Who wrote this book and when?
Francine Rivers published this in 1991.
Has there been a film version?
No.
Who are the important characters?
Angel – a prostitute who has been sexually active from age 11, she doesn’t believe in love or in God
Michael Hosea – a strong Christian farmer who feels called by God to marry Angel
Paul – Michael’s brother-in-law, a failed miner
Miriam – daughter of one of Michael’s farming neighbors, a strong and virtuous Christian girl
What’s it about?
This is a retelling of the story of the Biblical prophet Hosea, who was called by God to marry a prostitute by the name of Gomer as an example to the Hebrews. Angel is a girl who has been around prostitution her entire life. Her mother was unmarried and her father didn’t want her. She was sold to a pedophile at age 11 and raised by him to become a prostitute. She fled to San Francisco during the Gold Rush and now has become the most popular (and expensive) prostitute in the town. When Michael Hosea, a local farmer, comes to town to sell produce and sees her, he feel immediately commanded by God to marry her. But will Angel even believe him? And if she does marry him, will she stay?
Why is this a classic/bestseller?
It’s by the bestselling Christian author, Francine Rivers.
Do I recommend you read this book?
Yes, muchly.
How did this book make my list?
I have read several of Rivers’ other books but was unaware of this one, which is actually her first Christian book. It was recommended by my friend, Sarah Landon. Of the Elizabeth sort.
Has it won any awards?
No.
Anything else?
I was unaware that Francine Rivers wrote romance novels before she became a Christian.
Personal thoughts:
This book is impossible to put down once you’ve started it. All of the characters are beautifully developed – we gain insight into what three, sometimes even four of them are feeling and thinking in ways which we are able to relate to. And although I haven’t read the book of Hosea in a while, I’m pretty sure this story modernizes it wonderfully. While Angel’s actions don’t always make sense, Rivers lets us see how broken a person she is and how that provides the basis for her fears. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance novels, love stories, historical fiction, or a plain good read.
Wannabe Inkling 