Friday, May 28, 2010

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.

9 comments:

quietspirit said...

Edwina:
Mary DeMuth tells a story well. I have read the first two installments.

cll4him(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

Mary DeMuth said...

Thank you, Edwina, for your insightful and well written review. I really appreciate it.

rick said...

Please enter me in the drawing. Rick Estep, rick@heavenboundmediacenter.com

Unknown said...

I'm in!! Can't afford any books right now (husband unemployed) but would love to win a copy!!
kella1953@aol.com.

Judy said...

I would like to win this book - I've been thinking about ordering it! Judy - jdearing7@gmail.com

Karla Meachem said...

What an incredible review; I will be adding these books to my 'to read list.' Think I will have to pick this one up for the summer. :)

* Always a disappointment though when only US residents can enter such excellent book giveaways.

Good luck to all those who enter!!!

Blessings from a Canadian chick. :)

Tammy P. said...

I would like to be entered into the drawing. Name: Tammy Patrick

email: rntammyp@msn.com

Rachel said...

Awesome! Rachel Clark butterflyblue1116@yahoo.com

Edwina said...

Hello all -

Thanks for entering the contest! The drawing will be this Friday,
June 4.

Mary, You are so welcome! It is always a pleasure to read and review your books!

Karla, I'm so sorry about the "US Residents Only" stipulation. It's because of the FTC regulations. :(

Blessings to all!!