One of the best books I have read by Karen Kingsbury. The content of this book is difficult, to say the least. For some of us, this type of living is so far beyond our wildest imagination, that we have difficulty relating to it. But, none the less, the pain and heartache represented between the pages of Divine occur in real life more than we'd like to think possible. This story of hope, renewal, forgiveness and grace transcends circumstances to breathe new life into every one of us, if only we will listen.

The first time I read this book I was in high school and while I remember loving it, I don’t remember it meaning to me what it did now some 12 years later. This story is beautiful, well written, and full of a wide array of emotions. I felt connection to the characters in deep ways and was left believing the truth I already know to be true about Jesus. Phenomenal read!

Read this book for book club at church. This was my first book by Kingsbury and I liked her writing style, better than I expected. This book reminded me of "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. But it is a more modern day setting, and the character is based somewhat on Mary Magdalene in the Bible. It is difficult to read because of some of the life events, choices, and circumstances of the characters, but is worth finishing. I loved the ending and needed tissues! It's a beautiful story of Christ's love for all, no matter what our background or past, we are loved and can be forgiven and in return we can love and forgive others.

This is my first KK book. Initially I wasn’t sure I could continue reading because the abuse was so hard to read. I always finish what I start, so I’m glad I did. This was so well written, and so thought provoking. Unlike other reviews I can totally see the ending. Realistically, even though a romance novel version is always preferred, that’s just not life. God made us with a purpose, for a purpose…I like that this book stuck to that with a more realistic ending vs a sappy ending. Minus one star only because I would consider this engaging vs enjoyable…it’s a hard read. That said, if you have suffered emotional and/or physical abuse, the story and message end up realistically hope-filled.

An inspiring Christian novel. For me, it is not preachy, but anyone who is quite aversed to church sermons or Bible reading may find it so. Recommended for those wanting a feel-good, inspirational and wholesome read.

All about love

It’s been a while since I have read a Christian novel. My mom loved Karen Kingbury books and this one was a good one. A modern day twist to one of the Bible’s more controversial characters, Mary Magdalene. The story of Mary Maddison is a griping one, full of horrors and pain but it’s also a story of Jesus’ divine love. You also get the story of Emma, another young woman who is trying to find her way through her own battles.

The story did have a little more preachy tone to it but I think the essence was there. One thing I wasn’t super happy about was the view that two Christian adults couldn’t fulfill their ministries completely if they had a relationship. I get it but it could give newer Christians the wrong idea of how to fully follow Christ.

But in the end I couldn’t put it down once I started, actually stayed up until 2 reading it. Overall a great story.

This book is one of my absolute favorites! I will say that it is a hard read just because of some of the things that happen in the book. There is a lot of information and the major theme of the book has to do with trafficking, and the healing process of that. But all in all it is a well written book and I think a must read for everyone.

Tough book to read based on the topic… but really beautiful illustration of the story of Mary Magdalene and the Lords redeeming love.

I couldn't read more than a few pages of this book. It starts from the outset with some outrageous Christian propaganda about absintence only education and even has some horribly false statistics on abstinence only education. Then the main character talks in condescending platitudes about the rough side of DC and how these "rough" kids aren't so rough now that they're going to Bible study classes. Uggh.

Thank goodness this was a free Friday download.

I read this book for the first time a few years ago before I became a Christian and I remember I had really enjoyed it, so I decided to read it again now that I am a Christian and I have to say that I still really enjoyed the book and I absolutely love the entire book.
Yes, this book is intense and hard to read because of everything that Mary Madison goes through in her childhood, but I think it really showcased how you can always be saved by Jesus no matter what you have gone through and/or what you have done.
I really love how Karen Kingsbury writes and how she gets you hooked on the book and the entire storyline.

There is a paragraph in this book that so aptly describes the message Karen kingsbury so skillfully portrays: "That is the love of Christ ... Full and whole, without judgment or reservation. Unconditional. When you fall, Jesus holds out a hand. When you turn away, He stands at the door of your heart, waiting, always waiting."

“Jesus was all she needed. He really was enough.”

The remembrance of why I wanted to read this book again was renewed. A very heartbreaking, yet powerful testimony of God’s reckless love, His might to save, and His pure divinity. This story moved me once more. His hand is always on our lives, everywhere, and in everything. (4.0)