Redeeming Love Paperback – May 9, 1997

So a good friend recommended this book to me for my wife. There were themes that she would relate to, and it would likely help her process a lot of her life.Well, for her protection, I thought I'd read it myself first. Yes, a late 30s male reading a 'romance' novel. I don't even like novels outside of Westerns. In any case, before the prologue was even finished, I was wrecked-- in a good way. God used this book, and is still using this book, on SO many levels for me. I was sober at home for a good week. My wife kept wondering what was wrong. Well, nothing was wrong. God was just plowing my heart in so many ways. And while I was embarrassed a little being moved by fiction and the characters, I recognized there are, and have been, many, many Angels, and Luckys, and Michaels in the world. There are real people in these situations. Probably not all situations at once, but each situation, there is a man, woman, or child who knows exactly the feeling of the scene. And that is painful, but necessary to realize. God uses it to change us to action.A few examples, this book immediately awakened my position as a father, especially to my daughter. I desire to love her so much better and be much more careful of my words and actions.The book also destroyed so many walls in my heart, specifically concerning relationships, bitterness, anger, forgiveness, marriage, and worth before Jesus. I don't think there's an area of my life it has not touched. Thus, I'm reading it again, only slower this time, and journaling it. The first time I could rarely put it down and even read it at work!The biggest impact this book made was on my marriage. It really helped me realize I was not loving my wife well at all, when I self-righteously thought I had been. In reality, in tension, I would digress and escape, instead of embracing and affirming her. While my bride does not have a history is a similar career, there were countless times when the life of Angel mirrored my wife's life exactly. Comments Angel makes, situations she is caught in, abuses she receives, lies she was taught. Therefore, I was able to identify with my wife and it has lead to me beginning to love her much more like Christ loves His bride, and not above her as if holier. Likewise, Michael Hosea puts me to shame, though he is a flawed, but faithful husband who wrestles with God, and accepts God's plan and sovereignty over all. He is patient and godly. He walks with Jesus well, while confessing his struggles. He helps her see he is just as wicked and undeserving before God.I also fell in love with Angel, and had compassion throughout. It was not what I expected. There is reader frustration seeing her run, but I also understood every single time. She never ran because she loved other men. I saw her past, youth, wounds, hardness, pain, self-sufficiency. And I had compassion throughout. I think it's what the Lord wants us to feel. I've tended to have a harshness towards the 'adult' themes of life. And of course it's an area for caution. But this book has led me to call out for liberation of those held captive. I believe very few caught in lifestyles of any realm of the sex industry or trafficking likely do NOT wish to be there, but have found themselves there nonetheless. So I am crying out for God to liberate the trapped, helpless girls who face this brutal gauntlet. Man's selfishness runs deep and without regard for the devastation it causes on others.The other characters of the book are simply fascinating, and each has a personality. Again, this is brilliant writing. But it also adds significant sub-stories to the already great book. I also love how Francine uses the latter portions of the book to reveal unknowns in the beginning. Normal I'm sure in novels, but since I don't read them, I'm not used to it! Fascinating from start to finish, and absolutely saturated in scripture and the gospel of Jesus. If I could, I would give Francine a huge hug. She, by the Spirit, has written a masterpiece, albeit 20 years ago now. And Praise God, it has changed my life.I'd like to buy this book in bulk from the publisher. I'd like to give it away. I think it can impact almost anyone. At the same time, as in my wife, I need to talk with her before having her read it. It is a heavy and beautiful book, which is amazing. But it can also be too heavy, if a person is not at a good place to absorb the emotion. As one reviewer put it, this book was clearly an anointing on Francine Rivers. Only God above could create such a story through his own people. So be ready for God to dig deep into your life, male or female, and bring to the surface emotions and judgments that needs exposed, rooted, or healed. I'm praying God never allows me to stop feeling the truth He has shown me in this book.

This novel is so well done! I’ve been searching for a read like this for a while! I thoroughly enjoyed every page! Such a touching, engaging and heartwarming story! I can’t wait to find another like this! This one will be hard to forget!!

I finally got around to reading this book after a few of my friends years ago were talking about how great it was. I was finally in the mood to read a romance novel and the book that my friends were so in love with. I have to say, I see why now. This was a book I wanted to read forever. As you're drawing closer to the end, you just want it to extend out and go into further detail about anything just so you can keep reading. I couldn't stay out of the book and it felt great to know that in my spare time I had something amazing to look forward to. It keeps one curious and I felt such a part of it. I fell in love with the characters. There was so much self-analyzation going on and so many lessons to learn in this book as it serves as a reflection of our own stubborn ways and shines a light on how merciful, loving, gracious and kind the Lord really is and has been to us.Michael-Hosea is relentless in his love and a gentlemen just as the bible teaches us about the Holyspirit. This book also gives us a deeper look into the lives of others and how devastating some people's pasts may have been. One can learn a great deal of forgiveness and mercy as we don't always know why a person is the way they are until they tell their story. I can imagine as well that most girls and women who have read this book also feel a personal connection and have in some ways been impacted by Sarah. She'd been damaged and yet so strong under all of those layers as if she somehow knew down deep in her heart that she was made for more than just being a harlot. She kept the last breath of "Sarah" buried down deep as she wanted to keep it hidden from the wolves. You can feel her humility, boldness, charm, fearlessness, at times her low self-esteem yet she was intriguing throughout the book as she had her own mind and although leaned to her own understanding at times, was genuine, willing to learn, grow and listen (sometimes :). She posessed a leadership attitude that was admirable. Whenever I would put the book down I'd feel empowered by her like she taught me some things; an older sister type.Overall, this book breaks down the process of one's thoughts and actions when they feel shame, powerless and unworthiness. The book also shows us how leaning to our own understanding can be detrimental to our lives and those around us. Francine Rivers provides us with great examples of eros, philos and agape love. We see the sensitivity of a Godly man and how God intended a man to be; a warrior but gentle in spirit. I recommend this book to everyone as anyone can gain from the principles and life lessons "Redeeming Love" has to offer. My prayer is that the book transforms people as it serves as a great self-checker if read with an open and honest heart especially as one longing to please the Father.

My God, my God! This book, I have no words. I never leave a review before on anything I buy. But Ms. Rivers' thoughts and hands have been blessed by God himself. After watching the movie on Netflix twice back-to-back, I learned there was a book. I bought the book and i read it in 2 days. If it weren't for work, it would have been one. This is such a great book, story, and everything!!!

A powerful story! One of my all time favorite books and I do not read books more than once but this is one I will revisit.

I had read this book when it first came out. While I have known God's redeeming love personally for more than 40 years, I needed to read this book again as a reminder.Great book - while fictional - it shares God's love for people and how He wants us in relationship with Him.