Blog Tour Review: A Christmas Journey Home: Miracle in the Manger (Understanding the Books of the Bible) by Kathi Macias

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: New Hope Publishers (October 5, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596693282
• ISBN-13: 978-1596693289

Product Description

 

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 <br /> 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 full of 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.

About the Author

 

Award winning author Kathi Macias has written more than 20 books, including the “Extreme Devotion” series of novels for New Hope Publishers.

Kathi has won many awards, including the Angel Award from Excellence in Media, fiction awards from the San Diego Christian Writers Guild, 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.


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My Review

I am quite thrilled to be part of the blog tour for this inspiring book.  What a wonderful idea for a Christmas book.  Kathi Macias has brought the bible to life with a contemporary retelling of the nativity story.  It will appeal to Christians and non-Christians alike.  What an excellent book to give to someone who is seeking answers or someone who you know needs Christ in their lives.

This is the story of two very different women who paths converge on Christmas Eve.  In the two months leading up to Christmas these two women's hearts are revealed to us.  While you know deep down what the inevitable outcome is going to be, Macias's wonderful writing style makes the story believable and compelling.  I'm sure your emotions will be stirred as mine were and you will be moved to tears by the end. 

I highly recommend this lovely Christmas novel.  Buy a copy for yourself but be sure to get a few for friends who you know in your heart need this story.  Perfect read for just before Christmas.  With all the silliness and consumerism that often surrounds the Christmas season people need to be reminded what Christmas is really about and reminded of the true message of Christmas.