He is deeply in love with Missy Miss E as he calls her, and convinced that there is good in her to be redeemed. Muriel, Hixon's adopted mother is dying of cancer. A wonderful saint of God, she too believes that Hixon came help Emory to find God and to find forgiveness. Leaving letters, that are prayers for Emory, to be mailed to Emory after her death Muriel continues to minister healing to Emory. This book like I said earlier is a dark book,a deep book, abuse and drug usage being a key part of the book.
The author has delved into an area most Christian writer do not. Being dark, doesn't mean it isn't a good book, in fact it is a wonderfully written book. She successfully kept her characters and story line, complicated with no confusion. It is just a theme and part of life we rarely see in Christian fiction. I did enjoy the book, and eagerly look for the third book of the trilogy.
Sep 26, Carly rated it it was amazing. Books on the other hand, they are a different story. Some books have more effect on me than others, but once in a blue moon there is a book that pulls me in and does not let go even after the last page is turned. A Slow Burn is one of those books. There is sadness and heartache to be found in the pages of A Slow Burn. So much so, there were a couple parts of the book that affected me to the point that I had to put the book down for a little while and cry. Despite the pain and sadness, this book is full of miracles.
I was so moved by the love and forgiveness the people of Defiance showed Emory despite all the bad things she had done. That is just like Jesus. He is all over the pages of this book and I feel closer to Him than I did before I read this book. Not only is the Christian message of this book strong, the story is amazing, and the writing is flawless. I could see that Mary DeMuth put her heart and soul into this book.
I only wish I had read Daisy Chain first. I wanted to, but I ran out of time. I am anxious to read the third and final book in this series to see this story come full circle. A Slow Burn is not light reading, so if that is what you are looking for, you may want to consider another book.
But, if you want a book that is going to challenge you and make you think, not to mention make you love your Savior even more, then read this book. I just want to thank Mary DeMuth for writing this book and so openly sharing Jesus with us. I do hope anyone reading this review will read this book and be transformed. Nov 11, Sheila rated it it was amazing Shelves: 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. 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 burial 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.
DeMuth, is a wonderful read on its own. Oct 02, Donna Collins rated it it was amazing. DeMuth, the 2nd book in the Defiance, Texas trilogy. Words from the book weren't always a slow burn, but scorching hot and searing with love and th I finished A Slow Burn by Mary E. Words from the book weren't always a slow burn, but scorching hot and searing with love and the warmth of God's forgiveness and redemption.
Somewhat reminiscent of the classic by Francine Rivers, "Redeeming Love" it was a book that I didn't want to put down yet cringed to think I was so close to the end, and wouldn't have it to read anymore. I loved "A Slow Burn" and as a writer, I felt that Mary has surpassed many in being able to portray the depths within the souls of her characters.
A Slow Burn (Defiance, Texas Trilogy #2) by Mary E. DeMuth
Her novels scream the spirit of Harper Lee and the South, with all the intricacies of living there, good, bad, indifferent, covered over, secretive and yet also personified those that were spiritual, loving, giving, self-sacrificing, prophetic and Godly. I wept as I read because such searing words could not be read without weeping; not sorrowful but as in "joy coming in the morning type" of weeping.
I don't want to give the story away as I hate when people do that before I have read a book, but I must say that I have a whole new appreciation for Mary as a master word weaver and craftsman. I can't wait for the next book to come out! Feb 04, Debbie rated it it was amazing Shelves: This is the second novel in the series.
You can understand and enjoy the story even if you haven't read the first novel, but I got the feeling the story would have had even more depth and there was plenty already if I'd read the first book before this one. This was one of those stories that drew me in and came vividly to life in my imagination, but I think it had more to do with a few, select setting details combined with vivid "A Slow Burn" is a Christian historical novel set in in Texas.
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This was one of those stories that drew me in and came vividly to life in my imagination, but I think it had more to do with a few, select setting details combined with vividly drawn characters. You truly got to know Emory and Hixon's deepest thoughts, hurts, and fears--nothing held back.
The characters were realistic in their reactions to the events and in their coping mechanisms. The low-level suspense came from the mysterious break-ins at Emory's house and people's worries that the murderer might strike again.
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When the story ends, we still don't know the name of whodunit, but Emory has finally admitted the truth about herself to herself and started down her road of healing. It's a long, hard, and painful road for her to get to that point, and I suspect it's not going to be an easy road for her from this point on, either. There was a Christian element--God is clearly involved in these character's lives and is pursuing a closer relationship with them.
It didn't come across as one character preaching to another, though--it's more people loving each other like Christ loves us. There was a minor amount of "he swore" style and fake bad language. Emory did use drugs.
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There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd highly recommend this book. Sep 29, Carla Stewart rated it it was amazing. This second course in the Defiance Texas Trilogy was a bit of a surprise to me. Doubts plague Hixon as he ministers faithfully to Emory even when nothing makes sense and his efforts seem futile.
Mary endears her characters to the reader by making them real even with the quirks that set them apart from the other residents of Defiance, Texas. Nov 13, Kathleen L. Maher rated it really liked it. I have not had the benefit of reading Daisy Chain, the first book in the Defiance, Texas trilogy, but even so, the unique story of Emory Chance and her lost daughter captivated me.
Wh I have not had the benefit of reading Daisy Chain, the first book in the Defiance, Texas trilogy, but even so, the unique story of Emory Chance and her lost daughter captivated me. Emory is set on a collision course with redemption. God directs Hixon Jones, a handyman and seventies-era Hosea, to repeatedly intervene between her and disaster. Human fallibility, back-lit by a gentle, pursuing light, guides this utterly honest tale.
Stark and beautiful at once, the imagery and the emotion of A Slow Burn will leave a lasting impression. Sep 14, Christy Lockstein rated it it was amazing. Emory Chance is "perfect in every way, but flawed to her marrow. Hixon Jones has determined to show Emory the love of God no matter how hard she pushes him away, eventually falling in love with her. Emory's spirit was broken again and again from childhood throughout her entire life: DeMuth's writing is a revelation. Hixon's relationship with God is a beautiful message to every reader; his struggle at the police station to do the right thing resonates.
How do we treat others? Do we speak the truth in love or does love cover a multitude of sins? She never gives a sermon in her books, and yet the reader can't help but close the back cover with a deeper and richer understanding of God and his love. DeMuth carefully renders a haunting portrait of a woman so haunted by her past sins that she can't see any way out from under them and makes Emory's incomprehensible actions understandable. This is a deeply moving and multi-layered story from a masterful author. Sep 21, Karen Rabbitt rated it it was amazing. Mary DeMuth has a heart for the lost, the least, and the last.
Emory Chance, drug addict, neglectful mother of Daisy, and the object of small-town Defiance, Texas gossip, is rendered in colorful detail in Mary's distinctive prose. Readers will understand more about what drives a mother to neglect a child. They'll enter into the heart and mind of someone who's been neglected and now feels deep regret and shame about neglecting her own child.
Daisy's murder intensifies Emory's emotions and sets her Mary DeMuth has a heart for the lost, the least, and the last. Daisy's murder intensifies Emory's emotions and sets her on a self-destructive course. Any shame-based person will understand her motivations. Mary paints a clear portrait of how hard it is for a shamed person to receive God's love.
I kept hoping Emory would recognize God's hand in the people around her. And I thought of the people who need my persistent kindness to see God's arms stretched toward them. An involving story, well-told, that takes both sin and God seriously. Worthy of your time and money. No easy answers, no platitudes, but a satisfying ending, with a final ending yet to come in the third book of the Defiance, Texas trilogy. In the crowded marketplace of Christian fiction, Mary is one of the best. Apr 14, Joyce rated it really liked it Shelves: This book is a sequel to the novel Daisy Chain.
The writing style seemed easier to follow in this novel than in Daisy Chain or perhaps I was familiar with it after reading the first novel. In the previous novel, the story centered around Jed, an adolescent boy, who is close friends with Daisy Chase, a 15 year old girl who disappears. In this book, the story is centered around Daisy's mother, Emory Chase. The author once again has done an awesome job of describing the inner thoughts and struggles This book is a sequel to the novel Daisy Chain.
The author once again has done an awesome job of describing the inner thoughts and struggles of both the character of Emory but also Hixson, a black man who portrays God's love to Emory in spite of her pushing him away and betraying him. Hixson's character and actions are obviously a depiction of Christ's love and sacrifice. However, this novel is definitely a departure from many of the Christian fiction novels that are popular today. Once again, DeMuth has given a very honest portrayal of spiritual struggles in the midst of personal tragedies. Through the character of Emory, a drug addict, a neglectful mother, and adulterer, Demuth has given a very realistic portrayal of the inner struggles of a drug addict.
Nov 14, Myra Johnson rated it really liked it Shelves: I have to begin by saying this book did NOT end as expected! That's not a bad thing--in fact, Mary DeMuth's heart-wrenching story riveted my attention to the very last page. She is a master at digging deep into her characters' lives and pulling out every emotional nuance. A Slow Burn continues the mystery begun in Daisy Chain , which relates a young girl's abduction and murder and the devastating effects on her family and friends.
In this second book of Mary's trilogy, the murdered Daisy's mother, I have to begin by saying this book did NOT end as expected! In this second book of Mary's trilogy, the murdered Daisy's mother, Emory Chance, is the central character, dealing with demons from both her past and present. The mystery aspect of the story is like a bass chord that you feel more than hear, while the sad and troubled symphony that is Emory's life plays out on stage.
The story is really more about Emory's struggle to find herself through her relationships with the other characters, especially the ever-faithful Hixon. We still don't learn who the murderer is, however, so of course now I'm anxious for Mary's final book in the trilogy. Nov 17, Amydeanne rated it it was amazing. I will admit I first misread the date; I was thinking it was a historical novel set in Texas, but it was set in A very fickled era of inter-racial situations, a lot of darkness with addictions and such.
A very heavy read BUT I loved it! You can really feel the passion in this book — the heart wrenching struggles of addictions and the joy of letting God take hold of your life. I think Mary did a great job with book and I really felt like I was there. I loved the depth of the characters and the pain she put into them. They were believeable and you just wanted to shake them silly! I was totally impressed with it. I give it a full five stars and than some! Feb 20, Lauralee Bliss rated it really liked it. I was anxious to read this book by Mary as I had heard of her excellence in writing.
And this book did not disappoint. I was interested to read literary fiction, as I had not done so in the past. I found her writing well done, drawing one into the story. My only qualm about the book is that it is so dark. There was little semblance of joy and peace found in Christ. Or if it was there, it was so overshadowed by the darkness that it did not shine through. Even wi I was anxious to read this book by Mary as I had heard of her excellence in writing. Even with the Christians and the talk of God and Jesus, one did not get a semblance that there is anything different in life, even if you know God.
There is only sadness, pain, adversity, trial, struggle. That the darkness still prevails. I think it might have made a much better contrast if the darkness of sin could have been compared to the joy and light of a renewed life, that even with trials, peace and joy are still there. Mar 05, Elaine rated it really liked it Shelves: A story of pain and betrayal. A woman doesn't want to go on living; feels she has to pay for her sins -- in a deeper way than she already does. She's trying to run away from it all but finds she has friends who care about her.
There's a man who doesn't know what to make of her. He cares about her and wants to obey God but Book 2 in the Defiance Texas Trilogy focuses on Emory Daisy's mother and Hixon - their lives and pursuits. He cares about her and wants to obey God but he's torn in her rejection of him and of the pain and betrayal to him. Ditto for a female friend whom she also tries to drive away with her words. In a way this story is a bit like Francine Rivers' Redeeming Love. However since there are other relationships entwined in the lives of the main characters, this one goes beyond Rivers' love story.
Sep 07, Melissa rated it it was amazing. The second part of the Trilogy, this book gives us the same heart pounding action and heart wrenching emotion we have come to expect from Mary DeMuth. The acts of forgiveness, denial, betrayal, love, humility and hatred are expertly examined in this Defiance, Texas sequel.
It's almost as if Mary know just what to write on paper to touch each of our souls, and then does so as if she is speaking to us as individuals. Her words make you feel what each of her characters are feeling and saying and you will find yourself laughing out loud, crying your eyes out, loving without shame and then feeling betrayed all within minutes of each other.
There are absolutely no "slow" chapters or forced words in this book. It is written as it is lived. Jan 26, Heather Zuber-Harshman rated it it was amazing. Mary DeMuth was on fire with this book no pun intended - you'll understand when you read it! Her descriptions were phenomenal: I found her scenes to be captivating, her story to be just complicated enough, her characters to be real, engaging. I learned many great techniques for my own writing from reading her work. Although my fiction novel is a different genre, the basics of good writing remain the same, and she nails them.
So I took t Mary DeMuth was on fire with this book no pun intended - you'll understand when you read it! So I took the time to note things that were helpful so I can incorporate them into my own works. Sadly, there were a few grammatical errors, repetitive words, inconsistency with Missy's character, and quite a few cliches. Those are all things that should have been caught by a thorough edit by independent eyes.
Mar 23, Michelle Johnson rated it liked it. I like this series pretty well. I loved the development of the characters and the plot. I adored the redeeming qualities set forth. Because that really is how Jesus works. And that really is the way of addiction. However, except for the person who committed the murder whom I am unsure of the book is pretty predictable.
Don't get me wrong, it's a nice Sunday afternoon read; clean with a deeper meaning. I will read the third book as I just can't be left hanging on who did this. As far as Christi I like this series pretty well. As far as Christian books go, I highly recommend this.
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Some people only read "Christian" themed books. This one fits the bill.
As for people who aren't necessarily into that theme, this is not cram it down your throat, either. Mar 02, Heidi rated it really liked it. This series is not lighthearted or humorous in any way.
But they are very very good. This book is about Emory whose daughter Daisy was murdered in the first book. Emory has had a hard-scrabble life, raised by a mother who refused to love her and eventually died of cancer while refusing to apologize for anything. Emory is an addict who has turned into her mother and only realizes after Daisy dies how much so.
She turns anyone away that may want to get close to her while the voices iin her head tell her she's worthless and unloveable. Plus Daisys killer is harrassing her. Great read about Gods grace and redemption. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Ships from and sold by Amazon. Customers who viewed this item also viewed. Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1.
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Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. Gripping from beginning to end. Again, great writing and although not all things end perfectly or the way we hope, just as in reality, the story does not disappoint. I love how the third person narrative switched from one character in the first book to two different alternating characters in this second. Looking forward to Book 3!
Disappointing on so many levels. I wish I would have just looked up the synopsis to find out who killed Daisy instead of wasting time on the second book. A Slow Burn does nothing to improve the story, just a way to sell more books in my opinion, not everything has to be a trilogy and this one definitely should have ended with Daisy Chain. Jed was a well developed character and I believe DeMuth did a good job at telling Daisy Chain through his point of view. Unfortunately, A Slow Burn missed the mark. Let me save you some time before you read this or the third book.
The killer is a man in a tree!
A Slow Burn, Defiance, Texas Series #2
How would this go unnoticed in a small Texas town? Absolutely unbelievable and seems like an afterthought. I do not understand all of the positive reviews. Several times I found myself recollecting the Old Testament account of Hosea the prophet and Gomer the harlot--another disturbing but inspiring and true example of the depth of God's love for humanity. After the high drama and heartbreak in Daisy Chain book one I wasn't expecting the emphasis on romance in A Slow Burn.
Emory Chance, the drug-addicted waitress whose daughter was abducted and found dead in book one, attracts some men for all the wrong reasons, and others for the right reasons. It's a curious paradox that kept me turning the pages to find out why. Well, it seems the answer will be revealed in book three. We also need to find out who is the tattooed man, why Officer Spellman hovers so close to Emory, and what will happen to the fractured preacher, Hap Pepper, and his abused family.
Will Jed ever be at peace with God, with Daisy's death, and with himself? Jed is still my favorite character--his teenage fury is so palpable, and rightly so. I am pulling for him--it seems he has more than his share of grief and trouble to sort out. Still defiant in A Slow Burn. But something, or someone there will discover whatever is keeping that ramshackle town in bondage and have the courage to love it into submission. Because after all, redemption is waiting around every corner, and that's what I'm hoping for.
Very depressing and repetitive book. First book in trilogy was a good mystery, which is still unsolved. A third thru this second book, I will probably skip to the third one in hopes that the mystery will finally be solved. A story of pain and betrayal. A woman doesn't want to go on living; feels she has to pay for her sins -- in a deeper way than she already does.
She's trying to run away from it all but finds she has friends who care about her. There's a man who doesn't know what to make of her. He cares about her and wants to obey God but he's torn in her rejection of him and of the pain and betrayal to him. Ditto for a female friend whom she also tries to drive away with her words. In a way this story is a bit like Francine Rivers' Redeeming Love. However since there are other relationships entwined in the lives of the main characters, this one goes beyond Rivers' love story.
Mary DeMuth has the rare ability to be a literary writer and a commercial writer at the same time. In other words some of her word pictures and imagery is so vivid and her writing so lyrical, I smile for the sheer beauty of the language she creates. At the same time I'm drawn in by the plight of her characters and a plot that pulls you through the book at a rapid clip. Can't wait for book three in the trilogy. This was a very good book. I was disappointed that one of the characters died but it was interesting to watch the story of Emory unfold.
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