California's gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep. Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside. Then she meets Michael Hosea. Michael obeys God's call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel's every bitter expectation, until despite her resistance, her frozen heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband's pursuing love, terrified of the truth she no longer can deny......Michael will not be the one to save her.

In the past my attitude towards Christian books had always been Meh, whatever....when I was handed this book by a friend, I was tempted to throw it back at her, but she insisted: Trust me this is not like anything you've read. My fear of Christian books with the over the top preaching and knitting and plucking chickens tried to rear its ugly head, but I said I’d give it try....….this is by far one of the best books I’ve ever read, Rivers writing is hard to explain, she’s gifted in a way that very few authors are able to showcase. Id equate Rivers writing to the Christian genre as you would Stephen King to the horror genre.

The story starts off in New England, 1835. Sarah, a beautiful young girl, learns that she is the product of an adulterous affair and her father Alex a wealthy man had urged her mother Mae to abort the pregnancy, but refused to do so. This decision alienated her from Alex, whom she continues to love in hopes that he would leave his family and marry her. Mae the classic rebound desperate woman finds herself homeless and with an eight year old daughter, with no means and no job she finds a shack on the docks, where she takes up prostitution to make ends meet. Within a few months, Mae succumbs to a terrible illness, leaving Sarah alone with Rab, a drunk who was a frequent customer. Unsure of what to do with a child, Rab finds a man that is looking for a little girl for his wealthy master. Sarah soon learns Duke, the "Master" had been scouring the town not for a new daughter, but a new mistress. Duke informs Sarah that her new name is Angel, and that he wants to teach her many things. He gives her- her first "lesson" that very night. Angel lives in a world of prostitution at the age of eight from that night on; she services men, has lost all respect for herself and is a bitter, cold woman at the ripe age of eighteen.

Michael Hosea changes everything for Angel. Seeing her for the first time he knows he's in love with her and as God commands him to marry her he heeds obedience and against all odds finds a way to get Angel out of the brothel and married to him. The easiest part- getting her to his farm! Michael was in no way prepared or ready to face the battles and heartbreak of this woman's healing. Even though Angel is so cruel to Michael, not once while I read this did I ever get mad at her. I wanted to see Angel find herself again, to heal from the brutality of her life. Angel is raped, beaten and at one point held down for a forced abortion.

I highly suggest reading this, even if you’re not a Christian this book opens your eyes to the horrendous issues of sexually abused women and the awful reality of prostitution. Most importantly it was a story about a person who does unthinkable things and feels unworthy of love and acceptance, and through the pain only God can heal she learns to love again. You will be encouraged by the bravery and humanity of the character's and you will be cheering and crying for Angel.

Although Ms. Rivers uses no language and graphic sex scenes, the content itself is very graphic, and at points very disturbing. I dare you to read this and not have a change of heart for Christian authors.