Blog Tour Winner of Complete Extreme Devotion Series!

Congratulations to Andi Zamora who won a complete four-book set of the Extreme Devotion series through leaving a comment on one of the blogs included in the Christian Speaker Services blog tour for my latest release, People of the Book!

In honor of women's history month...

I just learned that March is National Women's History Month, so in honor of the many women around the world who have been martyred in the name of "honor killings," I'm offering copies of my April 5 release, People of the Book, FREE for randomly chosen names of those of you who become followers of my blog, leave a comment, and make sure to leave CLEAR contact information.

Blessings!

What are people saying about People of the Book?

People of the Book, the fourth and final installment of the popular Extreme Devotion series, releases in April and is already available for pre-order at Christian Books, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and other online venues. Here is what endorsers are saying about it:

“People of the Book humbled me as I was reminded of my responsibility as a Christian to preach Christ more boldly. The smells, sights, and sounds of life in Saudi Arabia came alive again as Kathi Macias transported me back to the world I once knew, one in which I spent so many years of my life. Not only does Kathi do an extraordinary job in bringing the characters to life, but People of the Book shows the touch of a loving Savior to a lost world and illustrates the true meaning of what it means to pick up your cross and follow Christ. A must-read for every serious Christian.”—Dolly Dahdal, a former Saudi citizen

“A strong and moving story! All choices have consequences, some more life-affecting than others. People of the Book examines the cost of life-altering choices, both good and bad.”—Gayle Roper, author of A Rose Revealed and Shadows on the Sand

“People of the Book will rock your world. Macias demonstrates the reality of Christian persecution present in the Muslim world with an action-packed story and real-world characters. You’ll find yourself praying for the safety of the heroines (former Muslims who accept Jesus Christ) as their Lord and Savior. Buy a copy for you, your church library, and your missions-minded friends.”—Jan Coates, author of Set Free and Attitude-inize

“Through this ‘Extreme Devotion’ series, Kathi has shown her extraordinary gift of telling a compelling story that comes alive in the hearts and minds of the readers. I also felt compassion for the extreme situations these characters found themselves in. In People of the Book, Kathi shows God’s word is alive and well. It has the power to transform lives in incredible ways. The reader sees that God can do far more than we can ever imagine! Thank you, Kathi, for reminding me to pray for a culture and a people I don’t often think about. I felt concern for the young women in this novel as they struggled with their faith, hope, and fear as they could be killed for taking a stand for Christ. Kathi Macias once again has skillfully penned a thought-provoking, believable, captivating missions-minded novel. One I can’t stop thinking about and highly recommend!”—Nora St. Laurent, ACFW Book Club coordinator, the Book Club Network

“I finished this book days ago and can’t get the characters out of my head or heart. Kathi has done an amazing job bringing this subject to life with sensitivity and grace. Reading this story will change you.”—Laurie Alice Eakes, award-winning author of Lady in the Mist

“Certain stories need to be told. This is one of them. People of the Book by Kathi Macias is an intricately plotted narrative of a young Muslim woman’s insatiable hunger for a touch from Allah during Ramadan. The touch comes, but not in the manner she expects. The experience radically changes her life and her newfound Christian faith marks her as a traitor of Islam. Through Kathi’s extraordinary writing, we see God reaching the human heart. The author’s writing is savvy and places the reader into the heroine’s mind, emotions, and skin. I forgot I was holding a book, as the pages melted away, transporting me into the story, where I remained to the last word on the last page.—Robin Jansen Shope, author of the book and movie, The Christmas Edition: Journey to Paradise

“Be forewarned. Somewhere between the first word and the last, you may forget to breathe. But you will always remember this story, appropriate for our time. I promise.”—Eva Marie Everson, author of Chasing Sunsets

“Young women developing a friendship through an online chat room shouldn’t be trouble—unless one or more of them is from Saudi Arabia and the topic of discussion is Isa Masih—Jesus Christ. People of the Book is a tale of searching and finding, of love, courage, and sacrifice. And if the inevitable clash of a young girl’s faith and Muslim family honor is painted with deadly and heartwrenching realism, interwoven throughout is the comforting reminder that cradling the smallest falling sparrow are the everlasting arms of a loving heavenly Father. A story that will challenge hearts and minds.”—Jeanette Windle, author of Veiled Freedom and Freedom’s Stand

Read what people are saying about People of the Book!

People of the Book, the fourth and final installment of the popular Extreme Devotion series, releases in April and is already available for pre-order at Christian Books, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and other online venues. Here is what endorsers are saying about it:

“People of the Book humbled me as I was reminded of my responsibility as a Christian to preach Christ more boldly. The smells, sights, and sounds of life in Saudi Arabia came alive again as Kathi Macias transported me back to the world I once knew, one in which I spent so many years of my life. Not only does Kathi do an extraordinary job in bringing the characters to life, but People of the Book shows the touch of a loving Savior to a lost world and illustrates the true meaning of what it means to pick up your cross and follow Christ. A must-read for every serious Christian.”—Dolly Dahdal, a former Saudi citizen

“A strong and moving story! All choices have consequences, some more life-affecting than others. People of the Book examines the cost of life-altering choices, both good and bad.”—Gayle Roper, author of A Rose Revealed and Shadows on the Sand

“People of the Book will rock your world. Macias demonstrates the reality of Christian persecution present in the Muslim world with an action-packed story and real-world characters. You’ll find yourself praying for the safety of the heroines (former Muslims who accept Jesus Christ) as their Lord and Savior. Buy a copy for you, your church library, and your missions-minded friends.”—Jan Coates, author of Set Free and Attitude-inize

“Through this ‘Extreme Devotion’ series, Kathi has shown her extraordinary gift of telling a compelling story that comes alive in the hearts and minds of the readers. I also felt compassion for the extreme situations these characters found themselves in. In People of the Book, Kathi shows God’s word is alive and well. It has the power to transform lives in incredible ways. The reader sees that God can do far more than we can ever imagine! Thank you, Kathi, for reminding me to pray for a culture and a people I don’t often think about. I felt concern for the young women in this novel as they struggled with their faith, hope, and fear as they could be killed for taking a stand for Christ. Kathi Macias once again has skillfully penned a thought-provoking, believable, captivating missions-minded novel. One I can’t stop thinking about and highly recommend!”—Nora St. Laurent, ACFW Book Club coordinator, the Book Club Network

“I finished this book days ago and can’t get the characters out of my head or heart. Kathi has done an amazing job bringing this subject to life with sensitivity and grace. Reading this story will change you.”—Laurie Alice Eakes, award-winning author of Lady in the Mist

“Certain stories need to be told. This is one of them. People of the Book by Kathi Macias is an intricately plotted narrative of a young Muslim woman’s insatiable hunger for a touch from Allah during Ramadan. The touch comes, but not in the manner she expects. The experience radically changes her life and her newfound Christian faith marks her as a traitor of Islam. Through Kathi’s extraordinary writing, we see God reaching the human heart. The author’s writing is savvy and places the reader into the heroine’s mind, emotions, and skin. I forgot I was holding a book, as the pages melted away, transporting me into the story, where I remained to the last word on the last page.—Robin Jansen Shope, author of the book and movie, The Christmas Edition: Journey to Paradise

“Be forewarned. Somewhere between the first word and the last, you may forget to breathe. But you will always remember this story, appropriate for our time. I promise.”—Eva Marie Everson, author of Chasing Sunsets

“Young women developing a friendship through an online chat room shouldn’t be trouble—unless one or more of them is from Saudi Arabia and the topic of discussion is Isa Masih—Jesus Christ. People of the Book is a tale of searching and finding, of love, courage, and sacrifice. And if the inevitable clash of a young girl’s faith and Muslim family honor is painted with deadly and heartwrenching realism, interwoven throughout is the comforting reminder that cradling the smallest falling sparrow are the everlasting arms of a loving heavenly Father. A story that will challenge hearts and minds.”—Jeanette Windle, author of Veiled Freedom and Freedom’s Stand

"Touched by a Miracle" Contest

Ever been "touched by a miracle"?

Why not write it up and send it to the "Touched by a Miracle" contest at the Book Club Network site (www.bookfun.org)? You don't have to be a member to enter, and you could win a copy of People of the Book when it releases in April PLUS get $100 donated to the charity of your choice.

Spread the word, and let's hear about those miracles!!!

Prologue to People of the Book

Okay, by popular request I'm adding the Prologue to People of the Book. Here you go!

Prologue

Eighteen-year-old Farah Mohammed Al Otaibi lay bruised and bloody on the floor beside her bed. The image of her soft mattress floated in and out of her consciousness, but she had no strength to drag herself from her current position. Even the slightest movement brought stabs of excruciating pain, so she tried to remember to keep her breathing shallow and her body still.

How long had she been here? Hours, certainly. Days? She couldn’t be sure. Her father and brother had covered the windows with heavy, dark cloth, blocking out any light that might help her keep track of time.

Hunger wasn’t an issue, for who could think of food when the pain was so intense? But thirst? Oh, how she longed for just a sip of cool water! Surely her mother would sneak in soon and bring her some. She had always taken care of her before—

Before…

The memory was back, though she tried desperately to block it out. Impossible. She could never forget that moment in time, for it was the dividing line between the before and after of her life. Before the tragedy that led to her brother’s discovery. Before her father had flown into a rage over what he considered his daughter’s betrayal and treachery. Before they had threatened to kill her in order to preserve the family’s honor. Before her mother had tried to intervene…

Hot tears pricked the back of Farah’s eyelids, as the vision of her mother’s face before—and after—swam in front of her eyes. The pain in her heart at that moment far exceeded anything she felt in her body. Then suddenly, inexplicably, the meaning of her name—Farah, joy and cheerfulness—burst into her consciousness. Despite her agony and sorrow, Farah was unable to hold back the brief burst of laughter that exploded from her aching chest. How absurd that her parents had given her a name that implied happiness, and yet she now wondered if she had ever truly understood or experienced any of it in her not quite nineteen years of life.

But then she had met Isa, and everything—both good and bad—had changed forever….

People of the Book is almost here!

Check out the video for People of the Book, and then read the description below and what others are saying about it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rTagWdoXy4

Eighteen-year-old Farah, who lives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with her family, wants nothing more than to develop a deeper, more meaningful devotion to her Muslim faith. She sees the month of Ramadan as her chance to draw nearer to Allah, and she pursues that goal throughout the holiday. All goes well until the prophet Isa—Jesus—appears to her in a dream and calls her to Himself. At the same time, her only brother, Kareem, who has never liked Farah, actively seeks an opportunity to expose her for the sham he believes she is.

Meanwhile, Farah’s seventeen-year-old cousin, Nura, has begun to frequent an online chat room where former Muslims gather to discuss their new faith, based on their belief that Isa is much more than a Muslim prophet—He is actually the Son of God. While there, Nura becomes acquainted with an American girl of Muslim ancestry—now a devout Christian named Sara—and a friendship quickly develops. However, Sara has problems of her own due to her fifteen-year-old brother Emir’s involvement with a gang.

The lives of Farah, Nura, and Sara ultimately dovetail until each finds herself at a place where her faith is put to the test. Will they remain faithful to the end? Will God protect and keep them safe in the midst of persecution and treachery? Or will they be required to pay the ultimate price for their faith?

What others are saying:

People of the Book humbled me as I was reminded of my responsibility as a Christian to preach Christ more boldly. The smells, sights, and sounds of life in Saudi Arabia came alive again as Kathi Macias transported me back to the world I once knew, one in which I spent so many years of my life. Not only does Kathi do an extraordinary job in bringing the characters to life, but People of the Book shows the touch of a loving Savior to a lost world and illustrates the true meaning of what it means to pick up your cross and follow Christ. A must-read for every serious Christian.

Dolly Dahdal
A Former Saudi Citizen


Young women developing a friendship through an on-line chat room shouldn't be trouble—unless one or more of them is from Saudi Arabia and the topic of discussion is Isa Masih—Jesus Christ. People of the Book is a tale of searching and finding, of love, courage, and sacrifice. And if the inevitable clash of a young girl's faith and Muslim family honor is painted with deadly and heart-wrenching realism, interwoven throughout is the comforting reminder that cradling the smallest falling sparrow are the everlasting arms of a loving heavenly Father. A story that will challenge hearts and minds.

Jeanette Windle, author Veiled Freedom, Freedom's Stand

***

Certain stories need to be told. This is one of them. People of the Book by Kathi Macias is an intricately plotted narrative of a young Muslim woman’s insatiable hunger for a touch from Allah during Ramadan. The touch comes, but not in the manner she expects. The experience radically changes her life, and her newfound Christian faith marks her as a traitor of Islam. Through Kathi’s extraordinary writing, we see God reaching the human heart. The author’s writing is savvy and places the reader into the heroine’s mind, emotions, and skin. I forgot I was holding a book, as the pages melted away, transporting me into the story, where I remained, to the last word on the last page.

Robin Jansen Shope
The Christmas Edition/Journey to Paradise
Ruby Red

***

I finished this book days ago and can’t get the characters out of my head or heart. Kathi has done an amazing job bringing this subject to life with sensitivity and grace. Reading this story will change you.

Laurie Alice Eakes, Award-winning author of Lady in the Mist

***

Through this Extreme Devotion series Kathi has shown her extraordinary gift of telling a compelling story that comes alive in the heart and mind of the readers. I also felt compassion for the extreme situations these characters found themselves in. In People of the Book, Kathi shows God’s word is alive and well. It has the power to transform lives in incredible ways. The reader sees that God can do far more than we can ever imagine! Thank you, Kathi, for reminding me to pray for a culture and a people I don’t often think about. I felt concern for the young women in this novel as they struggled with their faith, hope, and fear as they could be killed for taking a stand for Christ. Kathi Macias once again has skillfully penned a thought-provoking, believable, captivating mission-minded novel, one I can’t stop thinking about and highly recommend!

Nora St.Laurent
ACFW Book Club Coordinator
The Book Club Network

***

People of the Book will rock your world. Macias demonstrates the reality of Christian persecution present in the Muslim world with action-packed story and real-world characters. You’ll find yourself praying for the safety of the heroines (former Muslims who accept Jesus Christ) as their Lord and Savior. Buy a copy for you, your church library, and your mission-minded friends.

Jan Coates, author of Set Free and Attitude-inize

***

Be forewarned. Somewhere between the first word and the last, you may forget to breathe. But you will always remember this story, appropriate for our time. I promise.

Eva Marie Everson
Chasing Sunsets (Baker/Revell 2011)

A strong and moving story! All choices have consequences, some more life-affecting than others. People of the Book examines the cost of life-altering choices, both good and bad.

Gayle Roper, A Rose Revealed, Shadows on the Sand

People of the Book...coming in April!

Read what Tyndale author Jeanette Windle says about my next release, People of the Book, the fourth and final offering in the Extreme Devotion series from New Hope Publishers and now available at Amazon, CBD, and Barnes and Noble for pre-order:

Young women developing a friendship through an on-line chat room shouldn't be trouble—unless one or more of them is from Saudi Arabia and the topic of discussion is Isa Masih--Jesus Christ. People of the Book is a tale of searching and finding, of love, courage, and sacrifice. And if the inevitable clash of a young girl's faith and Muslim family honor is painted with deadly and heart-wrenching realism, interwoven throughout is the comforting reminder that cradling the smallest falling sparrow are the everlasting arms of a loving heavenly Father. A story that will challenge hearts and minds.--Jeanette Windle, author Veiled Freedom, Freedom's Stand

Sneak Preview of April 2011 Release!

Interested in what I've got scheduled for April 1, 2011 release? Get a sneak preview at International Christian Fiction Writers: http://internationalchristianfiction.pbworks.com/w/page/People-of-the-Book