Sarina [Paperback]

Francine Rivers (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Jove; First Edition edition (November 1, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0515073660
• ISBN-13: 978-0515073669
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #582,593 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist. Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote "Redeeming Love" as her statement of faith. First published by Bantam Books and then rereleased by Multnomah Publishers in the mid-1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set during the time of the California Gold Rush, is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the Christian Booksellers Association's top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian best-seller list for nearly a decade. Since "Redeeming Love," Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes--all best sellers--and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America's Hall of Fame. Francine's novels have been translated into over 20 different languages, and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa. Francine and her husband, Rick, live in northern California and enjoy time spent with their three grown children and taking every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren. Francine uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful novel!, October 16, 2005

By 

mialexa (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sarina (Paperback)

I love the history of the Calfornios. Sarina is another great Francine Rivers novel. Sarina is a very well drawn character. Her struggles with religion, her bad relationship with her father and a forced marriage are all portrayed so well that you identify with Sarina. The other reviewer is correct about the birth scene, it is harrowing and disturbing but incredibly realistic. It is as good a birth scene as was ever written. All in all, this is the usual complex, nuanced romance novel that Francine Rivers was so good at writing.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A romatic, family saga., November 15, 2009

By 

Em Knowell (England, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sarina (Paperback)

Sarina is a beautiful, Californio girl. Her father, known as El Senor, is a ruthless rancher. Their relationship is not close at all. He's cold and heartless. He sends her away, to stay with family for a few years. But Sarina is a proud and spirited character, and she eventually returns to the ranch, against her father's wishes.

No sooner is she home, before Sarina goes out, unchaperoned, to explore her beloved inheritance on horse-back. It's not long before she encounters the neighbouring rancher, Lang Rossiter. There is an instant attraction between them. But he just happens to be her father's arch enemy. Sarina immediately recognises him, but he doesn't recognise her, because she's been away for a few years. He assumes she's someone else. Against her better judgement, she agrees to meet him again.

Unbeknownst to Sarina, her father is aware of the chance meeting, and being an amibitious man, he coerces Sarina and Rossiter into an arranged marriage. Just like that, their budding romance is ruined. Sarina is helpless against her father's threats. And Lang Rossiter is livid at being deceived, and trapped by Sarina. He suspects Sarina of being a part of her father's plan to manipulate him into marriage, in an attempt to gain more land and power.

Needless to say, their wedding night is NOT an unqualified success.

As if that's not bad enough, Sarina moves to her new home, where there are all kinds of nasty undercurrents. Her husband's brother is jealous of him and tries to use Sarina to get back at Lang. Sarina's mother-in-law is decidedly hostile towards her. Lang's aunt is distant, and then Lang's beautiful ex-girlfriend comes on the scene. One of them proves to be a snake in the grass.

My only criticism would be that Lang Rossiter was too hard. As a result, this sometimes seemed more like a family saga than a romance. Still, it's definitely a 5 star book, especially compared to other romances out there, that fall flat in the middle. This one keeps you on your toes until the very end. The protaganist's labour scene is one of the most harrowing I've ever read or even heard of! Although Sarina was not my favourite Francine Rivers book, I'd highly recommend it. It is very very good.

9 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sarina, March 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Sarina (Paperback)

This book is very green and senuous. I adored all of it, And a woman gave birth! Big, big rating