Safe House by Kathi Macias (Murray Pura's American Civil War Series - Cry of Freedom, #8)

5.0 out of 5 stars Safe House!





Book Description

It was June 1863, school was out for the summer, and 11-year old Nathaniel should have been looking forward to the carefree months ahead. But a controversy brewed in his household: his father and grandfather were strong abolitionists, while his mother believed Christians should not disobey the law and therefore should not be involved in helping free legally-held slaves. When Nathaniel discovers a slave family hiding in the family barn, the youngster must make a decision that could have dangerous consequences—and could catapult him into manhood, even at his tender age.

About the Author

Award-winning author Kathi Macias has written nearly 35 books, including the “Extreme Devotion” series, Beyond Me, How Can I Run a Tight Ship When I’m Surrounded by Loose Cannons?, Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today, the best-selling devotional A Moment a Day, and the popular “Matthews” mystery novels. Kathi has written commentary for Thomas Nelson’s Spirit-Filled Life Bible(Student Edition); was part of the devotional writing team for Zondervan’s New Women’s Devotional Bible; and has ghostwritten for several prominent individuals including Josh McDowell; former NFL player Rosey Grier; and the late chaplain of the United States Senate, Richard Halverson. An avid writer, Kathi has published numerous devotionals, articles, short stories, and poems in various periodicals. The readership of her weekly devotionals has grown into the hundreds of thousands, being picked up by the Christian Civic League, Black Christian News, Latino Christian News, Christians in Recovery, and crosswalk.com.
 
A former judge for the Christy Awards, which recognize Christian novels of excellence, Kathi has won numerous awards herself. These awards include the Angel Award from Excellence in Media, a Hollywood-based organization set up to improve the moral and ethical content of films, television shows, books, etc.; fiction awards from the San Diego Christian Writers Guild; Golden Scroll Novel of the Year (Red Ink); Christy Award finalist (Red Ink); 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net; and the grand prize in an international writing contest. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi now serves as a staff member for the Christian Communicator Manuscript Critique Service and spiritual advisor to the Christian Authors Network. She has also appeared on several radio and TV programs.
 
A popular speaker for women’s retreats, conferences, and churches, Kathi has taught creative writing and business writing in various venues; and has served on staff at a large church in Southern California, where she participated in biblical counseling, trained small-group leaders, and oversaw support/recovery ministries. With women’s ministry as her primary interest, Kathi also loves reaching out to others through various prison and homeless ministries. Passionate about praying for and aiding the persecuted church around the world, Kathi is a mother and grandmother and currently resides with her husband, Al, in California.

To Purchase:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Safe+House+by+Kathi+Macias&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3ASafe+House+by+Kathi+Macias

My Review ~

Eleven-year-old Nathanial Johnson dangled his feet in the Ohio River, dreaming about his father who had enlisted in the Union Army as the Civil War raged. Nathanial's father was fighting for what he believed in, freedom for slaves. He and Nathanial's grandfather Johnson were abolitionists, active in the delivery of slaves to safe houses and eventual freedom along the Underground Railroad to the north. Having heard numerous stories of slave traffic through their home town in Ripley, Ohio, Nathanial questioned his grandfather about what a safe house represented, and soon discovered that his own home was a safe house, a haven for slaves in the quest for freedom. His accidental discovery of a slave family hiding on their farm led Nathanial to a whole new level in his understanding of what the Underground Railroad represented.

Kathi Macias writes a poignant and well researched story of a young boy whose concerns and questions about war, slavery and abolition came to fruition upon his discovery of a slave family hiding on his farm. This story of coming of age and development to a new level of maturity, sensitivity and concern that Nathanial's character represents, are realistic and flow naturally. The details of factual events regarding abolition, safe houses and the Underground Railroad are well researched and told in a way that even young people can understand and enjoy. Kathi Macias is a master storyteller who creates a factual tale with insight and sensitivity. 

Disclaimer: I received a PDF copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.