A review by theliteraryapothecary
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

emotional hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book grew on me the further I read in it. For a good quarter to half way through, it sat at a 3.5 stars, then it moved to 4 stars, then 4.5, and then 5 stars. 

In Redeeming Love, we have Angel - who had the worst childhood, adolescence and early adult life. She is a high scale prostitute who believes she deserves all the bad that has happened to her and none of the good. In this novel, we follow Angel through her struggles and successes. Her heartbreaks and her friendships. This is a Christian Fiction novel, but don’t let that deter you from this beautiful book. While there are Christian themes and many references to the Bible, even some quotes - it is not the main part of the story - that is still Angel’s love story. 

SPOILERS START HERE 

Content/Trigger Warnings: Prostitution, Depression, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, depression, alcoholism, abortion 

Angel and Michael’s love story is so real. To understand it completely, you have to first know Angel and where she came from. 

Angel was born out of wedlock to a mother so devoted to the father that he became the most important thing in her life. The father was already married with a family of his own; he wanted nothing to do with Angel - even told her mother to abort her. The mother went into depression and alcoholism every time he wasn’t around. When she died, Angel was left with her uncle who was a drunk and not the best caretaker - he really had no idea how to take care of her. So at the age of 8, she was sold into prostitution with Duke, who owned the brothel and shot the Uncle right in front of Angel.. She was stuck in that world until Michael came. 

Michael came and rescued Angel from the Brothel and loved her, but she didn’t believe she deserved that love. She ran away from him several times - the last time she was able to get help and created a home for “fallen women” and taught them how to read, write, do math, and take care of themselves. But no matter how many times Angel ran away, Michael always accepted her back and loved her the same. And that was the beauty in their love story.


For various personal reasons, this story resonated with me on many levels, and the reason why I had to rate it 5 stars. 

For my Booktube Video Review, go here: https://youtu.be/l7QVmYhlDl4 
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