Thin Places, a Memoir by Mary E. Demuth

It used to be when I thought of a memoir, I associated the genre with someone in his later years with a lifetime of hard living under his belt. Not any more. In Thin Places, Mary E. DeMuth movingly shares how she has lived through hurts, disappointments, and violations, and yet still manages to see how God worked in and through all these events to bring her into a deeper, closer relationship with Him. Mary's ultimate realization that she lives in the midst of holy moments seen more clearly in retrospect helps us as readers see that God is always working in our lives, too.

Product Details:
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 031028418X
ISBN-13: 978-0310284185



Mary E. Demuth's Blog

A Slow Burn by Mary E. DeMuth

When I hear that a new book by Mary DeMuth has been released, it immediately goes on my wish list. With little time to read these days, I make time to read Mary's books. A Slow Burn is the second in the Defiance Texas Trilogy. I read Daisy Chain and loved it, so I was eager to make my way back to the small Texas town that held so much mystery. The characters burrow their way into your heart, and like real life, their actions are unpredictable. This second book in the trilogy is a beautifully told tale of heartache and hope, all wrapped up in the story of grace. I can hardly wait for the third book!

Product Details:
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Zondervan; 1 edition (October 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310278376
ISBN-13: 978-0310278375

To read the review of Daisy Chain, click HERE.
Visit Mary's website: http://www.relevantprose.com/

Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth

I heard one time that from the first page, a good writer grabs you by the throat and doesn't let the reader go. Mary DeMuth does this effectively in Daisy Chain. Right from the start when a little girl goes missing, the tension builds. The mystery of her disappearance intertwines with the coming-of-age story about Jed, a 14-year old boy who saw Daisy last. To say Mary writes multi-dimensional characters would be an understatement. No person is ever painted black or white, good or evil, but with many shades of gray with the promise of good prevailing and bad will get its due punishment.

At times, this book so gripped my heart I had to lay it down, but could not forget the characters who had also made their way into my heart. In short order, I picked it up again to cheer Jed on in his quest to find Daisy and to find hope in spite of his father's hypocrisy and abuse.

Mary is a down-to-earth writer of realism, dedicated to truth and authentic living, and this book rings authentic and real. Although there is a secondary character who serves as a loving father figure, I would have liked to have seen a pastor in that role, but perhaps that's because I am a pastor's wife. The only other note – this is the first novel in a trilogy, so plot points are not tied up in a neat box. But then again – when is life ever so sweetly packaged?

Product Details:
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (March 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310278368
ISBN-13: 978-0310278368

Wishing on Dandelions by Mary DeMuth

When I finished reading Watching the Tree Limbs, I was sad, wanting to continue reading to see where Mara's path in life would lead. To my delight, Mary DeMuth has graced us with Wishing on Dandelions. Even if you haven't read Mary's first book (but I recommend that you do), this book stands on its own merits.

As we begin, we find that Maranatha is now seventeen years old, wishing with all that's within her for a sign from above that she is loved. Maranatha's family and the people in her small town are full, rich characters. They can be endearing and aggravating at the same time. Several act as conduits of God's love and in the process become her support system as she makes that journey from child to adult, from victim to victor, from darkness to light.

DeMuth writes with more than a touch of humor. The `wedding chapter' had me laughing out loud many times, yet other chapters had me in tears or on the edge of my seat.

I'm desperate for a third novel. I'm eager to find out so much more about this character I've come to love named Maranatha. Bravo, Mary! Keep writing.

Product Details:
Paperback: 357 pages
Publisher: Navpress Publishing Group
Language: English
ISBN: 1576839532

Mary E. DeMuth's Website: Relevant Prose

Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God: Encouragement To Refresh Your Soul

Mary DeMuth's Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God blessed and challenged me. You'll find inspirational and encouraging tidbits whether a new or seasoned mother. As you read her book, you will, as Mary hoped, "hear the whisper of Your Savior and delight in His strength."

I recommend this book for immediate purchase. You won't be disappointed.

Product Details:
Paperback: 196 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (February 28, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN: 0736915001