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Defiance, Texas Trilogy #3
Life in Defiance
In a town she personifies, Ouisie Pepper wrestles with her own defiance. Desperate to become the wife and mother her husband Hap demands, Ouisie pours over a simple book about womanhood, constantly falling short, but determined to improve. Through all that self-improvement, Ouisie carries a terrible secret: she knows who killed Daisy Chance. As her children inch closer to uncovering the killer s identity and Hap s rages roar louder and become increasingly violent, Ouisie has to make a decision. Will she protect her children by telling her secret? Or will Hap s violence silence them all? Set on the backdrop of Defiance, Texas, Ouisie s journey typifies the choices we all face---whether to tell the truth about secrets and fight for the truth or bury them forever and live with the violent consequences."
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First published May 7, 2010
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About the author
Mary E. DeMuth
74 books419 followersMary DeMuth is literary agent, international speaker, podcaster, and she’s the novelist and nonfiction author of over forty books, including Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Kids with Joy (Bethany 2022). She loves to help people re-story their lives. She lives in Texas with her husband of 31 years and is the mom to three adult children. Find out more at marydemuth.com. Be prayed for on her daily prayer podcast with 4 million downloads: prayeveryday.show. For sexual abuse resources, visit wetoo.org. For cards, prints, and artsy fun go to marydemuth.com/art. Find out what she’s looking for as a literary agent at marydemuthliterary.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 20, 2010
Thank you Mary for NOT ripping my heart out with this one!
I stayed up late reading because I kept telling myself, oh just one more chapter and the next thing I knew, it was 1AM and I was done.
I love books like that!
This is the final book in the Defiance Trilogy and I really enjoyed it. At one point I was really scared that Mary was gonna work some magic and make me feel sorry for Hapland Pepper and that I won't love or feel for Ouisie anymore. Luckily, that never happened!
There are characters in this book that make me want to jump in the pages and shake some sense into their heads and others I don't trust.
I am so happy to have discovered this author!
I stayed up late reading because I kept telling myself, oh just one more chapter and the next thing I knew, it was 1AM and I was done.
I love books like that!
This is the final book in the Defiance Trilogy and I really enjoyed it. At one point I was really scared that Mary was gonna work some magic and make me feel sorry for Hapland Pepper and that I won't love or feel for Ouisie anymore. Luckily, that never happened!
There are characters in this book that make me want to jump in the pages and shake some sense into their heads and others I don't trust.
I am so happy to have discovered this author!
January 21, 2017
Well worth the full three books!
September 2, 2017
Beautiful Redemption
What a gripping and beautiful story of God's mercy and redemption! This story resonated with my heart, because I felt like I was reading portions of my childhood. My dad was a pastor, who had a violent temper and took it out on my mom, in some of the similar forms that Hap, the Pastor in the story, did. I saw my mom in Ousie. Oh, but what healing I received as I continued the journey through the book. I felt God's arms around me, as I cried with many of the characters, throughout their journey. Such compelling writing! I finished this last book in a day and a half. Many twists and was surprised at who the one who took Daisy's life, ended up being. I had it pegged on somebody else. Thank you Mary DeMuth, for such a beautifully written story....the whole trilogy.
What a gripping and beautiful story of God's mercy and redemption! This story resonated with my heart, because I felt like I was reading portions of my childhood. My dad was a pastor, who had a violent temper and took it out on my mom, in some of the similar forms that Hap, the Pastor in the story, did. I saw my mom in Ousie. Oh, but what healing I received as I continued the journey through the book. I felt God's arms around me, as I cried with many of the characters, throughout their journey. Such compelling writing! I finished this last book in a day and a half. Many twists and was surprised at who the one who took Daisy's life, ended up being. I had it pegged on somebody else. Thank you Mary DeMuth, for such a beautifully written story....the whole trilogy.
October 27, 2017
Profoundly and wonderfully healing!
I processed so much hurt in the reading of all 3 books in this series! Every character had something to say to me or teach me about my brokenness, hurts, failures, losses. In the end it reminded me of God's hope and healing even if everything is not tied up with neat wrapping and bows. Healing is a journey. We need others and Jesus to live forward. Beautifully raw writing that got me further away from my past wounds, inhaling God's grace in its place!
I processed so much hurt in the reading of all 3 books in this series! Every character had something to say to me or teach me about my brokenness, hurts, failures, losses. In the end it reminded me of God's hope and healing even if everything is not tied up with neat wrapping and bows. Healing is a journey. We need others and Jesus to live forward. Beautifully raw writing that got me further away from my past wounds, inhaling God's grace in its place!
August 8, 2018
Did not want to end
Like a movie or book you do not want to end, I want to keep going with these characters. Loved the series. Loved the change of character focus in the narrative of each book in the series.
Like a movie or book you do not want to end, I want to keep going with these characters. Loved the series. Loved the change of character focus in the narrative of each book in the series.
March 8, 2022
Weird dang book
July 13, 2025
I enjoyed the trilogy. Creative captivating and an interesting ending. The trilogy made me cry and laugh
June 7, 2010
Life In Defiance left me in a vague disquiet. When I closed the book, I didn’t know whether I wanted to cry or celebrate with Ouisie in her well deserved triumph. I recall getting ready for bed, brushing my teeth, and chewing over the story in my head because I couldn’t shake the emotions it left with me.
In book one, Daisy Chain, Daisy Chance abruptly disappears. 14-year old Jed Pepper searches for answers. In book two, A Slow Burn, Emory Chance grieves and struggles with a vision of who killed her daughter, Daisy. Now in book three, Ouisie struggles because she thinks she knows who killed Daisy. Ouisie is the wife of pastor in the town’s small community church. She struggles with her secrets, her anger, and struggles to do the right thing by her abusive husband.
I felt as if I were reading the pages of a book right out of some of my friend’s lives. There were times when I couldn’t seem to catch my breath as I struggled right along with Ouisie. The book is written from Ouisie’s perspective. She talks about the voices in her head berating her for not living up to the perfect wife, for not doing anything good, and for defying God. Her pastor husband is not only the head pastor of the church, but he seems to own the church. Everyone knows Ouisie is abused, but no one wants to go up against the pastor. The pastor uses God’s Word to further break her spirit.
Ouisie likes to walk the shores of Lake Pisgah. She also likes to drink. The alcohol is her only escape from her life at home. Her daughter and son rally around their mother. They trade messages written on flower petals because Hap, her husband, will never read them. Flower petals brown quickly and rot. One day she meets a man who faintly resembles Santa Claus. He is a wandering vagrant named, Elijah. You don’t know if he is a safe person or where he comes from, but he is like a prophet. He tells Ouisie what she needs to hear, what she doesn’t want to hear, and he becomes a friend bringing unusual presents made of string and paper. Another strange person enters her life.
The author of a book about marriage visits her and we find out the author was married, but her marriage didn’t last. How can a marriage book be written by a woman whose marriage is a failure? The book is all about submission and Ouisie reads it and tries to follow it like a good wife. Hap is pleased, but Ouisie will learn you cannot imitate perfection. You want to take the book from her hands and toss it away because you know it’s not healthy. You applaud her friends when they point out the Bible verses where submission works both ways.
Life In Defiance is a clever play of the title. Ouisie is living her life in defiance, both in the town and the literal meaning of the word. We walk with her as she struggles with self-doubt, self-revulsion and with God. We walk with her along the shores of Lake Pigsah watching the tall grasses bend in the wind. We hold our breath when the killer of Daisy Chance stalks her from the trees near her house. We feel a knot in our throat when her husband nearly kills her with his violent temper over and over and feel righteous anger at those who witness it and do nothing.
Once again, Mary DeMuth does an outstanding job in this work of fiction. The words are poetic and engrossing. I opened the book on Wednesday afternoon and closed the last page late Wednesday night. I wanted to cry for those I know who struggled like Ouisie, for myself who understands the power of words and how the Bible is misused to control another person, and for those struggling right now under oppression. It made me thank God for the husband I married and for the freedoms I enjoy.
This book provided by Zondervan
In book one, Daisy Chain, Daisy Chance abruptly disappears. 14-year old Jed Pepper searches for answers. In book two, A Slow Burn, Emory Chance grieves and struggles with a vision of who killed her daughter, Daisy. Now in book three, Ouisie struggles because she thinks she knows who killed Daisy. Ouisie is the wife of pastor in the town’s small community church. She struggles with her secrets, her anger, and struggles to do the right thing by her abusive husband.
I felt as if I were reading the pages of a book right out of some of my friend’s lives. There were times when I couldn’t seem to catch my breath as I struggled right along with Ouisie. The book is written from Ouisie’s perspective. She talks about the voices in her head berating her for not living up to the perfect wife, for not doing anything good, and for defying God. Her pastor husband is not only the head pastor of the church, but he seems to own the church. Everyone knows Ouisie is abused, but no one wants to go up against the pastor. The pastor uses God’s Word to further break her spirit.
Ouisie likes to walk the shores of Lake Pisgah. She also likes to drink. The alcohol is her only escape from her life at home. Her daughter and son rally around their mother. They trade messages written on flower petals because Hap, her husband, will never read them. Flower petals brown quickly and rot. One day she meets a man who faintly resembles Santa Claus. He is a wandering vagrant named, Elijah. You don’t know if he is a safe person or where he comes from, but he is like a prophet. He tells Ouisie what she needs to hear, what she doesn’t want to hear, and he becomes a friend bringing unusual presents made of string and paper. Another strange person enters her life.
The author of a book about marriage visits her and we find out the author was married, but her marriage didn’t last. How can a marriage book be written by a woman whose marriage is a failure? The book is all about submission and Ouisie reads it and tries to follow it like a good wife. Hap is pleased, but Ouisie will learn you cannot imitate perfection. You want to take the book from her hands and toss it away because you know it’s not healthy. You applaud her friends when they point out the Bible verses where submission works both ways.
Life In Defiance is a clever play of the title. Ouisie is living her life in defiance, both in the town and the literal meaning of the word. We walk with her as she struggles with self-doubt, self-revulsion and with God. We walk with her along the shores of Lake Pigsah watching the tall grasses bend in the wind. We hold our breath when the killer of Daisy Chance stalks her from the trees near her house. We feel a knot in our throat when her husband nearly kills her with his violent temper over and over and feel righteous anger at those who witness it and do nothing.
Once again, Mary DeMuth does an outstanding job in this work of fiction. The words are poetic and engrossing. I opened the book on Wednesday afternoon and closed the last page late Wednesday night. I wanted to cry for those I know who struggled like Ouisie, for myself who understands the power of words and how the Bible is misused to control another person, and for those struggling right now under oppression. It made me thank God for the husband I married and for the freedoms I enjoy.
This book provided by Zondervan
May 27, 2010
In Defiance, Texas, Ouisie Pepper seeks a perfect world. She’s the pastor’s wife. How could she be defiant? And yet, she defies her husband and the hunters of Daisy Chance’s killer, keeping secrets that could change the lives of all the people around her. Ouisie knows the pastor is not the all powerful, all knowing, all kind and generous leader he’s believed to be. She knows Daisy’s killer still lurks close by. She knows her son and daughter deserve a better life. And she knows she shouldn’t drink. But sometimes the drinking is all that seems to hold her together.
Ouisie Pepper sets out to improve her marriage with the aid of a sweetly religious self-help book. And the author, Mary E DeMuth, brings Ouisie, self-help author Sheba Nelson, bereaved mother Emory Chance, and a host of other characters to vivid life, all through Ouisie’s lonely clouded eyes.
I read A Slow Burn, second in Mary DeMuth’s Defiance Texas Trilogy, last year and really enjoyed it. There I saw through Emory’s eyes as she tried to piece together a life that was already fractured before her child was lost. There I met Ouisie, the discerning, oddly non-judgemental friend, with fascinating character flaws that I longed to learn more of. In Life in Defiance I finally get to know her well.
Ouisie wears her wounds well hidden, not just the wounds of a marriage that offers no safety, but those of a childhood too whose insecurities have molded her. Even when her husband doesn’t rage, the voice in her head still reminds her that she’s not perfect, not good enough. She walks round the lake drinking its peace while fearing to drown, and she can’t let go of the need to help herself as she struggles constantly to help others.
It’s not hard to empathize with Ouisie. Balancing love and duty, clinging helplessly to the hope that people change, meeting each challenge head-on and always standing right back up again, she tries so hard to control her world while she watches it spin on its heel.
The author has a deft hand with conversation, creating meetings where the reader feels so involved you almost want to speak your piece. She treats the presence of the divine with convincing realism too, never resorting to unbelievable “voices” but retaining the constant presence of another Voice in Ouisie’s mind. And she ties the threads of a complex tale through the lives of complex people, leading to a surprising and genuinely plausible, sorrowful conclusion.
I’ve still not read Daisy Chain, the first in the series. But it’s on order at the bookstore and I’ll read it soon. This series is one where you can genuinely start reading wherever you choose. But I’m sure you’ll grow to love the characters and long to know more, just as I have. In the process, perhaps you’ll learn more of yourself as well, and find healing for your own wounds or wisdom for your neighbors’.
Ouisie Pepper sets out to improve her marriage with the aid of a sweetly religious self-help book. And the author, Mary E DeMuth, brings Ouisie, self-help author Sheba Nelson, bereaved mother Emory Chance, and a host of other characters to vivid life, all through Ouisie’s lonely clouded eyes.
I read A Slow Burn, second in Mary DeMuth’s Defiance Texas Trilogy, last year and really enjoyed it. There I saw through Emory’s eyes as she tried to piece together a life that was already fractured before her child was lost. There I met Ouisie, the discerning, oddly non-judgemental friend, with fascinating character flaws that I longed to learn more of. In Life in Defiance I finally get to know her well.
Ouisie wears her wounds well hidden, not just the wounds of a marriage that offers no safety, but those of a childhood too whose insecurities have molded her. Even when her husband doesn’t rage, the voice in her head still reminds her that she’s not perfect, not good enough. She walks round the lake drinking its peace while fearing to drown, and she can’t let go of the need to help herself as she struggles constantly to help others.
It’s not hard to empathize with Ouisie. Balancing love and duty, clinging helplessly to the hope that people change, meeting each challenge head-on and always standing right back up again, she tries so hard to control her world while she watches it spin on its heel.
The author has a deft hand with conversation, creating meetings where the reader feels so involved you almost want to speak your piece. She treats the presence of the divine with convincing realism too, never resorting to unbelievable “voices” but retaining the constant presence of another Voice in Ouisie’s mind. And she ties the threads of a complex tale through the lives of complex people, leading to a surprising and genuinely plausible, sorrowful conclusion.
I’ve still not read Daisy Chain, the first in the series. But it’s on order at the bookstore and I’ll read it soon. This series is one where you can genuinely start reading wherever you choose. But I’m sure you’ll grow to love the characters and long to know more, just as I have. In the process, perhaps you’ll learn more of yourself as well, and find healing for your own wounds or wisdom for your neighbors’.
June 16, 2010
Ouisie Pepper knows a secret. The whole town of Defiance, Texas would like to know what she knows. But Ouisie is good at keeping her mouth shut. She’s done it her whole life, especially as the battered wife of Defiance’s minister, Hap Pepper.
Her best friend is Emory Chance, a woman who once had an affair with Ouisie’s preacher husband. Without Emory and the bottle hidden in Ouisie’s bedroom, life would be unbearable for the reverend’s wife. Since Emory’s found the Lord, she’s a different woman, and one of only a few who know about Hap’s violent tendencies. One of the few Ouisie trusts with that knowledge.
Ouisie’s children know. They’ve witnessed it, been on the receiving end of it. Her little girl has a lisp and is growing old before she’s grown. Her son, Jed, already bitter after the death of his friend Daisy, grows angrier and more belligerent as his mother continues to keep secrets and refuses to protect herself or her children from Hap. But Ouisie guards her husband’s reputation because, as a wife who fails to make her husband happy, surely his fits of temper are her own fault.
Somewhere in Defiance, the man who stole young Daisy Chance’s life still lives and breathes and plans his next move. And then there’s Elijah, a self-proclaimed prophet, who shows up out of nowhere and befriends Ouisie.
Her life is spinning out of control. She’s on a collision course with disaster, and too afraid to take the reins and stop the headlong rush. Will she find her courage before her world crashes in around her…before her children are forever destroyed by life and Hap Pepper’s cruelty?
Life in Defiance is the third and final book in the Defiance, Texas trilogy. Mary DeMuth has created a town full of living, breathing characters with wants and needs, problems and secrets. They’re not perfect people, and they live in a far from perfect world. This author is a master at capturing human emotion and pouring it onto a written page. My heart bled as Ouisie suffered under Hap’s heavy hand and heartless comments. My mother’s heart cried for Jed and Sissy as they cringed beneath their father’s temper and their mother’s inability to fight back. I longed to comfort Emory, who lived with not only her daughter’s murder, but her own failure as a mother prior to Daisy’s death. No one creates emotion like DeMuth. Every book in the Defiance series is a masterpiece. Each of the first two seemed to reach a pinnacle of excellence, leaving me to wonder how the next story could possibly reach or exceed its impact. Each time, DeMuth answered with another perfect, powerful follow-up. Absolutely unforgettable.
Her best friend is Emory Chance, a woman who once had an affair with Ouisie’s preacher husband. Without Emory and the bottle hidden in Ouisie’s bedroom, life would be unbearable for the reverend’s wife. Since Emory’s found the Lord, she’s a different woman, and one of only a few who know about Hap’s violent tendencies. One of the few Ouisie trusts with that knowledge.
Ouisie’s children know. They’ve witnessed it, been on the receiving end of it. Her little girl has a lisp and is growing old before she’s grown. Her son, Jed, already bitter after the death of his friend Daisy, grows angrier and more belligerent as his mother continues to keep secrets and refuses to protect herself or her children from Hap. But Ouisie guards her husband’s reputation because, as a wife who fails to make her husband happy, surely his fits of temper are her own fault.
Somewhere in Defiance, the man who stole young Daisy Chance’s life still lives and breathes and plans his next move. And then there’s Elijah, a self-proclaimed prophet, who shows up out of nowhere and befriends Ouisie.
Her life is spinning out of control. She’s on a collision course with disaster, and too afraid to take the reins and stop the headlong rush. Will she find her courage before her world crashes in around her…before her children are forever destroyed by life and Hap Pepper’s cruelty?
Life in Defiance is the third and final book in the Defiance, Texas trilogy. Mary DeMuth has created a town full of living, breathing characters with wants and needs, problems and secrets. They’re not perfect people, and they live in a far from perfect world. This author is a master at capturing human emotion and pouring it onto a written page. My heart bled as Ouisie suffered under Hap’s heavy hand and heartless comments. My mother’s heart cried for Jed and Sissy as they cringed beneath their father’s temper and their mother’s inability to fight back. I longed to comfort Emory, who lived with not only her daughter’s murder, but her own failure as a mother prior to Daisy’s death. No one creates emotion like DeMuth. Every book in the Defiance series is a masterpiece. Each of the first two seemed to reach a pinnacle of excellence, leaving me to wonder how the next story could possibly reach or exceed its impact. Each time, DeMuth answered with another perfect, powerful follow-up. Absolutely unforgettable.
May 18, 2010
It is hard to know what to write in a review of the much-anticipated third book in a trilogy suspense series without spoiling the ending. As with both of the other books in this series, "Life in Defiance" is wonderfully crafted and beautifully written. Truly it's a work of beautiful art.
Mary DeMuth's writing certainly does not disappoint. Once again we can taste the dust, feel the bruises on a chilly winter day, and strongly sympathize with our narrator. I strongly identified with Ouisie for her desire to please others, with her never-ending quest for perfecting herself, and with her reluctance to lead a women's Bible study.
It often seemed to me that other book reviewers seemed to throw the word redemption around like confetti when writing about the first two books. I am very happy to say that I found it in this novel, at last. There is a turning point scene at Lake Pisgah marking the beginning of the end of the novel for me, and it made me cry it was so beautiful.
As I read this novel, I kept picturing a scene from Mary's book trailer for her book Thin Places: A Memoir, of her walking on a Texas road. With Mary's writing, it's all about the journey, not the destination. For those who are anxious to find out who killed Daisy, I know your impatience. I felt the anxious waiting myself! But don't skip the descriptions. Don't forsake the journey for the destination.
Just a note about the mystery at hand. I am happy to report that the mystery is solved well, and it was not who I suspected it was. This makes me happy, because there's nothing worse than an implausible ending to a mystery. Stump me without a red herring or a deus ex machina and I'm a happy reader.
Mary is known both for her moving fiction and her nonfiction parenting books. She's one of those rare authors who can write both and write them well.
Mary DeMuth's writing certainly does not disappoint. Once again we can taste the dust, feel the bruises on a chilly winter day, and strongly sympathize with our narrator. I strongly identified with Ouisie for her desire to please others, with her never-ending quest for perfecting herself, and with her reluctance to lead a women's Bible study.
It often seemed to me that other book reviewers seemed to throw the word redemption around like confetti when writing about the first two books. I am very happy to say that I found it in this novel, at last. There is a turning point scene at Lake Pisgah marking the beginning of the end of the novel for me, and it made me cry it was so beautiful.
As I read this novel, I kept picturing a scene from Mary's book trailer for her book Thin Places: A Memoir, of her walking on a Texas road. With Mary's writing, it's all about the journey, not the destination. For those who are anxious to find out who killed Daisy, I know your impatience. I felt the anxious waiting myself! But don't skip the descriptions. Don't forsake the journey for the destination.
Just a note about the mystery at hand. I am happy to report that the mystery is solved well, and it was not who I suspected it was. This makes me happy, because there's nothing worse than an implausible ending to a mystery. Stump me without a red herring or a deus ex machina and I'm a happy reader.
Mary is known both for her moving fiction and her nonfiction parenting books. She's one of those rare authors who can write both and write them well.
October 7, 2015
I was torn between wanting the savor the book as I knew it was the last one in the Defiance Texas Trilogy and hurry up and finish so I could see who killed Daisy Chance. It was so hard to put down and go about what I needed to do during the day; my reward was coming back to the book as often as I could. I will savor it the second reading. I love everything that Mary E DeMuth has written! I will always be a fan of her writing, her overcoming spirit and her fiction story telling.
Daisy Chain (Defiance Texas Trilogy, Book 1) A Slow Burn (Defiance Texas Trilogy, Book 2) must be read first, although there is enough background for this to be a stand-alone book. But you don't want to miss a word that Mary has written. Powerful, scorching, melodic and spiritual words that will sear your soul.
I will always love Mary's characters and Hixon is still my favorite but Emory grew to be a close second. Strange how things can change from the first book to the second. And in Life in Defiance she became a woman after my own heart.
Perhaps it was a bit harder for me to read this one as I lived through seeing my own mother abused horribly when I was a young child. Not only her, but I still remember the purple welts on my brother's back. Maybe I didn't want to read deeply and find those memories and flashbacks are still deep within me; forgiven but who could forget memories like those?
I so love this trilogy that I had to email Zondervon Publisher and ask: Why would you let Mary end with only 3 books when the story's characters call out to be elaborated on in many other books; Defiance, Texas trilogy surely is only a beginning? Mary's readers are crying for more.
Mary, you are a magnificent writer and I feel you deep in my soul. I only wish I could buy all your books for all my friends and family. Blessings, peace and fruitfulness I pray for you and yours.
May 16, 2010
In my review of the first book of Mary DeMuth’s Defiance Texas Trilogy, I asked the question: why are people in Defiance so defiant? Now I know the answer—secrets. So many secrets…so much pain and grief because of them. And isn’t that just like us?
There lies the beauty of Mary DeMuth’s "Life in Defiance." She writes relevant fiction—stories that mean something. In the case of this book, her impeccable writing sucked me right into the inner world of Ouisie Pepper and held me there until all the secrets holding Defiance, Texas, captive could come up for air and dissipate into the breezes of another sweet-smelling Texas spring. I identified with Ouisie and the despair caused by all the secrets she tried to stuff behind the church pew and in her secret stash of booze in the flower vase (although I never drank vanilla extract!). I also cheered for Emory Chance(previously not one of my favorite characters) as she rose out of the proverbial ashes, found redemption and forgiveness, and then was able to offer it sacrificially.
And yes, we find out who killed Daisy Chance. But I’m not going to spoil that one for you. I will say that we get to know him before we know his identity . . . and that was, for me, an unexpected treat as I stayed up later and later pursuing the ending, but wishing the story wouldn’t end.
Too bad Goodread's highest rating is only a “5.” This book deserves a 6! From the first chapter, which in my estimation qualifies for one of the top 10 best first chapters EVER, to the last, somewhat mysterious sentence, I found not a single flaw. Mary delivered far beyond my high expectations. This trilogy is not to be missed, and I believe that any discerning reader will be changed in some (good) way because of reading these stunning stories.
There lies the beauty of Mary DeMuth’s "Life in Defiance." She writes relevant fiction—stories that mean something. In the case of this book, her impeccable writing sucked me right into the inner world of Ouisie Pepper and held me there until all the secrets holding Defiance, Texas, captive could come up for air and dissipate into the breezes of another sweet-smelling Texas spring. I identified with Ouisie and the despair caused by all the secrets she tried to stuff behind the church pew and in her secret stash of booze in the flower vase (although I never drank vanilla extract!). I also cheered for Emory Chance(previously not one of my favorite characters) as she rose out of the proverbial ashes, found redemption and forgiveness, and then was able to offer it sacrificially.
And yes, we find out who killed Daisy Chance. But I’m not going to spoil that one for you. I will say that we get to know him before we know his identity . . . and that was, for me, an unexpected treat as I stayed up later and later pursuing the ending, but wishing the story wouldn’t end.
Too bad Goodread's highest rating is only a “5.” This book deserves a 6! From the first chapter, which in my estimation qualifies for one of the top 10 best first chapters EVER, to the last, somewhat mysterious sentence, I found not a single flaw. Mary delivered far beyond my high expectations. This trilogy is not to be missed, and I believe that any discerning reader will be changed in some (good) way because of reading these stunning stories.
May 27, 2010
I so looked forward to reading this book for long time, waiting to find out who murdered Daisy Chance. I thought I knew who it was, and figured my guess would be confirmed after finishing the book. I joined the ’0% group‘ — those folks who have guessed the perpetrator and were wrong. After reading the book, however, it was no longer my greatest desire to know.
What piqued my interest and shocked me throughout the book is the domestic violence between Hap and Ouisie. I’ve never been around anyone personally going through this type of circumstance, so it came as a shock to my senses. The behaviors and excuses, followed by apologies, are typical of abusive relationships I’ve seen on TV. But it was Mary’s in-depth descriptions of the emotions and violence that made it so much more real and personal.
The desperation of Ouisie trying to ‘perfect’ her behaviors, using a self-help book for women, so that Hap’s anger wouldn’t explode defied my understanding. Yet I know it happens every day to millions of women. Is anyone responsible for someone else’s anger and violent behavior?
The other basis of the storyline is choosing to disclose the truth at the prospect of rejection/betrayal or covering it up forever to keep the status quo and suffering further consequences of a murderer at large. The way Mary describes the crisis of disclosure for Ouisie while in the throes of her domestic issues was done in a heart-wrenching manner.
Mary is the queen of redemptive prose. Be sure to read Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn before tackling this book.
This book was provided free from Zondervan in exchange for my honest review. My thanks to Mary and Zondervan for this privilege to suggest a great set of books to read.
What piqued my interest and shocked me throughout the book is the domestic violence between Hap and Ouisie. I’ve never been around anyone personally going through this type of circumstance, so it came as a shock to my senses. The behaviors and excuses, followed by apologies, are typical of abusive relationships I’ve seen on TV. But it was Mary’s in-depth descriptions of the emotions and violence that made it so much more real and personal.
The desperation of Ouisie trying to ‘perfect’ her behaviors, using a self-help book for women, so that Hap’s anger wouldn’t explode defied my understanding. Yet I know it happens every day to millions of women. Is anyone responsible for someone else’s anger and violent behavior?
The other basis of the storyline is choosing to disclose the truth at the prospect of rejection/betrayal or covering it up forever to keep the status quo and suffering further consequences of a murderer at large. The way Mary describes the crisis of disclosure for Ouisie while in the throes of her domestic issues was done in a heart-wrenching manner.
Mary is the queen of redemptive prose. Be sure to read Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn before tackling this book.
This book was provided free from Zondervan in exchange for my honest review. My thanks to Mary and Zondervan for this privilege to suggest a great set of books to read.
June 5, 2010
I usually say a little prayer before I start a book review. I always try to do my best when talking about the books I read. Authors work so hard at crafting their stories and I feel it is important for me to ask for God’s guidance when writing a review. I needed some extra help for this review because I just don’t know where to start.
I suppose the best place to start is with the overall feeling I had while reading Life in Defiance. I don’t know how Mary does it, but despite the tension and painful subject matter of this book, there is a tremendous amount of peace and grace that can be felt especially during the most difficult times in the story. The entire Defiance Texas series has been that way and I feel that this third and final book is a perfect ending to a tragic journey for this group of people. Mary never fails to remind readers of God’s grace and healing as she lets us into the world of Defiance, Texas.
Ouisie Pepper is a very interesting character and I really enjoyed this book being told from her perspective. I also liked how she was written in the first person and actually addresses the reader throughout the story. That was a unique approach and one I liked very much.
I will not soon forget the people and events that make up Defiance, Texas. I was really pulled into their world and even though I have finished Life in Defiance, I feel like a part of me is still there. I’m sure that feeling will last for a while. Mary DeMuth is a tremendously talent author who continues to captivate me. My prayer is that this review has done the book justice and readers will find the love of Jesus that Mary has shared beautifully.
I suppose the best place to start is with the overall feeling I had while reading Life in Defiance. I don’t know how Mary does it, but despite the tension and painful subject matter of this book, there is a tremendous amount of peace and grace that can be felt especially during the most difficult times in the story. The entire Defiance Texas series has been that way and I feel that this third and final book is a perfect ending to a tragic journey for this group of people. Mary never fails to remind readers of God’s grace and healing as she lets us into the world of Defiance, Texas.
Ouisie Pepper is a very interesting character and I really enjoyed this book being told from her perspective. I also liked how she was written in the first person and actually addresses the reader throughout the story. That was a unique approach and one I liked very much.
I will not soon forget the people and events that make up Defiance, Texas. I was really pulled into their world and even though I have finished Life in Defiance, I feel like a part of me is still there. I’m sure that feeling will last for a while. Mary DeMuth is a tremendously talent author who continues to captivate me. My prayer is that this review has done the book justice and readers will find the love of Jesus that Mary has shared beautifully.
May 26, 2012
I have to confess. While waiting for the release of LIFE IN DEFIANCE, I kept imagining different ends to Mary DeMuth’ s Defiance Texas Trilogy by casting the town’s characters in the role of the Daisy Chance’s killer. I played this character game to avoid facing the the real question; will any sense come from sweet Daisy’s death?
In LIFE IN DEFIANCE, Mary returns her readers to Defiance, Texas for the trilogy’s conclusion. While Defiance is a place where we have all passed through, we would never intentionally stop at the Hap and Ouisie Pepper’s house. If we were walking on the Pepper’s street, we would walk by on the other side. If we were driving in the neighborhood, we might make an extra block to avoid their street. It is a house full of more than its share of secrets.
Mary opens the Pepper’s front door for us, places Ouisie’s size nine shoes on our feet and walks us into her tormented life of quilt and confusion as she seeks the answers to the questions that have been haunting her and the rest of the town.
As the cost of Daisy Chance’s death changes everyone in town, Life in Defiance is an appropriate end to the Defiance Texas Trilogy. It is a beautiful story of how an individual’s redemption comes through acts of community. For Mary’s readers, the real mysteries will be discovering who in town will be redeemed and who will be lost.
I received a free review copy of Thin Places from Zondervan. Nevertheless, I do not write positive reviews unless I believe in the what I am endorsing. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
In LIFE IN DEFIANCE, Mary returns her readers to Defiance, Texas for the trilogy’s conclusion. While Defiance is a place where we have all passed through, we would never intentionally stop at the Hap and Ouisie Pepper’s house. If we were walking on the Pepper’s street, we would walk by on the other side. If we were driving in the neighborhood, we might make an extra block to avoid their street. It is a house full of more than its share of secrets.
Mary opens the Pepper’s front door for us, places Ouisie’s size nine shoes on our feet and walks us into her tormented life of quilt and confusion as she seeks the answers to the questions that have been haunting her and the rest of the town.
As the cost of Daisy Chance’s death changes everyone in town, Life in Defiance is an appropriate end to the Defiance Texas Trilogy. It is a beautiful story of how an individual’s redemption comes through acts of community. For Mary’s readers, the real mysteries will be discovering who in town will be redeemed and who will be lost.
I received a free review copy of Thin Places from Zondervan. Nevertheless, I do not write positive reviews unless I believe in the what I am endorsing. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
February 22, 2015
This is the third book in the Defiance, Texas trilogy. The novel is set once again in the small town of Defiance, TX. Each book In this trilogy has focused on one particular person whose story is woven among that of several other characters, who reappear In each book. The first book in the trilogy starts out with the disappearance of 13-year old Daisy Chance and the struggles of her best friend, Jed. The next book in the trilogy centered around Daisy's mother, Emory. In this final book, the central character is Ouisie Pepper, Jed's mother, and also wife to Pastor Hap Pepper, who frequently physically abuses her. The author, Mary DeMuth, once again pulls the reader into the depths of a person's innermost thoughts and emotional struggles. DeMuth has done an outstanding job of portraying spouse abuse in this novel. Although there are spiritual truths scattered throughout this novel, DeMuth has once again taken a non- traditional approach to sharing them. Her spiritual truths are given in the midst of much pain & suffering, and she also shows how some popular teachings for Christian women are not always best for every woman. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to have a better understanding of any woman, but particularly a Christian woman, caught in an abusive situation.
May 12, 2010
Powerful Characters
Life in Defiance finishes the Defiance trilogy, which includes Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn, in Mary DeMuth’s distinctive voice. With redemption for some, continued blindness for others, and justice for Daisy, the story satisfies.
Every woman who has cowered before a man’s anger will identify with Ouisie Pepper. Christians who have let pastors dominate their decisions may have second thoughts as they spend time with Hap Pepper. Women who need to face hard truths will find company and comfort.
Mary sees people clearly. She writes powerful characters, real mixes of insight and blindness. Like real life, some come to their senses, some are brought to justice, and some just move on to their next victim.
If you haven’t read the first two, buy all three. You’ll taste the Texas dust, suffer with Ouisie’s wounds, and rejoice in realistic hope.
I received a free review copy of Thin Places from Zondervan. Nevertheless, I do not write positive reviews unless I believe in the what I am endorsing. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Life in Defiance finishes the Defiance trilogy, which includes Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn, in Mary DeMuth’s distinctive voice. With redemption for some, continued blindness for others, and justice for Daisy, the story satisfies.
Every woman who has cowered before a man’s anger will identify with Ouisie Pepper. Christians who have let pastors dominate their decisions may have second thoughts as they spend time with Hap Pepper. Women who need to face hard truths will find company and comfort.
Mary sees people clearly. She writes powerful characters, real mixes of insight and blindness. Like real life, some come to their senses, some are brought to justice, and some just move on to their next victim.
If you haven’t read the first two, buy all three. You’ll taste the Texas dust, suffer with Ouisie’s wounds, and rejoice in realistic hope.
I received a free review copy of Thin Places from Zondervan. Nevertheless, I do not write positive reviews unless I believe in the what I am endorsing. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
June 8, 2010
book 3 in the Defiance series
@ 17% 28% 45%
@ 70% on Kindle
She is physically, verbally, and emotionally abused by her husband. Their kids are emotionally abused by him as well. He tries to make it look better -- look as though she's just sick with a headache -- again -- so the kids don't witness the physical abuse. He's the church pastor after all. He has her believing she's not good enough, and she thinks that if she just does what's in the book she's reading about godly wives, he will see it and change too. He yells at her that she can't do anything right and calls her stupid. When Emory confronts her about what "everybody" knows, she excuses his behavior by saying that he's under stress. She doesn't want to talk about it.
He strips her of her clothes and punches her in the gut, and ..................
She's heard the same thing from three people and now she's given an ultimatum. What will she choose? Will she choose the familiar that won't be so familiar for long or will she choose the unknown?
Does Ouisie know who Daisy's killer is? If so, why isn't she saying?
Questions: "Did Ouisie end up with Big Earl?
"Who was that person referred to in the painting at the very end?
@ 70% on Kindle
She is physically, verbally, and emotionally abused by her husband. Their kids are emotionally abused by him as well. He tries to make it look better -- look as though she's just sick with a headache -- again -- so the kids don't witness the physical abuse. He's the church pastor after all. He has her believing she's not good enough, and she thinks that if she just does what's in the book she's reading about godly wives, he will see it and change too. He yells at her that she can't do anything right and calls her stupid. When Emory confronts her about what "everybody" knows, she excuses his behavior by saying that he's under stress. She doesn't want to talk about it.
He strips her of her clothes and punches her in the gut, and ..................
She's heard the same thing from three people and now she's given an ultimatum. What will she choose? Will she choose the familiar that won't be so familiar for long or will she choose the unknown?
Does Ouisie know who Daisy's killer is? If so, why isn't she saying?
Questions: "Did Ouisie end up with Big Earl?
"Who was that person referred to in the painting at the very end?
May 30, 2010
I love the Defiance Texas Trilogy (also includes Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn) and I've been waiting impatiently since October to read Life In Defiance.
And I feel...eh.
I thought this book dragged a bit...a little too much about Ouisie. I realize this story was told from her point of view and that became important at the end, but there was so much going on with her that it became overwhelming.
And the revelation of Daisy's killer...seriously?! Not even close to who I thought it was, nor was this person EVER on my radar. Anti-climactic, in my opinion.
My favorite part? Hap getting his due. I'm still smiling over that.
Overall, not my favorite book in the trilogy. I'm a bit disappointed, considering this was the final installment. However, it was still a good read and if you've read Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn you just have to read Life In Defiance to see how it all shakes out.
And I feel...eh.
I thought this book dragged a bit...a little too much about Ouisie. I realize this story was told from her point of view and that became important at the end, but there was so much going on with her that it became overwhelming.
And the revelation of Daisy's killer...seriously?! Not even close to who I thought it was, nor was this person EVER on my radar. Anti-climactic, in my opinion.
My favorite part? Hap getting his due. I'm still smiling over that.
Overall, not my favorite book in the trilogy. I'm a bit disappointed, considering this was the final installment. However, it was still a good read and if you've read Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn you just have to read Life In Defiance to see how it all shakes out.
November 16, 2010
This is book three of a trilogy. Finally, the mystery of who killed Daisy Chance is solved. However, that suspence takes a backseat to Ouisie's marriage. Ouisie is the narrator in book three. Her husband, Hap, the local pastor, continues to beat her and terrorize the family. He is despicable. Lives a double life: one way in front of the congregation, and totally different with his family.
I applaud the author's willingness to tackle the issue of spousal abuse within so-called Christian homes. Ouisie thinks her deficiencies prompt Hap's anger, so she tries in vain to improve her performance as a wife and mother. She starts corresponding with the author of a self-help book for Christian wives who touts submission as the answer for all problems marital.
The book was slow in the beginning, but soon the pace picked up. I was heartened to see Ouisie form friendships with some unlikely residents of Defiance and finally experience grace and genuine Christian community.
I applaud the author's willingness to tackle the issue of spousal abuse within so-called Christian homes. Ouisie thinks her deficiencies prompt Hap's anger, so she tries in vain to improve her performance as a wife and mother. She starts corresponding with the author of a self-help book for Christian wives who touts submission as the answer for all problems marital.
The book was slow in the beginning, but soon the pace picked up. I was heartened to see Ouisie form friendships with some unlikely residents of Defiance and finally experience grace and genuine Christian community.
June 14, 2010
Mary DeMuth's masterful artistry of words have made their presence
known in the conclusion of this trilogy once again.
This story of a family has suspense mounting many times as Mary's words
depict a family left out to dry as Ouisie Pepper endures the unmerciful
tyrant of a husband and father that dares to call himself a preacher.
Her description of the verbal and physical abuse can make a reader cry
in sympathy for the victim and have revenge etched in their brain for
the perpetrator.The story is set in a era of your imagination that would
make a reader see what goes on behind closed doors and affects a whole
town that could either bring a healing or a death.
The killer of Daisy Chain must be realized in this third book and the
end cannot be read until the whole is completed.
Respectfully submitted,
LaJoyce Shrom, author
Learning About Life
Revealed Secret
known in the conclusion of this trilogy once again.
This story of a family has suspense mounting many times as Mary's words
depict a family left out to dry as Ouisie Pepper endures the unmerciful
tyrant of a husband and father that dares to call himself a preacher.
Her description of the verbal and physical abuse can make a reader cry
in sympathy for the victim and have revenge etched in their brain for
the perpetrator.The story is set in a era of your imagination that would
make a reader see what goes on behind closed doors and affects a whole
town that could either bring a healing or a death.
The killer of Daisy Chain must be realized in this third book and the
end cannot be read until the whole is completed.
Respectfully submitted,
LaJoyce Shrom, author
Learning About Life
Revealed Secret
June 1, 2010
Every family has its secrets. In book three of the Defiance Texas Trilogy, Life in Defiance Mary DeMuth exposes the destructive power of secret sins. The heart-breaking, soul-healing, emotionally satisfying revelation of the secrets in Definace make this book one to savor.
Mary deftly brings all the pieces together so that none of the puzzle is blank. She writes so skillful that the ending seems natural, not forced.
Not light reading for a summer day, the Defiance Texas Trilogy brings us too close to lives that might have been ours but for the grace of God. These lives, while not real, could easily be found in many small towns. I came away with a new appreciation of the pain that destroys lives because of their secrets.
Mary deftly brings all the pieces together so that none of the puzzle is blank. She writes so skillful that the ending seems natural, not forced.
Not light reading for a summer day, the Defiance Texas Trilogy brings us too close to lives that might have been ours but for the grace of God. These lives, while not real, could easily be found in many small towns. I came away with a new appreciation of the pain that destroys lives because of their secrets.
April 25, 2014
This series is NoT an easy read. It deals with domestic violence and that by a Pastor ( remember walking into a garage doesn't make you a car) and the murder of a child and about 2/3 of the way through this last book I just wanted to slap the main character but it got better. Another hard thing was the fact that it almost seemed that it was condoning the violence but it didn't in the end. It was well written but it isn't a series I would read again because the subject matter was just too hard too disturbing, that being said I would definitely would try another book by the author as long as the subject matter wasn't this heavy.
October 7, 2010
I enjoyed Ouisie's story and the solution to the mystery surounding Daisy. I have great respect for MS. Demuth's attempt to portray the difficult subject of abuse juxtaposed against God's grace. As Emory's faith grew in this book, she was able to be the friend Ouisie needed to move her past the abuse.
At times I felt the messages were somewhat jumbled. The stereotypical distortions of the scripture and what it teaches about submission were touched on in book three, but I wondered if someone reading this book who doesn't have a clear view of what scripture teaches might take from it.
At times I felt the messages were somewhat jumbled. The stereotypical distortions of the scripture and what it teaches about submission were touched on in book three, but I wondered if someone reading this book who doesn't have a clear view of what scripture teaches might take from it.
March 22, 2012
Talk about a dark weary cheerless book this was it. It wrapped up the series and I have to admit surprise at the killer! I also admit that I wanted it to be Hap :( if there ever was an evil man it was him! And why Ousie chose to stay w/ him...I know, I know! The abused woman! even though the ending made you say 'finally!' I wish the ending would've been different somehow. Don't know how but it left me vaguely displeased. My chief complaint is the book seemed to drag, but wow, you won't forget you've read this series! If this review doesn't make sense well, blame it on the book :)
November 8, 2012
This book is a page turner. I almost gave up on it though, when the characters made it seem as if spousal abuse was okay...and the answer was submission. I'm all for making a marriage work, but when we are talking abuse of children and women, GET SAFE. I'm not sure that message ever made it into the book. Although, in the end the person espousing submission, even in the face of danger, is discredited.
Overall, a decent read.
Overall, a decent read.
October 31, 2010
I did not read the books before and I was pleased to learn that I did not have to. I till got the whole story and liked it. I won this book from a book contest and felt luck to have won it. It teaches us that even in churches things are not always right, but we can stay close to God with hope that this can get better.
April 14, 2011
I read this trilogy: Daisy Chain, A Slow Burn and Life in Defiance while I was on a 12 day cruise to The Panama Canal. I could not wait to get back to my cabin to read these books. I laughed, cried and felt the ministry of this author. I am looking forward to reading other books from Mary. Excellent books!!!
May 15, 2010
read in one day. deeply moving - especially when Louise hits the bottom. Literally. Crafted extremely well, no gimmicks, very straightforward with honest questions. I love the unlikely circle of friends she gathers. Thanks Mary, for another winner!
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