This is a truly challenging book to rate. At certain moments, it seems like a 1-star read, while at others, it could easily be a 3-star. In fact, I can even envision how some readers might give it a full 5-star rating. It's an inspirational romance that, in my view, leans quite heavily on the religious aspect at times. If the concept of extreme self-sacrifice that doesn't seem to benefit anyone other than God (and even that's debatable) appeals to you, then you'll likely enjoy this book. However, I didn't particularly relish it, although I could appreciate some of its aspects.

The writing style isn't the greatest in the world. It's very simplistic and reminds me of something like the Good News Bible, where Biblical verse is presented in a more modern and accessible way, with a straightforward approach to what is otherwise complex religious dogma when closely examined. The relationship between the two frontier families is a bit too idyllic, but it aligns with this striving-to-be-like-God ideal, and there's nothing inherently wrong with that. However, I think you have to have a penchant for reading about that sort of "wholesomeness." There's a note from the publisher stating that it's a PG 13 novel, but I'm not so sure. There was one very brief and rather disgusting scene, and given the situation and the period, I thought branding it as PG 13 was misleading. There is virtually no physical intimacy in this book, aside from the occasional kiss, and any mention of sex is glossed over, leaving you wondering if they had sex or not. The violence in the novel is treated in the same manner, and I believe it's a disservice not to "show" the reader what the author is envisioning. You get these one-liners about horrific beatings and great sex on a very spiritual level, but without any detail. The author reveals a lot about God but not enough about the hero and heroine together as a married couple. I think emotional, spiritual, and physical intimacy contribute to more well-rounded characters, and I felt shortchanged not to have all of that. The book could probably be a solid 4 ½ stars if this aspect of the writing had been further developed.

The hero and the heroine are very well-portrayed. Michael is a true saint, and if you were to strip away his devout belief in God, he'd make one of the best romance heroes out there. He gets knocked down time and time again, but he still perseveres. At times, he reminded me of poor Job. His self-sacrifice borders on the incredulous, and I still can't fathom what he gained from it during those years of waiting. His character's endless patience is reminiscent of Sarah McCarty's Asa in Promises Linger. As for Angel/Sarah, she is such an irritating and at times, stupid woman. She has heaven within her grasp, yet she keeps discarding it. Her life is a nightmare, and it's a wonder she never took her own life to escape it. But I had a hard time understanding why, after receiving so much unconditional love from Michael, which she also felt, she ultimately left him.

It was difficult to believe in all this love at first sight and God speaking to these people in mysterious ways. At times, it's the Old Testament's mysterious and somewhat mean God in this story who takes everything away and leaves you living in emotional hell. I don't know why, and that's what I really didn't like about this book from a romance perspective. Michael is a good guy, so why keep testing him? Angel has been through the worst and back, so why does she constantly leave her haven? I guess you could argue that they both had things to do before they could be together, but I think they really squandered some very precious time that could have been better spent in each other's company.

The epilogue is quite touching, and God finally decides to give something back, aside from just his love, which is supposed to be the true reason for living. But I didn't really see what kind of happiness it brought these people because without each other, they were horribly sad and lost.

If you view the novel as a retelling of the Book of Hosea (based on what little I know about it), it's quite good. However, if you read it as a romance, you may be disappointed. So, for me, it's two stars for romance and four stars for the retelling of the Book of Hosea.

FYI: If devout believers who see God in everything and believe that true faith is the only way to find happiness in life bother you, you may want to skip this book.

It's been about a week, but I believe this book has slightly traumatized me.

Written by a former romance writer who has now turned to Christianity, the author clearly aimed to convey certain moral messages regarding love, redemption, self-worth, and our value as God's children, using an 1800s prostitute as the main character.

Great. That sounds good. I had read a similar story just a couple of months ago and really liked it. I was up for another uplifting tale of love and acceptance. Yay.

Nay.

This book, although incredibly similar to the one I read previously, was vastly different. It wasn't necessarily darker, but it was definitely uglier. The author's descriptions of scenes and events were not only more detailed but also more depraved. There was more physical, sexual, and psychological violence.

Not just the girl, not just the men and women involved, but almost everyone in the entire story was abusing others in one way or another, and they were all a mess.

Ok, not everyone, but most. The thing is, even the guy who saves her isn't necessarily all that great. He gets really angry. A lot. And he talks about killing people. Often.

Maybe he has good intentions, but when it really comes down to it, the execution is poor (for the author as well), because he kind of just wants her for the sex too. And boy, is there a lot of sex. But even when it's supposedly loving and good and safe, it still seems kind of ugly. After writing cheesy romance novels, I don't think the author has a very good understanding of what that should look like.

As in the other book I mentioned, this one also deals with young girls being sold into prostitution. It's not pretty, but it's real, even today. I understand that.

But I did not sign up for the details. I wasn't looking for a Margaret Atwood-style book. I can get the idea, and if I want to, I can imagine. But I don't want to feel sick from having it spelled out to me.

And finally, this view of Christianity was not typical and definitely not like my own. These characters have a ton of direct conversations with God. Like, way more than most biblical prophets. Also, some doctrines are interpreted quite differently than what I've seen. It's all just a little too much.

What it really comes down to is that calling this "inspirational" isn't accurate. Historical romance is a more appropriate label.

The Christian walk is not always filled with rainbows and roses.

Life doesn't always present us with good things neatly wrapped in packages. The author skillfully wrote about various situations that have occurred and could potentially happen, doing so with great class.

We gained a clear understanding of what Angel and other women endured, yet without overly vivid details.

The most significant takeaway from this book for me was the unconditional love of God and His longing for us to walk in His truth.

This story serves as a wonderful illustration of how God can utilize us for good, even when we are unable to see or comprehend it.

Michael grappled for a significant portion of the book with the whys of his relationship with Angel. Angel, on the other hand, struggled to believe in God, among other things.

I relished the historical aspect of the story, along with the setting and the overall ambiance of the book.

It amazed me in some aspects, while in others it fell short. I wasn't a fan of a particular moment near the ending and how Angel presented herself to Michael in the meadow.

However, I adored the one thing she was able to "give" him.

This story is about true love in its purest form, the kind of love that can only emanate from a loving God.

Rating: Pg-13
Language: clean read
Recommend: most definitely

Industrial shredder…meet my heart. Ohhhh my heart. I was completely unprepared, both mentally and emotionally, for this novel. I would never have selected it to read on my own, but my friend's enthusiastic praise was so intense that I finally gave in. And now, I truly believe that my life has been enhanced by having read this remarkable work.

We are introduced to Sarah as a young child when she discovers the truth about her conception as the illegitimate child of a married man who never desired her existence. Five years later, her mother passes away, unknowingly leaving her in the hands of a pedophile brothel owner. Fast forward to when she is 18, a trapped prostitute with no escape, until she catches the eye of Michael. Guided by God, Michael decides to make her his wife.

He rescues her, marries her, and loves her with an intensity that is truly remarkable. All he desires is her love in return. Despite his initial struggle with God's will, he demonstrates saintly levels of patience and understanding. Even when her inner demons drive her to fight him with all her might, he endures. Her deep-seated trauma and self-loathing make the reading truly heart-wrenching. However, their love is so beautiful and pure. She repeatedly runs away, but he never gives up.

I won't disclose any more details, but this story encompassing faith, profound love, perseverance, severe trauma, mental anguish, and ultimate triumph is one that I firmly believe everyone should attempt to read. It is a moving, beautiful, and inspirational piece of literature, truly something special.