( R ) Books

Redeeming Love

Francine Rivers

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Multnomah Books Amazon Marketplace: 91 new & used starting at $6.41

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> World Literature -> United States -> General
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> World Literature -> United States -> General AAS
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Authors, A-Z -> ( R ) -> Rivers, Francine

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 566 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

In this splendid retelling of the biblical story of Hosea, bestselling author Francine Rivers pens a heartbreaking romance between a prostitute and the upright and kind farmer who marries her; the story also functions as a reminder of God's unconditional love for his people. Redeeming Love opens with the Gold Rush of 1850 and its rough-and-tumble atmosphere of greed and desire. Angel, who was sold into prostitution as a child, has learned to distrust all men, who see her only as a way to satisfy their lust. When the virtuous and spiritual-minded Michael Hosea is told by God to marry this "soiled dove," he obeys, despite his misgivings. As Angel learns to love him, she begins to hope again but is soon overwhelmed by fear and returns to her old life. Rivers shines in her ability to weave together spiritual themes and sexual tension in a well-told story, a talent that has propelled her into the spotlight as one of the most popular novelists in the genre of Christian fiction. This is one of her best. --Cindy Crosby

Mark of the Lion : A Voice in the Wind, An Echo in the Darkness, As Sure As the Dawn (Vol 1-3)

Francine Rivers

Amazon Price: $29.68 List Price: $44.97 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Tyndale House Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $24.04

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> Contemporary
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> General AAS
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Authors, A-Z -> ( R ) -> Rivers, Francine

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 263 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Improved my faith. A MUST READ! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I was steered towards this series when I mentioned to a friend that I hadn't read a truly "life-changing" book in a while. Boy was she right! I found myself with a renewed fire for the Lord after reading each one of these books. Even through some graphically violent scenes, the peace of the message shone through. I wish I had read slower because now they're over. Maybe I'll pick them up again in a few years and find something new to love!

Editorial Review:

This classic series has inspired over half a million readers. Both loyal fans and new readers will want the 10th anniversary editions of this beloved series. These editions include a new foreword from the publisher, a new preface from Francine Rivers, and discussion questions suitable for personal and group use.

#1 A Voice in the Wind: Torn by her love for a handsome aristocrat, a young slave girl clings to her faith in the living God for deliverance from the forces of decadent Rome.

#2 An Echo in the Darkness: Turning away from the opulence of Rome, Marcus is led by a whispering voice from the past into a journey that could set him free from the darkness of his soul.

#3 As Sure As the Dawn: Atretes. German warrior. Revered gladiator. He won his freedom through his fierceness . . . but his life is about to change forever.

A Voice in the Wind (Mark of the Lion #1)

Francine Rivers

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Tyndale House Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 155 new & used starting at $2.84

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> Genre Fiction -> Historical
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> World Literature -> United States -> General AAS
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> Contemporary

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 139 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Wonderful on so many levels ... 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Well written ... check.
Historical ... check.
Spiritual ... check.
Adventure ... check.
Romance ... check.
Characters you love ... check.
Characters you don't ... check.
Pondering when you set it down ... check.
Today's reality revealed ... check.
Lessons for life ... check.
Growth in your heart ... check.
Inexplicable deep meaning ... check.
Wish you read it earlier ... check.
A hunger for more ... check.

Bon Appetit!

Glad I Found This One 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book was recommended to me by multiple people and I found out why once I read it. It is my new favorite book, and Francine Rivers is definitely a new favorite author. Francine Rivers knows how to create an exciting story plot and bring you into it with vivid descriptions and believable characters.

Another Amazing Read from Francine Rivers! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

From Jerusalem to Rome to Ephesus, travel with Hadassah, a young slave girl, as she clings to her faith in the face of the decadence of Rome in "A Voice on the Wind". As usual, Francine Rivers crafts a beautiful work of fiction full of poignant and thoughtful moments that touch the heart. There is also plenty of action as the author brilliantly draws the reader into the breathtaking locations of her tale. She brings Biblical characters to life beside her fictional creations in this wonderful novel. I highly recommend this novel and am proud to have it in my collection.

This book also contains a very helpful glossary of terms and an invaluable discussion guide for use with any reading group.

Editorial Review:

Rome comes alive in this tale of Jewish Christian slave girl Hadassah. Her story encourages readers to represent Christ in their world.

Spanish available

An Echo in the Darkness (Mark of the Lion #2)

Francine Rivers

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Tyndale House Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 93 new & used starting at $4.25

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> Genre Fiction -> Historical
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> World Literature -> United States -> General AAS
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> Contemporary

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 51 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

An Echo in the Darkness 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

An Echo in the Darkness is the second book in Francine River's Mark of the Lion triology. The book wastes little time recapping from the first book (A Voice in the Wind).

Spoiler alert: Since the last book, we discover that life has changed for the characters in 1st century AD. Hadassah is surviving with disfiguring injuries, Marcus is seeking to make sense of the world as he knows it, his sister suffers from an unidentified and dangerous illness and his mother Phoebe has turned to Christianity and does good works in the community.

To make sense of the tragedy and abominations of the people, Marcus travels to the holy land to find this "God" to whom Hadassah prayed. His journey, is a good metaphor for many people's journey into Christianity. Through his journey, as well as Hadassah's into forgiveness and Julia's into redemption we get a good picture of life in Rome, Ephesus and Israel in the 1st century AD. However, my overall issue with the book was that the talk of God and faith was quite heavy handed. I much preferred a Voice in the Wind because there was a better combination of history, faith and humanity. I know this is probably an unpopular sentiment, but there was so much talk of God in this book that it became overbearing at times. For me, it was to much, for others, if you enjoy a substantial focus on God in a book besides the Bible, then this book is for you.

Editorial Review:

This classic series has inspired over half a million readers. Both loyal fans and new readers will want the 10th anniversary editions of this beloved series. These editions include a new foreword from the publisher, a new preface from Francine Rivers, and discussion questions suitable for personal and group use.

#2 An Echo in the Darkness: Turning away from the opulence of Rome, Marcus is led by a whispering voice from the past into a journey that could set him free from the darkness of his soul.

The Sweet In Between: A Novel

Sheri Reynolds

Amazon Price: $15.64 List Price: $23.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Shaye Areheart Books Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $11.50

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> Contemporary
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> Literary
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

“[With The Sweet In-Between,] bestseller Reynolds delivers again . . . Simple prose rich with subtext, convincing dialogue, and a fascinating protagonist combine to produce a heartstring-plucker that’s explicit, tender, sad, and hopeful.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Kendra, or “Kenny,” has grown up in a family that’s not really hers. Her momma died of cancer when Kenny was very young, and “Aunt” Glo is, in fact, her daddy’s girlfriend, who took her in when her father was sent to jail for drug trafficking.

Nearing eighteen years old and facing confusion over her sexuality, Kenny binds her chest with ACE bandages and keeps her hair cropped short like a boy’s. Her gender ambiguity makes her an outcast at school and, even at times, at home, where her adopted family isn’t really sure what to make of her.

When a senseless murder occurs in their run-down coastal town—a college student mistakenly entering the wrong home is killed—Kenny becomes obsessed with thoughts of the dead girl and with her own fears that she will be alone in the world when she turns eighteen. She makes it her mission to become indispensable to Aunt Glo in the hopes that she can win the older woman’s love, despite their not being bound by blood.

A lyrical tale of a family of misfits in a town that’s seen its best days come and go, The Sweet In-Between is also a poignant story of an unforgettable character’s coming-of-age.

As Sure as the Dawn (Mark of the Lion #3)

Francine Rivers

Amazon Price: $11.19 List Price: $13.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Tyndale House Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 76 new & used starting at $3.97

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> World Literature -> United States -> General
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> World Literature -> United States -> General AAS
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> Contemporary

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 44 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

As Sure as the Dawn (Mark of the Lion #3) 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Great Book. I hated to finish it because it is the last of the series. I recommend it to everyone.

As Sure As The Dawn - Review 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I read all three Mark of the Lion series in order. All three were very enjoyable. The amount of research Francine Rivers has done is incredible and I felt I was back in ancient times. The Christian message was very strong. However, due to the violence and promiscuity - the violence can be graphic but the promiscuity is not - some readers might not find this their cup of tea.

I found As Sure As The Dawn to be very enjoyable, although I thought it ended rather abruptly. I would recommend the whole series with the caveat of violence and promiscuity as noted above.

Editorial Review:

This classic series has inspired over half a million readers. Both loyal fans and new readers will want the 10th anniversary editions of this beloved series. These editions include a new foreword from the publisher, a new preface from Francine Rivers, and discussion questions suitable for personal and group use.

#3 As Sure As the Dawn: Atretes. German warrior. Revered gladiator. He won his freedom through his fierceness . . . but his life is about to change forever.

Unveiled: Tamar (The Lineage of Grace Series #1)

Francine Rivers

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Tyndale House Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 97 new & used starting at $3.14

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> World Literature -> United States -> General
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> World Literature -> United States -> General AAS
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> Contemporary

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 57 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Her name meant "date palm," and like her namesake, Tamar hoped to survive the harsh environment she was placed in: to bend but not to break. Rubbed with scented oil and arrayed in wedding finery, 14-year-old Tamar is thrust into a world of abuse, betrayal, and disillusionment when she is given in marriage to an evil, idol-worshiping man. In the face of her suffering, she must make choices: Will she let her new husband, Er, destroy her innocence and corrupt her? Will she leave the religion of the Canaanites and embrace the God of the Hebrews despite the life of misery she is cast into? Or will she fall into despair and become as wicked as her husband and his brothers?

Unveiled is the first in award-winning veteran author Francine Rivers' Lineage of Grace series of five novellas, which feature biblical women in the genealogy of Christ: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. This dramatic retelling of the scandalous risks Tamar must take to ensure her place in biblical history showcases Rivers' ability to sketch a short vignette of an ancient character and bring her to life in the minds of contemporary readers. The twin themes of sin's consequences and God's redemption resonate throughout the pages of this engrossing novella. --Cindy Crosby

The Scarlet Thread

Francine Rivers

Amazon Price: $7.99 List Price: $7.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Living Books Amazon Marketplace: 48 new & used starting at $3.91

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> Contemporary
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> General AAS
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Authors, A-Z -> ( R ) -> Rivers, Francine

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 86 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

You'll want to read it fast or you'll feel depressed!!! 2 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Let me begin by saying that I loved the Mark of the Lion series and enjoyed Redeeming Love. But as I was reading this book and witnessing a realistic picture of a family falling apart I felt as though a black cloud was hovering overhead. I HAD to finish this book in one day or else I would have been scowling at my husband (of no fault of his own, merely the actions of a fictional man!!!) while feeling a darkness in my heart. For, as always, Rivers writes with such emotion that you can literally feel the pain of the character. If you want a feel good story THIS IS NOT IT!!!

I LOVE historical fiction so I thought I might enjoy this contemporary laced with a historical story. Interestingly enough, I found that the historical story bored me. It was sad but, I suppose it's because it was in a diary format, I didn't really get too into the characters... therefore I didn't get into the story. I was half tempted to skip it entirely. Instead I just scanned the journal entries to get back to the main story athand.

Boy, and that story... what a depressing story. First this Jerk of a husband makes life-changing decisions without consulting with his wife and then seems stumped by her bitterness!! He doesn't even make an effort to try and console his wife. They were both exceedingly selfish characters, neither caring a lick for the other's feelings. She continues wallowing in bitterness and resentment instead of trying to make the best of things.

Before long things spiral out of control!!! And her mom!! I don't want to spoil the story but the loss Sierra faced--all alone!!-- broke my heart.

The adultery aspect... wow. I don't want to give away the ending so I will just say this. I wouldn't blame her if she never took him back. I certainly would not be able to. And if she did she is a more gracious person than ANY of the ladies I know.

Editorial Review:

This best-selling novel by popular author Francine Rivers is now available in mass paper. When Sierra discovers her young ancestor's handcrafted quilt and reads her journal, she finds that their lives are very similar. By following her ancestor's example, she learns to surrender to God's sovereignty and unconditional love.

The Atonement Child

Francine Rivers

Amazon Price: $11.19 List Price: $13.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Tyndale House Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 86 new & used starting at $3.78

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> Contemporary
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> General -> General AAS
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 122 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

very real! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I loved this book! Working at a crisis pregnancy center as well as knowing girls who have gone through this situation themselves, I thought the book was acurate. As a Christian I thought the struggles between, her and God were very accurate too. Being a Christian doesn't mean happy all the time, but through struggles we question God, we doubt, we hurt, yet we trust in God to answer those prayers and trust Him enough to go to him when we are hurting the most. I thought the book was greatly written and the characters portrayed great. Ethan is a real guy...I see all the time. Her roommate thinks she knows the best for her but doesn't. Her parents want the "best" for their daughter yet they forget to deal with their own feelings and past. It was very real and I loved the book!

Editorial Review:

A beautiful repackaged edition of Francine Rivers's classic novel that breaks through the many taboos surrounding abortion. In one terrifying moment, Dynah Carey's perfect life is shattered by rape, her future irrevocably altered by an unwanted pregnancy, and her doting family torn apart. Her seemingly rock-solid faith is pushed to the limits as she faces the most momentous choice of her life--to embrace or to end the untimely life within her.

This new edition includes discussion questions for individual or group use.

Unashamed: Rahab (The Lineage of Grace Series #2)

Francine Rivers

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Tyndale House Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 61 new & used starting at $7.49

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> World Literature -> United States -> General
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> World Literature -> United States -> General AAS
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> Contemporary

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 32 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A real person 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

You can read the plot and story line in the comments and reviews, so I won't get into it. The most important addition I feel I can make here is to say that this book takes a "character" from the Bible and makes her real. Too often I forget that the people in the Bible lived, and that most were "ordinary" like us. I raise them up to lofty positions in my mind. This series has given a human aspect to the lives of women who simply loved God, and it can inspire us to make a difference in our own little world.

Good Characters 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I liked the characters in this book. I thought they were well formed and realistic. I was a little skeptical of the emotions displayed. People seemed to easily switch from one extreme to the other in short order, but considering that this entire story is recreated from a short story in the Bible and the rest is imagination, it was well done overall.

Editorial Review:

Book 2 in the Lineage of Grace series by best-selling author Francine Rivers. In her trademark style, Francine tells the compelling story of Rahab from the book of Joshua. Readers will gain a fresh understanding of God's work through the life of this unlikely woman in the lineage of Christ.