Most of you who know me know that fiction is not my thing.  I can probably count on one hand the number of fiction books I’ve read in the last ten years (and that’s not an exaggeration).  So when I tell you I read a Christian romance novel cover-to-cover (in less than a week), you know how big of a deal it is.  The bigger deal is that I enjoyed it, cried, and was a little sad when I got to the end.

I stumbled upon Mary DeMuth’s blog this past summer and something about the way she writes captivated me from the get-go.  She is open, honest, and writes from deep within her soul.  So when she asked me if I was interested in being a part of her blog tour, I couldn’t wait to jump on-board.

I must admit I felt a tad nervous about reading and responding to a fiction book.  Would I be able to get through it?  Would I even like it?  Is it okay that I’m not a fiction-lover?  But when Mary told us to be honest about our feelings toward the book, and that it was okay to hate the book, I felt a huge sense of relief.

Enjoying fiction, that’s questionable.
Being honest, that I can do.

The Muir House just might have changed my perspective of fiction.  It doesn’t sugarcoat problems with unrealistic endings, but gets to the nitty-gritty of real-life issues that challenge you in your own life as well.  I found myself wondering how I would respond in the same situations.

How should I approach my own past in light of what Willa, the main character, struggled to find?

What is hiding deep down inside of me?
Are there things I need to bring into the light to find healing in?  

This isn’t the feel-good, nobody has any real problems type of story.  It’s real, it’s honest, it’s life.

Order yourself one, (or for a friend for Christmas!) and take yourself on an adventure.  Learn new lessons, connect with your past, find solutions, and enjoy the surroundings.  You won’t be sorry you did.

I’m learning that some fiction books are written with depth, truth, and meaning.  I am grateful for Mary for teaching me that through The Muir House.

Thanks Mary for the opportunity, I am honored to take part in this blog tour.