‘The Muir House’ by Mary DeMuth – Book Review

One of my favorite authors since I’ve been blogging and reviewing is Mary DeMuth. When she was looking for reviewers for her newest novel, 'The Muir House,' I was hopeful I’d be included! So here I am – and here it is!

Here is the synopsis of this novel:

        You’ll find home one day. 
        Sure as sweet tea on a hot afternoon.

Words from Willa Muir’s sketchy childhood haunt her dreams and color her days with longing, regret, and fear. What do the words mean? Willa is far from sure.

So when Hale Landon places a ring on her finger, Willa panics, feeling she can’t possibly say yes when so much in her past is a mystery. Bent on sorting out her history, Willa returns to Rockwall, Texas, to the Muir House Bed & Breakfast, a former funeral home.

But the old place holds her empty memory close to itself. Willa’s mother utters unintelligible clues from her deathbed, and the caretaker of the house keeps coveted secrets carefully protected. Throw in an old flame, and Willa careens farther away from ever knowing the truth.

Set in a growing suburb of Texas, THE MUIR HOUSE explores trauma, healing, love new and old, and the life-changing choices people make to keep their reputations intact.

Here is the biography of this author:

Mary DeMuth is the author of several southern novels, including A Slow Burn, Life in Defiance, and the Christy award finalists Watching the Tree Limbs and Daisy Chain. She’s also written four parenting books and a memoir, Thin Places. She’s passionate about the written word, teaching, and mentoring writers. Mary lives in Texas with her husband, Patrick, and their three children.

Here is the trailer for this compelling novel:

The main character, Willa Muir, feels that there are some secrets in her family that she needs to uncover. As is the case in real life, people have a tendency to try to convince you to leave the truth buried. Such was the case in this book:

Willa stepped back until her calves touched the wet chair, but she didn’t move away. Genie’s words stunned her to the wood floor. Was Genie trying to tell her something? That the trauma she’d forgotten could be some sort of abuse?... Had she been violated as her counselor suspected, but she dismissed? She chastised herself for thinking only of herself and not considering Genie’s pain, so obvious in front of her. Maybe Genie’s rough edges had extremely good reasons.

Genie returned to the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows. Their ancient panes blurred the house, softening its angles. “If I were you, I’d let things lie.”

At the word lie, Willa felt her soul recoil, if such a things could be said about a soul. Would she ever know the truth? Of a girl with an empty memory who agonized over filling it back up? She said nothing. Instead, she returned the empty cup to the small kitchen, set it in the uncluttered sink, and left. (pp. 91-92)

Willa’s boyfriend, Hale, had an insight about Willa’s psyche that really resonated with me:

…“Here’s my First Theory of Willa Relativity. You grew up with chaos and pain, right?”

She nodded. The sunshine drifted behind a cloud, shivering her.

“That’s your haven. What you grew accustomed to. It became your familiarity, your safe place.”

“That makes no sense. Why would chaos be a safe place?”

“Because it’s what’s comfortable for you, what you know. What if God were calling you to something radically different? What if he wanted you to let go of the drama, to turn your back on it, and walk confidently in a new place?” (pp. 126-127)

Here’s another exchange between Willa and Hale later on in the book, as she is learning more truths from her family’s past:

        “I suppose you’ll say this is God’s timing.”

“I am saying that. But not in a platitude way. Don’t you believe that he knows the best way to heal you? That he knows when you can stomach the truth?”

“I don’t feel very capable right now.” She lowered her eyes, looked at her untouched muffin, still preening on a plate.

“Wounds hurt when they’re exposed. They divvy up a lot more pain as they get better. But eventually they heal over.”

“How can you be so sure? How would you know something like that?”

“You’re not the only one who has issues.” (p. 206)   

There are lots of twists and turns in this novel. It is a book that is hard to put down; hopefully, you will have a lot of time to devote to reading it, or you will be frustrated having to put it down.

This is the third Mary DeMuth book that I had read; the others are ‘Thin Places: A Memoir’ (you can read my review here) and ‘Life in Defiance’ (you can read my review here). One common element in those books and this one is the openness and transparency of dysfunctional behavior. Mary brings up topics that are often shunned and ignored by other authors who write with a Christian worldview. Abuse in its various forms, parent’s declining health, as well as family secrets, are scrutinized with amazing truth and intensity. I am always challenged when I read a Mary DeMuth book, and I appreciate that about her work. 'The Muir House' is no exception, and I am grateful for Mary that she has the strength and courage to address difficult issues.  

You can order this book here.

This book is published by Zondervan Publishers and was provided by them for review purposes.

'Thin Places: A Memoir' by Mary DeMuth - Book Review

Mary DeMuth is an author and writing mentor who has written many books. Her latest work is entitled ‘Thin Places: A Memoir.’

Mary explains the concept of ‘thin places’ this way:


“I, myself, am a thin place…. The Celts define a thin place as a place where heaven and the physical world collide, one of those serendipitous territories where eternity and the mundane meet. Thin describes the membrane between the two worlds, like a piece of vellum, where we see a holy glimpse of the eternal – not in digital clarity, but clear enough to discern what lies ahead.” (p. 11)


Please take a look at this powerful book trailer for 'Thin Places,' featuring Mary telling her story:





Mary was raised by her mother. She is an only child, whose father was her mother’s first husband. Her mother subsequently married two more times. Her family life appeared to be chaotic and non-nurturing. She endured unthinkable trauma when she was five years old. Her life changed forever at age 15 when she met Jesus, and she’s followed Him ever since (according to the profile at her blog).



At time, I thought I was reading my own memoir as I read Mary’s story. I, too, had a difficult childhood. I, too, grew up fatherless. Although I did not suffer the same abuses that Mary did, I did suffer similar difficulties. Junior high was particularly traumatic (did anyone enjoy their junior high years?!....). She endured a lot of teasing and engaged in behaviors to please her peer group that ended up working to her detriment. Regardless of all that, the Lord has done a work in her. Mary admits she still has a long way to go; so do I.


I must admit that I was shocked by some of the events that have transpired in Mary’s life, and what she has overcome. It is very obvious to me that she is where she is today because of the grace and healing power of Jesus Christ; she would readily agree. I thank Mary for opening her life to us and being so truthful and transparent. It must have been a difficult journey to relive some of those event, but there is no doubt in my mind that this memoir will be read by people who have survived similar circumstances, and will be encouraged and heart-warmed by the road the Lord has placed her on today. For me, it was a difficult read in many spots; seeing how the sins of one person can scar another. In reading her memoir, I can see that there are so areas in my story that need to be addressed. If she can do it, I can do it! I encourage you to read it yourself and pick up copies for those in your life who are currently facing and have lived through difficult struggles.


Mary is an amazing wordsmith. She has a true gift for writing, as was first conveyed to her in a note from her second grade teacher, who sent the note home one day with Mary.


Here is a paragraph I found to be amazing:


“In that holy, crushing thin place, in the ethereal place of gauzy memory, God rolls the reproach of my childhood from me. Jesus comes near, so near I can nearly feel His embrace. He enters into the place I once thought my haven, shows me its flaws. He enters my refuge – the only One who truly can be.” (p. 46)


Here’s another:


“On earth, Jesus is tempted to be a people-pleaser, just like I am. Yet, He doesn’t sin. So He can help me. Jesus walks the perfect life, yet some folks don’t like Him. Even so, He maneuvers their disapproval perfectly. Which means there is hope for an approval-monger like me. Which means I can be whole without needing the masses to shout my praises (I’m reminded of the fickleness of crowds, how on one day they chant Hosanna, the next day giving way to howls of Crucify). Jesus can be unliked. I can be too.” (p. 79)

In addition to Mary’s website, she also has a personal blog she calls Relevant Blog.  She also partners with D’Ann Mateer and Leslie Wilson on the Writing Spa, where they provide mentoring on the craft of writing. In addition, on her Wanna Be Published blog, she offers daily inspiration, education and valuable publishing information.



Here is the list of Mary’s books:



Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God: Encouragement to Refresh Your Soul



Building the Christian Family You Never Had: A Practical Guide for Pioneer Parents



Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture: Practical Help for Shaping Your Children’s Hearts, Minds, and Souls



Watching the Tree Limbs (Maranatha Series #1)



Wishing on Dandelions (Maranatha Series #2)



Daisy Chain (Defiance Texas Trilogy, Book 1)



A Slow Burn (Defiance Texas Trilogy, Book 2)



Life in Defiance (Defiance Texas Trilogy, Book 3) – coming in May, 2010




Mary currently resides in Texas and is happily married to Patrick and is the mother to four wonderful, thriving children. Considering the trauma she endured in her early years, she is living an amazing and rewarding and fulfilling life. Her life is a testament to the healing power of Jesus Christ.


Mary admits that she still has a long way to go, but she is excited about the future and where Jesus will continue to lead. I look forward to following her journey.


This book was published by Zondervan, and provided to me by Mary DeMuth and the Blog Tour Spot for review purposes.

A 'Thin Place' in My Life

Mary DeMuth is a wonderful author.  To celebrate the release of her new memoir, 'Thin Places,' (which I will be reviewing soon), Mary is conducting a contest for an Amazon Kindle at her 'Wanna Be Published' blog.  The topic is this: "tell us about a time you experienced a 'thin place' in your life. These would be aha moments, beautiful realizations when the Son of God bursts through the hazy fog of our monotony and shines on us afresh, times when God has reminded or reassured you that he is real and present."  More information is available here.  


Here is my essay - exactly 259 words long!

My ‘thin place’ was during the time that my mother was dying in December 2004.  I was an only child whose parents divorced before I was born.  In addition, I had not yet been married.  Therefore, my mother and I were very close.  She was suffering from congestive heart failure and a host of other maladies.  Her 80^th birthday was December 19, 2004.  She lived to be 80, but ultimately succumbed to her illnesses on December 24, 2004.  It was, needless to say, bittersweet, as it was Christmas Eve.  I had been at the hospital for what seemed to be weeks.  I had decided to leave that day to spend some time with a friend and to get out a little bit.  I received the call from the doctor around 1 am on Christmas morning to tell me that she had passed around 11:30 pm.  I knew she was enjoying her new home with the Savior of her heart and soul.

The Lord had graciously brought Fred into my life around Thanksgiving.   He and Mom had the opportunity to meet, and she lit up when she saw him!  Fred & I knew the Lord brought the two of us together, and Mom seemed to know, too.  I think she felt safe in leaving me to his care.

Fred and I married on June 10, 2005.  It was a joyous day.  It would have been even more of a celebration if Mom had been there, but we will have a wonderful reunion one day.  I rejoice in that wonderful hope!

December 19: 12 Pearls of Christmas: He is Always Enough

Today's Christmas Pearl comes to us from author Mary DeMuth!

Christmas in a Barn
by Mary DeMuth

The Christmas of 2006 we were homeless. We didn't have keys. Not to a car, not to a home. We'd flown halfway around the world, leaving behind a ministry we toiled over. Much, particularly in our hearts, lay in ruins.

Some friends had a camp, and on that camp stood a barn. In the corner of the barn was a tiny apartment, flanked by this caboose and hundreds of acres of Texas pasture. We'd never been there before, so we followed directions at night, making plenty of wrong turns.

When we found the place, we drove a borrowed car over the cattle guard toward what would be our home for a month. String lights illuminated a small porch, a window and a door in the corner of an aluminum-sided barn. We hefted large pieces of luggage to the apartment.

And when we opened the door, Love welcomed us.

The place, usually completely unfurnished in the winter, was decked out with just the right amount of beds, couches and tables. The pantry was full. We had dishes and garbage cans, and cups and forks and food. But even more, we had a Christmas tree. Friends had hijacked the place, decorating it for Christmas. Cookies preened on the table.

I will never, ever forget that Christmas. We had so little. We felt the painful burden of failure. But we were loved, so terribly and wonderfully loved.

Christmas felt right there, in a barn. We heard the nickering of horses, the meowing of kittens, the clop of hooves against the barn floor. Chickens and goats and cows served as a holy object lesson of the incarnation. Although we were warm and clothed, we understood more keenly the Savior's homelessness, how He left the splendor of heaven for the sodden earth. We experienced barnyard life alongside him, without much to call our own except our Heavenly Father and our sweet family.

He was enough, that Christmas. And He will always will be.

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Mary DeMuth writes fiction and nonfiction. Her latest book, 'A Slow Burn,' released in October and she has a memoir entitled 'Thin Places' coming out in February of 2010. You can meet her: http://www.marydemuth.com, http://www.thewritingspa.com, on Facebook and Twitter!

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info