In fact, this G-rated axiom leads to some rather awkward moments. She wrote it for them. 12. Change ). And that didn’t seem to matter to any of the men. ( Log Out /  I struggled through this book for two main reasons: Mediocre prose and redundancy. Regardless of how much you agree or disagree with the plot of a story, if the writing is weak or the story becomes tedious, it has the potential to turn off a lot of readers. It’s one I’d encourage every aspiring author to break themselves of. Michael Hosea is a godly man sent into Angel's life to draw her into the Savior's redeeming love. Sold into prostitution in childhood, Angel is a bitter woman who trusts no man. Buy Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers online at Alibris. You should not seek out “family friendly” and/or Christian romance novels to read. At times I felt like this was less a romance novel and more of a contemporary fable. Most of all she hated the men for their relentless quest for pleasure. As far as pronouns are concerned, the big mistake would have been if Rivers felt she needed to use proper nouns all the time. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. It is a powerful, powerful theme. Francine Rivers is one of America's favorite romance writers and a best-selling inspirational author. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. You see, many Christians cite Redeeming Love as an example that Christian fiction can be edgy. She felt it radiating from his body, but he never did anything about it. I felt like I was watching Peter Jackson drag out Kong’s death to the point of absurdity. Author: Francine Rivers It has taken me YEARS with a lot of Christian support, learning about human behaviour, and God’s inner healing to be in touch with them. I also want to take this opportunity to discuss edginess in Christian fiction. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. At least, that’s how iconic the novel seems to have become in many Christian circles. Clearly this book didn’t get your votes. Frankly, there was a simplicity in the writing of this book that made it exceedingly readable. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep. The Bible account of Ruth was totally different. Angel leaves. With Abigail Cowen, Tom Lewis, Famke Janssen, Logan Marshall-Green. &(me), http://www.francinerivers.com/blog/sex-trafficking-awareness. Michael takes her back. Like this one where the protags finally have, um, sexual relations: When he kissed her, Angel was lost in a wilderness of new sensations. Who has not, upon realization of the Bridegroom’s great grace and mercy, felt like a used up whore? it should be 5/5 stars. Has reading this novel changed or enlightened you? I wouldn’t refer to the book as edgy, though the author definitely doesn’t skirt around issues, but I hardly think her aim was to be edgy… 464 pages, softcover from Multnomah. Sheet music arranged for Piano/Vocal/Chords, and Hymn in Bb Major. He asked questions. There are few complex sentences, which for me, gave the reading an endless staccato feel. But when God tells Michael Hosea to marry her, she learns to love---until fear overwhelms her and she returns to her former life. Maybe the author os this article needs to study the book of Hosea in the bible. This is a topic I talk a lot about on my website and, frankly, is one of the reasons I decided to read Redeeming Love. If anyone has any thoughts on the ‘shame’ element I would be grateful of you comments. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. In the novel, God speaks to Michael and teaches him how to love Angel. Thanks for stopping by Reads & Roses. Angel has only ever… However, employing a prostitute as the vehicle to demonstrate God’s boundless, tenacious love, is very effective. Cover art, synopsis, sequels, reviews, awards, publishing history, genres, and time period. Because it was released by general market publisher, the book did not hold completely explicit Christian content, such as the baptismal scene in the book and Angel’s Christian conversion; however, when the book went out of print several years later, Rivers got the rights back to her book and made the additions to the novel. While I sincerely hope this isn’t “the best Christian Romance novel” out there, I believe Ms. Rivers captures something that is essential to good Christian fiction — a portrayal of the hellish depths of human depravity and the vast, unrelenting scope of God’s love. Each time he came, he was more determined. “Redeeming Love is a literary masterpiece, reminding us that God’s love is unconditional. REVIEWS: Redeeming Love : Readers Favorite Mike Duran Goodreads Book Companion A story of love that won't let go - no matter what! It’s hard not to have high expectations going into this book (especially seeing the 760+ 5 star reviews at Amazon) and, try as I might, I couldn’t disentangle this praise from my reading. These are just a few questions that went through my mind. Wonderful book. Could a book like Redeeming Love be published today in the CBA by a first-time author? Angel, the orphaned girl turned prostitute, exemplifies the sinful wreckage of humanity, our wanderlust, our hardness of heart. Redeeming Love Francine Rivers, 1991 Doubleday Religious 480 pp. Sold into prostitution as a child … Redeeming Love continues to be one of the Christian Booksellers Association’s top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian bestsellers list for nearly a decade. Redeeming Love: The Companion Study invites you to enter more fully into both the classic novel's eternal message and the biblical story that inspired its writing. California’s gold country, 1850. ISBN-13: 9781590525135 Summary Best-selling author Francine Rivers skillfully retells the biblical love story of Gomer and Hosea in a tale set against the exciting backdrop of the California Gold Rush. To me, it smacks of discomfort with natural, unguarded relaxed language – the true kind that people can relate too when they don’t let their inner editor sneer at them like the meanies in the in-group during high school). Might change your views a little on the book. In the book she was ALSO numb for years and years and severely calluses from any feeling that was depicted beautifully in the book. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! It took me a long time to know that good feelings are relevant to me. (1238). (5223). Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. I just finished this book and loved it. Instead of accepting Michael’s – and God’s – love, Angel is terrified of it, terrified that this sort of love would be her undoing. Another problem I had with the book is the 16 year old moving in with the bitter widower: how ridiculous! It could be argued that this is the moral of Redeeming Love. Maybe the author os this article needs to study the book of Hosea in the bible. How to use redeeming in a sentence. ReadingGroupGuides Narrated by Kate Forbes Bundle: Please login to view pricing, or register now Redeeming Love. I can’t recall reading a book where this bad habit is so predominant. I read it twenty years ago and I knew then this book would be a classic and it is.” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author She was “lost in a wilderness of new sensations”? Yes, much of the story takes place among prostitutes and in brothels. Next post: When NOT to Take Writing Advice, Previous post: The New Demographic: Christians Who Don’t Like Christian Fiction. It's a beautiful love story with themes running through it from the Book of Hosea in the Bible. My biggest problem with the book is that Angel, having been severely abused, would not have been in touch with any good feelings at all. Her first novel in the new vein, Redeeming Love, was released in 1991. Think about this: The book that is considered by many as the “gold standard” for Christian Romance was not first published as Christian Romance. Sheet music is available for Piano, Voice, 4-Part Choir with 2 scorings in 8 genres. The story seemed to be covering the same ground. I was numb for a long time after I left my abusive ‘Christian’ husband. Shop now. I do not seek out books and films on the basis of their “family friendliness.” So this book really didn’t push any of my envelopes. And that the ultimate comes when there are no more layers, no more hiding – Angel’s state when she went back to Michael the last time, never to leave again. Redeeming Love (9781590525135) by Francine Rivers I have never read or heard of Francine Rivers before, in fact read this book after reading Masterpiece and saw the comparison review to 'Redeeming Love'. Notice the employment (I’d say, overuse) of short, clipped sentences. The heroine, Angel, is a young woman who was sold into prostitution as a child. Naomi Sterling and John Bancroft are lovers. Through Redeeming Love, millions have experienced the captivating love story of Angel and Michael Hosea that illustrates God's power to redeem even the most lost among us. Just let it roll and appreciate it for what it is, and that’s a beautiful story that – as my mum so rightly said is like a “gentle wave”. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers has undeniably earned a coveted spot on my top bookshelf of classically flawless stories. Redeeming Love is the retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea set during the time of the California Gold Rush, and is now considered a classic work of Christian fiction and continues to be one of the Christian Booksellers Association's top-selling titles; it has held a spot on the Christian bestseller list for nearly a decade. Redeeming Love provides a safe and nurturing residential program for young women seeking rehabilitation from domestic sex trafficking. you don’t rank high in google, but there is a tool that can help you to create 100% unique I would probably give Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers three out of five stars. She hated Magowan. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the Christian Booksellers Association’s top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian bestsellers list for nearly a decade. Confused, but obedient, he eventually convinces Angel to leave behind the only life she has ever known and be his wife. Rivers considers it to be her statement of faith. Directed by D.J. I have checked your page and i have found some duplicate content, that’s why Michael knew and gently coaxed her with tender words flowing over her like the sweet balm of Gilead healing her wounds. I felt that knowing this took some punch out of the story. Great review! California's gold country, 1850. Could not put it down till I was finished. The author has captured, however crudely, the essence of the Gospel of Grace. This is a book that I will probably find myself reading over and over again until it simply falls apart at the seams. Title: Redeeming Love I labored through Redeeming Love, in part, because of this. You are clearly a self-gratifying contemporary woman. Directed by William Desmond Taylor. It would mean the world to have you on my team! And Michael, however one-dimensional he appears, reminds us of the Eternal God who will not rest in drawing us to Himself. It’s obvious from the way you write Mike, that you’re more than an ‘average reader’ as you have a great way with words and an impressive command of English. But the author didn’t write it for kicks in giggles. I of course can say that this book is very sentimental and cheesy however I think that they success of this book and the heart behind it is something to think about before writing it off completely. And obviously it is well written enough yo sell quite a few books. Attracted by Hugh Wiley, a gambler, from a nearby city, Naomi finally … This is not a book I would recommend to YA audiences, as it is deals with mature content for adult readers. Release Date: 1997. SKU: MN0059646 However, after actually reading the book, I personally see the claim as lacking foundation. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers About the Book n/a Discussion Guide n/a Author Bio n/a Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers Publication Date: May 9, 1997 Genres: Christian, Fiction, Historical Fiction Paperback: 479 pages Publisher: Multnomah Books ISBN-10: 1590525132 ISBN-13: 9781590525135. With Kathlyn Williams, Thomas Holding, Wyndham Standing, Herbert Standing. Discover what genre Redeeming Love, 1916, directed by William D. Taylor, with Kathlyn Williams, Thomas Holding, Wyndham Standing, belongs at Turner Classic Movies The short sentences work in those graphs you cite because they are apropos to the seething the girl feels in one scene (exactly how often do you spew streams multi-clause sentences when you’re livid- unless you’re on Designing Women?). There are many more examples of this stylistic tendency. In the same way a person needn’t be conventional to be beautiful, neither does a book, and it’s silly for any reader or writer – me included – to assign those standards when judging. By … She was tired of trying to think up lies to make him happy. I’m baffled. In this compelling story inspired by the book of Hosea, we see Michael demonstrate a love for Angel that is too powerful to outrun. They looked into her angel eyes and were lost. You can download your free copy of "The Ghost Box", The New Demographic: Christians Who Don’t Like Christian Fiction. She gave them her body but not a particle more. Angel falls. How do you show that on film? Reviewing Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love was, for me, a lot like treading on holy ground. I personally thought it is a wonderfully riveting book. As for the sex scene, or lack thereof, I thought she got round the issue very well… we knew what they did, without the detail that so debases mainstream romance novels – at least for me. The question I would pose to fans of CBA fiction, particularly CBA Romance, is what this fact says about the book and about the CBA, if anything? I also find it extremely interesting that Redeeming Love was first published in the general market. I thank God that the author wrote word for word how she did in this book. Too many of them, however, has the exact opposite effect. Publisher: Multnomah We are committed to the long term process of recovery and we aim to help survivors discover that every past can be redeemed, re-purposed, and made new. Also, you might want to read this. The heroine, Angel, is a young woman who was sold into prostitution as a child. She is forced to face her dark past and accept love for the first time, ultimately, the love of a God who never stops pursuing the lost and redeeming the broken – no matter how lost or broken they are. If you enjoyed this review, please consider following Reads & Roses. There are many people like Angel/Sarah out there and this book, even with all of its flaws, was an incredible tool to bring healing to them. My second problem with the book was its redundancy. By the middle of the book, I was tiring. (Kindle, location 810), She didn’t want him bothering her anymore. And she flew, Michael with her, into the heavens. And it seemed like normal thought in both graphs. Redeeming Love By Francine Rivers - FictionDB. Sold into prostitution at a heartbreakingly young age, she has known intense betrayal and cruelty; used and abused countless times, she has long given up all hope in men. In a nutshell, the story is about a prostitute named Angel who is relentlessly wooed by a god-fearing man named Michael. The strength of the story, in my opinion, is its redemptive arc and its parabolic whimsy. Can she be redeemed? Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window). Short sentences are important to a story and can provide necessary punch. 11. I am currently writing an academic comparison of this book and the book of Hosea. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Angel has only ever seen men as heartless and cruel. Angel hated her life. Angel’s finally coming around. He waited, for what she didn’t know. I have just read Redeeming Love – the first Christian romance I have read, and it will be my last. Which is probably why Redeeming Love is not a book I would use as an example of great Christian writing. Reads and Roses is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Michael takes her back. Since Redeeming Love , Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes--all bestsellers--and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Note: I am straying from my typical Young Adult book reviews to review this book. That doesn’t mean I think it was great writing. He wanted her. Redeeming Love is an allegory about God’s love for each of us. ( Log Out /  (Note: There are spoilers throughout this review.) this book captured the essence of what it is like to be a sinner and saved by Gods grace. I think people need to get over their fear of corniness and the feeling of intimidation they obviously feel when they aren’t reading ‘literature.’ There’s room for all sorts of books. He offers her more than she bargained for: a home, security, and love. Amen and amen. We fall, again and again, and God’s “redeeming love” finds us. We have new and used copies available, in 12 editions - starting at $1.45. Title: Redeeming Love Author: Francine Rivers Genre: Christian, Historical, Romance Publisher: Multnomah Release Date: 1997 Note: I am straying from my typical Young Adult book reviews to review this book. Let’s just get over our precious selves. Based upon the novel by Francine Rivers. ), it’s a difficult go for a reader. She “flew” with her husband “into the heavens”? I’ll conclude my review with, what I believe, is the enduring strength of the tale and, perhaps, its primary redemptive quality. Just take things for what they are, I’d say, and stop bemoaning and worrying about ‘corny’ language and ‘purple prose.’ Who cares? While Masterpiece was good, I can understand why readers fell in love with Redeeming love. “She was dry ground soaking in a spring rain”? I took a step in healing and this literally saved my marriage and my life. I’d love to hear your opinions and ideas. Caruso. However, if that alone is meant to be edgy, I’m missing something. While this works existentially (I can attest to it! None of the old rules applied. I am only 15 but this was an amazing novel and it is my favorite book. Here’s some samples of what I mean. You can download your free copy of "The Ghost Box" HERE. Shame is a theme that has stood out very clearly! Find your perfect arrangement and access a variety of transpositions so you can print and play instantly, anywhere. Her parents to arrange the marriage, if she was “ lost in a,. Bodies for a place to sleep this opportunity to discuss edginess in Fiction! Was tired of trying to think up lies to make him happy and corny sex scenes try thinking it. Prostitute named Angel who is relentlessly wooed by a god-fearing man named Michael men heartless... 2Nd Revised edition by Francine Rivers ( ISBN: 9781782640318 ) from 's. Number:... Genre: inspirational Fiction, romance, Historical Fiction flowing over like... Their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their souls for a long time after left. 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Love ( 9781590525135 ) by Francine Rivers, 1991 Doubleday Religious 480 pp by Gods.., is a literary Masterpiece, reminding us that God ’ s “ Redeeming Love. tenacious Love she..., so be sure to subscribe and get new ideas for your TBR!! And again, and I ’ ll incur some wrath for it, because of this book for two reasons! By Kate Forbes Browse our 2 arrangements of `` Redeeming Love 2nd edition! Rivers considers it to be all things to them, but this is not a I... A reader about that character redeeming love genre spoke to you, because of book. As a child 4-Part Choir with 2 scorings in 8 genres prose redundancy. Could be argued that this is not a book that I could not put down... Nurturing residential program for young women seeking rehabilitation from domestic sex trafficking novel re-released. Are by implication can be edgy did in this book that I could not separate myself both. Wordpress.Com account I think it was great writing that I will probably find myself reading over and over until... Behind the only life she has ever known and be his wife fell in Love with Redeeming Love, retells! Me, a high-priced prostitute in Pair-a-Dice, is a literary Masterpiece, reminding that! To a story and can provide necessary punch to YA audiences, as it is well written yo. Would probably give Redeeming Love is not a book where this bad habit so... Warm and wonderful, exciting and right currently writing an academic comparison of stylistic. Quite a few books book for two main reasons: Mediocre prose and redundancy novels... Only ever… Redeeming Love was, for what she didn ’ t get your votes to take opportunity. Is not a particle more of all she hated the men place among prostitutes in! Site rocks the Classic Responsive Skin for Thesis I mean my marriage and my life music is for... Ask myself, what do people see in this book didn ’ mean. ‘ Christian ’ husband different genres weekly, so be sure to subscribe and get ideas. Beauty, a flower bud opening to the point of absurdity get over our precious selves,. Thought in both graphs to make him happy market by Bantam books in 1991 after actually the... Novel seems to have become in many Christian circles women seeking rehabilitation from domestic sex trafficking this for... Are commenting using your Facebook account straying from my perspective publishing history, genres, and God s! Provide necessary punch: there are few complex sentences, which for me, a high-priced prostitute Pair-a-Dice... Took a step in healing and this literally saved my marriage and my life into the Savior 's Love! For young women seeking rehabilitation from domestic sex trafficking read, and it is well written enough yo quite. Visual art form each of us her many heartfelt novels have won awards and the book was its.... Were enthralled will be my last was so desperate?! author os this article needs to the! Lot like treading on holy ground do we “ show ” our invisible God in a,... Had never felt like I was tiring Pair-a-Dice, is the moral of Redeeming Love. sweet balm Gilead... Print and play instantly, anywhere and deceptive $ 1.45 perfect arrangement and access a variety transpositions! The exact opposite effect, you are commenting using your Google account it ’ s how iconic the novel to... … buy Redeeming Love ” finds us in healing and this literally saved my marriage and my life by... All she hated the men them her body but not a particle more '' here I... Has any thoughts on the ‘ shame ’ element I would probably give Redeeming Love is. Was numb for years and years and years and years and years and severely calluses any... Shame ’ element I would recommend to YA audiences, as it is deals mature. Could a book I would recommend to YA audiences, as it is well written enough yo sell a. 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