Book Review: Deliver Me From Evil by Kathi Macias

Kathi Macias is an author with a unique insight into the human condition. With this new book, Deliver Me From Evil, Mrs. Macias delves deep into the world of human slavery (specifically, sexual trafficking). It is an intriguing and many times hard-hitting look at the evils of this all too common crime that is pervading communities around the world.

In this novel are the stories of two girls who have been taken into the world of sexual perversion by people who were trusted to care for them. Mara was sold by her parents and taken across the border to San Diego to be used as a prostitute by her uncle. And on the other side of the world is another girl named Chanthra who was kidnapped by men who promised to take her to be adopted by a rich family who would take good care of her. Instead, she, too, is sold into sexual slavery.

A family in San Diego finds out about Mara through a chance encounter and, while attempting to rescue her, they also discover a connection their lives have to Chanthra's.

Reading this book has made me even more anxious to help these girls who are being exploited and preyed upon. I am struck by the urgency conveyed through this novel that compels us to action. I pray that many Christians will read this book and ask God what He would have them do to end this evil.



God bless Kathi Macias for writing this book and bringing these issues to our attention. I give Deliver Me From Evil 5 out of 5 stars!

(I received this book from Pump Up Your Book! for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

Be sure and check out my reviews on other books written by Mrs. Macias by typing in "Kathi Macias" in the search box on the right of this post.

Award-winning author Kathi Macias has written more than 30 books, including the award-winning devotional A Moment a Day and the popular “Matthews” mystery novels.
Kathi has won many awards, including the Angel Award from Excellence in Media, fiction awards from the San Diego Christian Writers Guild, 2008 Member of the Year from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and the grand prize in an international writing contest.

With women’s ministry as her primary interest, Kathi is a popular speaker for women’s retreats, conferences, and churches.

A mother and grandmother, Kathi and her husband, Al, call California home.

Book Review: Red Ink by Kathi Macias (AND A GIVEAWAY!)

*****(Be sure and read at the bottom of this post to see how you can enter to win a copy of Red Ink!)

I have found a new author this year. I have enjoyed reading her books and I'm sure I will read them all before the next year is through (if I can get copies of all of them). I have written reviews on two of them (here and here) and have blogged about another here.

Her name is Kathi Macias, and I believe she has been given an amazing gift from God to write books that speak directly to the heart. I have been deeply touched by the characters and their stories. Stories of people who suffer for being Christians in places where Christianity is threatened and where it is a daily struggle to survive if you are a believer.

Watch the book trailer to get a feel for Ms. Macias' newest book, Red Ink:



I would love to be able to write like Kathi does! Every page pulls at the heart and makes one want to weep at what actually happens to Christians who decide to boldly stand for Christ in places where it is forbidden to do so. I wonder if I would be as bold if I had to be.

As I read Red Ink, I was constantly reminded of the real life stories we read from the Voice of the Martyrs, an organization that my husband and I volunteer for. We want others to know of the suffering servants who are being persecuted all around the world for their faith. Situations such as those that Kathi wrote about in Red Ink are happening to people every day (to find out more about VOM and how you can help these people, go to http://www.persecution.com/). We must not close our eyes to their suffering!

Red Ink (as well as Kathi's other books in the Extreme Devotion series) should be read by all Christians and anyone else who wants to see the persecution of believers end.

I give Red Ink by Kathi Macias 5 out of 5 stars!

(Red Ink has been voted in for the April selection of the ACFW book club. Please go to the ACFW group website to join the group and be a part of the discussion for this book in April!)

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 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 recently 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, where the two of them spend their free time riding their Harley.

(I received this book from Pump Up Your Book! for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

*****

Now, for the GIVEAWAY! Would you like to win a copy of this new novel? Kathi has agreed to send a copy of Red Ink to one of my readers (thanks, Kathi!)! All you have to do is add your name and email to the comment section. I will choose a winner on January 1, so don't wait to enter!

WWW Wednesdays

WWW Wednesdays is a meme from Should Be Reading, where we answer three questions: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? and What do you think you'll read next? If you want to participate, answer the three questions, then put your link on the Should Be Reading Blog in the comment section. Happy reading!


       

What I am currently reading: Valeria's Cross by Kathi Macias and Susan Wales - The plot of this book is based on a story from Foxe's Book of Martyrs. I have already loved all the books I have read written by Kathi Macias. She is one of my new favorite writers. And, Susan Wales is the wife of Ken Wales, the filmmaker who produced the TV show Christy and the recent Amazing Grace.

What I recently finished reading: While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin - a very good book about WWII and those whose lives were affected by it. Review to come.

 
What I'll probably read next: Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson - I will be reviewing this book for Revell during the week of November 14-20.

WWW Wednesdays

WWW Wednesdays is a meme from Should Be Reading, where we answer three questions: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? and What do you think you'll read next? If you want to participate, answer the three questions, then put your link on the Should Be Reading Blog in the comment section. Happy reading!

           

What I am currently reading: While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin - Since I like stories set in WWII, I wanted to read this one. The cover is beautiful, too. 

What I recently finished reading: Arsenic and Clam Chowder by James D. Livingston - This book reminded me of the ones I used to read about true crime, especially the ones I read about Jack the Ripper and others of that time period. This non-fiction is set in 1895 New York.

What I'll probably read next: Valeria's Cross by Kathi Macias - Kathi Macias is one of my new favorite authors. I have read two books by her so far. And I wil be reviewing another one in December.

What are you reading now? What do you like/don't like about them?

Book Review: More Than Conquerors by Kathi Macias

About three weeks ago, I reviewed Kathy Macias' first novel, No Greater Love. If you read that review, you saw that I really liked it. I was hoping that when I read the second book, I would enjoy it as much.

Well, I can tell you now, I was not disappointed. The second book, More Than Conquerors, is also pretty amazing. Mrs. Macias has a way of making her characters come alive. They seem to be real people with very real struggles. I also like the way she writes about the Christian faith without being preachy. Her books flow smoothly from one scene to another. And, like in all good books (and real life), there is tragedy as well as triumph.

This story is set in Mexico. It is about three families whose lives intersect and who face many hardships in their attempts to serve others and to glorify God. As in the first book, some die, and some are brought to new life in Christ. It is a novel that depicts the Christian life realistically and helps the reader understand other cultures a little better. Both books are entertaining as well as challenging and encouraging.



I didn't want these books to end. I can't wait to read the next two books in the Extreme Devotion Series.

I received this book from Pump Up Your Book! for a blog tour.

(I received no monetary compensation for writing this review. All opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.)

Book Review: No Greater Love by Kathi Macias

I had never heard of Kathi Macias before, so when I saw this book, I wasn't sure if I would like it. Well, after reading it, I can say: I LOVED IT! I can't believe I have picked up so many first novels lately that are so good. There's The Help by Kathryn Stockett, A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin, and The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey. Since these books have been so good, I'm looking forward to seeing what they will come up with next. Lots of talent out there!

No Greater Love by Kathi Macias takes place in South Africa, 1989. Apartheid is a fact of every day life, affecting the lives of all the blacks and colored people of that country and causing untold tragedy to many. I learned so much about this time in history while reading this book, yet it was by no means a dry historical novel. Mrs. Macias wove the facts into the story seamlessly and crafted characters who were interesting as well as "real". I didn't want to put this one down!

This is book #1 of the Extreme Devotion Series. I will be reviewing #2, More Than Conquerors, next month. I'm sure it will be just as good as this one. Kathi Macias is an author to watch!

I received this book from Pump Up Your Book! for a blog tour.

(I received no monetary compensation for writing this review. All opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.)

WWW Wednesdays

WWW Wednesdays is a meme from Should Be Reading, where we answer three questions: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? and What do you think you'll read next? If you want to participate, answer the three questions, then put your link on the Should Be Reading Blog in the comment section. Happy reading!


What I am currently reading:
 
Still Missing by Chevy Stevens - I got this book from the publisher, St. Martin's Press. I'm really getting into the story. Apparently, there has already been lots of positive reviews for this book. To be released July 6, 2010. I'm hoping it has a happy ending.






What I just finished reading:

No Greater Love by Kathi Macias - Great book! I will be reviewing this one on Thursday for Pump Up Your Book! blog tours.








What I will probably read next:

Radical by David Platt - I've actually already started this one because I am going to be writing a review for it next week. Sent to me by Waterbrook/Multnomah for review.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What are you reading? Send links to reviews if you'd like. Tell me what have been your favorite reads these past few weeks.