Francine Rivers is best known for her book Redeeming Love. Another well-loved novel of hers is The Last Sin Eater, a historical novel with an unusual yet intriguing plot. A strong gospel message runs through the story and many can appreciate the symbolism. Today I will be reviewing this book.

Cadi Forbes is haunted by the guilt of her sin that has estranged her from her mother. She believes the only way she can be absolved from her sin is to contact the sin eater, a man her people both respect and fear. His sole purpose in life is to take away sins and Cadi becomes obsessed with tracking him down. But dark secrets lay hidden in the mountains and her neighbors will do anything to stop her from finding the sin eater and stumbling upon the sins of the past.

There is a strong redemption theme woven throughout the story and the faith aspect is well done. While it's not a happy book, it is gripping.

A character tells of being sexually assaulted by her father.

Argh, I have a hard time with this book. I love how the author presented the gospel and the redemption angle was skillfully done. But ... it's not a feel-good story. It's gritty and hard and kind of depressing in spots. Also, it dragged a little. It probably could've been cut down by fifty pages.

Personally, I felt there was unnecessary content that didn't add to the story. For example, the character who was used by her dad. It didn't really impact the rest of the plot. While excellent storytelling, I will most likely not read this book again.

Fun fact, the sin eater was a real thing that was practiced in the Appalachian mountains.

This book is best for older teens and adults.

For those of you who have read The Last Sin Eater, what did you think of it? For those of you who have not read it, would you? Tell me in the comments below!