When I was first given a copy of "Redeeming Love" and was told I
MUST read it, the rebellious side of me tried not to (I wasn't a
fan of Christian fiction). But I was soon gripped by the tale of
undeserved love and grace that the re-telling of the story of Hosea
and Gomer revealed. And the same has been true for every other
Francine Rivers book I have devoured since.I must say Francine has
done it again. I am always totally blown away by the worlds that
her huge novels create. Each one is based around a totally
different era and situation and yet she expertly crafts a totally
plausible and utterly believable backdrop for her characters. It is
obvious why she is a bestselling author, as she knows her craft so
well.Francine often has at the heart of her books the eternal story
of redemption and grace. This newest one reminded me a little of
"Redeeming Love", in that it focused on one girl's journey. She
makes so many huge mistakes, but ultimately finds her way home
again.The book begins with Pastor Zeke discovering a little girl,
just born, abandoned by the bridge into Haven. Taking her in for
her first years, he eventually feels he must give her to another
family from his church to raise. Devastated, Abra kicks back
against the situation, feeling that it is just another instance of
her being abandoned. You can sense the deep hurt on both sides, but
also the integrity as the pastor tries to do what he feels is
right.Eventually Abra grows into a beautiful young woman, but when
a fast-talking, fast-driving boy turns up in town that both she and
her "sister" fall for, it is she that turns her back on all she has
known and runs away with him. Abra soon learns life's lessons the
hard way as she is used and abused by the boy.Ending up in
Hollywood, Abra becomes a rising acting star--but only due to a
controlling agent desperate to make a comeback.There are so many
things that spoke to me in this story. It is obviously about
temptation, grace and unconditional love. However
In Rivers' ("Her Daughter's Dream", 2010) latest inspirational
tale, Pastor Zeke feels compelled to walk to the bridge at the edge
of Haven, his small Northern California town. There he discovers an
abandoned newborn infant. The year is 1936 and his wife, Maryanne,
her heart weakened by rheumatic fever in her childhood and advised
against another pregnancy, wants to keep the child. They name her
Abra. Five years later, Maryanne dies and Pastor Zeke gives Abra up
for adoption to friends. Abra ends up feeling rejected by her birth
mom and the pastor, and never bonds with her adoptive family.
Joshua, her best friend, goes to war in Korea with a MASH unit, and
she runs away to Hollywood and becomes a starlet under the tutelage
of an agent who sees her as his Galatea. Hollywood success fails to
make Abra feel whole and wanted, and she has no idea that Joshua is
looking for her. Rivers' persistent Christian message will please
readers who are seeking fiction with a repeated and strong message
about redemption and salvation.--Booklist
Why you should read it: If you are looking for a sweet little
Christian romance with a mild theme of redemption, you'd better
look elsewhere. "Bridge to Haven" is one of the edgiest Christian
romances I have had the pleasure of reading in a long while.
Francine Rivers has woven a deeply moving story with an adept hand
that knows just how to layer humanity, in all its beautiful and
ugly truth, into almost every individual who steps onto the page.
This story takes Abra to some very dark places before a pinprick of
hope breaks through.Some scenes (even one post-redemption scene)
might be considered "almost graphic" by inspirational/Christian
romance standards, but that does not mean those readers should shy
away. Francine Rivers writes these sorts of scenes in a way that
puts the reader in the moment, but allows her to depart without
feeling soiled by what she witnessed therein. There is beauty and
meaning to be found throughout this emotion-gripping story, even in
the contrast between Abra's bedroom experiences.Longtime fans of
Francine Rivers will not be disappointed in this painful, moving,
and triumphant tale of redemption. For those who have not yet given
this best-selling legend-of-an-author a try, I highly recommend
"Bridge to Haven".--USA Today
In Rivers' ("Her Daughter's Dream," 2010) latest inspirational
tale, Pastor Zeke feels compelled to walk to the bridge at the edge
of Haven, his small Northern California town. There he discovers an
abandoned newborn infant. The year is 1936 and his wife, Maryanne,
her heart weakened by rheumatic fever in her childhood and advised
against another pregnancy, wants to keep the child. They name her
Abra. Five years later, Maryanne dies and Pastor Zeke gives Abra up
for adoption to friends. Abra ends up feeling rejected by her birth
mom and the pastor, and never bonds with her adoptive family.
Joshua, her best friend, goes to war in Korea with a MASH unit, and
she runs away to Hollywood and becomes a starlet under the tutelage
of an agent who sees her as his Galatea. Hollywood success fails to
make Abra feel whole and wanted, and she has no idea that Joshua is
looking for her. Rivers' persistent Christian message will please
readers who are seeking fiction with a repeated and strong message
about redemption and salvation.--Booklist
Starred reviewWhen Pastor Zeke Freeman finds a newborn baby
abandoned under a bridge, he brings the child home and names her
Abra. Although his wife, Marianne, is not well, she accepts the
responsibility of caring for another child gladly. However, by the
time their young charge is five, Marianne dies, and Pastor Zeke
gives Abra to another family to raise. The girl is heartbroken and
angry. By the time she reaches high school, the teen is already on
a troubled path. Hooking up with the charming Dylan, she is off to
find fame and fortune in the movie business. Her exotic looks take
Hollywood by storm, and she soon realizes how fast life moves in
Tinseltown, even in the 1950s. But success exacts a dreadful price,
and now all she wants to do is return to Haven and the people who
have always loved her.VERDICT This is another compelling and moving
story by one of the genre's most honored and talented writers. Abra
is realistically crafted, and her story--based on Ezekiel 16--is
poignant and bittersweet. Essential for Rivers's many
fans.--Library Journal
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