From the bestselling author of Becoming Us comes a novel that asks: What does it mean to be truly known? In a marriage, in a friendship, or by a loving God? After her mom passed away, Jennalyn was in the midst of moving, adjusting to life with a new baby, and helping her husband, Joel, work toward his dream job. At the time, she thought she’d processed her mother’s death, but only now that … but only now that Jennalyn has two small children, a lovely new home, and a husband who is always working does she feel the full impact of what she has lost.
Even among her sweet circle of friends, the Haven Makers, grief silently overwhelms Jennalyn, until an unexpected encounter allows her to express herself in ways she hasn’t fully been able to with her husband. Even though Christy, Sierra, Emily, and Tess provide a soft place to land in times of tension, Jennalyn remains guarded, especially when Tess reveals she is tangled emotionally in a relationship that was thorny from the start.
Will the two women open up and remain honest with the others in their Haven Makers group? Or will their hesitation to truly be known, faults and all, keep them from holding on to the friendships that have been the sweetest gift during this season of life?
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Being Known, the second book in the Haven Makers series, is the continuing story of a circle of women who grow in friendship, challenge each other and find comfort in their connection with one another. I found the book to be entertaining, and yet even more that than, encouraging and inspirational. 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. “Having friends in your life who are willing to take the time to know you by heart is a gift.” Being Known is a poignant story about understanding the importance of cultivating wholesome relationships and recognizing that we are fully known by our Heavenly Father.
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.
This was an interesting book starring I’m wondering, characters from other books. Whatever the case, it was an interesting story.
The characters are likable and I believe it would be a good story for married couples with families.
I understood Jennalyn’s struggle in finding those places that are dark inside, wanting to just hide in a cave. So it’s my guess that the author dug deep within herself to recreate a story within this book.
But for me personally, I found that the dialogue was hard to follow because there were so many voices. Especially since I didn’t know who these outside voices were, the haven makers. I would however, consider reading another book in the series to see how well the stories intertwine and mesh together.
I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher, and all opinions are my own.
Jennalyn and Joel are just an ordinary married couple. They struggle to communicate and get caught up in the busyness of life. Joel’s focus shifts from family to work as he manages his restaurant, and Jennalyn’s focus shifts to her children. When the opportunity for a marriage retreat in Hawaii becomes available, they decide to invest in their marriage.
This story includes characters from the series I read in high school, The Christy Miller series. Girls grow up into women of faith that speak truth and have deep friendships. I loved how the author penned a story from the perspective of a young Mother who wrestles with the daily challenges of marriage and motherhood. A five star read for sure!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.