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Redeemed
Set in a land of ancient mysteries and unexpected miracles - the Promised Land - this is the powerful love story not only of Ruth and Boaz, but also of Adara and Kemuel - a young, childless couple struggling to survive the curse of barrenness in a culture convinced the lack of children equates the presence of sin. Together, as their lives intertwine by the mighty hand of God, these two couples experience both the magnitude of God's redemption and the marvel of His grace. Be swept away in this Biblically-based narrative of hope, as you discover the relentless power of faith and redemption.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2018
121 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Rachael C. Duncan
11 books40 followersRachael C. Duncan is a passionate follower of Christ. She believes that God has gifted each of His children with different gifts to be used to strengthen the body of Christ and fulfill the Great Commission, and her desire is to share God's love through the gift of writing.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 17, 2022
Cute read
This was a cute story. It read almost like a young adult novel. It's not entirely Biblical! Most of it is and there are a lot of New Testament references. It discusses some aspects of the culture of the times but the language and actions of the characters imply otherwise. Ruth us one it my favorite heroines in the Bible and was hoping to really like this but......it was ok. Quick read as well!
This was a cute story. It read almost like a young adult novel. It's not entirely Biblical! Most of it is and there are a lot of New Testament references. It discusses some aspects of the culture of the times but the language and actions of the characters imply otherwise. Ruth us one it my favorite heroines in the Bible and was hoping to really like this but......it was ok. Quick read as well!
July 30, 2022
beautiful
Well written, biblically accurate and thorough in its theme of redemption, God moving in lives and threaded with hope and love.
Well written, biblically accurate and thorough in its theme of redemption, God moving in lives and threaded with hope and love.
September 26, 2022
A rewrite of the Biblical story of Ruth the Moabitess and her MIL, Naomi, and incidentally, briefly, Orpah, Naomi's other DIL.
Naomi and Elimelech moved to Moab when Israel was in the midst of a famine. It wasn't long before Elimelech taught Naomi to read so he no longer had to read the scriptures to her, and she, in turn, taught Ruth. Orpah had no interest. Elimelech apparently took to the false gods of Moab, and though Naomi tried to raise her sons in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, they followed after their father, serving Moab's false gods that appealed to their carnal lusts. Elimelech dies, widowing Naomi young. Later, after her widowhood, she finds wives for her sons as they request.
In one day, both of Naomi & Elimelech's sons die, refusing entreaties by Naomi and Ruth to turn to God. The men had no children by their widows. This leaves Ruth and Orpah as young widows. Orpah has been unfaithful to her husband, but her lover has a string of other women and won't marry her - though he does help the women bury their dead. Naomi, who has been able to handle losing her husband, loses her faith for a while, mourning in sackcloth and ashes for the loss of her 2 sons, and no wonder. The loss of one child would be hard enough, no matter how wayward, but the loss of 2 in one day is a devastating blow to Naomi. It is, however, a relief to the 2 young women trapped in abusive marriages. By the terms of the marriage contracts, both DILs are legally bound to stay with and support their MIL. But Naomi can see Orpah is discontent, and isn't wild about going to Israel with Naomi, so Naomi releases her to her parents, telling her to ask her father to find her a husband, on condition that she consider the claims of the Lord on her life. She tries to do the same for Ruth, but Ruth is determined not to be separated from Naomi, and says that wherever Naomi goes, settles, worships, Ruth will be there, Naomi's people her people and Naomi's God is already her God. And so they make the trip with a caravan.
The story unfolds as God blesses them with a small home, a place for Ruth to glean, friends - and romance. The story of the kinsman redeemer is a beautiful illustration of God's redemtion of us through Jesus.
The story tends to drag in a few places but is overall fairly well paced for all that. And I found some of the antics of Orpah in the beginning quite humorous.
Naomi and Elimelech moved to Moab when Israel was in the midst of a famine. It wasn't long before Elimelech taught Naomi to read so he no longer had to read the scriptures to her, and she, in turn, taught Ruth. Orpah had no interest. Elimelech apparently took to the false gods of Moab, and though Naomi tried to raise her sons in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, they followed after their father, serving Moab's false gods that appealed to their carnal lusts. Elimelech dies, widowing Naomi young. Later, after her widowhood, she finds wives for her sons as they request.
In one day, both of Naomi & Elimelech's sons die, refusing entreaties by Naomi and Ruth to turn to God. The men had no children by their widows. This leaves Ruth and Orpah as young widows. Orpah has been unfaithful to her husband, but her lover has a string of other women and won't marry her - though he does help the women bury their dead. Naomi, who has been able to handle losing her husband, loses her faith for a while, mourning in sackcloth and ashes for the loss of her 2 sons, and no wonder. The loss of one child would be hard enough, no matter how wayward, but the loss of 2 in one day is a devastating blow to Naomi. It is, however, a relief to the 2 young women trapped in abusive marriages. By the terms of the marriage contracts, both DILs are legally bound to stay with and support their MIL. But Naomi can see Orpah is discontent, and isn't wild about going to Israel with Naomi, so Naomi releases her to her parents, telling her to ask her father to find her a husband, on condition that she consider the claims of the Lord on her life. She tries to do the same for Ruth, but Ruth is determined not to be separated from Naomi, and says that wherever Naomi goes, settles, worships, Ruth will be there, Naomi's people her people and Naomi's God is already her God. And so they make the trip with a caravan.
The story unfolds as God blesses them with a small home, a place for Ruth to glean, friends - and romance. The story of the kinsman redeemer is a beautiful illustration of God's redemtion of us through Jesus.
The story tends to drag in a few places but is overall fairly well paced for all that. And I found some of the antics of Orpah in the beginning quite humorous.
December 22, 2018
Redeemed, an incredible retelling of Ruth, is the story of a moabitess and her journey from hardship to redemption. Journey with her as she travels with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and meet memorable characters that help these women return back to the Promised Land.
To start off, I'm not one to read a romance novel for fun. Even having read the Biblical account of Ruth, I was enthralled by the artful rendition of the story. From start to finish, the author does a masterful work of engulfing you in the story. It's really hard not to read this story from start to finish as each chapter is better then the last.
The characters are phenomenally developed with scenery that comes to life right off the page. If you believe you know all there is to know on the story of Ruth, I highly recommend you read this book!
To start off, I'm not one to read a romance novel for fun. Even having read the Biblical account of Ruth, I was enthralled by the artful rendition of the story. From start to finish, the author does a masterful work of engulfing you in the story. It's really hard not to read this story from start to finish as each chapter is better then the last.
The characters are phenomenally developed with scenery that comes to life right off the page. If you believe you know all there is to know on the story of Ruth, I highly recommend you read this book!
February 2, 2023
Two stars feels a little harsh, but I really did only think it was "ok." I liked it, but not enough that I'd run and tell my friends they should read it too. The story is sweet and the characters are pretty well-developed, I enjoyed them all for the most part. Some places dragged a bit for me and I thought some of the conversations and thoughts for the characters did not fit into the era it is written. For me, this distracted a lot from the story, however, others may be able to overlook it better. I love the heart behind what was told, and they may very well have had those thoughts, but it just seemed like post-Jesus revelation kind of thoughts rather than pre-Jesus. I kept reading, it just wasn't my favorite telling of this story. I do think Rachael is a great storyteller and I would read more from her, this one just didn't excite me.
January 31, 2026
Connecting the dots in a story we’ve known before but giving it more colorful detail than the original.
I’ve always loved the story of Ruth and her service and love for her creator and her mother in law Naomi. How the customs and laws of that day are so different than today yet familiar as well. Rachael Duncan has woven the story with some colorful threads, some biblically accurate and some out of her imagination. The trusting and praying were surely a part of these believer’s daily lives. The studying of scrolls and stories of the Israelites history with God leading them out of bondage had to be a constant affirmation that God was a loving and very real Creator. He has redeemed many who love His wonders and His mercy.
I’ve always loved the story of Ruth and her service and love for her creator and her mother in law Naomi. How the customs and laws of that day are so different than today yet familiar as well. Rachael Duncan has woven the story with some colorful threads, some biblically accurate and some out of her imagination. The trusting and praying were surely a part of these believer’s daily lives. The studying of scrolls and stories of the Israelites history with God leading them out of bondage had to be a constant affirmation that God was a loving and very real Creator. He has redeemed many who love His wonders and His mercy.
December 10, 2018
Inspiring!
The story of Ruth. This is such an uplifting book and though fictional, it reinforces Christian belief that God has an individual plan for each of us. All we have to do is accept, trust, and obey. For me personally, print, grammatical, and spelling errors are incredibly annoying and I'll usually rate a book one less star for them. This book only had three errors and the tale is told so well that I couldn't subtract that star!
The story of Ruth. This is such an uplifting book and though fictional, it reinforces Christian belief that God has an individual plan for each of us. All we have to do is accept, trust, and obey. For me personally, print, grammatical, and spelling errors are incredibly annoying and I'll usually rate a book one less star for them. This book only had three errors and the tale is told so well that I couldn't subtract that star!
July 24, 2025
A Story Worth Telling!
I love this author! She has a gift of weaving a story around true biblical characters like no other. Considering the culture in which they live, each character just comes alive. I’ve always loved the story of Ruth and Naomi, it’s so genuine how they trust in the Lord while living and surviving in humble conditions. It’s a true love story!
I love this author! She has a gift of weaving a story around true biblical characters like no other. Considering the culture in which they live, each character just comes alive. I’ve always loved the story of Ruth and Naomi, it’s so genuine how they trust in the Lord while living and surviving in humble conditions. It’s a true love story!
November 30, 2022
Wonderful!
Rachael brings the Bible alive in the wonderful story of Naomi and Ruth. Their story is such a testimony of patience, hope and faith that will prompt both non-believers and believers alike to examine their own hearts.
Rachael brings the Bible alive in the wonderful story of Naomi and Ruth. Their story is such a testimony of patience, hope and faith that will prompt both non-believers and believers alike to examine their own hearts.
January 2, 2024
redeemed
A fabulous book, makes me feel ever closer to my spiritual life and journey. God is so good and gracious, whatever trials come to this hard, cold world, God will overcome it all
A fabulous book, makes me feel ever closer to my spiritual life and journey. God is so good and gracious, whatever trials come to this hard, cold world, God will overcome it all
July 12, 2024
This really brought the book of Ruth to life
This book really shows great depictions of the heart of God. Thank you for the reminders of just how wonderful His provision and salvation is!
This book really shows great depictions of the heart of God. Thank you for the reminders of just how wonderful His provision and salvation is!
January 10, 2026
Excellent interpretation of the Book of Ruth
Excellent interpretation of the book of Ruth. I really loved how they wove Ex 14 in there. Highly recommend. Good read but don't start it at 11pm like me because you won't be able to out it down. Read 97
% of it in one sitting
Excellent interpretation of the book of Ruth. I really loved how they wove Ex 14 in there. Highly recommend. Good read but don't start it at 11pm like me because you won't be able to out it down. Read 97
% of it in one sitting
January 18, 2026
Exciting view of Bible Characters
A very engrossing and informative narrative of important Bible Characters... so compelling and informative of local traditions. Well done article.
A very engrossing and informative narrative of important Bible Characters... so compelling and informative of local traditions. Well done article.
February 5, 2019
Awesome Book!!
Great read!! This an amazing story that goes right along the Bible!! Love the characters!! It was very well written!!
Great read!! This an amazing story that goes right along the Bible!! Love the characters!! It was very well written!!
July 8, 2022
The story of Ruth..
In a different way than you have read it before. It helps us to see this through eyes of what it might be.
In a different way than you have read it before. It helps us to see this through eyes of what it might be.
July 17, 2022
Ruth Retold
I enjoy the way Ms. Duncan takes us through what could have been the life in Moab and taking care of an aging parent.
I enjoy the way Ms. Duncan takes us through what could have been the life in Moab and taking care of an aging parent.
November 29, 2022
loved it!
So good taking scripture and making an enticing story. I enjoyed every minute of it! I learned the scripture story as well.
So good taking scripture and making an enticing story. I enjoyed every minute of it! I learned the scripture story as well.
December 1, 2022
Loved it! Loved the applications of scripture! It also gave a bit more understanding of the customs, and acts, landscape, etc. of those days.
January 20, 2024
Outstanding
Love to read about stories of the Bible and watch it all come together and learn from it about God and just what the stories are truly about.
Love to read about stories of the Bible and watch it all come together and learn from it about God and just what the stories are truly about.
May 25, 2024
A delightful biblical fiction book of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. This was so good. I loved everything about it!
July 14, 2022
Good Read
Even my mom liked it very much. We are always looking forward to reading books written by women of God. We find ourselves praising God right along with the characters in the story.
Even my mom liked it very much. We are always looking forward to reading books written by women of God. We find ourselves praising God right along with the characters in the story.
December 5, 2018
This is my new favorite book! I just couldn't put it down! I stayed up late many nights because I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter and see how it was going to unfold. I laughed and cried and felt like I knew all the characters personally. The author really made the characters come to life, and it was amazing and surprising the way all of their lives intertwined to make one beautiful, cohesive story. I was inspired by the virtuous lives these women of God lived., strengthened by the challenges they overcame, and uplifted by the Scripture that laced the pages of the book. The powerful theme of God's redemptive grace permeated the pages, filing the reader with hope and expectation. I highly recommend this book!
December 9, 2018
I received an ARC from City Lights Press, and this is my honest review. I absolutely loved Redeemed. This is a tale of love and loss, and what can happen when you put your love and faith in God's hands. This is a retelling of the Biblical story of Ruth. The story is so well written that I drew me in and kept me reading until the wee hours of the morning. I found Redeemed to be uplifting and also how God works in His mysterious ways. I highly recommend this book to all. Thank you Ms. Duncan and City Lights Press. I look forward to reading more of your uplifting work.
October 29, 2024
I so enjoyed seeing both of these couples stories grow alongside each other. Both Ruth and Adara finding friendship when no one else would accept them and their encouragement to each other made my heart sore for both of them. An absolute pleasure reading this beautiful story.
January 2, 2019
Good writing with imagination but follows along biblically.
December 24, 2025
Amazing
Amazing, truly. The author describes the whole journey that you wouldn't think of normally when reading the book of Ruth. Greatly detailed and I believe Holy Spirit led!
Amazing, truly. The author describes the whole journey that you wouldn't think of normally when reading the book of Ruth. Greatly detailed and I believe Holy Spirit led!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews