Ok.
My friend Dorrae was NOT kidding when she said I would love this book.
Have you read Redeeming Love yet by Francine Rivers?
Apparently it came out in 1997....but...I don't usually choose Christian fiction so somehow missed this book for the last 10 years!
I know I have told you that Christian fiction is not my fave genre.
Yes, I know it is usually sappy, predictable, and shallow.
This one is different though!
Setting: California during the "Gold Rush" days (1800's)
Genre: Christian fiction/romance
Appropriate for ages 16-adult. Due to some sexual content/graphic descriptions, you may want to read it before your teenager and discuss after reading.
Based on: the Old Testament book of Hosea. (this book of the Bible happens to be one of my very favorite minor prophet books....I have read it several times and always glean something new from it, that God wants to show me or teach me)
This book left a profound impact on me. Yes, it was a bit predictable in places and yes it was a little bit sappy. It tended to drag in spots and I skimmed a couple of the chapters when my interest started to wan. I am not sure why most Christian fiction is like that (in my opinion).
However.....the meaning behind the book, about a Savior and Father who loves us so much He will CHASE us and forgive us over and over again and accept us as we are, is just magnificent. We are His Beloved. Forever.
If we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and repent of our sins.
Here is my favorite part of the entire book. It is literally the last paragraph of the last chapter (not counting the Epilogue):
"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."
(Francine Rivers, pg 462, c.1997)
Read this......and then re-read the book of Hosea.
3 comments:
I read this book and I remember loving it and being stunned by it, the message it was sharing. I've been meaning to reread it. Francine Rivers is one of my favorite authors.
My favorite book of all time! So glad you enjoyed it and had such kind words to say about it. May God continue to use it to draw you to Himself.
My favorite book...I couldn't put it down once I started! Such a beautiful story!
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