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My Son John
Murder. Could there be a more chilling word? Could it be any more horrible than to have a loved one killed, brutally and heartlessly, without obvious reason or motive? When Liz Peterson's elderly mother is found viciously beaten to death in her home, Liz and her husband, Charles, along with their grown son, John, and teenage daughter, Sarah, are horrified beyond words. Their previously predictable, respectable lives seem to have vanished without a trace, as they struggle to make sense of a senseless act.
And then a second blow-more devastating, if possible, than the first-rocks them to their core. John is arrested for his grandmother's murder. As what's left of the Peterson family begins to crumble under the weight of loss and accusation, the Petersons' longstanding Christian faith is put to the test in a way they could never have imagined, and unconditional love is stretched to its limits. Can God bring healing to a family torn apart by a brutal crime?
And then a second blow-more devastating, if possible, than the first-rocks them to their core. John is arrested for his grandmother's murder. As what's left of the Peterson family begins to crumble under the weight of loss and accusation, the Petersons' longstanding Christian faith is put to the test in a way they could never have imagined, and unconditional love is stretched to its limits. Can God bring healing to a family torn apart by a brutal crime?
176 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2009
6 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Macias
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About Kathi
0019 Kathi Macias - EDITED emailed (2)
Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 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. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel set in China, Red Ink, was named Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and was also a Carol Award Finalist; her October 2012 release, Unexpected Christmas Hero, was named 2012 Book of the Year by BookandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband.
Kathi is passionate about The Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors. To learn more about the persecuted church, please visit VOM’s website and Open Doors Website
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July 9, 2015
How can a family survive news like this? First Liz’s mother is murdered and now her son, John, is arrested for her murder. Things have gone from bad to worse. How could something like this happen to their family? They were so close—or so she thought.
After her mom’s funeral, Liz says, “We were the type of family who instinctively circled the wagons when threatened. Why would any of us handle this nightmare involving my mother’s murdered in any other way?”
Liz thought about her mother’s murder nearly all the time, even though she would love to pretend none of this happened. She’d love to wake up tomorrow and everything be back to the way it was. But, “Sadness squeezed her heart and made it hard to breathe. Was she going crazy? How long before the pain went away? What if it never did?”
Her life had come to this, “It was as if the world had gone mad, as if everything familiar had been snatched away in an instant, replaced with a pain-filled, upside-down version of the life we had once known and enjoyed. Intellectually, I had been aware that people—families—experienced this sort of thing daily, but it had never crossed the line and become personal. Until now.”
God? She knew Him once. What had happened to their relationship? Liz begins to wonder if she should dare call on Him now. She realizes their family has replaced God as the focal point and says, “Was that so bad? Was it so abnormal to get caught up in the day-to-day care of our families—our children—that they soon began to take priority over God in our affections and attention? Surely God understands?” Right?
Liz can’t stand the thought that maybe her son, John, might have done the unthinkable. Oh God, how does she deal with that? “How do I forgive John and keep loving him? How is that possible? He is my only son. Why is this happening?” She knows all this was way beyond anything she could do on her own. She needed supernatural healing help that only God could give. All she had to do was reach out, and be willing to ask God for help. It just seemed the task was too overwhelming right now. But she had to do something life as she had enjoyed it, was gone. She had to hang onto what little she had left. Kathi Macias really gets to the heart of the many emotions that grip a family going through such a tragedy.
In the back of the book the author has discussion questions that go along with each of her chapters. There is a helpful “resource” section also in the back to help people learn more about prison ministries. Listed are ministries you can get involved with and their websites, along with other helpful information. This is a great resource for people who want to witness to those in prison and their families. This book will really make you stop and think ‘What if?’ and then give you hope that there is life after such a tragedy, But only with God’s help.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
After her mom’s funeral, Liz says, “We were the type of family who instinctively circled the wagons when threatened. Why would any of us handle this nightmare involving my mother’s murdered in any other way?”
Liz thought about her mother’s murder nearly all the time, even though she would love to pretend none of this happened. She’d love to wake up tomorrow and everything be back to the way it was. But, “Sadness squeezed her heart and made it hard to breathe. Was she going crazy? How long before the pain went away? What if it never did?”
Her life had come to this, “It was as if the world had gone mad, as if everything familiar had been snatched away in an instant, replaced with a pain-filled, upside-down version of the life we had once known and enjoyed. Intellectually, I had been aware that people—families—experienced this sort of thing daily, but it had never crossed the line and become personal. Until now.”
God? She knew Him once. What had happened to their relationship? Liz begins to wonder if she should dare call on Him now. She realizes their family has replaced God as the focal point and says, “Was that so bad? Was it so abnormal to get caught up in the day-to-day care of our families—our children—that they soon began to take priority over God in our affections and attention? Surely God understands?” Right?
Liz can’t stand the thought that maybe her son, John, might have done the unthinkable. Oh God, how does she deal with that? “How do I forgive John and keep loving him? How is that possible? He is my only son. Why is this happening?” She knows all this was way beyond anything she could do on her own. She needed supernatural healing help that only God could give. All she had to do was reach out, and be willing to ask God for help. It just seemed the task was too overwhelming right now. But she had to do something life as she had enjoyed it, was gone. She had to hang onto what little she had left. Kathi Macias really gets to the heart of the many emotions that grip a family going through such a tragedy.
In the back of the book the author has discussion questions that go along with each of her chapters. There is a helpful “resource” section also in the back to help people learn more about prison ministries. Listed are ministries you can get involved with and their websites, along with other helpful information. This is a great resource for people who want to witness to those in prison and their families. This book will really make you stop and think ‘What if?’ and then give you hope that there is life after such a tragedy, But only with God’s help.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
April 5, 2009
Liz believes her life is perfect. She has a comfortable home, two loving children, a handsome husband and a close relationship with her mother. But one day, everything comes crashing down around her when she learns that her mother has been brutally murdered, stabbed and bludgeoned to death. As if this isn't bad enough, shortly thereafter, the police arrest her son for the murder.
"My Son, John" takes us on a journey into Liz's soul as she deals with these events in her life. For a time, she pulls away from her husband and daughter, not wanting to feel emotion at all. Then the emotions nearly pull her under, leaving her standing at a fence overlooking the ocean, wondering if she should just climb the fence and allow herself to fall in. Overwhelmed, overwrought, and overtired, she doesn't know how she will ever be able to look at life as anything but a tragedy again.
Through the kind outreach of those around her, she slowly comes to the realization that God is there to help her through this trial, and that no matter what happens, she still has a family, and they can still love each other.
I very much enjoyed this book. Liz's anguish seemed very realistically portrayed and I appreciated the religious overtones that were presented as truth and yet not preachy. I really got to thinking, to what extent do I trust God? Would I really cling to Him if something like this happened to me, and what can I do on a daily basis to create that kind of relationship so that if something catastrophic were to happen, reaching toward Him would be natural and instinctive?
Kathi Macias has a pure and gentle faith that radiates throughout her writing, and I wholeheartedly endorse and recommend "My Son, John."
"My Son, John" takes us on a journey into Liz's soul as she deals with these events in her life. For a time, she pulls away from her husband and daughter, not wanting to feel emotion at all. Then the emotions nearly pull her under, leaving her standing at a fence overlooking the ocean, wondering if she should just climb the fence and allow herself to fall in. Overwhelmed, overwrought, and overtired, she doesn't know how she will ever be able to look at life as anything but a tragedy again.
Through the kind outreach of those around her, she slowly comes to the realization that God is there to help her through this trial, and that no matter what happens, she still has a family, and they can still love each other.
I very much enjoyed this book. Liz's anguish seemed very realistically portrayed and I appreciated the religious overtones that were presented as truth and yet not preachy. I really got to thinking, to what extent do I trust God? Would I really cling to Him if something like this happened to me, and what can I do on a daily basis to create that kind of relationship so that if something catastrophic were to happen, reaching toward Him would be natural and instinctive?
Kathi Macias has a pure and gentle faith that radiates throughout her writing, and I wholeheartedly endorse and recommend "My Son, John."
August 14, 2013
I've read a lot of inspirational books by Kathi Macias, but this one has become my favorite. Kathi has a way of getting to your heart, ripping it to pieces, and then knitting it back together again stronger than new.
Liz Peterson received the shocking news that her mother is dead--murdered--with horror. Her son John is arrested for the crime, and Liz spins into a world too dismaying to handle.
She realizes she needs to rally for her husband's and daughter's sakes, but how? The journey through these depths is too much for anyone to bear, and even God seems too far away to help.
This is not a book you will pick up and set down as uninteresting or not worth your while. It is one you must read.
Liz Peterson received the shocking news that her mother is dead--murdered--with horror. Her son John is arrested for the crime, and Liz spins into a world too dismaying to handle.
She realizes she needs to rally for her husband's and daughter's sakes, but how? The journey through these depths is too much for anyone to bear, and even God seems too far away to help.
This is not a book you will pick up and set down as uninteresting or not worth your while. It is one you must read.
October 16, 2009
As two-AND-A-HALF-year-old Esmé roars around outside with her Pappa on her 4-wheeler in the post-rain mud puddles (pink ballerina shoes on), I contemplate the book I've just read.
Chilling. It's about another mother, who, just like me, expected the best from her kids. Who took them to church every week. Who would never ever have believed them capable of murder. Especially of their own grandmother - her mother. That's something that happens to other families...
Until her grown son confessed to the crime.
Overview
My Son, John is the story of a mother. A mother who loves her family and can't stand to see it broken. A mother who ultimately finds grace for the moment as she makes it through the nightmare of her mother's murder, followed by the arrest of her son, his admittance of guilt, her daughter's rejection of her brother, and her employer's termination of her job.
It's the story of a mother who realizes, through her earthly Alzheimer-afflicted father, that her heavenly Father loves her no matter what. And a mother who can then forgive her own son, no matter what he does.
This is fiction, though it reads amazingly like an autobiography. It includes discussion questions at the end that lead to a greater and shared appreciation of the book.
The Author
Kathi Macias is a popular speaker and an award-winning writer of nearly 30 books. She lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time riding their Harley.
For more information or to sign up for Kathi's devotional newsletter, visit her website: kathimacias.com
My Review
Once again, I'm drawn to tragedy. The author draws me in to the story as I, along with the mother, can't imagine how her son could possibly be guilty of a horrendous crime. I struggle with the same disbelief and have difficulty comprehending the son's admission of guilt.
And I read through the book in one sitting because I want to find the happy ending. I'm not disappointed. It's bittersweet, but finding God's forgiveness always results in a happy ending, even when in a jail cell. This book is packed with a powerful message that I'd recommend to anyone.
The author doesn't shy away from the difficult issues. The depression and suicidal thoughts. The side effects from thoughts such as "how can I think about my hair while my son's in a jail cell?" The impact on the entire family and the relationship with other relatives. I must admit that the father seems a little saintly - I would have expected a much more serious impact on the marriage as a result of such an event. Perhaps it just hadn't hit yet in the timeline of the book...
As a sideline, I appreciate the way this book highlights the importance of prison ministry and provides resource information for those going through similar situations or wanting to help.
Overall, this is an easy-to-read book with a shocking and moving storyline that moms can definitely relate to.
Chilling. It's about another mother, who, just like me, expected the best from her kids. Who took them to church every week. Who would never ever have believed them capable of murder. Especially of their own grandmother - her mother. That's something that happens to other families...
Until her grown son confessed to the crime.
Overview
My Son, John is the story of a mother. A mother who loves her family and can't stand to see it broken. A mother who ultimately finds grace for the moment as she makes it through the nightmare of her mother's murder, followed by the arrest of her son, his admittance of guilt, her daughter's rejection of her brother, and her employer's termination of her job.
It's the story of a mother who realizes, through her earthly Alzheimer-afflicted father, that her heavenly Father loves her no matter what. And a mother who can then forgive her own son, no matter what he does.
This is fiction, though it reads amazingly like an autobiography. It includes discussion questions at the end that lead to a greater and shared appreciation of the book.
The Author
Kathi Macias is a popular speaker and an award-winning writer of nearly 30 books. She lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time riding their Harley.
For more information or to sign up for Kathi's devotional newsletter, visit her website: kathimacias.com
My Review
Once again, I'm drawn to tragedy. The author draws me in to the story as I, along with the mother, can't imagine how her son could possibly be guilty of a horrendous crime. I struggle with the same disbelief and have difficulty comprehending the son's admission of guilt.
And I read through the book in one sitting because I want to find the happy ending. I'm not disappointed. It's bittersweet, but finding God's forgiveness always results in a happy ending, even when in a jail cell. This book is packed with a powerful message that I'd recommend to anyone.
The author doesn't shy away from the difficult issues. The depression and suicidal thoughts. The side effects from thoughts such as "how can I think about my hair while my son's in a jail cell?" The impact on the entire family and the relationship with other relatives. I must admit that the father seems a little saintly - I would have expected a much more serious impact on the marriage as a result of such an event. Perhaps it just hadn't hit yet in the timeline of the book...
As a sideline, I appreciate the way this book highlights the importance of prison ministry and provides resource information for those going through similar situations or wanting to help.
Overall, this is an easy-to-read book with a shocking and moving storyline that moms can definitely relate to.
January 1, 2010
"My Son, John" might just be the most powerful novel on forgiveness and unconditional love that you'll ever read!
When Liz Peterson's elderly mother is brutally murdered, Liz and her family try to understand how a woman loved by everyone met such a horrible death. But nothing could have prepared them for the day their grown son, John was arrested for his grandmother's murder. The Petersons' once simple life is now cast into chaos, where a mother, a father and a young sister who worshipped her older brother now struggle with the thought that John could have done something so despicable. Undoubtedly their faith is shaken, and the concept of unconditional love seems challenging in a way it never did before. Can God's grace place them on the path of healing, and ultimately forgiveness?
I have been a fan of Kathi Macias's nonfiction for quite some time, but I have never read any of her novels. Now, I want to scoop up each one and read them cover to cover. The emotional roller coaster ride that "My Son, John" takes you on is unbelievable. You will be forever changed once you read this book.
As a mother, I immediately related to the difficulty Liz and her husband, Charles had in dealing with the knowledge that their son had not only changed so much since living with them, but could possibly have brutally murdered his own grandmother. And something like this is not an easy fix. Liz has to deal with her family crumbling to pieces, the change in some of her friends and fellow church members toward her, and struggle to keep it together all at the same time.
To say that this book touched me is an understatement. Macias has the ability to get right to the heart, touch you where it matters, get you thinking, and show you the might and power of an all-knowing, loving God without preaching, without hitting you over the head, and without speaking down to you. In "My Son, John" she is dealing with real issues, challenging issues where she pushes her characters right to the edge and you benefit from it. Not only because this is a book you won't be able to put down once you start, but also because her words and her faith draw you in and open your mind to the possibilities that exist there.
If you have never read one of Macias's books, I strongly suggest you start with "My Son, John". It is without a doubt her best work yet!
When Liz Peterson's elderly mother is brutally murdered, Liz and her family try to understand how a woman loved by everyone met such a horrible death. But nothing could have prepared them for the day their grown son, John was arrested for his grandmother's murder. The Petersons' once simple life is now cast into chaos, where a mother, a father and a young sister who worshipped her older brother now struggle with the thought that John could have done something so despicable. Undoubtedly their faith is shaken, and the concept of unconditional love seems challenging in a way it never did before. Can God's grace place them on the path of healing, and ultimately forgiveness?
I have been a fan of Kathi Macias's nonfiction for quite some time, but I have never read any of her novels. Now, I want to scoop up each one and read them cover to cover. The emotional roller coaster ride that "My Son, John" takes you on is unbelievable. You will be forever changed once you read this book.
As a mother, I immediately related to the difficulty Liz and her husband, Charles had in dealing with the knowledge that their son had not only changed so much since living with them, but could possibly have brutally murdered his own grandmother. And something like this is not an easy fix. Liz has to deal with her family crumbling to pieces, the change in some of her friends and fellow church members toward her, and struggle to keep it together all at the same time.
To say that this book touched me is an understatement. Macias has the ability to get right to the heart, touch you where it matters, get you thinking, and show you the might and power of an all-knowing, loving God without preaching, without hitting you over the head, and without speaking down to you. In "My Son, John" she is dealing with real issues, challenging issues where she pushes her characters right to the edge and you benefit from it. Not only because this is a book you won't be able to put down once you start, but also because her words and her faith draw you in and open your mind to the possibilities that exist there.
If you have never read one of Macias's books, I strongly suggest you start with "My Son, John". It is without a doubt her best work yet!
June 12, 2013
My Son John
By Kathi Macias
How well do you really know someone? Even your own family? My Son John is a haunting tale of a mother’s worst nightmare. Liz Peterson receives word that her mother has died. But there’s more. She finds out that she was murdered. After the police question her and her family, Liz finds out that her son John has been arrested for the crime. Life as she has known it ceases to exist.
Where is God when tragedy strikes and everyone has deserted you and you feel so alone and incapable? How can Liz go on living life knowing her son has killed her mother? Can Liz continue to love her son in spite of his murderous act? Mercy, grace, love, and hope resonant throughout this unforgettable story of forgiveness.
My Son John should come with a warning. I cried, laughed, felt the mother’s pain, and absorbed the feeling of grace and forgiveness that just lifted off each page. Love no matter what, no matter how they turn out, no matter what they do, just keep on loving. What wonderful inspiration, and for it to come from Liz’s father who is in a nursing home and doesn't remember anyone was definitely word from God in Liz’s time of need. Isn’t this how God loves us? Unconditionally, no matter what.
The whole time I was reading this book, the song Forgiveness by Matthew West played in my mind. I cannot wait to read more books by Kathi Macias. She does a superb job of intertwining Liz, her husband Charles, and their daughter Sarah’s reactions and journey from learning John has committed murder to acceptance and forgiveness. You must have faith—trust in God no matter what.
By Kathi Macias
How well do you really know someone? Even your own family? My Son John is a haunting tale of a mother’s worst nightmare. Liz Peterson receives word that her mother has died. But there’s more. She finds out that she was murdered. After the police question her and her family, Liz finds out that her son John has been arrested for the crime. Life as she has known it ceases to exist.
Where is God when tragedy strikes and everyone has deserted you and you feel so alone and incapable? How can Liz go on living life knowing her son has killed her mother? Can Liz continue to love her son in spite of his murderous act? Mercy, grace, love, and hope resonant throughout this unforgettable story of forgiveness.
My Son John should come with a warning. I cried, laughed, felt the mother’s pain, and absorbed the feeling of grace and forgiveness that just lifted off each page. Love no matter what, no matter how they turn out, no matter what they do, just keep on loving. What wonderful inspiration, and for it to come from Liz’s father who is in a nursing home and doesn't remember anyone was definitely word from God in Liz’s time of need. Isn’t this how God loves us? Unconditionally, no matter what.
The whole time I was reading this book, the song Forgiveness by Matthew West played in my mind. I cannot wait to read more books by Kathi Macias. She does a superb job of intertwining Liz, her husband Charles, and their daughter Sarah’s reactions and journey from learning John has committed murder to acceptance and forgiveness. You must have faith—trust in God no matter what.
October 18, 2009
So what would you do if faced with the possibly that one of your loved ones is the prime suspect in the murder of your grand mother’s death? Well that is exactly what Liz Peterson and her family faced, many years ago.
The day was February 11th. A day Liz will never forget. Liz and her husband were at home, when the door bell rang. Liz hears her husband call her name. She turns to find him and two police officers. Liz’s mother has been murdered. The authorities suspect their son, John. Liz is both emotionally and physically hurt that something like this could happen to her family. She tries to make sense of these turn of events. As her son, John is sent to prison, Liz visits him. All she sees is her little boy stuck in a place that he shouldn’t belong. When Liz finally learns the truth, she will have to rely on the strength of God to help her.
I thought Kathi did a good job protraying Liz and her family's story in My Son John. I liked that through everything, she kept her faith and never doubted God but instead grew closer with him. In addition that Liz could have gotten upset with her son for what he did, she did the amazing thing and forgave him and let him know she loved him. That was the best gift she could give her son. Though I have never been in this situation and hope to never find myself in one, I liked how this story had an even balance of the characters, the story and was not too preachy.
The day was February 11th. A day Liz will never forget. Liz and her husband were at home, when the door bell rang. Liz hears her husband call her name. She turns to find him and two police officers. Liz’s mother has been murdered. The authorities suspect their son, John. Liz is both emotionally and physically hurt that something like this could happen to her family. She tries to make sense of these turn of events. As her son, John is sent to prison, Liz visits him. All she sees is her little boy stuck in a place that he shouldn’t belong. When Liz finally learns the truth, she will have to rely on the strength of God to help her.
I thought Kathi did a good job protraying Liz and her family's story in My Son John. I liked that through everything, she kept her faith and never doubted God but instead grew closer with him. In addition that Liz could have gotten upset with her son for what he did, she did the amazing thing and forgave him and let him know she loved him. That was the best gift she could give her son. Though I have never been in this situation and hope to never find myself in one, I liked how this story had an even balance of the characters, the story and was not too preachy.
June 13, 2013
I read My Son John several years ago, but it has left a lasting impression. It is one of those rare books that continue to ruminate in your mind. All I have to do is see the cover or hear the title and I immediately begin to think about the storyline.
The situation is every mother and daughter’s nightmare. It is gut wrenching and unfathomable at the same time. During the first couple of chapters I kept holding my breath and hoping that it wasn’t what it was looking like. But alas it was.
There are some decisions or actions that we take that no matter how sorry we are afterwards the harm that was done cannot ever be undone. This book addresses the issue of forgiving the unforgiveable. What do you do when your heart is absolutely torn in two? On the one hand you have your momma heart to contend with and on the other you are dealing with your daughter heart.
Kathi Macias brings before you an absolutely impossible situation. She slowly peels back the layers and begins to let the light of God shine through. We are told in the Bible that nothing is impossible with God. My Son John is the embodiment of that verse.
The situation is every mother and daughter’s nightmare. It is gut wrenching and unfathomable at the same time. During the first couple of chapters I kept holding my breath and hoping that it wasn’t what it was looking like. But alas it was.
There are some decisions or actions that we take that no matter how sorry we are afterwards the harm that was done cannot ever be undone. This book addresses the issue of forgiving the unforgiveable. What do you do when your heart is absolutely torn in two? On the one hand you have your momma heart to contend with and on the other you are dealing with your daughter heart.
Kathi Macias brings before you an absolutely impossible situation. She slowly peels back the layers and begins to let the light of God shine through. We are told in the Bible that nothing is impossible with God. My Son John is the embodiment of that verse.
May 2, 2009
My Son, John, by Kathi Macias is a remarkable tale of God’s immeasurable love and limitless forgiveness. Trying to deal with an almost unbearable pain and impenetrable grief brought upon by the brutal death of a loved one, Liz Peterson and her family members are nearly torn apart when another tragedy befalls them. Author Kathi Macias captures the raw emotions of her characters and weaves them into this poignant story that shows how we can overcome tragedy with God’s strength and how powerfully healing His forgiveness is for all of us. Furthermore, Kathi Macias humanizes the offender of these brutal crimes and reminds us how God sees each of us as lambs gone astray. Lambs that need to be forgiven, loved and brought back into the fold not stigmatized, made to feel unworthy, or constantly bludgeoned for past sins. Jesus died for us all for we are all sinners who need God’s immeasurable love and limitless forgiveness!
May 22, 2013
MY Son John. Written by Kathi Macias.
What a story. The story was well written. We never know what can drive a love one to murder. A family torn apart. How will this family every get back together. God loves us unconditionally. This would be so tuff to know your son murdered your loved one and how to begin to forgive. I loved this story. I have been involved in prison ministries through our church. It is such a blessing to be a part of it. You never know what will come of a seed being sown.
I was given this book to read for my own personal review.
I left my reviews on these sites:
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/review/edit-rev...
My Blog: http://dianasbookit.blogspot.com/
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12...
What a story. The story was well written. We never know what can drive a love one to murder. A family torn apart. How will this family every get back together. God loves us unconditionally. This would be so tuff to know your son murdered your loved one and how to begin to forgive. I loved this story. I have been involved in prison ministries through our church. It is such a blessing to be a part of it. You never know what will come of a seed being sown.
I was given this book to read for my own personal review.
I left my reviews on these sites:
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/review/edit-rev...
My Blog: http://dianasbookit.blogspot.com/
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12...
April 18, 2009
What would you do if the most unthinkable horror happened to your family? Could you forgive the person that savagely murdered your mother? Is forgiveness even humanly possible in that situation? Now, what if the cops arrested your son for the murder? Will they stop searching for the real killer? Will the truth come out?
These are the questions that Kathi Macias masterfully answers in "My Son, John". It is a heart wrenching story that takes forgiveness to a new level. It will leave you speechless as you ponder what you might do if it were you going through the unthinkable.
These are the questions that Kathi Macias masterfully answers in "My Son, John". It is a heart wrenching story that takes forgiveness to a new level. It will leave you speechless as you ponder what you might do if it were you going through the unthinkable.
February 11, 2019
Beauty for Ashes
This beautifully written story reaches into the depths of hopelessness and despair and reminds us; as long as there is breath there is Hope!
As a nana and mama I lived a very similar story. My precious infant grandbaby was murdered. My youngest son is serving a 30 yr sentence in a max security prison. I have lived and felt all of these emotions. The author was on target with the fear there may never be another normal. I love that this book reminded us of mercy lavish mercy heaped on us. One must pass it on. A beautiful heartfelt read. Thank you.
This beautifully written story reaches into the depths of hopelessness and despair and reminds us; as long as there is breath there is Hope!
As a nana and mama I lived a very similar story. My precious infant grandbaby was murdered. My youngest son is serving a 30 yr sentence in a max security prison. I have lived and felt all of these emotions. The author was on target with the fear there may never be another normal. I love that this book reminded us of mercy lavish mercy heaped on us. One must pass it on. A beautiful heartfelt read. Thank you.
June 14, 2013
I can't dredge up any enthusiasm for this book. I expected so much more because of others' glowing reviews and was sorely disappointed. It wasn't awful and might have been more than OK if the characters weren't flat and cut out of cardboard. It really bothered me how little anyone mourned the mother's passing and were so focused on supporting John--was the mother such an awful person that no body cared about her or what? It was a short, quick read, so there is something to be said for brevity.
June 12, 2013
Liz and Charles Petersen have the perfect family. Charles is a prestigious lawyer, Liz a stay at home mom and they have two children 23 year old John an aspiring pharmaist and Sarah a sixteen honor student. Their life is shattered when Liz's vivacious mother Sharon is brutally murdered. Their family falls apart when John confesses to the murder. How their faith sustains them is a crux of this book. Included discussion questins at the back.
February 23, 2011
The writing in this was very well done - very emotional. I felt that the book dragged on to some degree. I kept waiting for the sudden twist to the story. But it never came. And when I finally read the last page...I was kinda depressed. Maybe it's just me, but while it was a nice read, I wouldn't re-read it.
May 22, 2013
Love this book. Kathi Macias touches on a subject which is unique but not. A family is torn apart by not one but two tragedies. They not only lose a grandmother but a son as well. How is Liz suppose to cope with both of these losses at the same time? How does she learn to love unconditionally as God's love us? Kathi Macias keeps you going from page one.
July 23, 2019
How to forgive.
This story mirrors God’s love for us, that while we were yet sinners He died for us and will forgive us of all our sins, if we only ask. Whether we have murdered someone, or committed any other unspeakable crime, if we ask forgiveness, we receive.
Also, to love and forgive a person in our life that has committed a crime, comes through Jesus.
This story mirrors God’s love for us, that while we were yet sinners He died for us and will forgive us of all our sins, if we only ask. Whether we have murdered someone, or committed any other unspeakable crime, if we ask forgiveness, we receive.
Also, to love and forgive a person in our life that has committed a crime, comes through Jesus.
April 2, 2009
This story was very emotionally moving and hard to put down. I loved the way the author presented the issues the family had to deal with on so many levels. Not for the faint of heart, but very inspirational.
September 24, 2009
I read this in 3 days. I could not put this book now. It is a great book. A great wistnees tool to people who is questioning God. Everyone should read it.
November 20, 2012
No happy ending here - at least not in this lifetime. It's a heart breaker - but very inspiring.
January 16, 2013
This book was short...but well written. I had a difficult time putting this book down.
August 24, 2013
Kathi has a way of drawing you into the story that sends you on an emotional rollercoaster. The themes of love and forgiveness have universal application. Don't miss this compelling novel.
July 2, 2016
sappy. predictable. sad.
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