I am not an avid reader but found out about this book through a friend that told me how it changed her life. I was skeptical but still very curious so I bought the book. I finished it in three days. WOW. All I can say is that for the first time in my life I began to hear the Lord speak to me through this book! I could literally feel the presence of God's love all around me as I read this book. "Redeeming Love" has caused me to fall in love with my Savior all over again! It is a new and fresh love that I now have in my heart for Him! If you feel like you have fallen away from Him and miss His love and presence then you HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!! I promise, it will re-ignite your love for Him. He has always been there waiting on you to fall in love with Him again. HE NEVER STOPS LOVING US! It is US who falls away from Him! This book will prove that to you!

To give you an idea of how this book affected me, I have been an Amazon user for years and this is the first review I have ever left.
I actually bought this book somewhere else and only bought by it accident. I was really after another book that had no Christian leanings. I found this book by accident and hoped I would have a good weekend read. I started at about 9 or 10 pm Friday night and didn't stop until 5:30 am Saturday morning. After reading this I read some in my Bible to cofirm some of what the book talked about and I cried for I think a good hour or so after I read the book.
This book shows a beautiful example of God's love for us.
This is suprisingly the best book I read have on accident in my life. I have never read anyting by this author, but I will definately check out her other work.
Note: The NIV refernces are ok, but to get the beauty of the verses quoted check out the KJV of the Bible.

I cannot explain the impact that this book has had on my life. I was lent this book and after telling a friend 'I'm really not that into Chritian fiction' read the first page and kept reading the entire night. I am now reading it for the second time and ordered my own copy. I think this should be required reading for anyone who has ever fallen in love. Francine Rivers' classic retelling of the book of Hosea is beautifully written, she presents God's love for his people in a way that leaves no doubt that there is nothing we can do to make our Father love us less.

The character of Michael Hosea is absolutely mesmerizing. The love trust he has in the Lord as well as his commitment to his very worldy wife, Angel (Sarah) is inspirational. Although she has had a tumultuous and very difficult life, Michael listens to the Lord that this is the wife He has chosen for him, refuses to give up on her, and trusts the Lord in all things in their relationship.

After reading this book, I have decided to walk with the Lord in a much closer way. I think that it would be impossible for any woman to read this book and not wish that her own husband/boyfriend etc. (no matter how wonderful he may be) was a little more like Michael! This book serves as a model of what a relationship and life based on the Lord should look like. If you read one book this year, please let it be this one! You will NOT be sorry!

Time is short, so I try to read books that will improve my thinking (i.e. the classics I missed out on earlier in life). Books such as "The Tale of Two Cities" and "Emma," among others, are usually first on my list. My sister was reading this novel and said it was wonderful, so I thought I would read it with her.

After a few pages and great expectation, I could see clearly where this book was going: the same old romance format using a Christian wrapping. (WARNING - I am going to give away the ending in the following paragraphs, but I'll bet you can guess it anyway!)

First, the style of writing is lacking depth in every sense of the word. Where are the wonderfully intriguing character studies that I so love in Jane Austin's books? Where are the complicated sentence structures? It was very, well, predictable.

She is bad, he is good; she is still bad, he is still good; she finally repents, he finally wins her heart. I know God is mixed in, but really, He doesn't talk to us like that. We are to search Scripture to find the answers, not hear them in our heads, and especially not in bold print in a romance novel.

I got through one half of this book and couldn't stand it any longer. The dialogue was extremely weak, boring me to tears (a different kind of tears than other reviewers seemed to have shed). I had to skip to the end to verify what I already knew would happen. He got the girl, they lived happily ever after, ta-da.

A more realistic ending would have been that Michael got syphilis from his lovely wife and became disillusioned at the least, at the worst, he would have died. A book with a memorable ending that comes to mind is Edith Wharton's House of Mirth. I didn't necessarily *like* the outcome, BUT it had a powerful impact. It was REAL.

Get this from the library if you must; just don't spend money on it. Well, actually, don't even spend time on it if you have better reads waiting on your shelf.

As for those who have said that this is the best book they have ever read - there is a world of romance out there, but it can be clothed in beautiful layers of rich silk and embroidery, not only in plain sackcloth.

There's only so many hours in a day so I always make an attempt to read books that will hopefully enlarge my brain cells (the classics I missed out on earlier in life). Books such as The Tale of Two Cities and Emma, among others, are usually first on my list. Well, my sister was reading this novel and said it was wonderful so, I thought I would read it with her.

After a few pages and great anticipation, I could see clearly where this book was going, the same old thing using a Christian wrapping. (WARNING - I am going to give away the ending in the following paragraphs, but I'll bet you can guess it anyway!)

First, the style of writing is lacking in every sense of the word. Where are the wonderfully intriguing character studies that I so love in Jane Austin's books? Where are the complicated sentence structures? It was so, well, predictable.

She is bad, he is good, she is still bad, he is still good, she finally repents, he finally wins her heart. I know God is mixed in, but really, He doesn't talk to us like that. We are to search scripture to find the answers, not hear them in our heads, and especially not in bold print in a romance novel.

I got through 1/2 of this book and just couldn't stand it any more. The dialogue was extremely weak which bored me to tears (a different kind of tears than other reviewers seemed to have shed). I had to skip to the end to verify what I already knew would happen. He got the girl, they lived happily ever after, ta-da.

A more realistic ending would have been that Michael got syphilis from his lovely wife and became disillusioned at the least, at the worst, he would have died. A book that comes to mind with a nasty ending, but an ending that will stick in my head probably the rest of my life, is Edith Wharton's House of Mirth. I didn't like the ending, BUT it had a powerful impact. It was REAL.

I would say, just get this from the library, if you must, but don't spend $ on it. Well, actually, don't spend even time on it if you have better reads waiting on your shelf.

As for those who have said that this is the best book they have ever read, I am truly sad for you. There's a world of romance out there, but it can be clothed in beautiful layers of rich silk and embroidery, not only in plain sackcloth.

Hands-down, the best book I've ever read! Could not put it down. I was somewhat consumed by it and cannot wait to read it again. Go get this book!

This is one of the best books I have ever read!! Shipping was quick, too. Would highly recommend seller!

Francine's book was such a gift of hope to myself and our woman's group. We all desire to understand Christ's redemptive love in our lives and to share it with others. As we study this book and the Biblical book of Hosea, our discussion is rich with our own stories. Stories of freedom from the chains of this world and Christ's redemption in all of us. Francine weaves the intricate details of this story expertly with each character's arrival in Sara's life. She elicits page after page of emotion as she tells the heartbreaking tale of Sara's rejection and betrayal throughout her early life She does an exquisite job of sharing the thoughts and feelings of the main characters later in the book and their inward struggle between fear and trust. She consistently demonstrates the struggle both of them endured as they learned to love one another regardless of the circumstances. Francine shows that someone who is truly seeking the Lord can love without reservation and let forgiveness flow from within. Conjointly, someone who lives a life of rejection and betrayal can arrive at a place of healing with the unconditional love of Jesus Christ and His liberation in our lives. The story reveals what grace and mercy really entails, and it has nothing to do with earning it or striving after it. This book is one of the most difficult books for me to put down, and when it is over I'm sure I'll desire it to continue. If I can continue reading a book from cover to cover, I know it is divine!

This was the best book about christian fiction that I have every read. It brings the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer to life in a way that makes you understand God's message. I look forward to reading other books by Mrs. Rivers. She is truly a gifted writer.

When I first started reading this book I was not sure which way it was going to go. I almost put it down. I am very glad that I kept reading it. It really teaches about not judging others and being more Christ like.

I think the purpose of this book was overshadowed by the very dark subject matter. A lot of people have called this a Christian Romance, I find that very hard to believe. The story is about a young girl sold into prostitution at the age of eight who later is rescued by a man named Michael. The books goes into shocking, disturbing detail of the sad life she led. She run's away from her devoted husband multiple times, which also got old. The whole thing was very depressing and I only continued to read hoping it would get better. I also didn't like that her husband was suppose to be so understanding yet was still sleeping with her before she even loved him or before they really had a decent relationship. If he really had respect for her and what she had been through he would have waited until she was ready. The book was way too long and way too gloomy. For the subject matter and details given I would have give it at R rating. I wish I hadn't bothered reading it.

Grab this book, sit down and read it. It is amazing...one of the best books I have ever read.....powerful message of Christ's redeeming love. I am about to read it a second time.

When I first got this book I looked at how thick it was and said "Great this will take me at least 2 weeks to finish" (I read about 80-90 pages / hour) Plus my natural indistinct is to think a thick book will be a long and boring book.

Man was I wrong - I finished it in 3 days because each night I wanted to read more and more.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a fictional Christian book. If you're on the airplane or going on a long road trip this is a book to read. For a girl this book shows how a man should truly love you in marriage. And for a guy it showed me how much love needs to be shown and displayed in marriage.

After reading this book, I recomend that all the ladies and friends I know to read it. It's like a story you don't want to end. This book should also be a mini series. Everyone should know the love of God like Angel does.

I have loaned this book to every woman that I care about. I think it is an essential read. This book literally changed ny life. It is not only a wonderful romance novel, but a fantastic book about God's NEVER-ENDING love for us.

This book had been favorably recommended to me by a number of people so I thought I would see what the reviewers of Amazon had to say. I was amazed to see that over 550 reviews were available and stunned to see that less than 30 of those reviewers gave it 4 stars or less. So I bought the book and am now one of the 500+ people to agree to the 5 stars.

Rivers has a beautiful interpretation of the Biblical book of Hosea. I believe this to be a tastefully written work handling such a delicate subject as redeeming the life of a prostitute through the committed love of a Godly husband. Rivers is sensual without being too explicit and gives a raw look into the depleted heart of a lifetime harlot.

Need encouragement in the choices of your own life? Read this book as I did and find new hope in what God wants for you.

Francine Rivers is a fantastic writer. I couldn't put this book down! It's one of my all time favorite books and I've recommended it to numbers of friends...all agreeing that it opened their eyes to the extent of God's love and graciousness. Read with an open heart and prepare to have your life changed!

I first read this book when i was 15.and i absolutely loved it.
It showed me how truly graceful God is. living in the society that we do, Christian people don't show much forgiveness and grace. therefore, this was a breath of fresh air.
As for the 'explicit'ness, it really isn't as bad as it probably was back then. think of Rahab, Tamar, Bathsheba, and other girls that did sexual things. You can not possibly get the full effect of how difficult their lives were UNLESS you were standing right by them way back then. Therefore, Redeeming Love is ONLY a minor glimpse of the sadness and horror of the life of a prostitute. as for young readers, let the parents be the judge of that, my sister first read it when she was 13. She loved it too.

Anyways, this book Shows just how amazing god's grace is.
I first read the mark of the lion trilogy and fell in love with francine river's books. they are so amazing and cause peopl to think.
And for a christian book, yes this is different, but in such a way that it's real. unlike other christian novels in which the guy or girl always end up living happily ever after.
this book shows the strife involved.

i recommend this to all readers of ALL ages.
i say this earns a 9.

This book was recommended by a co-worker and I'm so glad I ordered it. It was a wonderful book - the title really says it all. I've already ordered more books by this author.

I will completely raw and honest as much as I can without giving too much of the story away. Let's just start with a little bit about myself. I am 26 years old, a full time wedding photographer ([...]), mom of three boys ages 3, 2 and 4 months, and in way over my head with work. For the past year and a half I have averaged about 3-6 hours of sleep per night because I am so overloaded with work, and during the day I am SO tired, and sad to say -irritated with everyone around me, even with my own children. I try so hard to please my clients and I feel like it's not good enough. I try to be a good mother and yet I feel like such a failure at it. I feel like there's no end to anything...hopeless. Reading this book CHANGED MY LIFE. I am a Christian. I love Jesus, I go to church and lead worship every Sunday, but after reading this book I realized how backslidden I was. I tried to handle everything in life by myself, not asking for help from anyone, and just sinking lower and lower everyday into depression. I have had a few nervous breakdowns these last couple of months and reading this book made a lightbulb go off in my head...more like a stadium light. I was playing God. I thought if only I could do 'this' things could get better; if only 'that' would get done things would get easier and I can relax. This book showed me that if you leave everything in God's hands, and pray about everything- big or small, that God will take care of it. Then all of our worries will go away as God takes care of us. I am so grateful that I found the time to read this book even in my BUSY schedule. I couldn't put it down. I finished almost all 500 pages of it in 4 nights! I am finding my next Francine Rivers book! God Bless!

I bought this book for something to do. It is hands down, the best book I have ever read in my life! I have loaned it out so many times I am not even sure where it is anymore. If you read this book, it will change your life. It's an amazing book.

I read this for my book group. It was widely recommended. All the members who had already read it said it was worth reading and rereading.

It's an excellent book. Full of adventure, despair, and joy.

I don't normally like romance novels, but this one isn't so goopy and predictable (it is, but it isn't). Great story line. Great role model for men, and helps women to see what a truly strong man is!

Finally, a romance novel with meaning! This is truly a beautiful story, only to be rivaled by Julie Garwood's Ransom. I enjoyed it very much.

Unlike most of the other negative reviews on this book, my problem was not with the sex. I actually thought the sexual experience between Angel and Michael to be beautifully portrayed in the way he expressed his love to her. I am a Christian and have no qualms about sex in marriage. I don't think it should be graphic and Francine did a great job of keeping it tasteful. So I gave her two stars for that.

The story was very sad. I'm sorry but I couldn't finish it. I got sick to my stomach because she was sold into prostitution at eight (after watching her mother be a prostitute), and she ran back into prostitution after being with Michael who showed her how good she could have it. I know they ended up together because I read the last few pages to help motivate me to continue but I was too depressed to keep going after she ran back into prostitution, especially after she was practically raped by her brother-in-law. I wanted to cry. I'm a comedy reader by heart, I guess. If you can handle depressing stories, then this book will be good for you. As for the sex, it's a gift from God and can be celebrated if we put it in the right perspective.

I cried many tears as I read through the book. I loved it so much I found it difficult to put down. I had to wipe tears away often to finish certain pages, especially towards the end. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Why would God choose a prostitute to be the wife of one of His own? Isn't Rivers writing about the same God that tells us not to be unequally yoked. I have loved her other writings but found this to be a disturbing book. There are other ways to get this same message across. I wish I hadn't polluted my mind with this one.

Redeeming Love was a some what of a surprise for me. I received the book as a gift and wasn't really too excited about it. I'm pretty selective about Christian authors as I feel so many times they are so careful to keep it pristine that they create a story that isn't really true to life. I had seen the film version of Ms. Rivers' "The Last Sin Eater" and enjoyed it. I read this book in a few days time and found it to be very tastefully written, dealing with issues of sexual abuse, prostitution, self loathing,lust etc. Ms. Rivers proves that an author can deal with these issues without going into graphic details or using excessive language. We tend to forget that the Bible is a book of stories such as this that deal with real life and not just a book of childrens stories.

I don't read much, and when I do I'm picky. I must say: This story was well paced, well written - you can tell the author is really experienced and doesn't bore the reader/ knows how to pull those heartstrings. I was so touched by this story, how its a metaphor for how we relate to God.

highly recommend.

This is the first book that I have read a book by Francine Rivers and I can say I was not disappointed. The author had a way of grabbing your heart and twisting it along with Sarah (Amanda) and Michael.

However, I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I had a hard time swallowing Sarah's sleeping with Paul on the wagon ride. I also found it hard to swallow how easily Michael forgave her for it and how quickly he just accepted her back in the end with no questions asked. It was Paul who went to get her. If he hadn't, she might not have ever come back.

Aside from those things it was a good book that just touched your heart. I look forward to reading more of her books.

I wish there were more stars for this one! This is the best book I have read in a long time!!!!

This book will give you a new understanding of forgiveness and what your vows of marriage really mean.

What a great, great book! I just finished it and told my daughter when she finishes reading it, I am going to read it again. So many life lessons. You could feel God's presence throughout the whole read.

This is such a beautiful book based on biblical principles. I really do recommend it to all who are having trouble in their marriage. It really shows us so clearly how GOD wants us to love and how an unconditional love transforms each of us into the image of HIS dearly begotten Son Jesus. A must read for Christians and Non-Christians alike. GOD created us and HE has certain spiritual laws we must follow. Some follow them unconciously some read the manual which is naturally the Bible.
The book is fast paced and next to impossible to put down. Be very very blessed.

I could not put this book down. It was really a compeling story, but did get tired of the main character continueing leaving to find herself, and the last time it really was unbelievable she got herself mixed up with "Duke" again, but guess the author had to do that to bring the book to a close. I read alot of Christian historical fiction and found this one a little more "suggestive" than most. But all in all a entertaining book.

WOW! I could not put the book down. I read it in three days and it only took me that long because I have a 1 year old that consumes so much attention. This book was amazing. I have my mother in law reading it now. It reminded me of the way we treat God. This book can be enjoyed by anyone.

MY SISTER PLEADED WITH ME TO READ THIS BOOK, SHE HAD AND ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!! I DIDN'T THINK THAT I WAS GOING TO BECAUSE, I'M NOT AS SPIRITUALLY MATURE AS SHE!!!!! I GOT THE BOOK ( JUST TO SHUT HER UP!!), AND LITERALLY WAS SHUT UP AND DOWN UNTIL I FINISHED IT!!! IT WAS SO INTERESTING AND CONSUMING THAT I LITERALLY LAUGHED ,CRIED, GOT ANGRY, MY HEART SWELLED AS MICHAEL CONTINUALLY SHOWED HER UNCONDITIONAL LOVE TIME AFTER TIME!!!!! THE SIZE OF THE BOOK DID INTIMIDATE ME IN THE BEGINNING, NOW I WAS THAT THERE WAS A SEQUEL!!!! THIS ONE IS FOR MY LIBRARY DEFINITELY!!!! THE PERFECT STORY OF GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!!!!!! THIS BOOK IS ANOITED BY GOD HIMSELF!!!!!! ENJOY!!!!!!I TRULY DID!!!!!!

A great book that changed my way of thinking of others. It is worth reading. I read it to my husband and we both enjoyed it.

Amazing!! Looking at the thickness of this book was a bit intimidating, but I ended up reading it in two evenings. I just could not put it down!! This book pulls you in from the beginning weaving a tragic tale of a girl trying to come back from the ultimate betrayal. You will be captivated by her struggles as she reluctantly finds herself on a journey towards healing her devestated body, mind, heart and spirit. Being asked to trust someone is not something "Angel" plans on doing...EVER !! But God has other plans for her... Enter Michael Hosea!!

This is the best book I have read in a very long time.

I decided to buy the book yesterday after hearing from a close friend of mine recommend it. I didn't know what I was expecting. I read the first couple of chapters, and it was hard for me to understand the characters more on a more personal level...yes, some of the structures were a bit choppy and maybe even a little lacking in certain areas...but still, I persisted, determined to finish the novel and gain some insight on the characters emotions and understanding them more. I just finished the book about 30 minutes ago and I find myself relieved to have kept up with the book because if I hadn't have been so curious of where it was heading, I would have put the book down and went back to secular novels stocked away in my closet. I found myself questioning so many things during the book like, "why did she do that?" or "why can't she love him?" or "why does he love her so much?" and I ended up in tears halfway through the end of the book. I realized that it wasn't the structure of the novel or the form of the characters I was being drawn into; it was the message. The message of how God could love someone so much like Angel, even though she didn't even believe in him. How we tend to doubt and find our own answers and still miss the big picture. I fell in love with God all over again.

Now I'm not saying this book will please EVERYONE who comes across it (after reading some of the reviews), but I believe if you have an open mind to the message and a clear understanding of what to expect, I doubt you will be able to put the book down and not think of what's in store for your life. I hope all of you who have read this book place it somewhere dear in your hearts...=)

This book is exceptionally written and really gets down to the heart issues that need to be dealt with when healing. The writer does an amazing job putting into words the feelings that people can have with this type of abuse. Also, a beautiful story of Gods Redemption.

This is a beautiful love story on all ends of the spectrum. It is also a great story for women with broken hearts. It is lovely how easily we can relate to this novel. Easy to read, easy to follow, perfect timing on everything...
Well worth it!

This book sounds like it was written by a 5th grader. The sentences are choppy and do not flow together well. Together with ridicules quotes from God, this book is unreadable.

Francine Rivers has become my favorite christian fiction author because her books have been so real to me. I originally wanted to get the 3rd installment of her Mark of the Lion series, but for some reason "Redeeming Love" caught my eye. After reading a snippet of the book, it tugged at me and I took a chance and went with buying it. Oh my gosh people! It was so worth it! I feel like I was right there beside "Angel" reliving all of my hurts that mirrored in her life. On a train ride home I had to fight back tears as I read because the words that came from the characters were like arrows going straight to my heart. If you're going through hurt from men and you're not trusting God's plan for you, I definately recommend reading this. It will lift your spirit so much and restore hope to you. Reading it was such a roller coaster ride for me because as "Angel" went back and forth in her convictions, I realized how much I am going back and forth in trusting others. I finished the book today and I just needed to share it with you all. Take a chance and dive into this one!

I really want to read good books, but after being on computer all day it's difficult. I read the reviews for this book and thought it sounded interesting. If I had seen how thick it was, I might have changed my mind! Usually when a book is thick, it gets boring--not this one! I could hardly wait to see what happened next! Very good book!

This wonderful novel teaches us about God's love. That at the end of our coming and going, the decision is ours to return home. Michael was patient with Sarah because he knew that God has everything under control. God is not a man to lie neither a son of man to repent himself. I would say it was not easy for him to wait but at the end it was worth it. God spoke a word to him and he stuck to it.

Once I started reading this book it was hard to stop! The author has done a fabulous job of showing how the love and grace of God, through Jesus Christ, provides us with new lives - no matter what our past was like.

This book sits on my keeper shelf and will remain there. I have lent it to many of my friends to read and if it is at some point not returned, I will buy a new copy. A beautiful reminder of God's love for his children.

This is absolutely the best love story I have ever read. I've never been moved so deeply by the desperate need and desire of a man to wait for "the one" God chose for him. The depth of true and unconditional love of a man for a woman AND for his willingness to listen for and obey God's voice, just gripped my heart. Hosea is a short but very powerful book of the Bible and Francine Rivers did a beautiful job making it come to life. Not only does it portray the purity of what earthly love was meant to be but it also portrays Michael Hosea as an example of Jesus' personal love for each and every one of us in that He is willing to wait for us no matter how long it takes.

I have read a lot of books in my time, but I have not read such a heart-tugging, captivating book like this one. I would go as far as to say it is a better love story than Gone with the Wind or the Notebook!