CFBA Presents Last Chance for Justiceby Kathi Macias

This week, the 

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance 

is introducing 

Last Chance for Justice 

B&H Books (May 1, 2013) 

by 

Kathi MaciasABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel set in China, Red Ink, was named Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and was also a Carol Award Finalist; her October 2012 release, Unexpected Christmas Hero, was named 2012 Book of the Year by BookandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband.

Kathi is passionate about The Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors. To learn more about the persecuted church, please visit VOM’s website and Open Doors Website.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Welcome to Bloomfield, where life is simple, love is real, and stories are shared.

Lynn Myers is still reeling from losing her husband of thirty-five years when word comes that her only sibling, an older brother, has also died. With no one else to settle the estate, she must return to her small hometown of Bloomfield, however briefly, to settle his affairs.

Lynn’s daughter, Rachel, has just graduated from Bible college and with no other commitments comes along to sort through her uncle’s huge old home, right next to the local cemetery.

It isn’t long before Rachel has two men — a handsome CPA and the youth pastor — seriously vying for her attention. At the same time, Lynn’s attention is drawn to a set of journals her brother has left behind detailing a long-standing Bloomfield mystery.

As they pursue solving this mystery, Rachel must make some personal decisions about her future, while Lynn is forced to face unexpected issues from her own past.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Last Chance for Justice, go HERE.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I really enjoyed this heartwarming story by Kathi Macias. Lynn Meyers and her daughter were both special characters, and I loved reading about their experience at the old house Lynn’s brother left to her. The town of Bloomfield was a nice little community, one that Lynn grew up in, and that Rachel wanted to learn more about.

The twists and turns of the mystery left by Lynn’s brother for her to solve is enough to keep you reading this story. But you will also enjoy the surroundings of the old house and cemetery and the old man Jason. Kathi Macias is a gifted storyteller, and I love reading anything she writes! I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Last Chance for Justice for your enjoyment!

I received this book CFBA to read and review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

 

Christian Speaker Services Presents…..Kathi Macias and The Moses Quilt

The Moses Quilt

by Kathi Macias

ABOUT THIS BOOK

The Moses Quilt is a contemporary novel that bridges racial and generational divides. With a realistic and compassionate look into a twenty-first-century dilemma, multiple award-winning author Kathi Macias introduces readers to a confused and apprehensive young woman, Mazie Hartford. Facing major decisions about the love of her life and her future, she must also wrestle with a nagging question about her family’s past. She finds the answer to her questions in a most unexpected way—her great-grandmother’s Moses quilt. As her great-grandmother begins to explain how each patch represents a story of courage and freedom, Mazie must decide if she has the courage and freedom to overcome her own personal fears and prejudices.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

This story focuses on a young lady, Mazie. Mazie’s great-grandmother gives her a quilt she purchased before she moved in with Mazie and her mom. The special thing about this quilt was that it tells the story of Harriet Tubman’s life, each square telling a different story. I was amazed as this sweet 93-year old lady told Ms. Tubman’s story of the racial difficulties throughout her life.

I always enjoy Kathi Macias’ books because she is not afraid to tackle the most difficult issues. In “The Moses Quilt,” Kathi deals with racial barriers because Mazie is dating a guy of a different race. Mazie’s great-grandmother and mom adore Edward Clayton, and he makes it known his feelings for Mazie, clearly wanting to marry her but for some reason, Mazie just can’t commit to a long term relationship with Edward. Could this be the reason for the great-grandmother’s quilt story?

I highly recommend this book for a wonderful and enjoyable read. I found this story different that a lot I read, because a 93 year old is the main character telling the story, and because her life is clearly coming to an end, she can only tell the story in short segments. But this doesn’t make the story boring at all! In fact, it is very interesting to find out just what Harriet Tubman went through her entire life. God was truly leading Ms. Tubman’s life and taking care of her safety. I thoroughly enjoyed her life’s story and can’t wait for the next book in this series.

I received this book through Christian Speaker Services. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinion in this review are mine only.

Interview with Kathi Macias about The Moses Quilt

The Quilt Series sounds interesting, but what makes it unique or sets it apart from the many other quilt books that are so popular right now? First, I must confess to NOT being a quilter. I’ve never even considered taking it up! Second, I love quilts and have always been fascinated by the stories behind them. I combined that fascination with my passion for writing issues-related fiction, and I ended up with a three-book series that is, for the most part, contemporary but told against historical backdrops.

Sounds interesting! Can you tell us a bit about each of the three books in the series? Sure! Book one, The Moses Quilt, involves an interracial romance, where the couple works through their concerns and apprehensions as they learn the story of Harriet Tubman’s faith and courage as told through the patches of the Moses quilt that represents her life. Book two, The Doctor’s Christmas Quilt, deals with the topic of abortion told against the backdrop of the life of America’s first woman doctor, Elizabeth Blackwell, who was strongly pro-life. Book three, The Singing Quilt, deals with a young woman overcoming a physical disability; the background for that story is based on the “Queen of Gospel,” Fannie Crosby.

Was it difficult to do the research on these women, particularly Harriet Tubman? What did you learn about her in the process? I knew more about Harriet Tubman than I did about Elizabeth Blackwell or Fannie Crosby, but I expanded my knowledge of each as I did the research. Harriet Tubman’s amazing faith and courage is what stood out most to me about her life. Here was a woman born a slave, penniless for the majority of her life, and illiterate except for the scripture verses she had memorized (even if she couldn’t read them). Her prayer life was powerful, even as a child. After she escaped to the North and began making forays back into the South to help bring others out of slavery, friends would caution her against it. “Harriet, there’s a reward on your head—dead or alive. Aren’t you afraid?” She brushed off their fear and explained that she believed God had called her to help rescue her people; therefore, He would protect her. When her job was done, He would take her home to heaven, so what was there to fear? Wow, what a dynamic woman of God! I also learned that her achievements went far beyond rescuing slaves, though that’s what she’s best known for. She also served as a spy for the Union Army, worked as a nurse, and opened a home for indigent elderly former slaves. She died there herself in her mid-nineties, and the entire town flew their flags at half-mast in her honor.

Tell us a little more about the contemporary story in The Moses Quilt. The majority of the contemporary story is set just outside San Francisco. Mazie is white and deeply in love with Edward, an African-American lawyer who adores her and wants to marry her but tries to be respectful of her hesitation to make a commitment. What he doesn’t know is that Mazie is disturbed by what she considers secrets in her family’s past, secrets that begin to be unraveled as her great-grandmother, Mimi, tells her and Edward the story behind her Moses quilt, which she bought years earlier in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, a little town famous for its quilts. Edward thought he knew everything there was to know about Harriet Tubman, who had always been somewhat of a hero to him, but Mimi’s story opens up new avenues of discovery for both the young people in this relationship—and takes them straight back to the quilt’s origin in Gee’s Bend.

This sounds like more than just a “feel-good” story. Can it be used as a study book in some way? Absolutely! As with nearly all my books we have free downloadable discussion questions at www.newhopedigital.com that will enable The Moses Quilt to be read as a study book for individuals or used as a discussion/study book for groups.

___ For more opportunities for free copies of THE MOSES QUILT by Kathi Macias, please follow this book tour on Facebook at:  http://www.facebook.com/CSSVBT.KathiMacias. This blog host was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview and/or book review on this blog. CSS Virtual Book Tours are managed by Christian Speakers Services (http://ChristianSpeakersServices.com).

About the Author: Kathi Macias

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the prestigious 2008 member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) at the annual Golden Scrolls award banquet. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al.

PUYB Tours FEATURING KATHI MACIAS & SPECIAL DELIVERY

PUMP UP YOUR BOOK VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR

FEATURING KATHI MACIAS

AND

SPECIAL DELIVERY

 Kathi Macias, author of the Christian contemporary novel, Special Delivery (New Hope Publishers, March 6, 2012).

About Kathi Macias

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored more than 30 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al. Her most recent release is Special Delivery, the second book in her “Freedom” series. You can find Kathi at www.kathimacias.com or www.boldfiction.com.

About Special Delivery

In book two of the “Freedom” series, readers find Mara fighting against her attraction to Bible college student Jonathan Flannery, even while wrestling with risking her own precarious safety to become involved in the rescue of another girl who is pregnant and desperately wants to escape her captors and save her own life, as well as her child’s.

Halfway around the world in a brothel in Thailand, a young girl named Lawan is rescued with the promise of being reunited with her little sister who was adopted by an interracial couple in the States, friends of Jonathan’s family.

Meanwhile, Jefe—Mara’s uncle, who held her as a sex slave in his brothel in San Diego for years—seeks revenge for Mara’s testimony that put him behind bars for life. Will his underworld connections be successful in kidnapping and killing the girl who believes she has finally won her freedom?

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK!

Special Delivery by Kathi Macias   PUYB Tours

 

What can I say but Wow! Another awesome story from Kathi Macias! I enjoyed following the journey of the characters we grew to love so much in the first book, “Deliver Me From Evil.” Mara is now living on her own and doing fairly well, but her evil uncle that is in prison is still after her life. Mara is working in a restaurant and she is able to recognize a young girl who is living in the same situation as Mara once lived, but will Mara be able to help her? Mara determines to do what she can to help, and hopes it is enough for free young Francesca.

 

Jonathan is home from college for the summer, and again works his pizza delivery job. He wonders what has happened to Mara since he helped her escape the horrible life she was living a few years ago. He thinks of her often, but doesn’t know where she is or how to get in touch with her.

 

The characters Jonathan and Mara are so touching. Neither will admit the attraction that is between them because they are so different, no way would they make a go of it. Mara is so thankful that Jonathan was willing to risk his life to save her from continuing as a sex slave. All of the characters created by the author are so awesome, it’s unbelievable how real the story actual comes across as you read it. I just couldn’t put the book down because I had to find out what happened.

 

Again Kathi opens the doors for her readers to know and understand just what human trafficking is, and the horrific evil that these owners require of these young ladies.

 

If you haven’t read any of Kathi Macias’ books, you are really missing a treat. I promise you, if you read one, you will soon have them all read. They are all just that good! A warning, they are not an easy read, and Kathi does not sugar-coat anything. The topics and issues she writes about are things that happen in real life, and she tells it like it is. I appreciate her so much for giving me insight into things that I had no idea was happening. I would love to get involved in helping these young people. When I was reading “Special Delivery,” I just wanted to bring these girls home with me and love them into God’s loving arms.

 

I highly recommend this book as well as Kathi Macias’ other books for you to read. You will not be disappointed.

 

This book was provided by Kathi Macias and New Hope Publisher through Pump Up Your Books virtual tours. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

 

 

 

 

WELCOME TO PUYB

A Christmas Journey Home Virtual Book Tour

Join Kathi Macias, author of the Christian contemporary seasonal novel, A Christmas Journey Home (New Hope Publishers, October 5, 2011), as she virtually tours the blogosphere in October 2011 on her ninth virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!

About Kathi Macias

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored more than 30 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time buzzing around in their new ride: Al’s 2005 sunburst orange Corvette. Here latest releases are Deliver Me From Evil and A Christmas Journey Home.

You can find out more about Kathi’s writing and speaking at www.kathimacias.com

About A Christmas Journey Home

During Isabella Alcantara’s seventh month of pregnancy, her parents and siblings are murdered in gang- and drug-related violence, simply because their home was targeted by mistake. Isabella knows she was spared only because she now lives in a different location, but she knows too that the same thing could easily happen to her and her husband, Francisco. When her grandfather offers to hire a “coyote” to bring them across the border to America, she agrees. But Francisco and Isabella are abandoned by the coyote and left to die. Francisco then valiantly sacrifices himself to get Isabella to safety. Homeless, nearly penniless, pregnant, and alone, Isabella determines to find a way to honor her promise to her beloved husband.

Living on one of the smaller spreads along the Arizona border, Miriam Nelson becomes furious with God and turns from her faith when her border patrol agent husband, David, is killed in a skirmish with drug smugglers. Though her mother and young son do their best to woo her back from the anger and bitterness that have overtaken her, they make little headway.

Two widows—one driven by fear and a promise, the other by bitterness and revenge—must make their journeys along different pathways, but with the same destination: a barn fullof animals that stands waiting for them on Christmas Eve. Forced to face their personal demons, Isabella and Miriam soon discover a common yearning that will bind them together in a most miraculous way.

Read an excerpt!

PROLOGUE
Isabella shivered, her teeth chattering as she huddled against the frigid night air, doing her best to burrow her backside into Francisco’s embrace. How could her esposo sleep in such harsh conditions? She and her husband had not eaten in nearly three days, they were almost out of water, and now she felt as if they would surely freeze to death before morning. And yet his even breathing, blowing warm against the back of her neck, assured her that her beloved had indeed escaped their dilemma for at least a few hours.

Isabella wished she could do the same. During the daylight hours, when her feet burned with each tortuous step, she imagined that she could fall asleep in an instant if given half the chance. But when the desert sun, still hot in mid-autumn, finally sank below the flat, dismal horizon and the night winds blew mercilessly upon them, sleep eluded her. True, Francisco did everything he could to protect her from the elements, even using his body to shield her as they sought meager shelter under a small rock overhang or behind a sand dune, but it was never enough. They were going to die; she was sure of it. She and her husband of eleven months would perish in the middle of the Arizona desert, with only the scavengers to dispose of their remains.

A slight flutter in her stomach reminded her that death would come to three of them, not just two. The baby that had been growing in her stomach for seven months and that less than a week earlier had kicked with strength and determination now grew weaker by the day.

Perhaps it is best, she told herself. It was a foolish dream to think we could escape the violence and poverty of our home country and find a new life here, north of the border. My abuelo meant well, but we should never have listened to him…should never have taken his money and given it to the coyote….

The ominous glare of the coyote, the man who had promised to take them safely to the United States but who instead had stolen their money and left them to die in the desert, danced through her memory, but she pushed it aside. Instead she focused on the beloved face of her grandfather, her abuelo, and fought the hot tears that stung her eyes as she wished yet again that she and Francisco were back in Don Alfredo’s casita, sharing a simple meal of tortillas and frijoles with the leathery-skinned old man Isabella had adored since she was a tiny girl.

Despite her discomfort, the memory of her abuelo’s face brought a smile to her lips, as she snuggled closer into her esposo’s embrace. But then another memory, the horror of what had driven Don Alfredo to the point of pleading with them to flee across the border, wiped away her smile and once again brought tears to Isabella’s weary eyes.

My Thoughts

A Christmas Journey Home….by Kathi Macias

First of all, this is not the usual type of Christmas story you would expect to read around Christmas Time. But leave it to Kathi Macias to create a cast of characters and weave a story so realistic and believable it’s almost like reading the headlines in the paper. That is, until the end of the story.

At the instance of Isabella’s grandfather, she and her husband Francisco go across the border into America because most of her family was murdered in a drive by killing. Expecting to find safety, the journey was anything but what they were expecting.

Miriam Nelson loses her husband to murder by a drug smuggler trying to cross the border, and doesn’t want anything to do with God, and especially any illegal immigrants trying to cross the border. But circumstances in life chances her attitude about how she feels.

God has a different plan for both of these ladies that either of them ever imagined. The journey they both encountered was so sad and horrific both thought their lives were doomed forever. Isabella and Miriam’s story is of one of violence and pain, destruction and loss, hate and bitterness, but one that turns to mercy and grace, love and forgiveness.

If you are looking for an easy read Christmas story, you may not like this book. But if you’re looking for a story of love and redemption, the real reason Jesus was born on that Christmas so long ago, then you will love Miriam and Isabella’s story. It is not an easy read, but one that will stay with you for a long time. One that will cause you to remember the real meaning of Christmas. As always, I love that Kathi writes the Christian life into her stories. Showing us as readers that it is not always a fun happy life, but one of peace and joy when we have the Lord carry us through our difficulties.

This book was provided by PUYB blog tours. I was not expected to give a positive review, only an honest one. The opinions in this review are mine only.

 

 

PUYB Virtual Book Tour…Deliver Me From Evil…by: Kathi Macias

Deliver Me From Evil

Welcome To

Pump Up Your Books

Deliver Me From Evil Virtual Book Tour

 Kathi Macias, author of the Christian contemporary suspense novel, Deliver Me From Evil (New Hope Publishers, September 5, 2011)

About Kathi Macias

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored more than 30 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time buzzing around in their new ride: Al’s 2005 sunburst orange Corvette. Here latest releases are Deliver Me From Evil and A Christmas Journey Home.

You can find out more about Kathi’s writing and speaking at www.kathimacias.com

About Deliver Me From Evil

Deliver Me from Evil introduces readers to Mara, an eighteen-year-old girl who has been enslaved for nearly ten years, having been sold by her parents in Mexico and then smuggled across the border into San Diego where she was forced into sexual slavery. Readers will also meet 18-year-old, Bible-college-bound Jonathan and his 16-year-old sister, Leah, whose paths cross Mara’s and who become involved in her dramatic rescue.

Interwoven between the stories of Mara, Jonathan, and Leah is the heartbreaking story of another young

woman in captivity in the Golden Triangle of Thailand, whose past life mysteriously connects to the young

people in San Diego.

Read an excerpt!

Prologue

Mara fought to breathe against the thick darkness that pressed her down. The closet was so small…so dark and cramped. Impossible to stretch out, whether lying down or standing up. How long had it been now? Hours? Days? The blackness was too complete, the confines too cramped even to venture a guess.

She’d been in what they all termed “the hole” before, but not for a while now. In the beginning, before she’d learned to obey the rules without question or hesitation, she had often found herself confined in what felt like a tomb, wondering how long it would take before she crossed so far into insanity that there was no way back. And though the times in the hole were the worst, life outside the silent box wasn’t much better. To survive, Mara had quickly learned to remove herself from the horrifying reality that had become her life, to travel far away in her mind where the torture was only a distant terror, one she could endure if she disciplined herself to think of something else. Eventually she had become one of the most compliant of the twenty or more wretched creatures that dwelled in this nameless location, which she had come to understand was somewhere in the San Diego area of Southern California, not far from the Mexican border. As a result, her trips to the hole became only a vague yet obedience-motivating memory.

But this time she had dared to break a rule, not openly but secretly, praying to a god she didn’t really believe in to protect her. Unfortunately, the nonexistent god had apparently chosen not to answer her prayer, and she had been caught and severely punished—beaten mercilessly and thrown into the hole without food or water—because she had allowed the face of a young child to entice her to venture beyond the tentative bounds of safety.

And for what? Not only had she failed to help the girl escape, but she had probably caused her to be thrown into the hole as well, for there were several such confines within the compound. Nearly as bad as being in the claustrophobic enclosure herself was knowing that a captive no older than six or seven was being held in a similar prison nearby, terrified beyond imagining.

When would Mara learn? She herself hadn’t been much older than the tiny child when she was spirited away from her previous life, never again to see her home or family or anything else familiar. Thrust into a world of violence and perversion, Mara had learned to endure the most nightmarish and degrading of conditions. Though at first she had cried and begged to go home to her parents, even though they too had beaten and abused her, she finally came to understand that it was her father who had sold her into this new life from which there was no escape—and her very own uncle, her “tio” who had arranged the sale and was now her owner. And that was the worst part of it all—realizing that no one would ever come to rescue her, for those who should care enough to try were the ones who put her there—all for the price of a few weeks worth of drugs or alcohol, possibly even some food.

With that realization, Mara had chosen to harden her heart and do whatever she must to get through, one day at a time—sometimes one moment at a time. That was how she had gained the tiniest amount of freedom and privileges, being fed more regularly and even allowed to walk relatively unhindered around the small compound that had become her world—so long as she continued to obey her tio and his two henchmen without question.

But then the little girl with the terrified eyes had arrived, bound and gagged, bloody and bruised…and everything had changed.

Read the reviews!

Deliver Me from Evil will grip your mind and heart from the opening chapter and refuse to let go till you reluctantly close the back cover. Kathi Macias tackles a dark and difficult issue with compelling, complex characters, and vivid prose. This novel will change you.”

James L. Rubart Bestselling author of ROOMS, BOOK OF DAYS, and THE CHAIR

“Macias tackles one of our world’s most perplexing social issues with intense realism and hope. Deliver Us from Evil reveals depth, honesty, and grace to guide readers toward a deeper faith and a heart challenged to make a difference in our world.”

-Dillon Burroughs, activist and co-author of Not in My Town

Watch the trailer on YouTube!

My Thoughts

Deliver Me From Evil….by: Kathi Macias

If you’ve never read a book about human trafficking, you need to read this one! Believe me, it is not an easy read, far from it, but it is a subject we all need to know about. And Kathi Macias is one special author to write about something so difficult to talk about. In this story Mara was given to her uncle by her parents to take good care of her. And he actually thinks he is giving her a wonderful life, giving her a place to stay and food to eat, but in return Mara, along with other young girls is this uncle’s source of money by being sold as a sex slave. This is a most heart-wrenching story to read and my whole being  ached the entire time I was reading it. And the sad truth is that these things are happening today in our world. How I wish we could rescue these young ladies and love them and care for them like they need.

Jonathan had a part-time job delivering pizza. One night while on a delivery a young girl comes running out of a room, running right into Jonathan and looking very scared, but a man comes out and claims to be her father. Mara was also there and confirms that he is indeed their dad, because she feared for their lives if anyone found out what was going on. Jonathan feels uneasy at the time and the more he thinks about the incident the more he realizes that it was probably a case of human trafficking. In the meantime, Jonathan’s parents watches a program on the subject, resulting in the family getting involved in helping those who are slaves to this horrible thing going on.

There is so much in this book, it took me so much longer to read this one than usual because of the subject and content of the pages. This is not just any fiction novel. Kathi clearly educates the reader on the subject of human trafficking and even tells of ways to get involved in helping. The characters are so well created they seem so real to me. I just kept wanting to pray for Mara and Jasmine and the others having to do whatever possible to survive what these so call men were putting them through. At the same time I wanted to strangle those bringing these evil acts upon these precious young girls and ladies.

If you haven’t read any of Kathi Macias’ books, this is a MUST for you to read! We as Christians need to be aware of what is going on in our world and start praying those suffering, as well as finding out how we can get involved in doing our part to help.

This book was provided by the author through PUYB blog tours. I was not expected to give a positive review, only an honest one. The opinions in this review are mine only.

 

Red Ink….by: Kathy Macias

Red Ink….by: Kathy Macias

 

RED INK

by:

Kathi Macias

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: New Hope Publishers (October 4, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596692790
• ISBN-13: 978-1596692794
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches

Book Blurb:  A young Chinese woman, Zhen-Li—raised to observe the party line, including its one-child-per-family doctrine—falls in love with and marries a Christian, and adopts his faith. Though the couple downplays their Christianity in an effort to survive, Zhen-Li’s family is appalled, and she and her husband are ostracized. When she becomes pregnant for the second time and refuses to have an abortion, the persecution begins in earnest. Zhen-Li’s parents, under pressure from the government, pay to have Zhen-Li kidnapped and the baby aborted.
It is then Zhen-Li decides she must live up to her name—”Truth”—and take a firm stand for her faith, regardless of the consequences, and so she begins to regularly teach children about Zhu Yesu (“Lord Jesus”) and to distribute Christian literature every chance she gets.
Based loosely on the life of Christian magazine editor Li Ying, currently serving a ten-year prison sentence in China, the story of Yang Zhen-Li tells the desperate tale of her incarceration and separation from her family, as she continues to minister to other prisoners, and even to her guards.

My Thoughts

Because Yang Zen-Li  chooses to deny her faith in Christ, she is serving ten years in a China prison camp. This leaves her husband and sister-in-law to take care of their young son. Evil is all around in the prison camp and prison guard Tai Tong is among one of the most brutal and is full of hatred for the prisoners. Knowing how this prisoner treats her cell mate, Yang is fearful of what will happen to her if she doesn’t do what he wants.

Meanwhile Julia, a grandmother in a California nursing home thinks back to the time she and her husband served time in China as missionaries. As she is thinking about this, the Lord lays on her heart to pray for a woman in China.

In Red Ink, Kathi Macias tells another heartbreaking story of horrific things happening to Christian’s who stand up for their faith. Sadly, this is loosely based on a true story, and knowing there are women in China going through what this young lady did in this story has caused me to start praying more for those in other countries sharing God’s Word. To think there are people that actually face these things gives me chills. In Red Ink,  Kathi again captures our hearts with unbelievable characters that are unique and play their parts in the story so powerful that you feel their pain, and their joy in knowing the Lord. This heartbreaking story tells the power of God’s love and protection in our lives. The faith of Yang Zheng-Li is amazing. I was in tears at the end of the story. I won’t share it, you need to buy the book and read it, but it is such an amazing part of the book, and truly shows what can happen if Christians share Christ, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

I love this book, and all of Kathi Macias’ books that I’ve read. If she is a new author for you, it is a MUST that you grab a copy of her books and read them. They will stay with you for a long time, and they will truly change you life.

I received this book from the author to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

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About the Author

Kathi Macias (www.kathimacias.com; www.thetitus2women.com; http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com) is a multi-award winning writer who has authored more than 30 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time buzzing around in their new ride: Al’s 2005 sunburst orange Corvette.

People of the Book……..by Kathi Macias

People of the Book……..by Kathi Macias

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: New Hope Publishers (April 5, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596692820
• ISBN-13: 978-1596692824
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches

Book Blurb:
Will God protect and keep them safe in the midst of persecution?
Farah lives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with her family, and wants nothing more than to develop a deeper devotion to her Muslim faith. She sees the month of Ramadan as her chance to draw nearer to Allah, and pursues that goal. All goes well until the prophet Isa—Jesus—appears to her in a dream and calls her to Himself. Her brother, Kareem, who has never liked her, seeks to discredit her.
Farah’s cousin, an only child, frequents an online chat. She discovers former Muslims discussing their new belief that Isa is much more than a Muslim prophet—He is actually the Son of God. She becomes acquainted with an American girl of Muslim ancestry—now a devout Christian—Sara. Sara has problems of her own due to her brother Emir’s suspicious behavior.
Each finds their faith put to the test. Will they be true to their beliefs? Will God protect them, or will they pay the ultimate price for their faith?

My Review

The setting of People of the Book is Saudi Arabia, not a place that Christians can freely worship God in public. It was the month of Ramadan and Farah and her cousin Nura, along with their families were continually fasting, praying and drawing nearer to their Allah. Even though women worshiped and prayed differently than the men, Farah wanted to make sure she spent enough time worshiping and praying to Allah hoping he would do good things on her behalf because the time she spent in worship to him.

But all changed after Isa-Jesus met Farah in a dream, drawing her to Himself. At first she wasn’t sure and was afraid, especially because of what her brother Kareem would do to her. In her country people were killed at the mention of the name Isa/Jesus. Farah knew that Kareem wouldn’t hesitate killing her if he knew. But finally, Farah answered Isa and believed in Him. And without knowing about Farah, Nura finds Isa for herself after talking to her American friend Sara in an online chat room. Farah and Nura both knew their future because they believed in Isa, but they knew He would always go with them, where ever that might be. Join Farah and Nura during the days of Ramadan and witness the amazing ways Isa-Jesus called them both to Himself, and the joy and peace both young ladies experienced finding this Isa they were longing for.

I am convinced that every Christian should read Kathi Macias’ Extreme Devotion series You will realize how blessed we are to live in America where we can freely worship our Lord.  and you will get a vision of what it is like to worship Him in a place like Saudi Arabia. Each book in this four book series will grip your heart in a way you’ve never known before.

Kathi has a way of creating unique character weaving them together with dangers, fear, hate, constant tension in families in a country that worships Allah and hates our God, telling a story that will chill you to the bones and keep you on the edge of your seats until the last word. These people are families just like our own, only worshiping Allah causes some of the family members to do unbelievable things when they find out their loved ones even mention God or the Bible. I urge you to read this book, it will change your life!

I received this book from the author to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

About the Author

Kathi Macias (www.kathimacias.com; www.thetitus2women.com; http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com) is a multi-award winning writer who has authored more than 30 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time buzzing around in their new ride: Al’s 2005 sunburst orange Corvette.

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More than Conquerors by Kathi Macais

More than Conquerors   by Kathi Macais

Paperback: 320 pages

• Publisher: New Hope Publishers (April 5, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596692839
• ISBN-13: 978-1596692831
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.9 inches

Book Blurb:

With violent crime on the rise and the political climate changing throughout certain parts of Mexico, the opportunity for open Christian witness, particularly in some areas of Chiapas State, is rapidly decreasing. Hector Rodriguez pastors a small church in the tourist-popular border town of Tijuana. He also routinely carries Bibles deeper into the hostile areas of Mexico, where he ministers despite increasing difficulty and persecution.

Hector’s mother accompanied him on one of those trips and felt God called her to stay in the little village of San Juan Chamula, where she uses the Scriptures to teach reading to the families who are open to it. In retaliation for Hector’s bringing the Bibles into areas hostile to Christians and in an effort to dissuade him from continuing to expand his ministry there, Hector’s mother is murdered. Hector must decide if he will continue his work despite his worries about protecting his wife and children.

My Review:

Virginia lives away from her family in the village of San Juan Chamula, which is located in the middle of Mayan difficulties and hostile situations. Her son Hector wishes Virginia would move back home closer to her family, but she is confident that the village is where God wants her, even though it is difficult and dangerous to witness to anyone.

As the family continues to worry about Virginia, she continues to witness to anyone who will listen to her until one day she disappears. This frightens Hector and the family even more, and causes him to worry about the safety of his own family. Even having help with his ministry from family friend Marty from California, safety is still an issue.

Author Kathi  Macais writes another masterpiece with this story set in Mexico. With a cast of characters that are unique and so wonderfully blend together with one another, this story takes you to a location where it is dangerous to talk about God and the Bible freely. You will be able to feel the fear and hurt with these families as well as feel the love, joy and peace of knowing that God will carry them through whatever difficulties they face. You will get to know the lifestyles, food and the area where these families live. But more importantly, you will see their passion for the God they so love.

Sometimes when a book has several different stories going on, it is difficult to read and understand, but not with Kathi’s books. Her writing is so awesome and professional you will have no problems with confusion or understanding where the plot is going. She blends the stories together so well it is just like living in the story right along with the characters.

I like the heavy scriptural content of the book, and I especially like Virginia’s verse throughout the book, Romans 8:37, “Now, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”  After reading this book, you will have a different attitude about missionaries and what they face when on the mission field. This book is a Must Read! I would highly encourage you to buy a copy of book, read it and pass it along! It will change your life, just as it did mine.

I received this book from the author to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

About the Author:

Kathi Macias (www.kathimacias.com; www.thetitus2women.com; http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com) is a multi-award winning writer who has authored more than 30 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time buzzing around in their new ride: Al’s 2005 sunburst orange Corvette.

Purchase this book at    Amazon       CBD        Barnes and Noble

 

 

 

 

No Greater Love…….Kathi Macias

 

No Greater Love….Kathi Macias Book Review

New Hope Publishers
WMU Product Number: N114126
Product Type: Books
ISBN: 978-1-59669-277-0
Author: Kathi Macias
Categories: Fiction
Availability: Currently in Stock
Price: $14.99

Andrew is the son of a white farmer, who is a minister of the gospel. He doesn’t agree with all his dad preaches. How can he preach like he does and still do the things he does in life, and treat his colored workers like they were treated. Andrew rebels by partying and drinking with his friends. But when these friends do something horrible to some of the farm hands Andrew becomes very uncomfortable….and he starts shying away from them.
His heart also softens to one of the young servant girls working for his father, Chioma…and eventually finds he has feelings for her. This is forbidden between the whites and the colored because of the apartheid in South Africa. Colored people were not accepted by the whites, and the whites were hated by the coloreds. As the story unfolds, horrible things that happened causes Chioma to leave the farm and join Themba and his band of rebels because she wanted to fight for the same rights that caused the murder of her parents by white people. She and her brother are left with only a little journal belonging to her father.
Themba allowed Chioma to join his band because she and his cousin came together to join. He was the leader of his band, and did whatever necessary to survive in a world of love and hate, good and evil, and they were true to their people, no matter the cost. They were trained to fight for their cause, even if it meant killing to do so. Many lost their lives in order for Themba to provide for his band. Now that Chioma is a member fighting for her parents beliefs, what will happen to her? Will she continue to follow in the footsteps of her parents and do whatever needed to do what she feels is right? Since she is such a beautiful woman, will Themba and his followers treat her with respect?

My Review

Wow, I don’t know where to start. This is my first book of Kathi’s so I had no idea what to expect. I just knew her books were awesome from the talk about them and I really wanted to read them all! And having just read “No Greater Love,” I totally agree. We hear about Christians being murdered because of their faith, but reading the events in this book makes the situations come to life. Even though this book is fiction, the author enlightens us  to what it means to be a martyr for Christ. Obviously there was an extreme amount of research by the author before this book was written.  As well as research of each unique character and the rolls they play in the book. I loved Chioma, she had a loving and caring heart, even as she was trying to hate whites. And the author created a heartwarming love between Chioma and Andrew that will stay with you for a while.

This is a masterpiece by Kathi Macias! Her unique way of storytelling captures you from the very first pages, keeping you in suspense and the edge of your seat until the last page. The heart-wrenching hatred between the blacks and whites in the era was unbelievable. I agree with Jerry Jenkins, with Kathi’s extreme knowledge of the subjects and the setting in the book, she gives you a feeling of being there, right in the middle of the scenes. I shed many tears, as well as wanted to pray for the characters, especially sweet Chioma!

As for recommending this book, it is a must read. Even if you don’t like to read, you need to read this book. I urge you to run out and get this first book of the Extreme Devotion Series  “No Greater Love,” 3, Your life will never be the same after reading this book. If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. It is now on the very top of my ‘Best Reads’ list.

I want to thank the author Kathi Macias for providing me a copy of this book to read and review. The opinions and the review are mine only. I was not expected or required to write a positive review.

Kathi Macias (www.kathimacias.com; www.thetitus2women.com; http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com) is a multi-award winning writer who has authored more than 30 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time buzzing around in their new ride: Al’s 2005 sunburst orange Corvette.

You can Purchase No Greater Love at

Amazon                    Books A Million                   CBD                           Barnes and Noble                              GoodReads

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