England and California during the Gold Rush Era

Life started out sweet and innocent for Sarah. Her mother was the mistress of a very rich man, and their livelihood depended on him, but that changed the day Sarah was introduced to him. Sarah could not understand why they were sent away, she only knew she had not pleased her father. They were forced to move to meager, filthy, rooms, where her mother later died. Sarah was eight years old when she was sold into prostitution. She was bought by an evil, cruel man, Duke, who loved little girls. When Duke sees her beautiful blue eyes, he changes her name from Sarah to Angel, and also ends her innocence.

When Angel finally escapes from Duke’s clutches, she embarks on a ship headed for California where she is determined to start over. But once again she is forced into working as a prostitute in a brothel. Angel learns how to survive by withdrawing into a cold hard shell. Angel trusts no one, especially men -- all are merciless, and even more importantly, she knows that God has forsaken her.

Michael Hosea is a young farmer. He came to the gold country three years earlier to strike it rich, but he quickly learned that farming is the way to go. While unloading his produce in the town of Pair of Dice, Michael glances up and sees Angel -- and God tells him this is the woman he will marry. When he learns she is a prostitute, he goes to God to pray and to tell Him he made a mistake, but God tells him it does not matter. Michael is a man of faith, and he knows his prayers have been answered. In order to talk to Angel, Michael pays for a half hour of her time. As Michael shares his belief, Angel still looks at him with hate, and when his time is up, she shows him to the door. However, Angel begins to feel rattled because even though she has learned that no man is trustworthy, Michael’s kindness and words remind her of another time. Michael knows through God’s love, Angel can be saved. Is Michael’s faith strong enough for both himself and Angel? Can Angel understand that even if she says she does not believe in God, and wants nothing to do with Him, God believes in her, loves her, and through His love she will find peace and contentment, which has so sorely been denied to her?

REDEEMING LOVE was originally published in 1997 and has just been re-released. This story is not only a love story about Michael and Angel, but it is based on the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea. Michael Hosea is a gentle, kind, and understanding man. Angel considers herself damaged goods. Through all of Michael’s kindness and love, Angel starts to open her heart, yet she still feels she is unworthy. This leads her to run away again, yet in her darkest hour she finally understands why God loves her.

The secondary characters are eccentric, but for all their unconventional ways, each is good and kind and can see Angel’s pain. Angel can not understand why anyone would want to be her friend. Angel’s friend Lucky; destitute travelers Miriam and Elizabeth Altman; and Virgil Harper, the little café owner, all give of themselves.

REDEEMING LOVE is a joy to read, the story flows, Michael and Angels’ story is set in the time period of California’s Gold Rush when times were harsh, and women did not have control of their lives. This makes the reader wonder, could I have survived if that were I? Angel survived, and her journey is an inspiration. I highly recommend this book. Bring your handkerchiefs and enjoy.

This read will warm your heart.

Deborah C Jackson