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Child of Deliverance #1
The Earth Is Full
Can a life be changed once darkness covers the soul?
Suchin is a young Thai girl and a victim of human trafficking in the city of Pattaya, Thailand. She is trapped in a dark world of corruption and perversity with little hope of ever escaping her captivity.
Lydia is a pretty and privileged eighteen-year-old American girl, with a hard heart and a cynical attitude toward her life and others. She has kept her deepest secrets private, and is on a downward spiral of resistance and rebellion.
Charlotte is a middle class stay-at-home mom and housewife who is living the life she desires. However, she often finds herself consumed by her discontent and overwhelmed by the mundane routine of her life and her feelings of inadequacy.
Three aching souls are brought together from across the globe as a result of an unexpected mission. Despite threats of corruption and potential violent retaliation, one organization risks everything to show God’s love to the most barren and bleak corners of the world and to prove that, despite the extreme oppression and injustice in the world, the Earth is full of God’s unfailing love. Will these women’s hearts be shrouded in darkness forever, or can God’s light, which cancels out all darkness, transform their lives as they become Children of Deliverance?
The Earth Is Full is a story of hope, rescue, and redemption that will touch your heart and soul.
Suchin is a young Thai girl and a victim of human trafficking in the city of Pattaya, Thailand. She is trapped in a dark world of corruption and perversity with little hope of ever escaping her captivity.
Lydia is a pretty and privileged eighteen-year-old American girl, with a hard heart and a cynical attitude toward her life and others. She has kept her deepest secrets private, and is on a downward spiral of resistance and rebellion.
Charlotte is a middle class stay-at-home mom and housewife who is living the life she desires. However, she often finds herself consumed by her discontent and overwhelmed by the mundane routine of her life and her feelings of inadequacy.
Three aching souls are brought together from across the globe as a result of an unexpected mission. Despite threats of corruption and potential violent retaliation, one organization risks everything to show God’s love to the most barren and bleak corners of the world and to prove that, despite the extreme oppression and injustice in the world, the Earth is full of God’s unfailing love. Will these women’s hearts be shrouded in darkness forever, or can God’s light, which cancels out all darkness, transform their lives as they become Children of Deliverance?
The Earth Is Full is a story of hope, rescue, and redemption that will touch your heart and soul.
ebook
First published September 10, 2013
8 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
B.D. Riehl
4 books20 followersB.D. Riehl has been writing stories since third grade when she penned her first short story, Bug Teeth. Since then her writing has expanded to essays in college that were used by her professor to teach his English students proper “reflection” techniques. She has written articles for a local magazine and her small town newspaper. For years she has written short stories and scattered chapters and kept them between herself and the Lord.
In November of 2012, B.D. Riehl felt called to write a book to raise awareness for Destiny Rescue, an organization that rescues children from sex trafficking. The Earth is Full was released in September 2013 to 5 star reviews.
When not writing, B.D. Riehl enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters listening to music and reading books together. Her oldest is an artist and Riehl can’t wait for the day they can write and illustrate children’s books together.
Riehl is committed to writing fiction that glorifies the Lord and points others to Christ. She shares family updates, embarrassing stories, and theological speculations on her blog, www.untilparadise.blogspot.com and updates her Facebook page often with the challenges and joys of writing while doing her best to raise her children and care for her husband.
In November of 2012, B.D. Riehl felt called to write a book to raise awareness for Destiny Rescue, an organization that rescues children from sex trafficking. The Earth is Full was released in September 2013 to 5 star reviews.
When not writing, B.D. Riehl enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters listening to music and reading books together. Her oldest is an artist and Riehl can’t wait for the day they can write and illustrate children’s books together.
Riehl is committed to writing fiction that glorifies the Lord and points others to Christ. She shares family updates, embarrassing stories, and theological speculations on her blog, www.untilparadise.blogspot.com and updates her Facebook page often with the challenges and joys of writing while doing her best to raise her children and care for her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 8, 2013
The Earth is Full by B.D. Riehl is one of those books which would take a book to provide a complete review. Therre are so many positive things to say. Each character is well developed and extremely real. I want to know each one as a friend. Some would say it’s a “chick” book, but as a man, I related closely to the struggles, failures and victories of the male characters. I started reading and couldn’t stop till I was done. I catch myself wondering how the characters are doing, but then remember they are ficticious.
The story is great, believable, edgy. But the text is full of inspiring applications of scripture as well. I found my faith challenged and enriched as a result of the book.
How else can I rate the book but to say “All positives!”
Hope I don’t have to wait too long for the next in the series.
The story is great, believable, edgy. But the text is full of inspiring applications of scripture as well. I found my faith challenged and enriched as a result of the book.
How else can I rate the book but to say “All positives!”
Hope I don’t have to wait too long for the next in the series.
January 10, 2025
This was my first Bethany Riehl book and I can’t wait read more! I could hardly put this book down—it gripped me from the first page to the last. The darkness in our world is real and books like this are so helpful to open our eyes to how silly some of our “first world problems” seem and truly puts life into perspective. Thankful for a biblical perspective about these issues, and the reminder that we can fully trust the Lord and know that he is with us even in our darkest hours.
September 17, 2013
The Earth Is Full opened my eyes to the horrific circumstances of sexually enslaved and exploited individuals, especially children. Until I read this book I had not allowed myself to think in detail about the lives they are forced to live. With sensitivity and restraint, B.D. Riehl has painted a poignant and vivid picture that I needed to see. The story is engaging; the characters are authentic. The sub-plots and themes are relevant and important as well: alienation and reconciliation; faith and doubt; brokenness and grace.
A couple of the loose ends seemed to be tied up a little too quickly (probably because the story itself unfolds in a relatively short space of time). Also, there were two or three instances where the author added a conversation or an incident that seemed to be included primarily as a way to defend a particular viewpoint.
Other than these caveats, I highly recommend this book. It made me think. It made me pray. It made me want very much to read the sequel.
A couple of the loose ends seemed to be tied up a little too quickly (probably because the story itself unfolds in a relatively short space of time). Also, there were two or three instances where the author added a conversation or an incident that seemed to be included primarily as a way to defend a particular viewpoint.
Other than these caveats, I highly recommend this book. It made me think. It made me pray. It made me want very much to read the sequel.
October 3, 2013
There is only one word to really describe this book - haunting. The story has haunted my thoughts and dreams since I had started reading it.
B.D. Riehl isn’t overly flowery with her descriptions; she winds them into the story to make it feel more like a documentary than fiction lending more validity to the realism of her characters and their situations. This is one of the few books that have brought tears to my eyes.
The story focuses on rescuing young girls – not yet teenagers – from the world of sex they’ve been sold into in Thailand. The book unfolds with the perspective of different women in different walks of life from America to Thailand. With such a heavy subject, the author artfully and tastefully veers from the open invitation of unnecessary shock factor, especially when telling the story through the eyes of Suchin, a twelve year old sold to a brothel as a prostitute. Instead, she focuses on hope and freedom. But don’t think that means you’ll leave the last page without feeling the seriousness of the awareness she’s trying to raise.
B.D. Riehl isn’t overly flowery with her descriptions; she winds them into the story to make it feel more like a documentary than fiction lending more validity to the realism of her characters and their situations. This is one of the few books that have brought tears to my eyes.
The story focuses on rescuing young girls – not yet teenagers – from the world of sex they’ve been sold into in Thailand. The book unfolds with the perspective of different women in different walks of life from America to Thailand. With such a heavy subject, the author artfully and tastefully veers from the open invitation of unnecessary shock factor, especially when telling the story through the eyes of Suchin, a twelve year old sold to a brothel as a prostitute. Instead, she focuses on hope and freedom. But don’t think that means you’ll leave the last page without feeling the seriousness of the awareness she’s trying to raise.
August 22, 2013
The Earth is Full has absolutely touched my heart. It is right up there on the top of my favorite books/authors right next to Francine Rivers! I can completely relate with a lot of the characters and the struggles that they are facing in their lives. Christ and His truth and love is demonstrated throughout the book and the author has done an excellent job of voicing the delicate situation of sex trafficking in Thailand in a very true but tasteful manner. I read the book in about a day and a half because I couldn't put it down! I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book, and I am definitely going to find out more about Destiny Rescue and their work with rescuing these innocent girls.
January 19, 2014
Well written book. It was hard to read it without bias, since I know the real Pastor Mike, his wife Karen, Patsy Porter, Pastor Greg and Jeanelle; not to mention others whose names were changed but were familiar to me. I am not sure how it would be read by a "stranger." Many of the themes and messages throughout this book are familiar to me and I have wrestled with them and arrived at conclusions very similar to the author's, so it was affirming, if just a little bit of "preaching to the choir." I imagine everyone who reads this book will identify with at least one character in a personal way. I have already recommended this book to one person struggling to understand how God could allow certain things to happen.
August 17, 2013
The Earth Is Full is a wonderfully written story that will capture you in its first pages and pull you through a roller coaster of emotions so real that you feel like you actually know the characters and are struggling alongside them throughout the story. I felt that B.D. Riehl did an outstanding job of contrasting the depravity in the world with Christ's Marvelous light. She faced some of Christianity's toughest questions head on and delivered beautifully crafted answers grounded soundly in scripture. I felt the book challenged me spiritually and emotionally and I can't wait to find out how these characters will be challenged next.
September 13, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! I'm usually leary of authors first books, but this book is definitely an exception and I cannot wait to read more from B.D. Riehl! The Earth Is Full is so very well written... entertaining (and quite funny in parts!), but not just fluff. It was most importantly thought-provoking and even convicting. I love that the author didn't shy away from some grisly topics and managed to present them in a tasteful way and left you rejoicing with these fictional characters (who were based very much on reality for lots of girls). This is without question a must read!
September 26, 2013
THERE IS NO WAY TO DESCRIBE THE REALISTIC EXISTANCE THE WRITER HAS BROUGHT TO THE READER. ONE READING IT IS MORE LIKE BEING THERE AND WITTNESSING THE EVENTS AS THEY UNFOLDED. THE TRUTH ABOUT THIS HORRIFIC LIFESTYLE IS FINALLY FINDING A VOICE WITHIN THE WRITERS PEN, AND MAKING THE PUBLIC AWARE OF THE TRUTH. IT IS AMAZING HOW B.D. RIEHL HAS CAPTURED THE ESSENCE OF THIALAND, AND THE WONDERFUL ESCAPE THAT THE LORD OFFERS THESE GIRLS, IN THE EXISTANCE OF DESTINY RESCUE. I AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO THE BOOKS TO FOLLOW BY THIS AUTHUR.
October 1, 2013
I was nervous to read this book, knowing it contained some heavy subject matter, but it was handled wonderfully. It definitely stirred my heart deeply, I was drawn into each character fully and feel as though I was walking beside them. It is extremely well written and I anxiously await the next book(s).:)
November 30, 2023
I loved reading this book. It took me awhile to get all the characters straight but once I did I didn't want to put it down. My question at the end may be answered in the subsequent books in the series, but I'll ask it anyway. Lydia would not have been left unbothered in the closet if this were a true story. What is the significance of preserving her purity? Can't wait to read the next book!
February 14, 2014
I am usually a very impatient reader. If a book does not grab my attention by the first twenty pages, it is tossed and a new one picked up. I am glad that I gave this book more than twenty pages. While it may have been slow going in the beginning, it ended up becoming a book that commanded my attention. The author skillfully weaved a story that takes us from cozy no where Idaho to the trenches of debauchery in the orient. The story takes you on a quest where you are forced to look at your own prejudices. It challenges the reader to look deeper into such a taboo topic that rarely, if ever, gets discussed in American polite society.
The book takes you on a journey with a myriad of characters. It's a nearly impossible quest to find one character that you cannot identify with to some degree. With our sins, our own judgments, our crimes of passion, our own short comings, we are always short on deserving or earning the grace and salvation of the Lord. What are our plans? What are our goals? Where do they compare to the ultimate plan and guidance of the Lord? This books weaves all those questions into a profound story.
The richness of the characters comes from the simple idea that you probably know people like this. Believers and non-believers alike. This book ties in to the world in which we are in, but we are not of. The characters genuinely bring this story through its jovial to tense moments. The discourse between characters is made of reality, not empty banter. Many conversations in this book have mimicked those of my own, and that alone drew me more into the book.
The hardest part of the book? The reality that human trafficking with children is so pervasive in the world, and yet it is scarcely glanced at. The author wrote a story that takes us through this harsh reality. This is not some self awareness journey of someone seated in the wonderful confines of cloistered American society within the hip coffee shops. Instead, this is a journey of awareness of our own journey with Christ as well as the real sin and depravity in the world.
The author showed true bravery in writing this book. I eagerly await the next book.
The book takes you on a journey with a myriad of characters. It's a nearly impossible quest to find one character that you cannot identify with to some degree. With our sins, our own judgments, our crimes of passion, our own short comings, we are always short on deserving or earning the grace and salvation of the Lord. What are our plans? What are our goals? Where do they compare to the ultimate plan and guidance of the Lord? This books weaves all those questions into a profound story.
The richness of the characters comes from the simple idea that you probably know people like this. Believers and non-believers alike. This book ties in to the world in which we are in, but we are not of. The characters genuinely bring this story through its jovial to tense moments. The discourse between characters is made of reality, not empty banter. Many conversations in this book have mimicked those of my own, and that alone drew me more into the book.
The hardest part of the book? The reality that human trafficking with children is so pervasive in the world, and yet it is scarcely glanced at. The author wrote a story that takes us through this harsh reality. This is not some self awareness journey of someone seated in the wonderful confines of cloistered American society within the hip coffee shops. Instead, this is a journey of awareness of our own journey with Christ as well as the real sin and depravity in the world.
The author showed true bravery in writing this book. I eagerly await the next book.
September 13, 2013
"The Earth is Full"...maybe should be entitled "This Book is Full!" What an awesome book, chock full of drama, action, suspense, strength, weakness, brokenness, healing, and most importantly, Truth! I love how the author has taken the opportunity to address the fastest-growing problem in our world today, human-trafficking, and uses that as a backdrop to share the gospel. She weaves together a story of Love, and shows us a beautiful picture of how God works to bring people together in amazing ways to change their lives and to bring Him glory in the process. We get several sub-plots along the way that show us how God can heal our hurts that we sometimes have carried for years. In places of brokenness, He is there. The author spends time developing each character and gives a sense that you know them. The various plot lines are also well developed and brought together beautifully. As I was reading through this book, I truly had no doubt that God not only inspired this story, but also directed its writing. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.
B.D. Riehl shows us a sneak peek into the darker side of this horrific industry, without getting overly graphic; while also giving us a glimpse into the workings of those laboring to bring hope and healing to those who have been so tragically enslaved by the sex-trafficking industry. These children have no hope of escaping this horrific life of being a sex-slave without someone intervening on their behalf. While this book is a work of fiction, the work described is real. Destiny Rescue is one organization that is making a big difference. There are many ways a person can help children like Suchin. Please see Destiny Rescue's website at www.destinyrescue.org. for more information on how you can be a part of the solution.
B.D. Riehl shows us a sneak peek into the darker side of this horrific industry, without getting overly graphic; while also giving us a glimpse into the workings of those laboring to bring hope and healing to those who have been so tragically enslaved by the sex-trafficking industry. These children have no hope of escaping this horrific life of being a sex-slave without someone intervening on their behalf. While this book is a work of fiction, the work described is real. Destiny Rescue is one organization that is making a big difference. There are many ways a person can help children like Suchin. Please see Destiny Rescue's website at www.destinyrescue.org. for more information on how you can be a part of the solution.
January 23, 2015
The Earth is Full begins with Suchin, a young child, is bought from her mother who is overwhelmed with poverty to go work in a restaurant in the city. She is actually taken to a brothel in Thailand.
Fashion conscious Lydia is a lonely teenager in Idaho who is about to be kicked out of her private high school. Lydia’s parents send her on a missions trip to volunteer with the Deliverance program in Cambodia and Thailand in an effort to change her attitude.
Lydia’s older married sister, Charlotte, with three small children is feeling discontented with her life. She goes to Cambodia with Lydia. She becomes a wet nurse to an orphaned infant so does not get to do anything “exciting” on the trip.
Kiet is a former champion fighter who learned to have faith in God and helps rescue girls enslaved in the sex industry. He grew up in the United States with a Thai Buddhist father and Catholic American father. He serves as translator for the missions groups.
God is at work as Suchin is offered escape, Charlotte falls in love with the infant Noah and decides to take him home with her, Lydia is kidnapped and Kiet is challenged to another fight.
Riehl has written a book that you will not want to put down although it is shocking as it deals with the very real issue of sex trade. This story deals with slavery in Thailand but it is more prevalent in the United States than we want to admit. This fiction book is based on a true story.
Although I read The Earth is Full as a stand alone book, I am anxious to read the sequel as you were left wondering what happens next.
I received this e-book free from www.bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion.
Fashion conscious Lydia is a lonely teenager in Idaho who is about to be kicked out of her private high school. Lydia’s parents send her on a missions trip to volunteer with the Deliverance program in Cambodia and Thailand in an effort to change her attitude.
Lydia’s older married sister, Charlotte, with three small children is feeling discontented with her life. She goes to Cambodia with Lydia. She becomes a wet nurse to an orphaned infant so does not get to do anything “exciting” on the trip.
Kiet is a former champion fighter who learned to have faith in God and helps rescue girls enslaved in the sex industry. He grew up in the United States with a Thai Buddhist father and Catholic American father. He serves as translator for the missions groups.
God is at work as Suchin is offered escape, Charlotte falls in love with the infant Noah and decides to take him home with her, Lydia is kidnapped and Kiet is challenged to another fight.
Riehl has written a book that you will not want to put down although it is shocking as it deals with the very real issue of sex trade. This story deals with slavery in Thailand but it is more prevalent in the United States than we want to admit. This fiction book is based on a true story.
Although I read The Earth is Full as a stand alone book, I am anxious to read the sequel as you were left wondering what happens next.
I received this e-book free from www.bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 10, 2018
Review will be posted on my blog and Amazon later.
The Earth Is Full was a book with a good story and message! The writing style wasn't my cup of tea - sometimes it felt like we were told things that had happened instead of experiencing it first-hand in the story (if that makes sense). There were also a couple of things in the book that I didn't personally care for (e.g. the visions and things like that).
The characters were great and I feel that most women can relate, at least in some ways, with them. The Earth Is Full also gives a vivid glimpse into the sex trade and sex trafficking - there are several heart-wrenching scenes.
Overall, The Earth Is Full was a nice book and I enjoyed it, for the most part. I recommend it to mature readers that enjoy these types of novels.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
The Earth Is Full was a book with a good story and message! The writing style wasn't my cup of tea - sometimes it felt like we were told things that had happened instead of experiencing it first-hand in the story (if that makes sense). There were also a couple of things in the book that I didn't personally care for (e.g. the visions and things like that).
The characters were great and I feel that most women can relate, at least in some ways, with them. The Earth Is Full also gives a vivid glimpse into the sex trade and sex trafficking - there are several heart-wrenching scenes.
Overall, The Earth Is Full was a nice book and I enjoyed it, for the most part. I recommend it to mature readers that enjoy these types of novels.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
September 12, 2013
B.D. Riehl has woven together a fantastic story. My favorite part about her writing was her ability to really develop her characters. I feel like I know them all very intimately. The theme of this book is dark…..child sexual slavery in Thailand, and yet Riehl deals very well with the sensitive topic. She conveys the heaviness and seriousness of events and occurrences and yet does delicately and respectfully. Her story of change, renewal and redemption for each of her main characters is awe inspiring. Above all, this book made me FEEL. My heart ached in places, while the tears streamed down, and my heart rejoiced in other places and I celebrated the characters’ personal victories. I think most readers will find that they will be able to relate very personally to at least one, if not more of the characters. Finally, there were a few times she challenged me in my own faith. I had to pause and let the words really sink in, pray for my own attitude and heart, and question my role and actions both in my own family and in the world at large. Thank you for a great journey and I can’t wait to continue in book two!
September 16, 2013
A work of fiction that will transport you around the globe and into another world. I have never been to Thailand but as I was absorbed into this book I began to truly believe I was in another country experiencing the sights, smells and emotions of all the characters involved. I have gotten to know each one as if they were my mother, sister, brother daughter or friend. I experienced emotions that we all experience but sometimes have no words to describe to another. B.D. Riehl takes you on a journey with twists and turns you never see coming. It's a story of true love...love of family, friends and most important God's love. A love that saves us and sometimes a love that God gives us for others we have never met. This is not a predictable book by any means. Just as I thought I knew what would happen, B.D. Riehl would surprise me with twists and turns I never dreamed was coming. Now that these chracters are in my world I can't wait to see what each one is doing now! Can't wait to meet them all again....perhaps in book two???
September 8, 2013
The Earth is Full by B.D. Riehl was a wonderful reading experience! It grabbed me on the first pages and made me read the entire book in 2 sittings. I didn't want to put it down. (I wanted to finish it in one sitting, but had to get some sleep!) The descriptions of human suffering, whether on a very personal level or in a more global sense, were heartbreaking and all too real, but the promise of salvation was always present and gave hope. The characters are well defined and interesting. I couldn't wait to see what happened next and I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the series to see what happens to everyone. I highly recommend this book!
September 16, 2013
The Earth is Full is a beautiful, compelling story of God’s unending love and faithfulness. There is an array of characters, each with their own struggles and it’s hard not to relate to one of them, if not several of them. Riehl develops her characters throughout the book and they each, in their own way, push the story forward.
Read my full review here.
Read my full review here.
August 30, 2013
I was not able to put this book down. I laughed and cried and learned so much about Destiny's Rescue It is such a wonderful book and I recommend anyone to read it.
November 3, 2013
Well written, interesting and impressive for a first novel. Definitely more substantive than a lot of Christian fiction. Looking forward to the sequel!
March 29, 2016
Inspiring!!
This book was eye opening and very inspiring!! I am purchasing book 2. Thank you very much to the writer and publisher
This book was eye opening and very inspiring!! I am purchasing book 2. Thank you very much to the writer and publisher
January 31, 2015
Heart wrenching story. Full of grace and God's protection and power.
May 1, 2017
Such a moving story. Very tastefully done. Shows God's love and power. Easy to understand that God is in control in every situation. I liked the honesty from the author, at the end, about her own struggles. A very good reminder to us all, God is in control, no matter what the circumstances. I would recommend this book for everyone to read. We all tend to forget how powerful prayer is and that God hears every thought we have as well as every word we speak. Many special blessings to her and her family.
Wonderfully written. I'm very impressed by this author. She showed God's love, strength and power. May the Lord bless everyone that reads this book. May God bless this author and continue to show her and family members His love.
Wonderfully written. I'm very impressed by this author. She showed God's love, strength and power. May the Lord bless everyone that reads this book. May God bless this author and continue to show her and family members His love.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews