From the author of the best-selling Christy Miller and SisterChicks series comes a new book of community, friendship, and tackling the hard things of life with God and loved ones around a table.Five young moms, including beloved Gunn character Christy Miller, gather to share meals and soon become unlikely best friends. The regular gatherings provide opportunities for the women to reveal their … to reveal their stories, and those life stories endear them to each other. They experience their lives naturally meshing as they raise their children together in community. In Becoming Us the group find ways to challenge, encourage, and help each other become the nurturing mothers they wished they’d had when they were growing up. They unite to be remembered for what they do as moms and not for what was done to them.
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Becoming Us is a sweet and beautiful tale of letting go and letting God. The characters made me, a young mom myself, feel surrounded by a group of treasured friends, as they welcomed me into the haven they created.
I was thrilled when I first learned about this new series from Robin Jones Gunn. New friends, a new couple, and some familiar faces (namely Christy Miller Spencer and Sierra).
This book deals with so, so many challenges women struggle with today—childrearing, familial relationships, marital relationships, and infertility to name a few—but what sets it apart is the way five women come together, share their burdens, and commit to pray and care for each other.
Though this is the first book in a new series, at times I did feel a bit disconnected or in the dark and am assuming it’s because I haven’t (yet) read the Christy and Todd Baby Years books.
However, I didn’t want my special time with Emily, Trevor, Audra, and the Daughters of Eve to end.
I’m not sure which I am clamoring for more in the next book—more time with Emily and her family or a further peek into Tess’s life.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This is the first book I’ve read by author Robin Jones Gunn and it won’t be my last.
An easy read, Becoming Us explores the lives of women and their need for healthy relationships. Five friends become bonded through life experiences, both good and difficult. We also see the need for a family to become just that, a family, without influence from others.
Faith in God and real situations with life like characters drew me in and made reading the book a wonderful experience. I look forward to book two in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Becoming Us, first in the Haven Makers series, is a charming and delightful story of a circle of women who grow in friendship and find comfort in their connection with one another. Robin Jones Gunn is a prolific author and yet I had not read any of her previous books so did not know what to expect with this book. I found the book to be entertaining, and yet even more that than, encouraging and inspirational, inspiring me to be more welcoming to others, to create a space for people to do life together in a safe place—a haven. Ms. Gunn writes with authenticity and readers are easily drawn into the lives of these women who have known disappointment and heartache and yet can find strength as they nurture each other, realize God’s provision in their lives, and find the passion of true friendship. Becoming Us is a poignant story about finding hope in the midst of the ever-present changes in life, it is about having faith in a God who has promised to be with us through the circumstances of life. I am looking forward to reading more of this author’s work.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from WaterBrook & Multnomah Publishers and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.
A heartfelt story of the power of faith and love, Becoming Us is hard to put down. Once again, Robin Jones Gunn has created believable characters who struggle with everyday problems and emotions that we all face. Her ability to weave beauty and hope into the complicated life of Emily Winslow and her newfound friendships, a delightful circle of women, renewed my faith in God’s good plans for my own life and relationships. A must-read!
Robin beautifully tells a story of friends who walk through the realities of life: motherhood, singleness, infertility, friendship, moving, what it looks like to support and follow your husband, celebrating life’s joys, and understanding one another’s sorrows. You will feel like you’re part of this sweet circle of friends—welcomed and known.
Robin Jones Gunn was my first introduction to Christian fiction when I was a teenager with her Christy Miller series, so I have been looking forward to everything she creates. Luckily, with the novel Becoming Us, Christy Miller-Spencer makes a cameo as one of the five women trying to decipher how to be a mother, wife, and friend. With this installment, I met Emily, a transplant from North Carolina with her husband and her ten-year-old daughter. In the beginning, Gunn does a wonderful job at showing the insecurities of a mom to a new world with her family. Emily’s emotions throughout the entire novel rang true to me. The relationship between the five women grew as the novel moved along. Emily opened up more as the story progressed and began to value the friendships. I believe this novel is like nothing I have ever read. It is true and shows the difficulties of beginning a life without the constant support of your family. It was well-written, and I really can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of Becoming Us by Robin Jones Gunn from Waterbrook-Multnomah Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
See my blog at : http://notenoughtimeforbooks.blogspot.com/2019/04/becoming-us-by-robin-jones-gunn.html
Becoming Us is the most authentic or lifelike look into the hearts of various people who really do inhabit earth. The characters in the story deal with loss, infertility, family issues, marital strife, and finding friendship to name a few. Robin’s writing draws readers into the book and invites them to learn that what they are reading can be like a mirror.
Robin’s writing is truly unique. She is telling a story but moreover she is reflecting the ails of society along with the hope that faith brings into lives. There is no sugarcoating the real struggles that Emily and her husband Trevor deal with, along with how it affects their daughter Audra. There are happy moments, memory making ones and a curve of learning how to be a family without the intrusive or controlling aspects of extended family.
Not all families are like this and Robin does as superb job of showing that in the book. There are female characters in the book who, like Emily, have some struggles. The focus of the novel revolves around Emily and her life, while also showing us how Emily must overcome the past and step into her future. Emily meets some neat women, and it was exciting to see friendships develop even with the women being different. Each of the women who befriend Emily have their own struggles, triumphs, fears and faith lessons that become the very bond that unites them.
Here is tale that shows society how friendships can be a very encouraging aspect in life even with the messiness around us. I think the author did a great job of pointing to the strength women can gather as well as men when they fellowship and be real. I think many will enjoy the heart touching scenes as well as tears that pooled in my eyes when the ladies come around Emily’s daughter as she grows and welcome her into womanhood.
Here is a gem of a tale that I highly recommend and hope that the other stories in the Haven Maker series are just as touching!
This book is from a first person point of view, that being said I am usually not a fan with this book the author did a really good job and not making the reader feel like you are missing anything. This story is in no way a love story. In a world where women can come off caddy and not welcoming, the author captured five women in different walks of life and has them come together to bond and find a way of lifting each other up and being there for each other no matter what one is facing. I loved that about this book and how uplifting it was to me as a reader. The struggles that Emily and her family faced felt like really anyone could face and it was how they handled it that gave hope. I really liked how the author draws you in and makes you feel like you are catching up with friends and less about reading a book. This book is a good clean read but does deal with adult situations.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
Robin Jones Gunn’s book Becoming Us is so true to life and relatable; I felt the women featured were my friends.
Emily quickly became my favorite, as I moved many times during my childhood and adult years. The anxiety, insecurities and fear are all so appropriate to the circumstances. Also, she had gone through several situations that were difficult, as have I.
I also wished there had been a Jennalyn in my life! Her gentle, nurturing and encouraging ways made her a perfect mentor for the five women in the group.
Reading the story of faith during trying and frustrating times caused me to reflect back over a lot of my life. The idea of the women seeing themselves as Haven makers appealed to me. Women need to work harder at becoming Haven makers and less at denigrating and belittling each other.
I look forward to reading more books by Robin Jones Gunn!
I received Becoming Us from Waterbrook Multnomah. However, I was under no obligation to write a review.
Robin Jones Gunn’s latest book Becoming Us is a heartwarming story of faith, friendship, and family. Five women come together to form a strong bond of friendship and provide support for each other during both the good times and the difficulties in each of their lives. Their faith in God helped give them strength and to realize their own self-worth. Robin Jones Gunn created a wonderful cast of well-developed main characters and supporting characters who were positive influences on each other. The author showed how beneficial it is to have a group of friends who will always support you and and will share in your faith and love of God. This was a very enjoyable story and one that fans of contemporary fiction will not want to put down!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I just read, Becoming Us by Robin Jones Gunn. The main character, Emily, is new to the area. She gets involved with a group of ladies and they form a support system. The author develops Emily’s character and her relationship with the ladies in her circle beautifully. One can’t help but be encouraged.by their interactions and discussions with each other. “Release” was one of the words that had meaning for me. I have read other novels by Robin Jones Gunn and look forward to more.
Becoming Us by author Robin Jones Gunn is a beautifully written story of family, love, friendship, and finding peace! A young family, Emily, Trevor, and their daughter Audra have recently moved to California from their family and home in Ashville, NC. Emily is dealing with serious losses and is trying to pull herself together amidst the changes in their lives. Emily hesitantly attends a small party given by Jennalyn, a woman she met while shopping. The theme of the small Christmas party is Favorite Things, and as each of the five women gathered explain the reason for the gifts, their faith begins to shine through. This is the beginning of a friendship between the women which will help to encourage Emily through her fears and disappointments. I don’t want to post spoilers, but it is such a wonderful story which will be a blessing to any woman who has been through a time of loss and feeling insecure about her future. If you have read any of the other books by this author, you may find yourself feeling as if you are having a cozy visit with old friends. I loved this book! I also have read all of the Sisterchicks books twice, they are AWESOME!
Publication Date: May 7, 2019
Robin Jones Gunn is a master at telling beautiful stories of friendship. I have been a long time fan of her Sisterchicks series. Even though I never read her Christy or Sierra series, I enjoyed getting to know them along with three other young women in this new Haven Makers series. This story is told in first person from Emily’s perspective. Emily, her husband, and daughter have recently moved to California and Emily is befriended by Christy and her close knit group of friends. What begins is a beautiful tale of faith, friendship, and family.
I look forward to reading the second in the series, Being Known, which is available now.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I absolutely loved this book! The relationships! Ugh, so well written! I loved the friendships and how they grew, the mother/daughter, father/daughter, father/son relationships. The husband and wife relationship and how well they worked together even in the midst of trial and difficulty. I loved everything about this one! Definitely give it a try…you won’t be sorry!
Becoming Us is described as five young moms, including Christy Miller, who support each other in raising their children. I would more accurately call it Emily’s story.
Emily, her husband Trevor, and 10-year-old daughter Audra move to southern California from North Carolina after in vitro efforts to have another child drain their finances. Trevor’s uncle gave him a car lot, but it proves to be unprofitable, and they may need to return to NC in defeat.
Emily finds her footing with her new friends. She gains her self-esteem after Trevor’s large family unintentionally made her feel like she didn’t measure up. She blooms in their loving acceptance.
The stress of their financial situation makes the beginning of the book, well, stressful, but you soon relax with Emily among these God-fearing women. Best of all, having read most of the Christy Miller books, it’s great to catch up with her.
I had been waiting for another novel to read by Robin Jones Gunn, and this gentle love/ friendship book didn’t disappoint! I can’t wait for the other books in this series to come out so I can follow the lives of the 5 main characters and their families. We all have disappointments in life, and our friends can help us get through them with grace and love. And if you have not read her other books, you’ve got a treasure trove waiting for you. I suggest you start on her Sisterchick books!
Becoming Us is the first Robin Jones Gunn novel I’ve read, but it will not be the last. Becoming Us is a fantastic story! The writing is flawless, the storyline captivated my interest from page one and held it until the end, and the themes are timely. I especially appreciate the sense of female solidarity created when mothers get together to share their stories and their fears and their flaws and their hopes and dreams. Becoming Us left me feeling uplifted and proud to be the woman and mother that God fearfully and wonderfully made me to be.
When I was four years old my brother Joey came into this world and I fell in love. I know I drove my mother crazy, but I wanted Joey to be my baby. I wanted to feed him and care for him. Without a doubt, the day I met Joey was the day I knew I wanted to be a mother to lots and lots of babies. I firmly believed from the age of four that being a mommy to many was the plan God had in store for me, but God would have other, better plans for me. I do not have four children. I have one perfect miracle child. Getting pregnant with Bella was the easiest thing I ever did. Staying pregnant was another story. I have HELLP syndrome. It’s a devastating, life-altering syndrome that makes me incapable of having any other children for the rest of my life. In fact, I almost didn’t get to have my daughter, but God performed a miracle the day she was born and I am happy to report that she is now a precocious, creative, intelligent, beautiful seven-year-old!
What does any of this have to do with Becoming Us? Emily, the main character, also only has one child due to fertility complications. At the very beginning of the novel, Emily is asked a question: Do you have only one child? I hate this question. I get asked it all the time. I also hate the follow-up question inevitably asked: How can you allow your child to grow up alone? The implication behind this rude question is that my child somehow has a “less-than” life because she doesn’t have brothers or sisters. Typically when I get asked these questions I smile and say that my family is living the path God has set us upon, and then make a quick exit. Days after fielding these questions I’m usually a little sad about my circumstances, but after reading Becoming Us I realize that I have nothing to be sad about. Robin Jones Gunn includes a beautiful verse from Romans that grabbed my heart and spoke volumes of God’s Truth to me: We confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be (5:2). I don’t need to be sad about my inability to have more children because God didn’t put me and my husband on a path that could sustain a bunch of children. God put me and my husband on a path that led us to Bella. Together, the three of us are becoming, day by day, all that God has had in mind for us to be. Just like me, Emily realizes this truth about herself and her family as well, which leads her to a sense of peace and contentment about herself as a woman and mother that she hasn’t quite felt before. To me, this realization is the BEST part of Becoming Us.
Becoming Us is a novel of great depth and complexity. There is no way one review could ever fully explain just how good this story is. Becoming Us is a novel that needs to be experienced. It is realistic, refreshing, and powerful. It is a story that recognizes the power of being a woman and a mother. It is a story that celebrates women coming together to strengthen each other, uplift each other, and keep each other on God’s track. I loved every minute of this story, and cannot recommend it enough.
I received a copy of this novel in paperback form from the publisher, WaterBrook Multnomah, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.