The Muir House, by Mary DeMuth – Finding Home

Family dynamics are challenging enough without any secrets to be running from. But in the case of our main character Willa Muir, the dynamics from her past are nothing compared to what she’s about to confront when returning home for a necessary and very uncomfortable visit.  I thoroughly enjoyed the characters of The Muir House, each with a well developed personality and strong sense of who they really are, or in Willa’s case, who she wants to become.

If you’re in a place in your life when you’re ready to stop running, self evaluate, get some answers and draw people closer rather than further away, then this book is an absolute must read. Willa’s introspection is a lovely mix of emotion based on inquisitive cautiousness to heartbreaking distrust and playful flirtation depending on which character she’s confronted with. I say confronted because she’s on a journey with many unknowns she must look at with new eyes. Willa isn’t simply unlocking secrets in this book, she’s exploring people, values and a whole surge of emotions. I adore her beau, Hale, who’s steadfast admiration never seems to waver, even though he knows he needs to continue on his own path due to her reticence to commit. Having been here at least once in my lifetime, this is something I can totally relate to, and this tug of war with love and commitment was subsequently the linch pin that had me turning page after page.

When an old boyfriend named Blake comes into the picture it’s easy to see how the comforts of this first love pull her further from Hale, whose faith, stability and desire to marry Willa would be the perfect fairy tale ending. Our author, Mary DeMuth, unfortunately denies us the opportunity to see them strolling down the isle. This brings me to one of only two objections to the book. I wanted to see Willa and Hale together because I selfishly, and perhaps romantically wanted to believe that seeking, healing and knowing would end in a total unveiling of vulnerability and readiness for Willa to commit.  And yet,the author actually lets you decide for yourself if they end up together or not. Maybe Willa needs to continue to grow. As for the Mother, I felt robbed of the opportunity to really get to know her. I wanted more information, more memories and more meaningful dialogue where this highly tumultuous relationship is concerned.  Instead, we’re given the opportunity for total fulfillment in Willa’s relationship with Mrs. Skye, clearly my very favorite character in the book.

I was immediately enamored by Mrs. Skye, who’s well developed soul has been around the Muir House forever. Her timing, her discretion, her strength and overall dynamic disposition are softened as we get to know her through her rich and pivotal position in this plot. I would love to read a book entirely based on her life behind the scenes at the Muir House. The twists and turns of the Muir House are tied up into a nice ending, which left me satisfied and happy that Willa has the answers she needs to move on. I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this book, which you can purchase and hopefully enjoy for yourself at Amazon.

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