Therefore, behold, I will allure her, bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope … —Hosea 2:14-15, KJV

Life is often clouded by a multitude of trials and tribulations that can sometimes leave one scarred, desolate and in despair. Francine Rivers, in her novel, Redeeming Love, beautifully touches upon the many themes attributable to life’s many mishaps to which many can closely relate.

Reoccurring topics of brokenness, unworthiness and depression are just a few of the ongoing themes in this powerful novel that shows the path that one can take in their search and quest for a relationship with God.

Rivers artfully tells the story of Angel, a worn down, misguided young woman caught in the traps of prostitution and resentful of any concept involving the love of God. Used and abused by all men, Angel’s self-worth is at an all-time low, carrying with it the doubts that the existence of a “good man” is none other than a falsity.

Feeling unworthy of any man’s love, Angel lives her life day to day in the depths of promiscuity and without any hope for the future. Catching a glimpse of the breathtakingly beautiful Angel as she passes him by, Michael Hosea (a local farmer and avid follower of God) is immediately smitten and knows that God has guided him to his wife. Despite learning of Angel’s past and who she identifies herself as, Michael shows Angel unconditional love and slowly begins to break down her walls.

Redeeming Love, through the lives of its characters Angel and Michael Hosea, is a classic retelling of the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer. Michael Hosea’s undying love for Angel is tested repeatedly throughout the novel as she continues to reject and defy his love for her.

Similarly in the Bible as Hosea was tested by Gomer’s defiance, Redeeming Love is a modern approach to the themes outlined in the Book of Hosea. This novel is not only a must-read, but has hidden twists and turns that remain unseen and will have you mesmerized as you continuously turn the pages to see what happens next.

Depending on what life situation you need God to speak to, this book will speak to it.

For the single woman, Redeeming Love illustrates the characteristics of a man of God; one who has a heart after the Lord and ultimately pursues the woman who he will call his wife.

For those emotionally bound by hurts, habits and hang-ups, this novel continuously touches upon sin, forgiveness and renewal.

For those seemingly lost and constantly questioning the direction God has for your life, Redeeming Love expounds upon fervent prayer, listening to God and a willful following of the purpose He has on your life despite any of your thinking to the contrary.

For those who are unsure of who God is; through the lives of Angel and Michael Hosea, author Francine Rivers depicts the make-up of God and how He continues to pursue us, even after we defy him and go astray.

Originally published in 1991 and selling over one million copies worldwide, this historical and classic romance novel is a must-read and hailed by other New York Times best-selling authors as the “most powerful work of fiction you will ever read.” It is a timeless masterpiece – wholly depicted in the time period of the 1850s and as realistic as the times existing today. 

Redeeming Love cannot only be casually read, but also incorporated into group studies or book clubs. If you are in search for your next “good read,” then this novel should be next on your list. It will stir up your emotions, give you hope and most importantly a greater understanding of who God is and how much He loves you as you continue to seek after Him.