Redeeming Love

"Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers is a remarkable retelling of the story of Hosea and Gomer, the prostitute, from the book of Hosea in the bible. The backdrop of the story is set in 1850 during California's Gold Rush. Angel, the main character, is sold into child prostitution and rescued in early adulthood by Michael Hosea, a man called by God to love and marry her. She goes with him unwillingly at first, but Michael never fails to show God's love toward her even after she continues to run away from him and the God he serves.

In the words of my friend Janice, the book is a bit "heavy," especially in the beginning. Some of the scenes are hard to stomach, but the outcome of the book is well worth it. One of the highlights about the book is how Rivers portrays the beauty and joy of marriage love as God intended.

This is one of the best books I've ever read. The title of the book explains it all. God will search the deepest caverns and the darkest seas to find his lost souls even when they are trying not to be found. Nothing is too impossible for God to conquer with His pure and perfect love.

The only other book I've read by Francine Rivers is "The Scarlet Thread," which I would highly recommend as well. The next book on my list from her is "The Last Sin Eater," which became of interest to me when I saw they had made a movie about it. I'll have to review both of them soon.