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Freedom #3

The Deliverer

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In book three of the “Freedom” series, the main character, Mara, finds herself the object of her uncle's revenge. From a life sentence in prison, Uncle Jefe, who held her as a sex slave in his San Diego brothel, uses his underground connections to kidnap and drag Mara back into the dark shadows of human trafficking. Now in the struggle for her life and her ultimate freedom, Mara finds herself kidnapped and experiencing something she never dreamed possible. She finally finds herself yielding to the One who can truly set her free―not only from her past life and all the fears and scars that go with it, but from herself and her own sin. This time her choice delivers her from the shadow of her name's meaning, "bitter" and into the light of true joy. At New Hope Digital (newhopedigital.com) you can find study questions for each book in this series and an “ideas and resources” list to help educate readers and enable them to apply what they've learned and become actively involved in this massive and ongoing human tragedy―Trafficking in Persons.

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

60 people want to read

About the author

Kathi Macias

68 books146 followers

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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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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Ruth Hill.
1,115 reviews646 followers
September 15, 2012
What an amazing book! Very rarely do I have the opportunity to read books that affect me so emotionally and spiritually, but this is indeed one of them. Tears don't come easily to me when it comes to books, but this was a book that brought the tears on many occasions, and I was reminded of the way God works His plans at all times in all situations.

The prayers in this book touched my heart again and again. Although they were being voiced by fictional characters, they were so real. To see characters who prayed to and relied on God for everything was an encouragement to me. And to have God speak back to them was a good reminder to me that prayer is a 2-way conversation.

This is the second book in a row that I have read about human sex trafficking, and I was horrified to discover that this is still something that is so prevalent in our world--even our country. I can't imagine how often this happens, and we know nothing about it.

I was pleased to see that even though the book was basically a "happy ending" book (no spoilers here), it was realistic. And is showed God's faithfulness in every situation, even when it makes no sense to us. This is a quick, inspiring read that I would highly recommend to anyone!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,230 reviews490 followers
August 29, 2012
I just finished reading this, the last book in the Freedom Series, and in some ways hate to say goodbye to a lot of these characters I have grown to love. This is a wrap up of the first two books.
I would recommend that you read the first two books to really appreciate this hard subject of sex slavery of young girls...some as young as 5 and 6.
We rejoin Mara, she is now saving her money to go to Junior College, and working at the restaurant. She was rescued by the help of Jonathan Flannery, the young man, who was delivery pizza and helped in her rescue. Jonathan and his sister Leah are both now in college. Leah's friend Sarah, who has a big crush on Jonathan, has decided to spend Thanksgiving with the Flannery's instead of her own family. That way she will be closer to Jonathan.
We also travel with Lewan as she comes to the US, and her new family. What a heart breaking life this poor dear girl has had. You really feel yourself pulling for her as she is reunited with her sister Anna, and meeting her new family.
Some have already accepted the Lord as their Savior, and others are struggling with all that has happened to them. They are unable to forgive, and receive forgiveness.
Don't miss this heartwarming ending to this eye opening series!

I received this book from the Publisher New Hope, and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Ruth Snyder.
Author 18 books24 followers
January 8, 2014
Mara is bitter, just as her name suggests. Who wouldn’t be if faced with similar circumstances? As a young girl she was betrayed by her own parents who sold her into a life of sexual slavery. After years of abuse, Mara is finally free. Or is she?

Does God always expect us to forgive? If God loves us, why does he allow bad things to happen? These are questions Mara struggles with. She is very grateful that she is no longer a sex slave. She has a job, freedom, and is looking forward to going back to school. She is also attracted to Jonathan, one of those who helped her gain her freedom. But she’s “damaged goods”. Why would he be interested in her? And even if he is interested, will Mara be able to trust him?

The Freedom Series gives us a peek into the terrible world of sex slavery and challenges us to do something about it. If you are looking for an action-packed story, then this is not the book for you. However, if you want your eyes to be opened to a world of hurting young children, read this book, and ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?”

Kathi Macias is an award-winning author of almost 40 books. She has taught creative writing, appeared on many radio and television programs, and is a popular speaker at writing conferences. She lives with her husband in Homeland, California. For more information or to contact Kathi, go to http://kathimacias.com/.
Profile Image for Victoria (TheMennomilistReads).
1,573 reviews16 followers
January 24, 2018
This story was beautiful and very different from the first two books (as in it is more about the recovery of former survivors rather than their struggles of wanting freedom from physical slavery). This book is about freedom spiritually for those who have been main characters throughout the series.

My major problem with this book in particular is that it is repetitive. Truly. Every time there is a new chapter, we have to go through the character saying something about how they have been either abandoned or that things can't work out or just inner thoughts that they have mentioned over and over already. We get it. I know that people tend to think things over in their heads sometimes on a daily basis, but I don't want to read it every time that character comes into notion.

Also, I think Lawan's character was much stronger in the first books and this one she seemed unlike how I would believe her to turn out. She seemed much more trusting of others and seeing the bright side of everything despite her hardships and here she becomes really different. I didn't like that. I did however love the scene of her with her adoptive grandma.

Other than that, I also felt there could have been more in the epilogue about people such as Joan or maybe another about Lawan or Maria's mom to see what her inner thoughts were at the end.

I did love the thoughts of forgiveness and needing healing. That was a beautiful theme in general.

That's that. The first book was still probably my favorite of the books.
73 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2021
Loved this series. The first one was hard to read because what went on with the girls hurt my heart. The last two were better as some girls were rescued and their lives improved. The series definitely make you aware of terrible things going on in our world but also of the saving grace of our Lord.
326 reviews48 followers
October 5, 2012
In The Deliverer, by Kathi Macias, the third book in her trilogy entitled The Freedom series; we are intertwined once again into the lives of Mara, Lawan, and Francesca. Each character has a unique take on the issue of sex trafficking, and the author brings us full circle to their current status and issues they must face.

For Mara, it’s about true freedom, forgiveness, trust, her future, male relationships, and overcoming her past life of fear, terror, and bitterness. We are subject to all the devastating emotions and decisions she must make. I find that life is hard enough with the daily issues we deal with, but adding the issue of sexual slavery is a step above what most of us endure. The only One who can truly get her through the tough issues is the Lord. We find out if she is willing to go the route He is asking her to take, or whether she remains captive to her bitterness. Forgiveness is not possible without the Lord. Will she accept and trust Him to help her?

Then we find Lawan being flown to the United States to join the same family that adopted her sister, Anna (Mila). I could feel her trepidation as she’s flying for the first time, leaving behind those she still loves at the orphanage, and her hesitance in joining a family she doesn’t know anything about, in a country that is foreign to her. I was certainly engaged with her distrust, fears, hesitations, and joy. Again, the love of God works wonders in her life through her new family.

And finally we find the pregnant fifteen-year-old Francesca interacting with her parents and Mara. The big decision being whether she will keep her baby or give him/her up for adoption, as she refuses abortion, and whether her parents will support her decision. The reality of giving birth takes her by surprise, and mothers will easily relate to her situation.

One drawback in this particular book was the lack of discussion about counseling to deal with the issues of sexual slavery. Rape is traumatic, but continual rapes are terrorizing, especially for young girls. God uses Christian counselors to help girls and women through these crises, and I expected to see that issue brought up. Another factor that I would like to have seen noted is the aspect of dissociation resulting in dissociative identity disorder. Since some of the girls are as young as five, this is a possibility, and people need to be aware of it and get them the counseling help they need.

Kathi Macias, in her Freedom Series, has brought to light the despicable issue of sex trafficking. Though The Deliverer is the end of the Freedom Series by Kathi Macias, it by no means indicates that the issues of sex slavery have ended. My prayer through reviewing these books is for people to take an active role in ending this plight. To check out resources and organizations to get involved in, go to aheartforjustice (dot) com.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview and/or book review on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speakers Services. No monetary compensation was exchanged. (http://ChristianSpeakersServices.com).
Profile Image for Annette.
905 reviews26 followers
September 14, 2012
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview and/or book review on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speakers Services (http://ChristianSpeakersServices.com).

Mara had been sold as a young girl into the sex-trade industry. She was born in Mexico, but had spent the past several years in the San Diego area. Mara is currently a waitress, hoping to begin college soon. She is working through the emotional and spiritual trauma she suffered as a result of ten years of captivity. She has a small group of people who pray for her and encourage her.

Jonathan and his sister Leah are in college. They are a source of encouragement for Mara.
Jonathan is a young man with a serious nature,he wants to be God's servant, he wants to place God's will for his life above all else.

Sarah has had strong feelings for Jonathan for several years. She is Leah's best friend.

Lawan, had been in captivity in the sex-trade in Thailand. She's now adapting to dramatic changes in a new culture.

In each characters lives choices and changes have come about. Will they choose to follow Christ in their life? Will they by faith in Him follow, not knowing what the result will be? Will they release their doubts and fears and what they perceive is the best choice, and instead give it to Christ Jesus?

I believe---The Deliverer was written for two reasons:
1. It gives the reader a chance to have closure after books one and two.
2. It is a teaching story on The Fruits of the Spirit.
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." Galatians 5:22-25 Everyday Matters Bible by Hendrickson Bibles 2012, New Living Translation.

I love it when a story dives deep into characters psyches, giving me the ability to see, as though looking through a magnifying glass, a transformation. People that have been radically changed---born again---which is made possible only through the Holy Spirit.

I have loved the Freedom Series. Although this book was not dramatic in respect to fearing for these characters lives, nor in reading tense situations. It gave me a better understanding about how far these characters had come, and what road (journey or direction) they've chosen to take.

The Freedom Series has educated the literary world about the sex-trade industry. It does not just happen in a foreign country that seems far removed from America. It happens in America as well. It teaches us to have more than just empathy, but the knowledge to know what we can do to help.
Profile Image for Lisa.
462 reviews31 followers
August 30, 2012
Finally! Book three in Kathi Macias' Freedom series is here! And The Deliverer is everything I hoped it would be.

The Freedom series -- which also includes Deliver Me From Evil and Special Delivery -- shines a light on human trafficking, telling the story of a young Mexican girl, Mara, who was entrusted to her uncle and promised a better life in America. Mara becomes a victim of human trafficking until, almost by accident, she encounters a young man delivering pizza.

I've been eagerly awaiting this book, and it wraps up the continuing story of Mara and Jonathan, and others whose lives have been forever changed by human trafficking. I'm generally a happy endings kind of girl and this one definitely delivers. Sometimes, though, the cynic in me wants to reject a story with happy endings because in life, things don't always work out that way.

Make that, in this life, things don't always work out that way. What The Deliverer brings is the Gospel message -- good news! The characters in Macias' novels have been through some horrible, painful, tragic experiences, and it might be easy for us to say, Why doesn't God stop that kind of suffering? My question is: Why don't we? God doesn't want people to be subjected to the horrors of sex slavery, as these books describe. BUT He can set things right. He can redeem the most awful circumstances. In this life. And in eternity. That is the good news in a nutshell, that God is one day going to make everything right, the way it was meant to be.

So, I'm okay with this book ending happily. With loose ends neatly tied up and people set on a path of healing and wholeness. Because that's the ideal. That's what we're living and striving for.

Yes, human trafficking is terrible. And yes, God can make it right. And wants to make it right. And we can help him do that.

This was my favorite of the three books, and I'm so grateful that Macias tackles these tough issues to expose to the light deeds done in darkness. It can't be an easy subject to write about, but she does so with grace and truth. The books opened my eyes to some ugly realities, but they didn't leave me unchanged. That, my friends, is the power of the written word.
Profile Image for Beauty in the Binding.
626 reviews54 followers
September 17, 2012
Though physically free of her prior life as a sex slave, Mara still struggles to leave behind the mental and emotional bondage of the past. Jonathan, the young man who rescued her from human trafficking, has spoken and written to her of a loving God who can free her of all the evil of the past. Mara desires this ultimate freedom, but doesn't believe it could truly happen for her. Mara's search for freedom will lead her through an examination of her feelings towards the family who sold her into slavery, her uncle who oversaw the entire operation, and the God who allowed it all to happen. Will Mara be able to move beyond her past? And if she could, would her growing affection for Jonathan blossom? Before anything else, she must learn to trust the One who knows her intimately and longs to bring healing and freedom.

The Deliverer by Kathi Macias is the third book in the Freedom Series. I highly recommend reading these books in order although some back story is given. I had expected this to be the final book in the series. However, there may be another book forthcoming as certain situations with some characters were left open at the end. The plot of this story is far more complex than a small synopsis can provide and that is one of the beauties of Macias' writing. Like the prior two books in the series, I was challenged by the topics presented in the book, but still enjoyed reading the characters' stories, particularly Mara's. It is far too easy to ignore or forget that human trafficking does exist and this series is a wake-up call for Christians to arise and fight the evil that is far closer to home than most of us realize. I recommend this book to any mature reader because it does deal with dark, though not overly explicit, topics.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free 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."
Profile Image for Anne Campbell.
Author 27 books48 followers
September 5, 2012
I've been impressed with Kathi Macias's writing for years, but this might be my favorite of the whole lot. If you haven't read the first two of the series (Deliver Me from Evil and Special Delivery), you might want to get them and read them first. This ones concludes the story of Mara, a girl placed into sexual slavery by her tio (uncle). In the first book, she is rescued by Jonathan and his sister and a friend.

Mara finds herself attracted by Jonathan, but feels unworthy of him. She pushes his attentions away.

Jonathan wants to get better acquainted with her, too, but two things stop him: Mara doesn't act interested in him, and she is not a Christian. And then there's Sarah, Jonathan's sister's friend who has such a crush on him.

Across town, a small girl named Lawan arrives in a strange country with a strange language to the home of her sister, Mali--oh, no, her name is Anna now. Mali-Anna calls the adults Mom and Dad, but Lawan doesn't think she will ever be able to do that. She, too, has been a victim of heartless people who prey on children.

Kathi's ability to weave two tales together to create a lovely tapestry excels in this book, the third in her Freedom Series. It's available at Christianbook.com, Amazon.com, and Barnes and Nobel as well as many of the Christian book stores around.
Profile Image for Cheryl Malandrinos.
Author 4 books71 followers
July 24, 2016
The Deliverer is a story of forgiveness, faith, and God's infinite love. This heartrending, emotional story of lives affected by human trafficking will move you beyond words. Having read the first two books in the series (Deliver Me From Evil and Special Delivery), I had high expectations for this book. I was not disappointed. The lives of the Flannerys, Sarah, Mara, Lawan, and numerous other characters have captured my heart. I feel like these people could be my neighbors and friends.

I've read several books by Kathi Macias over the years. With The Deliverer, she continues to grow in her craft and glorify God. She doesn't shy away from tackling the tough subjects. In this series, and this book in particular, characters are put to the test. Can they move beyond the horrible crimes that have brought them together? This way of life is over for Mara and Lawan, but it still exists for many others out there. Mara has even been instrumental in helping another young girl affected by human trafficking. Macias brings a tough issue to light, which encourages them to get involved.

A masterfully told story that shows the wonder of how God works in our lives, The Deliverer is a must read. While a stand alone novel, I feel it best to read the other books in the series first so one can follow the characters along their journeys.

Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,983 reviews
September 30, 2012
This is the third book in the Freedom series, and I absolutely loved it! Kathi Macias does a masterful job demonstrating the lingering effects abuse can have, the difficulty of moving beyond it and thinking highly of yourself again once you've been a victim and had it pounded into your head by your captors that you're worthless, and the marvelous way God's love can help those wounds begin to heal over time. At first I had a hard time believing Jonathan would be quite as quick to make some of the wrong choices he did in the beginning of the book, but on the other hand it did make him seem more real, with normal human faults. It was marvelous to revisit the characters from the previous two books, and everything was wrapped up very nicely. This novel will definitely mean more if you read the other two in the series first. I highly recommend this whole series.
Profile Image for Katie.
Author 2 books128 followers
September 4, 2012
I'm wavering between giving this book a 3 or 4. Still thinking...

While I enjoyed getting a peak into the characters lives once again, I was kind of disappointed that nothing much happened... Besides Lawan adjusting to her new home and Mara coming to Christ and forgiving her tormentors, that's about it. Oh! And Jonathan and Mara finally admit their attraction to each other.

Oh, speaking of which, for more than the first half of this book, Jonathan was a complete knucklehead!! The way he encouraged Sarah's attentions when he didn't feel anything toward her...made me want to slap him upside the head!! :-P But I am VERY glad he finally got it all straightened out in the end.

So, all in all, I'll admit that this wasn't my favorite book from Macias' series, but it was a nice conclusion to the series.

Full review to come
63 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2012
Freedom Press and Kathi Macias are willing to shock the reader into awareness!' The Deliverer' reaches deep into the horrors of Human Trafficing and the fear and uncertainty faced by those who have been trapped in this nasty web. Insights into the workings of those who are out to rescue these tormented souls keeps you on the edge all the way!

It is a fact that it still goes on, slavery is still practiced!

This book will wake you up to things we do not hear about in main stream media, but it does exist in all its awfulness.

Macias kept me up at night once again in a book that kept me guessing, and praying for characters, to the end.

It is THAT GOOD! Five Stars!
Profile Image for Diana Montgomery.
844 reviews8 followers
August 27, 2013
The Deliverer
By: Kathi Macias

The Deliverer is book 3 in the series of the Freedom Series. Continuing story of human trafficking. Book 2 left Mara carrying feelings for Jonathan . But thinks herself not worthy of him. Will she ever feel free of her pass and her Uncle? Will she ever put her faith and trust in the Lord.? Can God really take her burdens all away? Can she trust men again? Kathi has out done herself on this series. Wonderful writing on such a tuff subject. This is a series that will keep your attention. I enjoyed all of the books of the series each one will keep you on the edge. I give it a 5 star wish I could give it more. I recommend this series.
Profile Image for Audrey Grant.
457 reviews26 followers
November 24, 2012
This is the third of this set of books but the first one I have had the privilege to read. I WILL be on the hunt for the rest of her books! I lived through hidden, terrorized abused as a teen with many threats to keep me quiet. Now married and in my 40's with kids of my own...the writing of the thoughts and emotions going through each of the abused girls and women was so very real it was at times as if the author were reading my mind and heart!!
This was NOT an easy book for me to read, but I am so very thankful I did!!
Profile Image for Louisa.
8,843 reviews100 followers
September 21, 2012
Great ending to the series, while it was the one with the least amount of action, it was the most reflective book, and yeah, really enjoyed it, though I wish we'd gotten to see some of the characters a bit more!
Profile Image for Colleen.
54 reviews
June 23, 2016
good but not relatable to everyone

It was a really good story in general, but unless you are of strong Christian faith and want to hear about Jesus every other sentence, then this is not the book for you.
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