POSITIVELY LIFE CHANGING

I sat down with the actual book and read it. I wanted my husband to 'know' about it and he doesn't make time to read. This story, based on the Old Testament couple, Hosea and Gomer, is brought into the 19th century during the Gold Rush era in California. Many times during the reading, I'm crying openly and talking to God. I found myself being changed with a permanent awareness of the Love of a heavenly Father that I never knew. This book starts slow but when it builds moves like a runaway train. After it's finished, you continue to think about these people as if they are really someone that you know. I can qualify this as the best, most transforming book I've ever read unequivicably. I strongly suggest this.

193 people found this helpful

Some moral issues

Any additional comments?

***Minor spoilers***

This book has been my all time favorite ever since I first read it almost 10 years ago. Everyone else I know who has read it also says the same thing. However, I just re-read it for the 4th or 5th time and somehow I saw it from a different perspective this time.... and it was not for the better. I actually think the way the relationship with Angel and Michael began was just another (veiled) form of abuse forced on Angel like everything else in her life. She didn't want to have anything to do with him in the beginning, but he just took her while she was too beaten up to even know what was going on and she very clearly didn't want to stay. He had no right to take her like that or even guilt her with their marriage vows that she was practically unconscious for, let alone keep her with him when all she wanted to do was leave. Their whole relationship started off as as yet another thing she was forced into, all under the guise of chivalry, and it was rather disturbing.

I also think that for a Christian book, this book really pushes the limits many times with the strong sexual themes! I get it, she's a prostitute, but even with Michael it was pushing the limits talking about their intimacy, considering many younger girls are reading this book.

Yes, it's a devastating and beautiful story of redemption, but I don't think it should be considered a parallel to our relationship with God because He has never forced Himself on anyone like that or manipulated us.

I also can't stand that this is the narrator for all Francine River's books because she sounds much too old to portray these teenage girls.

33 people found this helpful

this is the best book I have ever read......

This book was hard for me to get into at first because of the pain of the caricatures but once I started I could not put my i pod down.... I found my self crying for angel... I have never cried while reading a book before this is the first for me. I loved this book It is my first by the author and I cant wait to purchase another. I hope you love this book as much as I have. And I loved the ending.
Heather

94 people found this helpful

Not Just For Girls

My wife wanted me to read this, and I really resisted for a while. Finally, I got the audiobook and started to listen. I didn't tell my wife for a while, because I was afraid to admit that, well, it was really good. I was really moved by the depth and tragedy of the main character, Angel (aka Sarah). I am not a fan of romance novels, westerns, or christian fiction, but this book will stick with me for a very long time. It is a very encouraging story, and will challenge you to rethink your place in life, your values, and the value of the people around you.

130 people found this helpful

Best story of love and forgiveness ever!

This is with out a doubt the best book I have ever read! I read my sister in laws copy while I was laid up in hospital with my back and I could not put it down. So when I got home I downloaded it for my husband to listen to in the truck. It is the perfect love story reminding us not only of how commited and forgiving real love should be but most importantly reminds us of how God is so ever patient and forgiving of us though we repeatedly prostitute our selves to the world. Would recomend this bokk to every one!

49 people found this helpful

really awesome and amazing

I will go ahead and admit that I have not read this one yet, because of the fact that audible just put this title up yesterday; however, I bought this book for my mother when we were on vacation. My mother swore up and down that she hated to read. With this book however, she couldn't put it down. She finished it inthree days, and since then, has become a very avid reader. I've heard very similar stories from friends when this book is mentioned. Every person that I've discussed this book with has encouraged me to read it even the ones who say that they aren't big on reading. What I have read so far has been awesome! The narator is good, and I enjoy the story overall. I know without having finished this book that I will love it. If my mom loves it, anyone will.

51 people found this helpful

The Love of God

It's amazing to read an allegory that speaks so deeply of the love of God in life. What brought tears to my eyes was not the way the author worded her lines, but rather the truth that stood behind them.
If you want to see how much God loves in a parable, this is a beautiful one. If you want to see His grace and forgiveness in a story, listen here.
This book touched my soul. Not because it is a story that has never been told before, but because it is the oldest story ever told in a new way.
It is gospel written in the life of a young woman who needed Him.

37 people found this helpful

"Sarah, my name is Sarah."

By far one of the most romantic love stories I've ever read. The trials that Sarah endures will make you want to jump into the book. But just when you think all hope is lost....here comes God's intervention...that takes Sarah/Angel through the unknowns of what love is truly about. What an awesome journey for many of the characters in this book. This story will touch your heart in so many ways.

35 people found this helpful

fabulous

an uplifting wonderful story, i'm not a christian, but a realigous person and loved it and put me in high spirits. One of best books I've listened to on audio out of 30

30 people found this helpful

A Change of Heart

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this Audio Book. It didn't take long that I couldn't stop listening! My heart broke as I listened. Sarah's seemingly happy early childhood, the devastation about not being loved and wanted by someone she so much wanted to be loved by. The surrender she felt to a life that could get no better. The every day struggle of surviving the only way she thought she could.
I felt every emotion, stop breath anticipation, and finally joy for the way the Lord Moved in her life to bring her lasting contentment and Love. Though we may not see the purpose of what we are going thru, God has a plan for all that happens to us. Most of the time we have to go thru the deepest valley, to be able to climb to the highest mountain top.
I only found out about Francine Rivers thru a month or two ago thru a bookstore clerk who couldn't say enough good about her writing, which encouraged me to download this book. I am so thankful I did!
The short interview with Francine at the end was very uplifting. I just downloaded the next book "A Voice In The Wind" and can't wait to get started with it.
If you want a heart wrenching, uplifting book this is it!

44 people found this helpful