A Slow Burn, and an un-put-down-able read, by Mary E. DeMuth

Today is the launch day for A Slow Burn, by Mary E DeMuth, so I thought I should spotlight this post in honor of the occasion.

I read an un-put-down-able book last night, and the strange thing is, I’m not even sure if I was meant to have picked it up yet. It’s called “A Slow Burn,” by Mary E. DeMuth, and according to the publisher’s website (Zondervan) it doesn’t come out until October. But Mary was kind enough to allow me to be an “influencer,” so I received my copy early, and once I’d opened it—well, like I said—I couldn’t put it down.

The story and characters drew me in right from the start. The protagonist, Emory Chance, is waiting for the police to knock at her door with the worst kind of news. A single mom, and not the most friendly of people, she’s left to identify her daughter’s body and organize a funeral, while creditors demand payment, the landlord threatens to throw her out and neighbors stare.

With past and present colliding in her emotions, Emory bounces between Angus’s offer of drugs and Hixom’s promise of prayer. The writing style, with beautiful, powerful prose, anchors the reader with stunning descriptions of place and memory, seamlessly weaving the tale together.

The book cover, with its fiery red sky and moody shadows, is a perfect fit. And the author draws the balance of light and dark, hope and despair, belief and denial quite beautifully. From Catholic last rites to disapproving preacher to laughter to messages from God, the reader is pulled through the gamut of faith and finds it strong and powerful in the strangest places.

I closed the book feeling uplifted and enthralled. The novel is part of a trilogy, but its story comes to a satisfying conclusion. I’ll look forward to reading parts 1 and 3, and I’m sure they’ll be wonderful. But this book, "A Slow Burn" by Mary E. DeMuth, is a wonderful read all on its own.

Now to find something else to read tonight... maybe a book that won't keep me up so late...