Wednesday, March 30, 2011

On My Nightstand - Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Angel's beauty is legendary, but so is her granite heart. Years of betrayal formed a cynicism and hatred of men to protect her from hurt.

Then Michael Hosea comes to town. His patient, unselfish love chips away at her walls, but will there be anything left once he succeeds?

After Angel sees Michael is genuine, she cannot fathom how this wonderful, godly man could ever love her. Unworthiness sends her hurtling back into the abyss of her old life.

Michael can love her, but he can't repair the damage to her soul. Will she turn to the only One, who can heal her deepest wounds?

I'm probably one of the last people in the Christian writing community to read this book. When my mother said it was the best book (other than the Bible) that she'd ever read, I sat up and took notice. I'm glad I did. This volume will remain on my bookshelf and treated as a treasured classic.

Francine Rivers' sensitive treatment of abuse issues and how they affect the human spirit could only come from the Lord. It's also one thing to understand and another thing to communicate all the nuances on the printed page. She succeeded in writing a timeless masterpiece, picturing the love of the Savior for His people in story form.

In the unlikely event you've never read this novel, pick it up. You'll find not only a love story, but also a glimpse into the heart of the Lord.

Have you read this book? If so, did it affect your view of the grace of God? As writers, how can we give our characters this kind of depth?



30 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Susan. This sounds like a good book. I think it would an inspiration for someone.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan .. sounds interesting .. there have been a few posts recently on bullying and abuse .. I hope this gets picked up. Thanks for letting us know about your mother's recommendation - 'a timeless masterpiece' ... I must put it on my TBR list .. thank you - Hilary

Linda O'Connell said...

Thanks for the heads up on this book. I'll have to check it out.

Jessica Nelson said...

I ADORE this book. ONe of my faves!!!!
It def. makes me think about how people's actions often hide wounded spirits.

Janna Leadbetter said...

It sounds powerful! And being that it's from Francine Rivers, I'm not surprised.

Susan, thanks for your enthusiasm with my whole school trip. It was great fun!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sonia -

Few authors achieve the kind of indepth character study I saw in this book.

Thanks for stopping by. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Hilary -

What person chooses such an awful life? The book gives new insights into some dark corners. Most of these women are victims with little hope of escaping.

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Linda -

Great book! Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jessica -

I totally agree. A friend of mine is reading it for the third time.

While we don't agree with a person's actions, judging their motivations is a no-no according to scripture. Only God knows their hearts and what they've been through.

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Janna -

I wish I could have been there. A child's excitement is a wondrous thing to behold. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Carla Gade said...

When I first read this book that was on my own nightstand at the time, I was a little disturbing for bedtime reading, although she handled the sensitive topics with grace and tact. But as I read, I found a remarkable story of God's redemptive love and forgiveness. It is a beautiful story. It has also challenged me to write bravely and to create characters of depth and plots that can (hopefully and prayerfully) touch a heart and point the reader to God's love and truth.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Carla -

This is a perfect example of how a book can impact someone's life. Her writing also inspired me to bring my craft to a higher level.

Blessings,
Susan :)

North Jersey Christian Writers Group said...

Susan,
I read this several years ago, and it put God's redeeming love for me despite my many flaws in a new perspective. His love is tenacious.
Susan

Terri Tiffany said...

Yes, I've read this book and LOVED it. One of my favorites!

Karen Lange said...

I have read this book. It did give me a different perspective of grace. Rivers is a great writer.
Blessings,
Karen :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Susan -

I'd like to read this book again. The love of God poured off the page.

Michael Hosea's unconditional love for Sarah is really a beautiful picture of God's love for us. Marriage is supposed to mirror that kind of relationship.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

Thanks for stopping by and giving a good word about this book.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

We often see God's love from the perspective of our life experiences. A friend of mine always said, "look at the situation from God's perspective." John 3:16 says it all.

Blessings,
Susan :)

DenaNetherton said...

I read Redeeming Love about five years ago and absolutely loved it. I was surprised that a Christian publisher would actually publish such a dark subject. I wish more publishers would. Ms. Rivers did a masterful job of slowly bringing Angel to the point where she was ready to accept Michael's, and God's love. Wonderful story!

Jeanette Levellie said...

Don't faint, but I've never read a Francine Rivers book. Will you loan this one to me when I come there in August?

Thanks for the review,
Jen

Sandra Heska King said...

Oh my word. I'm teaching Hosea in our Bible study. Someone mentioned this book, and I've been meaning to get it. Then I stumbled on it at Sam's on Tuesday, snatched it up. But then something happened on Wednesday that makes me feel I need to give it away right away. So "spooky."

Rhonda Schrock said...

Yes, I have read this book! It's a lovely picture of God's grace and second (and third and fourth chances). Very moving.

Hope all is well. I've been thinking of you this week.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Dena -

Francine Rivers was ahead of her time, that's for sure.

While the story had many troubling, sad things in it, I loved the way God's love broke through and brought restoration.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen -

Praise the Lord! I'm not the only one who didn't read this book. There are a few others in the comments as well.

I'll be happy to lend it to you, but fair warning - I want it back. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sandy -

Hmm, strange, because this book would give you a lot of insight into the Book of Hosea. I'd pray about that one.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

Yes, God's grace is the overwhelming theme of this book.

I'm reminded of the scripture that says it's not God's will that any should perish. Sadly, many people reject His gift of eternal life.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Anonymous said...

This was my first Francine Rivers book and my favorite. It taught me about God's grace and I agree that Rivers handled the subject of abuse with delicate elegance.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Lynn -

I think this will always be my favorite Francine Rivers book no matter how many I read. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Kathleen said...

That lady can write! I haven't read one of her books in awhile, but I've always been impressed by her style. This sounds like a great read.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kathleen -

I've only read two of her books, but loved them both. This one is a real gem.

Blessings,
Susan :)