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Oh Please...welcome to life!!!! How old are you?

Oh brother, unless you can actually give constructive feedback, don't bother. I am well aware that bad things happen in life, I personally don't like to read about it in books, at least not in the detail that this book used. Everything in my review was true, if you don't agree that's fine, that's the nature of books.

Hi Kathy, grace and peace be multiplied to you :) I think if you read the book of Hosea again, now having read this book, it may change how you view this book. You may be able to view it in light of the "love story" God has for/towards us. He loved us before we love Him, He continues to love us when we don't have a decent relationship with Him i.e. lack of time in prayer or spending time developing a relationship by reading what He wrote to us through the scriptures. Yet He takes us back time again when we repent just as He “took back Israel time and time again when they played the harlot with idols.
I worked in a Christian book store for four years and only read this book because we were encouraged to read books so that we could offer suggestions when customer asked. After reading this book, I can say that NOT ONE person that I recommended this book to did not come back and comment how it reminded them how much God loves us, and I believe that the LOVE expressed in the book dispelled the darkness of the story. The book epitomizes what the Bible states�� LOVE NEVER FAILS.

The book remained dark for me because the fact that she was abused and raped from a young age was not satisfactorily dealt with. She didn't receive much healing, they didn't ask the hard questions about her experiences like what that means about her relationship with God, and I agree with you about her husband. To me, he continued to victimize her. At points, he didn't even want to listen to her story, and acted like she was doing something wrong for saying it. The absolute worst part to me was that continued abuse and mistreatment (by her husband) and flat out rape (by her brother in law) was not only ignored, but made out to be her fault. Dangerous and dark.

There is hope and healing in the sea of sexual violence, but this book did more to propagate violence than to bring it to light.

Christina, Exactly! You said it perfectly, that totally sums up how I felt about the book!

It reminds me of this scene in A Promise to Believe In, where the main character owns a diner and she refuses to serve the prostitutes that work at the brothel in town. Yet has no problem serving the men who patronize the brothel. The double standard is awful and her character continues to punish the victim instead of the perpetrator.

Thanks for your comment! :)

I felt the same way. The only reason I finished it, was that I hoped it would get better. And yes, the runaway thing did get old.

I thought Michael was very patient with her actually before actually consummating the marriage.

Paula- It's been a really long time since I've read this. How long after they were married did they consummate their marriage? I guess I just think considering all the years of abuse Angel experienced, from a very young age, he should have given her time to find herself. Give her time to really heal and see that her self-worth is a whole lot more than just being a prostitute. Maybe if he had shown her true respect and waited until she was truly ready she wouldn't have been running away so much. I can't help but think, even though Michael was a good man, he could have shown her, by waiting, that she was worth more than sex. That they could have a relationship based on more. I would have respected him more if he had waited.

It has been a really long time since I've read the book and don't remember all the specific details of their relationship though.

Your a nut. This book was purely an image of Gods love for us. Unconditional love. I have never understood his love until I read this wonderful wonderful book and I would request ANY AND EVERY man to read it. As well as all women who need a good idea of what a "Man of God" really should be. Amazing work Francine does.

Kali- Honestly, I'm glad you were able to get such a powerful message from this book and that you enjoyed it. I truly am, I believe that is exactly the message the author wanted to portray and I'm glad you found answers.

I was blessed to be raised by parents who continually taught me about God's love. I've always had a testimony of His love for me and ALL his children. I know that God loves each and every one of us, no matter what.

I read this book about six years ago so I really don't remember a lot of the specifics of the book. I can understand why you liked the story. It affected me differently. First, I have to clarify, I rate my books based on enjoyment. I didn't enjoy this one so I gave it a lower rating. That's not to say it wasn't well written, because it was. I believe the author is a gifted writer and storyteller.

As for the characters. I liked Angel, and was glad she was able to forgive herself and find God. I think she was a victim in every way. She was taken as a child and abused in the worst way and was continually abused as she grew to adulthood. I don't like when victims are portrayed as the ones in need of repentance. I was glad Michael saw something in her worth saving and for taking her out of her awful situation. I wish he would have taken things a step further and truly given her the time to HEAL before consummating their marriage. I wish he would have let her take the time to get to know herself outside of her profession. I wish he would have taken the time to help her find God and to help her realize she hadn't done anything wrong. She did what she had to do to survive. I wish he would have helped her realize that God did love her no matter her profession. I would have respected him more if he had waited to have sex with her. I thought he was selfish to have sex with her before she was in a healthy place. Her whole life she had been trained not to say no. Was she really in a place at that point to tell him she wasn't ready or wanted more time? What their union any different at that point than all the other men she had been with? I think Michael was coming from a entirely different upbringing and background and couldn't understand the trauma she had truly been through. I honestly don't think Michael was a bad guy, again I was glad he was there for her and I was glad they were able to figure out their relationship and if I remember right get back together.

Thanks for your comment, again I'm glad you were able to take away so much from this story. I hope that everyone is able to realize that God does love unconditionally and will always be there for us.

It's important to read this book, I think, with the understanding that it is a retelling of Hosea. It makes so much more sense in that light. I think it is also important to read this book with the mindset that we are Angel. I don't like romance novels and I loath Christian ones, but really this book is about the romance between God and his children and I can appreciate that. I know you and some others are disturbed by the sex and feel that Michael victimized Angel, but I do think Rivers tried to emphasize that Michael did wait patiently for her to heal sufficiently and to come to him of her own accord. Perhaps Rivers could have emphasized this better, but for me I didn't feel Angel was being victimize. I understanding your point that she should have been wholly healed and I have no personal experience to base my opinion on, but on some level perhaps a pure and truly loving sexual experience could be as healing if not more healing than no sex at all? How would Angel have understood a holy version of sex unless she had experienced it? Not saying i'm right or that Rivers was, just an idea I'd love to explore more.

Have you read Hosea in Scripture? It is a retelling of Hosea.

Angel parallels the lives of Christians. I can relate to Angel in that many times I've moved away from God thinking I knew better or I wasn't deserving of his love. Our relationship with God is a process and it's not always perfect and shiny at first meeting. I love the growth between Angel and Michael's relationship. I think the bumps in the road are very normal. And although my life hasn't been filled with the terrible events of Angel's life, I still can attest that I was in a hot mess before God's redeeming love rescued me! I love this story and I thought Angels's thoughts and action were very realistic and relatable.

As others have already stated, this book is a retelling of Hosea. It's not just Christian romance fluff. The prostitution, the running away, the pursuing, the love & forgiveness - it's the story of God and His bride. How many times have you (and I) run away from God? I am so very thankful that our running never "gets old" with God!

Totally too long
And totally disturbing.
Got through half of it and decided "no more"
Michael at no time in the beginning validated her desire to own her own home and be independent. He wanted her for himself and that was his only desire. So Sarah/Angel was passed oN to another OWNER before getting her desires. Poor girl! Awful men. Wanting to own the women, rather than help them to be the best they can be.

Jennice wrote: "Totally too long
And totally disturbing.
Got through half of it and decided "no more"
Michael at no time in the beginning validated her desire to own her own home and be independent. He wanted her..."

Yeah, I was not impressed with Michael. He was selfish and never took the time to see things from her perspective or give her the space to figure out what she wanted. If he truly loved her, he should have been putting her needs first and in time she would have done the same for him.

I wish Kathy you would see the purpose of this book. In the Bible, there are so many stories that would be considered R rated if they were made into a movie. The content for this book is the way it is because she is chronicing the story of Hosea.

I know the purpose of the story, that doesn't mean I have to like the way it was presented. I personally, think it could have been handled better. And I didn't like Michael.

Kathy- Although I loved this book, I totally can see your point of view. I was disappointed in Michael when he consummated the marriage so early, too. I don't think this was like God at all. The Lord is a gentleman and is more patient with us than Michael was with Angel.

I'm glad I read for review. I just started it, and it's disgusting. I don't care if it happens in real life; reading about it will only depress me.

It's a retelling of a Biblical story of Hosea and God's love for us.

I really disliked this book. A lot. And I'm a Christian and understood ahead of time that it was a retelling of Hosea. I completely agree with Kathy's reviews and comments on every way. It is exactly how I feel about it, to the letter! I think people really seem to be in two camps over this book!! I have steered clear of Biblical fiction and this author since. I want to be challenged to grow in my Christian fiction, not get depressed. The best author I know for that is Robin Lee Hatcher.

Growing as a Christian revolves around knowing Scripture. Novels are entertainment only. We are allowed to disagree on how we feel about them. Each of us is entertained differently. 🙂

There are some Christian fiction writers who are very good at challenging me as a reader. Many novels are what I call Christian Lite, which don't really challenge me because there's little mention of God or Scripture. Christian Lite is entertainment only, but Christian fiction which can take one or more godly concepts and show me how it can unfold in a person's life - that challenges me. Certainly the Bible is the Word that we need to rely on. But I think that Christian fiction and Christian music are often more than just entertainment.

I have nothing against Christian Lite, just to be clear. I enjoy much of it.

😊

I'm not sure what you mean by Michael should have "waited until she was ready," when Angel tries to seduce him. Or when he tells her that sex is not what she was taught, i.e. not dependent on her subservience. As Tara Dennis put it, Angel could not see sex as a pure thing if she had not partaken in it. Plus the concept of being "ready" is subjective and largely pointless; I may try to get pregnant because I think I'm "ready" to be a parent, but as every parent knows, you aren't ready enough for the experience.
While I do disagree with your reasoning (especially your thoughta on Michael Hosea, who should be the leading male literary figure instead of Mr. Darcy), I appreciate your willingness to emgage in polite discourse with others. It's always a delight to read different perspectives that don't throw ad homniems at one another. Thank you for being kind.

Life isn’t always flowers and rose petals. Sometimes it’s messy and ugly. I think the points you made about how “dark�� this book is is exactly why it makes a good Christian romance. I like the way Rivers isn’t afraid to tackle an ugly issue and the impact it has on both Angel and her Husband, and that she isn’t afraid to show that redemption comes even when you have nothing to offer.

And as far as Michael goes...he was perfect. Patient, understanding, willing to fight for his wife,

As a Christian I totally love the book of Hosea Hosea b/c it's basically a similitude to God's infinite love to us but it was His love and the Harlot represented the Children of Israel and their posterity. I'm like 127 pages in and even though it's being lent out, I'm honestly finding myself skimming. So far I agree with everything you just said. It's too long. It's also too wordy. It has a great concept and idea to use the mid 1800s era BUT for a biblical retelling? It's definitely not working out so I'm tempted to soon DNF this book 🙄🙄🙈🙈 I love a good historical fiction bible story once in a while but since this is a retelling, I'm gonna agree with you 100% so far. It's lacking so much for me.

Even if I do love the story of Hosea and the example of God's infinite love, it's also a story of how yes He loves us but He can't condone or excuse our actions. But He still loves us, puts His arms out waiting for us to accept Him and turn to Him. As far as I am atm it's too predictable and lacking imagination and originality for me. So I say don't feel bad for those who made you feel bad for not liking this book and giving your opinion and honest rating. Not every book speaks to everyone no matter the popularity and it's okay. So don't let anyone boom shame you.

Even as someone who has read a lot of both horror and true crime, I agree. The author seemed to use Angel's abuse as shock value in a way that I was not comfortable with. I also felt like Michael was often praised for behaving with a bare minimum of human decency, which was...eh...

Thankyou I'm going to pass I was looking for something uplifting. After, reading a few pages I was trying to see how at all this was a positive book. Maybe it is by the end, but I'm not looking for a positive message, I'm looking for something that's feels positive. So glad you pointed out what the book was really about. I was hoping it was going to get better.

Wow, people are really upset you didn't like this book it's like you opinion doesn't matter. I love god, I'm a Christian but this book is gloomy.

Thank you for your review. I think I’m going to give up on this book.

I did not like it either. Just did nothing for me. I loved the Masterpiece, tho'. I am one of the few that didn't enjoy ht book, finished it but not sure why.

Sorry that everyone is offended that you didn't like this book. Dear everyone, we know it's supposed to be about Hosea, but this book actually widely misses that mark. There are a lot of us Christian readers who find this book and its supposed portrayal of Hosea's and God's love majorly problematic.

He waited a few months as I undersrand it. He wanted to show her how it should be vs. the way she understood it. And to prove he wasn't repulsed by her.

Thank you for your honest review. I'm not sure why people felt the need to defend their point of view by disregarding yours or disrespecting you, but I appreciated reading your perspective.

Why do you find it so hard to believe this is a Christian book or was written by a Christian? Because it talks about a real subject? Sex trafficking is as real today as it was back then. It is NOT no small thing in any way either. Like it or not Sex trafficking is dark, depressing, shocking and disturbing…but as much as it is to us who have not experienced it, how much more so do you think it is for the people, the children who are living it right now? A lot of people don’t seem to understand that there are things that go on in the world, horrible, cruel, things that people do to others, and that light needs to be shed on those things so they will hopefully stop. Also people need to understand that these fictional characters in this book, are a voice to the voiceless, because for them their life is just a depressing and horrible as it can get. They have been crushed to the point where they almost don’t even have a soul anymore (which obviously is not true) but they can’t feel anymore, because it hurts too much to feel or to care, their lives are a living hell…literally. Their is no hope, no joy, no peace, no happiness, in their lives only pain, and hopelessness, and emptiness. They cannot speak up for themselves because they have been made to be silenced but nonetheless they still must endure their what feels like meaningless life. This is why books like this are so important, because while it might be hard to read, this is reality for some people, and we need to understand that, and those horrible awful things should make us want to change that. They need Jesus so desperately and as Christians we should want to give them the love, joy, peace, hope and meaning that comes from knowing him! So no, I’m not appalled that a Christian would write this, because the person who wrote this cared enough, about this to share the way she knows how best what other people go through, and she cared enough to want to make a difference, and not just write another perfect book without anything uncomfortable. Because that’s not reality, and it’s not what Jesus would do either.

Well, the thing about her running away would make sense to Christians because we do that to God all the time and he just welcomes us back with open arms and love, so....

Thank you.

Rated R? Really? Why? Is it because of a little girl sold into prostitution? Rape?
I’m confused why people think it’s so graphic?

I loved the book. Basically a Christian version of Pretty Woman but goes deep into the emotional aspect of what she goes through. Running away is a form of self sabotage because she doesn’t feel worthy. As for sex with his wife. It talks a lot about his patience and not pushing it. I didn’t realize it was Christian Fiction when i started reading it.

it was the book of Hosea