When my cousin gave me Redeeming Love to borrow I was very, very skeptical. I always thought that Christian fiction was cheesy, although I had no previous experience with it (isn't that always the case?). But she assured me it was worth the read.
I didn't think I'd like it. It sat on the shelf for quite a while before I picked it up. I thought the name sounded ridiculous, the cover looked silly, and I struggled to pick it up for the first time. However, after reading the first few pages, I couldn't put it down.
Redeeming Love is the story of the book of Hosea, a story of a young man who is called to take a prostitute as his wife. It's the story of unconditional, undeserving love freely given. It's the story of God's redeeming love and how he calls us, in all of our sin and brokenness, to be His, even after we run away time and time again.
I was blown away by this book and find myself thinking about it often. I am so thankful that God gave me the nudge to crack open the cover. I am embarrassed by my thoughts toward it at first, but feel that God used Redeeming Love to wipe my skepticism away.
If you have not read it, I would highly recommend it. If you're like how I was and can't imagine scoping out Christian fiction in the book store, do it!
I wanted to share what a few of you had to say:
ToteAlly Posh: My favorite book of ALL time!
I made my husband read it, too, and he agreed. There are SO many lessons in this story, but my favorite is getting a glimpse of God's love for us..... He won't give up.
I made my husband read it, too, and he agreed. There are SO many lessons in this story, but my favorite is getting a glimpse of God's love for us..... He won't give up.
Melissa: I've read it. I've never been able to adequately articulate my thoughts on it except that I think everyone should read it not because it is the most well-written book I've ever read but because there is so much hope in it.
Lindsay: Redeeming Love is my favorite book. MY FAVORITE. It's amazing. I'm smiling now just thinking about it.
Silvana: I love this book! I read it the first time as a teenager and while I did not remember that much about it I never forgot how wonderful it was. A couple years ago I picked up another copy and reread it. I fell in love all over again. I gave a copy to my mom before she got remarried and made her read it.
There are so many important messages in this book that it is hard to chose one simple thing that makes it great.
There are so many important messages in this book that it is hard to chose one simple thing that makes it great.
"Love the Lord your God, and love one another. Love one another as He loves. Love with strength and purpose and passion and no matter what comes against you. Don't weaken. Stand against the darkness, and love. That's the way back into Eden. That's the way back to life."
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Just finished reading: Sweetwater Run by Jan Watson
Currently Reading: The Last Sin Eater
If you have read either of those I'd love to hear what you thought!
you will love the last sin eater, it takes a while to get use to the language but its good. They also made a movie, it's pretty true to the book
ReplyDeletei thought the same thing when i first heard about the book. its been awhile since i read it but i remember loving it and admiring francine rivers. she's a fantastic writing and does a good job avoiding the cheesiness.
ReplyDeletegood review!
Redeeming Love is my most favorite book ever. I have also given it as birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, etc. to friends and family. I love Francine Rivers. You would love her series called The Mark of the Lion. Read it...you'll see ;)!
ReplyDeleteI have been meaning to read this book for years and still haven't done it!
ReplyDeleteI saw the movie of the Last Sin Eater before reading the book. I really liked the movie...the book is good but not as well-written as some of her stuff...but the idea is intriguing and the message is what it ought to be.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Misty that The Mark of the Lion is great.
Oh I love Francine Rivers! Redeeming Love is by far my favorite book {next to Pride and Prejudice} when I read the first time I threw the book down half way through because she was really frustrating me. it laid there for a bout a month or so until I picked it up again. My husband would come into the room and catch me crying quite a few times, needles to say he got very intrigued and we would often ask how the story was going. we would have long discussions about the book. "The Scarlet Thread" is very good too, "Atonement Child" is good but will rip your heart out in parts.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about being leery of Christian Authors, not the case with Francine, she used to write Romance Novels can you believe it?!
She's an incredible story teller.
I'm looking forward to reading this. What a great reminder. After a day when I felt constantly put down, this post about God's love was just what I needed! Thanks, Laura!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you cracked it open and soaked it in!!!
ReplyDeleteFrancine Rivers is one of my favorite authors. Her latest books, "Her Mother's Hope" and "Her Daughter's Dream" are wonderful too. All of her books are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you liked it! I can't wait to hear about The Last Sin Eater. Thanks for doing this! It helps so much to hear others' opinions - especially after you agree so much about others!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorites! You need to read Atonement Child next. Couldn't put it down, either.
ReplyDeleteMy most favourite book ever too
ReplyDeleteBest book I've ever read. Hands down. Not the most well written, but best for my heart. I told my husband that to understand me as a woman, he needed to read RL and Pride and Prejudice. He loved RL, but hasn't made it through P & P yet. I also love the Mark of the Lion series by her.
ReplyDelete