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But he soon learns the beautiful Angel's true identity -- she's a high-priced prostitute, within reach of only the most successful gold panners. Despite his misgivings, Michael follows God's leading and seeks to separate Angel from the only life she's ever known.
Redeeming Love is a retelling of the biblical love story of Hosea and Gomer. Author Francine Rivers takes us inside Angel's head and shows us why the prostitute runs away from the love and security Michael offers, back to the degradation of her former life. Rivers also shows us through Michael the blessings that ultimately result from obedience -- even when that obedience makes no sense to human reasoning.
Hardened by a lifetime of being privileged men's plaything, Angel can't imagine Michael being different from every man she's ever known. She's built a wall around her heart to prevent herself from caring; if she doesn't care, she won't be hurt.
Michael knows his challenge will be getting through the wall. He recognizes that he can't tear it down himself -- only God can. His role is to love her and wait patiently for the Lord to work in her life. When she runs away, he goes after her and brings her back -- the first time, and the second, and the third.
The plot twists and turns through the influence of supporting characters. Paul, Michael's widowed brother-in-law, uses Angel for his own purpose and tries desperately to turn Michael away from her. Miriam Altman, lovely, God-fearing, and pure, cannot conceal her own affection for Michael.
Little by little, Angel comes to love Michael, but she is ashamed of her unworthiness. Unwilling to trust Michael's God, she runs away once more. This time Michael does not retrieve her. Instead, he releases her to the Lord and waits.
Author Francine Rivers is well-known to readers of Christian fiction. The Atonement Child recently rose to the top of the bestsellers list. She's won numerous awards for her writing, including the 1995 and 1996 RITA, the Romance Writers of America's prize for best inspirational novel.
Redeeming Love does not disappoint. Rivers delves deeply into the Hosea and Gomer story, exploring human nature and the divine, and crafts an allegory of God's love for the sinners with whom He longs to have an intimate relationship.
Andrea R. Huelsenbeck is a freelance writer in Tempe, Arizona.
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