Tuesday, September 15, 2009

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.

22 comments:

  1. Wow! That cover is stunning! I really enjoy authors who tackle such difficult issues like that. Can't wait to read her book!

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  2. Nicole,
    I just finished Havah! I turned the last page, closed the book and said to my husband..."now that is a good book." I loved it and am so glad you introduced me to Tosca Lee. Her depiction of the garden, the fall and the exile has challenged me to examine my own heart and reiterate to me, my need for a Savior! I can't wait to pass this along to friends.

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  3. Well here's to Mary DeMuth today!! The fact that she can run a blog AND get books out the door with three kids at home - HAS to be the caffiene!!! :)

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  4. I read Daisy Chain this summer and really enjoyed it. Very different from anything I've read before. I would love the chance to win A Slow Burn:)

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  5. Ok posted on facebook:
    http://www.facebook.com/home.php?pub=2309869772#/sabine.galvan?ref=profile

    ...on Twitter
    http://twitter.com/momoffive95

    ...and put up a blog about it, which will hopefully get some chuckles! :)
    http://binaspace.blogspot.com/2009/09/calling-all-readers.html

    Happy Commenting, Everyone!

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  6. It did sneak up on me! I didn't even realize it was the 15th. I'm excited to read more about Mary DeMuth. I've seen her books before and thought they looked interesting. Good choice! :)

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  7. I'm a fan of Mary! She's my critiquer at the conference this weekend! I'm very excited to meet her in person!

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  8. http://www.facebook.com/eleymbeigh?ref=profile

    http://twitter.com/eleymbeigh

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  9. I am taking a memoir writing class this semester. I would love to read your memoir.

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  10. I'm always up for a new book! (sorry for ambushing you in Wal-Mart last week-- had just finished The Moment Between at midnight the night before, so it was so fresh in my head and I had to tell you once I saw you!)

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  11. Excited for the chance at another giveaway! What a fun way to introduce new authors to people.
    Have a great day!
    Danette

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  12. Thanks for highlighting my books, Nicole. You rock the house!

    And I'm humbled because I'm a huge fan of your writing.

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  13. Just bought and started Daisy Chain and would love a chance to win A Slow Burn!

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  14. http://www.facebook.com/alicia.lourens?ref=profile

    http://lifesajourney-alicia.blogspot.com/2009/09/speaking-of-books.html

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  15. I cannot wait to read Mary's books. I so appreciate Mary's heart and humility. She is truly a servant, and her writings touch so many.

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  16. I'm an influencer for A Slow Burn, so I have a copy. I would love a copy of Daisy Chain to read and tweet about and post comments on Facebook and on my blog when it's up and running in February.

    I posted on Facebook:

    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000079863939&ref=name

    and Twitter:

    http://twitter.com/verojonesbrown

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  17. These books both look excellent! I work at a Christian bookstore when I'm home in the summer, and I'm always looking for fiction to recommend to people that deals with tough topics. Often times fiction is so much more accessible to people that the more in-depth non-fiction that deals with these things. So thank you, Mary! I'm excited to read these!

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  18. Throw my name in the hat, please. Would love to win one of Mary's books!

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  19. I would love to win a copy of this book. Please enter me in the contest! stinarose(at)bell(dot)net

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  20. I would really love to win a book! I have not previously heard of Mary or her titles, but am definitely interested now!

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  21. I tweeted:

    APatchworkofBksNicole Baart has a great contest going at her blog too: http://bit.ly/jqQ0K

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