Redeeming Love

Redeeming Love
By Francine Rivers
Recorded Books, 1997. Book on Tape. Romance

Redeeming Love is a Christian historical romance. Francine Rivers reinterprets the biblical story of Hosea and sets the story in the gold rush of California, in the late 1850s. The story is told from the perspective of beautiful Angel, a young jaded prostitute. Sold as a child, Angel hates and distrusts all men. Michael Hosea is virtuous and handsome young farmer. He is told by God to marry Angel, the “soiled dove.” Only after Angel tries to leave her life of prostitution and is beaten to the point of death does she agree. Michael patiently teaches Angel to live a normal life and learn to love and trust again. Angel has difficulty in all her relationships, as a friend, neighbor, and wife.

This novel is much deeper and thoughtful than one might think at first glance. The psychology is legitimate and faithful to the horrors of Angel’s early life. Although this book could be categorized as a romance due to Michael and Angel’s relationship, it is certainly not the story of a life romanticized. There are adult themes in the novel dealing with child prostitution and incest. However, the spiritual themes of love and forgiveness are beautifully portrayed. I am glad I listened to this as a recording. The only drawback was that sometimes I didn’t know if a character’s dialogue was a thought process or spoken aloud. Because I listened to this and it went more slowly, I became profoundly involved with the plot and agonized and rejoiced right along with all the characters.

ALC