Redeeming Love... is it Francine Rivers' Best Book?

Redeeming Love, a Christian based fictional novel by Francine Rivers, released in 1991 has sold millions of copies and it is no doubt one of her most popular sellers BUT, is it her best and my favorite? keep reading and you'll find out.

Sarah (also known as Angel) was just a little girl when she learned that the father she loves and adores wants nothing to do with her or her mother and her mother's desperate attempts to get him to stay only pushes him further away. Eventually after much effort Sarah's dad wanted to come visit on the condition that she be sent away with the household maid for the weekend. Now during this journey is where I think Sarah sees life outside of the innocent bubble she's been living in and provides a great foreshadow for what her life will eventually become.

After Angel's mom is completely and finally abandoned by her father they seek refuge by her grandparents but... no luck. Due to lack of money, they settle by the docks and Angel's mom resorted to prostituting herself in order to make money- soon she had passed away and left her daughter with a man by the name of Rab, who she became accustomed to during her stay at the docks. Rab became sort of a "parental figure" for Sarah but just like the many people who were put in a position to care for her, none of them measured up- she was constantly seeking validation and love from those who were set out to show her nothing but affection, but still she could not find the love she so desperately deserves. Feeling useless Rab had sold Sarah to Duke, a sadistic individual who has a fantasy for little girls... you could only imagine what took place once Sarah was left there. This part had me in tears because Francine Rivers had captured her pain so beautifully in a way that makes the reader feel as if we're walking this journey right beside her.

Just when we thought Sarah had freed herself from Duke- she feels rejected by life and becomes a prostitute by the name of Angel... that is until she meets Michael Hosea a Christian farmer who- when he sees Angel- God reveals that she would one day become his wife. Obviously with all she's been through it's understandable that when a man, who- she's never seen before proposes marriage she wants no part of it- as she didn't necessary have the best example set out by her mother and father. Throughout the story we see her love for Michael grow which also mimics her struggle in letting Jesus into her life. Each character that had crossed paths with Angel was symbolic and reminiscent of God reaching out to us wanting us to take Him by the hand and trust that He loves us despite where we come from. This book was riddled with amazingly timed plotwists and compelling storylines, but I'm trying not to give too much away because I could not recommend this book more... don't walk RUN to the bookstore.

My mother had told me about this book a while ago but, back then I wasn't wise enough to appreciate it's true beauty. This book came to me in such a crucial time in my life, one where I was looking for answers and asking God "where do I go from here"... and through Angel and Michael's love story I've learnt so much... this book has truly been timeless and whenever I find myself in a reading slump or feel that I need a friend to talk to, I always go back to this book.

Francine Rivers has re-shaped the view that many people have concerning Christian Fiction but, she was able to create a new perspective for many people- especially woman. She has mastered her craft and her ability to string along such powerful words really leaves a lasting impression. I'm pretty sure whoever reads her books always remembers what it was like the first time they completed it. With this book may we all be reminded that while we may think we're too broken and bruised to be loved... there is someone out there who loves unconditionally and willing to look beyond your flaws.

This book is definitely one of my favorites of all time, but stay tuned for my 2022 round up and see which one made it to the top.

Rating: 5/5