Ask the author: Mary DeMuth

Next release: The Muir House (July).

Publisher: Zondervan.

Where did you get the idea for this book? 

It came to me on multiple fronts. I wanted to explore memory, particularly a missing memory and the stress that brings to someone. Then I wanted to throw in a Christ-figure boyfriend who represented God's steady love. The house with secrets added to the mix. I've driven by the house on the cover of the book many years, then I had the privilege of going inside and taking pictures. It seemed to scream for a story within its walls. Today it is vacant.

Why Texas for this novel?

All my novels (so far) are set in East Texas. I've lived in Rockwall, Texas, near Dallas for four years now and have fallen in love with my community. It seemed natural to me to set a book here where I live and love and parent and laugh. 

Do you usually start a new book with a story, a character or a message or some combination?

A character. Willa Muir is the kind of girl who seems strong, but she's broken inside. She believes that if she can find the truth, she can move on. The story is an exploration of the idea that whether we know the truth about our past or not, we still have to make a choice to live. We can't use our past as an excuse not to live. She has to come to this conclusion herself as she uncovers a painful memory.

Is exploring the past an important theme for you?

Yes, again I'm exploring the idea of family secrets and the dynamic of that. Why do families keep secrets, and what compels kids to keep them out of fear? How can we be set free when the truth comes out? What does freedom from the past look like in terms of how we engage in relationships today?

Do you have a fondness for a particular character in The Muir House?

I really like Hale, Willa's love interest. He's intentional, steady, patient and yet entirely human. I love his dimensions, that he's not easily predicted. 

What drives you to write fiction, and is it still fun?

My craziness, probably. Fiction erupts from me when I'm mad about something. For this book, it's secrets. For others, I got angry about sexual abuse, spousal abuse, hypocrisy and parental neglect. It's my way of working out injustice on the plane of a story. God has chosen to heal me in many ways as I write my stories—and feedback from readers has confirmed that He's used my stories to help heal others. So, yes, it's still fun. It's what I'm created to do. When I write fiction, I feel invigorated and alive. Weaving a story is difficult, but it's also excessively and beautifully creative.

Any advice for Christian retailers in promoting this book?

This is a love story. A lost story. All under one roof. It appeals to the twentysomethings who like an unconventional love story. It appeals to those who love coming-of-age stories. There's also a strong thread of decorating and house restoration in the book. And anyone who loves mysteries will enjoy the book.

ECPA Fiction Top 10

1. Leaving, Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) 

Did you know... A Facebook page by the series' main character, young actress Bailey Flanigan, is run by Kingsbury's daughter Kelsey and has more than 11,000 fans. Bailey invites readers to ask for advice or simply be a friend, and to post on the page.

2. The Judgment, Beverly Lewis (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) 

Did you know... Lewis' book brings to life a little known practice among Pennsylvania's Lancaster County Amish—taking in "English" foster children. Lewis said: "I'm so touched by Amish families who have opened their hearts for the summer to children in the 'Fresh Air Program,' as well as to those who have fostered, then adopted non-Amish babies, their homes already buzzing with many biological children. So heartwarming to my adoptive-mother heart."

3. The Journey, Wanda E. Brunstetter (Barbour Publishing)

4. Vicious Cycle, Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)

5. Redeeming Love, Francine Rivers (Multnomah Books)

6. Her Mother's Hope, Francine Rivers (Tyndale House Publishers)

7. Unlocked, Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan)

8. Lineage of Grace, Francine Rivers (Tyndale House Publishers)

9. The Thorn, Beverly Lewis (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group)

10. A Heart for Home, Lauraine Snelling (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group)