A Christmas Journey Home: Miracle in the Manger

A Very Special Christmas Book

A Christmas Journey Home is a very special nativity story that shows the presence of our Lord in the most difficult of circumstances. Isabella and Francisco Alcantara flee from their home near Ensenada, Mexico, when Isabella's parents and siblings are murdered in gang- and drug-related violence. Isabella is pregnant with their first child. However, the circumstances that greet them across the border turn out to be worse than what they left behind and make them question their decision. Miriam Nelson, whose border patrol agent husband was killed by drug smugglers, is filled with bitterness and anger. Through a miracle only God can perform these two women meet on Christmas Eve and discover the true meaning of Christ's birth. This book is thought-provoking, and Kathi Macias has provided an excellent read.

A modern day version of the nativity for this generation!

A modern day version of the Christmas Nativity is brought to life on the pages of the latest book by Kathi Macias, A Christmas Journey Home. Two families lives are weaved together by God's answer to pray and to promote the healing that each of them need at Christmas.

Isabella Alcantara's life has been disrupted by the recent gang violence in Mexico. Her entire family, brothers and sisters, mother and father will all fatally killed when a gang filled their home full of bullets one night. The only reason Isabella is still alive is that she is married to Francisco, and they now live in a different home. Fearing for their continued safety especially now that Isabella is seven months pregnant, her grandfather, gives her enough money so that her and Francisco can escape Mexico via a "coyote" who promises them a way across the border.

Living on a 30-acre ranch that runs along the Arizona border, Miriam Nelson's life is shattered when her husband, David is killed during his line of work as a Border Patrol Agent. Leaving Miriam and her young son, Davey alone, her mom, Caroline soon joins them to keep the ranch from being sold as they struggle to find a way to make ends meet.

As the story progresses, we will soon see how the lives of each of them are transformed and completely changed forever as each of them struggles during difficult circumstances to hold onto what remaining faith they have that God does answer prayers.

I received this book compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review and loved the parallel between the Biblical version of the nativity and the miracle that happens on Christmas Eve in this story. A true inspirational story for anyone struggling with the answer of why bad things happen to faithful believers and how God does answer our prayers, just not in the way we would like to see them answered. A true 5 out of 5 stars and a definitely must read. Kathi Macias is climbing her way to the top of one of my favorite authors of all time.

A Powerful Message!

Francisco and Isabella leave Mexico at the urging of Isabella's Grandfather. Drug and gang related violence took the lives of Isabella's family. Isabella's Grandfather gives her and Francisco his life savings to hire a 'coyote' to get them across the border to Arizona. Miriam Nelson owns farmland in Arizona and is raising her six year old son Davey with the help of her Mother. Miriam's husband David, a Border Patrol Agent, was killed in a fight with drug smugglers at the border. Will Isabella's Grandfather's intercessory prayers keep Isabella and Francisco safe until they reach their destination? Can Miriam let go of her anger toward God and renew her love and faith in Him again? This story made a hugh impact in my life. As a Christian I have had some issues to work through. I realize that through faith and prayer God can soften our hearts, bring us to forgiveness and yes, give us wonderful miracles. I want to add that over lunch I was telling my husband what this book was about and how it touched my life. I broke down in tears many times while telling him this story. I've learned that I need not be so judgemental but I need to open my heart to forgive more. We often don't know the circumstances why people do what they feel they need to do whether it is right or wrong.

Awesome Christmas Story of Forgiveness

What an eye opening story. Isabella and Francisco leave Mexico to get away from the violence, after her family is murdered. All she has left is her Grandfather, he helps them financially to leave.
The other main characters are Miriam, her Mom Carolyn, and her six year old son Davy. During the past year they have lost David, a boarder guard, and Miriam blames all illegals for the death of her husband.
Isabella is seven months pregnant, and her husband is very worried about her. All he needs is a job and he can find a home for her and the new baby.
Throughout all the terror you find a strong faith in God, constant prayers are being said. The trials for this about to be born baby are many, and at times you wonder if he will survive.
What a wonderful, although very sad at times, story. This is not a warm touchy-feely story, you will need tissues nearby!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author's interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speakers Services.

Stronly Recommended!!!! you need to read it !!!!

Very Inspirational to read!!! i will defenetily read other books by Kathi Macias.....reading her story it was watching a movie i really couldnt stop reading til i finish all the book in 1 1/2 days ....

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