This is one of my favorite books of all times.

I knew absolutely nothing about it when I first picked it up to read. And you know what? That's precisely how it should be read.

Don't try to find out too much in advance, just simply open the book and start reading.

As you do so, you'll soon discover how incredibly powerful this book is.

It has the ability to draw you in, to make you feel emotions you never thought possible, and to take you on a journey that you'll never forget.

So, if you're looking for a truly amazing reading experience, I highly recommend this book.

Just trust me and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

This book will always hold a special place in my heart.

It was the very first time that I witnessed God's voice in a story that spoke directly to the deepest longing within me - the longing to truly know His love for me.

The words within its pages seemed to reach out and touch my soul, as if God Himself was gently whispering His love and care.

As I turned each page, I felt a sense of peace and comfort wash over me, knowing that God's love was real and that He was always there for me.

This book has become a source of inspiration and strength for me, and I will cherish it always.

It has taught me that God's love is unconditional and that no matter what challenges or difficulties I may face in life, His love will always be there to guide and support me.

I am truly grateful for this book and the profound impact it has had on my life.

**"Redeeming Love: A Secular Reader's Perspective"**

I am not religious, so my review of this inspirational romance comes from a secular stance. In the Unapologetic Romance Readers group, our May theme was "Christian romance," and I nominated Redeeming Love. Francine Rivers is a well-known name, not just in Christian fiction but also in historical romance. I was eager to see what she had to offer.

As soon as I started reading, two people messaged me about the different versions of the book. I have the 1997 edition, which was edited for a more religious audience, with fade-to-black sex scenes. The story follows Angel, a prostitute sold into the trade as a child and raped. She has become bitter and cold. Michael Hosea hears God tell him to marry her, and despite her multiple rejections, he does.

The book is mainly about Angel learning to deal with her guilt and self-hatred. Her character is well-developed, and her actions are in line with her past. It takes her a long time to trust Michael, and even longer to give him her heart. The story is a retelling of the Bible story of Gomer and Hosea, but it stands on its own. However, in the last quarter, the story starts to falter. God's actions seem cruel, and some of the religious elements felt a bit forced.

My two biggest pet peeves were the epilogue and Paul's happy ending. The epilogue didn't feel realistic, and I didn't like how Paul was treated. He mistreated Angel for most of the book, and then she apologized to him. In a bodice ripper, he would have met a much worse fate.
In spite of its flaws, Redeeming Love is a good book. I think secular readers can enjoy it too, especially if they can find the 1991 edition. Francine Rivers is a talented writer, with great characterizations and pacing. I'm glad I read this book, and I'm looking forward to reading more by her, especially the Mark of the Lion series. I give this book 3 stars.

  

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I received this as a part of the First Reads program.

I was truly repulsed by this book.

It's meant to be a Christian romance novel. Full disclosure, I'm an atheist, so I wasn't exactly anticipating falling head over heels in love with it. However, I found the concept of retelling the story of Hosea during the Gold Rush quite interesting; otherwise, I wouldn't have picked it up.

So you might wonder, why was I so disgusted by this book? Well, looking beyond the forced marriage, rape, beatings, and child rape described within its pages. Also, looking past the flat, one-dimensional characters who, by the way, are stunningly and physically beautiful (how dreadfully boring that is). Not to mention, looking past the horrible source material that is the Old Testament. I'm repulsed by the ideas this book reinforces for women. I'm appalled that this drivel was written by a woman. And after reading some reviews before receiving the book, I'm astonished that some people found this book moving, positive, and uplifting. The plot device of using these characters to represent God and his supposed unconditional love for his children was feeble. This was represented by the two main characters and Angel. So God talks to him (I'll leave that one alone) and tells him to marry her. He has a priest marry the two of them while she's pretty much unconscious. She runs away after being forced to work for and take care of him. I wonder why she would run away. So she finally meets a family who is willing to take care of her. She's in a good place. And then he comes back for her. For some unknown reason, she goes back to him. The worst part is the ending, because she wants nothing more than to please him and bear him a son.

This book does nothing more than subjugate women. In my own opinion, gods and religions do the same, but that's a different story for a different time. What positive message could there possibly be in this for anyone? Be a good wife and devote all your time to making babies. I think we all know there's more to life than that.

Please don't waste your time reading this book. Get something else that will celebrate life and the worth of an individual, or something from which you will learn something. I'll be trading mine in at the local book mine to get something of more value.

I can safely say that I should have never started this book. I have been hearing about it for ages. It keeps popping up on friends' feeds. With over 70,000 Goodreads ratings and over 1,600 Amazon ratings, it's clearly a popular one. When I saw it on NetGalley, I was hesitant. But since the Kindle book costs $9.99, I thought it was my only chance to see what the fuss was about. I asked a few GR friends if it was suitable for non-Christian or non-religious people. They all said yes, claiming it was more of an uplifting love story. However, I have to respectfully say that they were wrong.

This book is extremely heavy on religious themes. There's a case of insta-love as dictated by Jesus and God saving a woman from a life of despair and prostitution. The theme is based on the Book of Hosea from the Bible, where God told the prophet Hosea to marry a prostitute. I can understand how people with a religious background and those who like the idea of Jesus leading them to their soul-mate would love this book. It's a love and God conquers all type of story. But aside from the religious content, this book just isn't for me. The beginning is very sad and depressing, featuring child abuse and neglect, which I don't like reading about. Also, technically speaking, I wasn't too impressed with the writing style. It often ventures into the realm of "cheesy" and "eye-roll-inducing". Besides, insta-love is annoying in any context.

I won't write a long, picky review of this book. I didn't finish it and I'm not rating it because I know I'm not the target audience. Despite what others might say, this is 100% a Christian book and should only be read by those who enjoy religious fiction. I'm glad many of my friends have loved it, but it's definitely not for me. **Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

5 Inspiring Stars!! I'm extremely happy!! Oh, where on earth is a box of tissues when you're in desperate need of them?? I simply have to listen to the end one more time. Oh my goodness, I just can't stop crying!! Michael...he represents the power of love!!




  




No matter how hard I try, no review I could ever write would do justice to this book, which is so richly deserving of praise. You truly have to experience it firsthand to fully understand all the profound meanings it holds. I'm deeply grateful to KarLyn, who was the very first to tell me about this remarkable book, and then to all my other friends who wholeheartedly encouraged me to read it. It has been an amazing journey that I will NEVER, under any circumstances, forget. This book has touched my heart in a way that I could never have imagined, and it will stay with me forever.

I read this book a few years ago and it was truly filled with numerous problems. At that time, I was already married, and I firmly believe that I would never recommend this particular book to an unmarried individual. The content within it might not be suitable or beneficial for those who are not yet in a committed relationship. Instead, if one desires to hear a beautiful and inspiring story of God's love and redemption, I highly recommend reading the book of Hosea. Hosea's account is a powerful testament to God's unfailing love and His ability to bring about restoration and renewal. It offers profound insights and teachings that can touch the hearts and souls of readers. So, do yourself a favor and skip this problematic book and turn to the wonderful narrative of Hosea.

I absolutely loved this book!

It is indeed a very raw one that delves into numerous topics that many Christian authors tend to avoid. However, I, personally, have no issue reading about such things as long as there is a powerful Christian message intertwined.

The book touches upon child abuse, rape, prostitution, sex, and marital relations. Nevertheless, nothing is overly graphic. Given that it is a fiction book centered around the redemption of a prostitute, I fully anticipated the story to be more intense and raw compared to typical Christian fiction. Yet, I still believe it qualifies as a clean romance book.

Even though I got irritated with Angel for her constant running away from Michael, I also understand her reasons. I adored reading about how Angel ultimately came to believe in God's love for her and discovered the forgiveness and redemption that God desired to bestow upon her.

I also had an absolute fondness for Michael's character. Although he had moments of severely struggling with his trust in God, his love for Angel prevailed in the end.

This book truly had a profound impact on me, and I would highly recommend it to others.

I didn't have any affection for this book.

For me, it got off to a rather bumpy start.

There were indeed some parts in the middle that I took pleasure in.

It was a book filled with passion, yet it was never overly erotic (you know what I'm trying to convey).

However, the ending was extremely corny, and I grew weary of the same ideas and phrases being repeated time and time again.

I found myself skimming through the pages just to get the book done.

And I truly loathe epilogues where authors simply list future events like a laundry list instead of writing snippets of their characters' future lives in the same engaging manner as the rest of the story was told.

If it hadn't been for the fact that I had my sick children sitting on my lap for the past two days, I would never have finished this book so rapidly.

Christian romance novels simply aren't my cup of tea - they're too cheesy far too often.

My heart is filled to the brim with a plethora of emotions.

What an exquisitely beautiful and deeply inspirational book this is! WOW!!!

I found myself having to stop on several occasions because I was sobbing uncontrollably throughout the entire story.

And even long after I had finished reading it, the tears continued to flow. LOVELY!!!!

For once in my life, I wish with all my heart that I could somehow adequately articulate just how truly magnificent this book is!!!

It has touched my soul in ways that I never thought possible.

The words seem to leap off the page and into my heart, painting a vivid picture that I will never forget.

This is not just a book; it is a work of art that has the power to change lives.

I feel so incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to read it.

The writing style of this piece is, in my opinion, rather simplistic and repetitive. However, Redeeming Love is an incredibly tragic and raw narrative that delves deep into the themes of discovery, love, and faith.

It takes the reader on an emotional journey, exploring the complex and often painful experiences of the characters. The story is not for the faint of heart, as it deals with difficult topics such as abuse and adultery.

Nonetheless, it is a powerful and thought-provoking read that I would highly recommend to those who are able to handle such intense subject matter. It offers a unique perspective on love and redemption, and challenges the reader to confront their own beliefs and values.

Overall, while the writing may not be to everyone's taste, the story of Redeeming Love is one that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This book is truly and incredibly romantic.

It presents a beautiful story of a powerful love that has the ability to bring profound happiness into the lives of the couple. However, it is also less romantic in a sense as it delves into the complex and difficult aspects of a couple's life. They have to confront a damaged past, a damaged soul, and the lingering pain and destruction that this damage can still cause.

It is not a tale of an easy love that unfolds without obstacles. Additionally, this book is also about God's plan.

Most Christian books typically focus on people who are Christians and mainly describe the good things they do. But this book, like many of Francine Rivers's works, is about characters who truly trust God and rely on Him, not just in their words but also in their actions.

All in all, it is an amazing and incredible read that offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on love, faith, and the human experience.