BOOK REVIEW: LIFE IN DEFIANCE by Mary E. DeMuth

When one is a published author, each succeeding published book is expected to be better—greater—than the last one. Mary E. DeMuth has not only exceeded that expectation, she has soared above all expectations in Life in Defiance.

I have read Book One, Daisy Chain, and Book Two, A Slow Burn, in the Defiance Texas Trilogy. Both books were well-written, insightful and thought-provoking. Both books had that “stick-to-your-ribs” quality – the characters, theme and learned lessons stayed with me long after I had finished reading.

Book Three, Life in Defiance, touched a chord in me that very few books have ever done. I believe it will touch a cord in every woman who reads it. Not that this is a book just for women – men can benefit from reading it as well. But there is something about the main character, Ouisie Pepper, with which most women will easily identify—her continual work on self-improvement and her constant struggle for perfection. We follow Ouisie on her path towards perfection only to discover, as if we didn’t already know, there is no such thing as perfection in a human being. Jesus is the only Perfect One.

There is another important lesson learned in this book. “To reveal a truth or live a lie”…which brings me back to perfection. Are we not living a lie when we “pretend” to be perfect?

Life in Defiance is full of forgiveness, reconciliation and hope. It shows us that we cannot continually live a lie. We must reveal the truth before forgiveness can occur. And forgiveness must happen before there is a chance at reconciliation and hope.

Ms. DeMuth has taken fiery emotions and provocative words and woven them together into a quilt with characters who will insinuate themselves into your heart and mind and a message that will change your life.

Ms. DeMuth and Zondervan Publishing have graciously offered one book to be given away in a drawing on Friday June 4. Please leave your name and email address to be entered into the drawing. This drawing is open to mainland U. S. residents only, 18 years and older and is void where prohibited.