The Grapevine: Mary DeMuth

So did the fifteenth sneak up on you? It pounced on me! Where has the last month gone? I can't believe it's been four weeks since I introduced you to Tosca Lee. But here we are, halfway through September, and it's time for another introduction and giveaway. How exciting!

Today I would like you to meet a lady after my own heart. She has a deep passion for ministry (her family served as missionaries in France), a photographer's eye, and an optimistic take on life. I love her smile and her boundless energy!

Mary DeMuth is the author of seven published books, three of which are non-fiction. Her eighth book, a memoir titled Thin Places, releases in January of 2010. In addition to writing, Mary speaks about parenting, building strong families, and overcoming past trials. If that wasn't enough to keep her busy, she also mentors writers on the road to publication at her blog So You Want To Be Published. Oh, and did I mention she's a wife and mother of three? It's either caffeine or the Holy Spirit... ;)

I've only had the pleasure of reading two of Mary's books, the first two books in her Defiance, Texas Trilogy. But from what I've read, Mary's writing is honest, raw, and unflinching. She willingly tackles subjects that many books avoid. Sexual abuse, murder, hypocrisy, alcoholism... Mary addresses it all with tenacity and grace. I applaud her pioneer spirit and her obvious empathy for people with a long history of brokenness.

Wanna win a book? Of course you do! Mary has graciously agreed to give away one of her books to Grapevine readers. You know the drill: leave a comment. If you want more chances to win, spread the word about the contest. For every social-networking thing you do (posting on Twitter, Facebook, etc.) you may have one more "entry." Just leave a second comment with the link-up. Good luck! And come back tomorrow for my take on Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn, Mary's first two books in the Defiance, Texas trilogy as well as a teaser for the upcoming release of her memoir.