My Dear, let me tell you...

Usually when I read books, I'm able to read from the perspective of a spectator (as expected). But Redeeming Love has a way of placing the reader into the story as if the thoughts and words of the reader and characters are shared. But seeing as this story is inspired by the Book of Hosea in the Bible, it is only natural for the reader to see themselves in the lives of the individuals described. Francine Rivers draws out the deepest thoughts and insecurities of her protagonists in such a way that makes you sympathize and mourn for them.

Our main character, Angel, a child born out of wedlock and flung mercilessly into prostitution immediately after her mother dies, takes center stage. We follow her story as she meets and marries a farmer named Michael Hosea. Their journey is filled with tragic betrayals, intense challenges, battles for reconciliation, fear of intimacy, and vulnerable moments that dare to shake out the dusty corners of the reader's mind. As you read along, your investment takes dramatic, gut-wrenching turns as you hope for their union to remain intact. Despite the past of Angel, you find yourself hoping that maybe, in some way, she'll warm up to the love of her husband, but more importantly, the love of God. 

Redeeming Love almost forces the reader to glance at a mirror and question their most hidden parts that they dare not portray to the world or surrender to God. But in this one line from the Spirit, "You can learn," I found encouragement that despite matters of the past and whatever the devil has taught us about his lying ways - we can learn to love and be loved by the Perfect Love of God that redeems. You can learn to love again!

A Tribute