only get help from the One who is. An interesting fact about this book is that it is a powerful retelling of the book of Hosea in the Old Testament. God tells his prophet, Hosea to marry an adultress wife, Gomer to make an example for His chosen people, the Israelites, who were worshipping idols, and to illustrate his gift of grace. I would recommend reading the book of Hosea first, and then reading this superb retelling. It will definetely change your life for the better. Happy Reading, and God Bless!!!
Rating:
Summary: A Heartwrenching Story
Review: I grew to love Angel and Michael, and was so disappointed when the story ended. This story, based on the Biblical Book of Hosea, caused me to think about many things, including God's continual love and grace. As always, Francine Rivers writes a powerful story.
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