Pollywog Creek: Book Review :: A Slow Burn, by Mary DeMuth

"In a town that thrived on spicy news, she'd kept the spice capped. And for what? So she could sprinkle it on her friend like a weapon?" p.230

A Slow Burn is the newly released book 2 in the Defiance Texas Trilogy by Mary DeMuth. The opportunity to read A Slow Burn for review was one that I cautiously accepted the last day it was offered. I'm a bit skeptical about Christian fiction. I know that there are wonderful exceptions(I've read them), but I've also read too many mass-produced, poorly-written, sappy and predictable Christian novels. I was thrilled to discover that A Slow Burn is none of the above.

It is not light reading for the faint of heart, however, but for those who are willing to live with the complicated characters of Defiance, Texas, as they question a God who would allow them to stumble and crawl through the most painful and messy darkness. It is for those who can see past the pain and sin and misery to the light and hope and redemption on the horizon. Edgy, but discreet, Mary's well-crafted stories are compelling, mysterious and unpredictable. A Slow Burn is the story of hopelessness overcome by long-suffering and sacrificial love.

Though many will not recognize themselves in the citizens of Defiance to who readers are introduced or in the experiences where we are taken, we can surely catch a glimpse of something in our own lives that resonates with the suffering, the fear, the regret, the shame, or the grief, and the desperate need of mercy and grace and forgiveness for us and for those whose lives we intersect. A Slow Burn forces us to face sin and sorrow in us and others, reveal truth in love, and move forward in Christ's redeeming love.

The murder of Emory's thirteen year old daughter Daisy remains unsolved, and difficult relationships are yet to be resolved, but A Slow Burn comes to a satisfying conclusion, and a respite in which to anticipate book 3 in the Defiance Texas Trilogy. About Mary DeMuth An accomplished writer, Mary’s parenting books include Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture, Building the Christian Family You Never Had, and Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God. Her real-to-life novels inspire people to turn trials into triumphs: Watching the Tree Limbs (2007 Christy Award finalist, ACFW Book of the Year 2nd Place) and Wishing on Dandelions (2007 Retailer’s Choice Award finalist).

Mary is a frequent speaker at women’s retreats and parenting seminars, addressing audiences in both Europe and the United States. National media regularly seek her candid ability to connect with listeners. Her radio appearances include FamilyLife Today, Moody Midday Connection, and U.S.A. Radio network. She has articles published in Marriage Partnership, In Touch, and HomeLife.

Mary and her husband Patrick live in Texas with their three children.

Learn more about Mary at http://marydemuth.com/.

"...this cornbread is the bread of God. More than daily bread, it's his grace. Not just sustenance, but perfect flavor, too. Isn't that just like God? He gives us what we need, then surprises us with flavor." p. 67