Hosea's Heart: A Book Review

What is the expression? Too many books, too little time? That's definitely the case with me. Because there are not enough hours in the day to read all the books I'd like to, and my preference is historic novels, I don't tend to read contemporary stories.

However, I make exceptions for a few authors, and Linda Wood Rondeau is going to be added to the list. I love books that retell a biblical story and are set in a different time period or put a "twist" on the tale. When I heard about Hosea's Heart, I was intrigued, so agreed to read the book in exchange for an honest review.

Not sure what to expect, I dove into the book and was immediately drawn in. The writing is tight, expressive, and well-done. Here is my review:

Hosea's Heart of a modern retelling of the biblical story of Hosea. Powerfully written, the novel is full of complex characters dealing with serious issues. Despite the heaviness of the subject matter, the book is not a "downer," but rather edifying and uplifting. I appreciate Aubrey's (the Hosea character) integrity and gentleness which is offset by his friend, Gregg's rough-and-tumble persona. Aubrey's wife Joanna, is genuine and warm as she deals with regrets and consequences of past poor decisions. Gregg wants to protect his friend when Joanna re-appears, and his reactions of anger and skepticism are realistic and normal. I enjoyed visiting my old stomping grounds of Washington, DC and Maryland suburbs where the book is set. I highly recommend Hosea's Heart.  (Please note: I received a free copy of the book from the author, and a positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.)

Book Blurb: 
How much should a wronged husband forgive?

This time, Aubrey Beaumont's wife has left for good. Though a single dad with three children to raise, Aubrey diligently searches for his drug-addicted, runaway wife. Fifteen years later, he has relocated from Vermont to Silver Spring where he serves as a respected minister and chaplain. He is caught in a quandary when he is called to a community hospital to counsel a terminally ill patient and comes face-to-face with his long-lost wife.

After leaving her family, Joanna Beaumont becomes a madame for Washington's rich and powerful. With God's forgiveness, she desires to find purpose in her final days and negotiates a plea bargain for testimony against her drug-lord lover. She accepts God's judgment and expects no healing miracle. Her salvation and reunion with Aubrey is grace enough.

While Aubrey can understand his wife's drug addiction, her romantic liaison with a vicious criminal seems beyond his human capacity to forgive. Does God expect him to rescue her from the bowels of degradation like the biblical Hosea? Why did God bring her back to him only to watch her die?

Purchase Link: www.amazon.com/dp/B07FT2JWYM

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone's throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library. Visit Linda at http://www.LindaShentonMatchett.com where you can find out more about her books and speaking engagements. Sign up for her newsletter to that includes book reviews, links to free ebooks, historical tidbits, and information about Linda's new releases.