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 by Robin Jones Gunn is exactly the story I needed to read at this point in my life. I feel as if this book was personally written for me as it spoke volumes. I loved everything about this novel. I found the plot highly engaging, perfectly paced, and quite satisfying. The characters are excellently crafted and completely endearing. I especially related to Jennalyn and her inner turmoil. I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of the DOEs (Daughters of Eve) again. They’re so special and sweet, and I really love the deep bond they each have with one another. Every woman needs a special band of like-hearted sisters such as the DOEs. While I’m positive Being Known could be read as a standalone story, I don’t recommend it because I believe the reader would lose out on grasping just how impactful and special the DOEs are to one another. It is my opinion that the Haven Makers series be read in order so the nuances of the DOEs are not lost.
As stated above, I really related to Jennalyn and her struggles. In relatively recent years, she lost her beloved mother. She has a beautiful 4-year old daughter and full-of-energy 2-year old son. Both children light up her life but exhaust her with their boundless energy. And her handsome husband, whom Jennalyn loves with her whole heart, works 70+ hours a week at work. She often feels like a single mom who sometimes lives with a cute roommate. Jennalyn knows communication is key, but how does authentic communication happen when the other person is never available to talk? So when issues do arise, Jennalyn finds herself innocently turning to an old high school boyfriend and sharing her heart. Eventually, it appears like an emotional affair could be on the horizon for Jennalyn.
I have recently lost my beloved step-father. I work a full-time job during the day, then come home to my precocious, high-energy, highly intelligent daughter. My handsome hubby works nights. On a given day, I see him for maybe 30 minutes. That’s not a lot of time to share our days, bring to light any issues we may have, and/or share our hearts with one another. I have emotional needs like any other woman. I need someone to talk to on a regular basis. While I’ve never turned to another man to divulge my heart, I have been guilty of turning to my very best girlfriend and sharing everything — my grief over my dad (she has lost both of her parents), my exhaustion (she works full time too and has three kids), my frustrations, stresses, issues, etc. Very recently, I’ve realized that I was turning to her to meet my emotional needs, which isn’t necessarily bad in and of itself, but I was neglecting to ever tell my husband. Yes, it was hard to pin him down, but I was getting to the point where I wasn’t talking to him about real things at all. The thing is, it became REALLY easy to turn to my best friend and ignore my husband. Like Jennalyn does a bit in the novel, I, too, tried to justify my actions. I would tell myself that some things were just easier to discuss with another woman than with a man. But if I’m honest, I didn’t really want to wait a whole week to talk to my husband about things that were important to me at the moment. It was easier to just call my best friend.
I’m not going to tell you Jennalyn’s story; a lot is going on in her life. Definitely, I highly recommend reading this fabulous story to find out. But I can report a positive impact this novel had on me and my relationship with my husband. Having so much glorious free time right now with my husband — in 11 years of relationship we have NEVER had this much time together — and discussing the various issues Jones Gunn brings up in Being Known, we’ve both realized that we need to restructure our time as a couple and as a family better once life gets back to a more normal routine. I couldn’t have asked for a bigger or better blessing than this. Being Known fully blessed my life, and I just cannot recommend this novel enough. Purchase your copy today. It may just be the story you need right now, too!
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Waterbrook Press, via NetGalley in order to review. I also received a paperback copy of this book from the publisher as well. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Being Known by Robin Jones Gunn has Jennalyn feeling the grief from her losing her mother six years prior. At the time her mother passed away, Jennalyn had too much going on to stop and deal with the loss. She now has two children under the age of four, a lovely home and a husband she loves. Her husband, Joel is part-owner in the Blue Ginger, a local restaurant, as well as the head chef. He is working long hours until he can get the staff he needs in place. She feels alone and misses her mother dearly. Jennalyn is thankful for her friends, but she does not feel she can share this with them. The ladies call themselves “Daughters of Eve” (DOEs) or haven makers. One day, Jennalyn encounters Garrett, an old boyfriend, when dropping off her daughter for dance class. They begin chatting online over their shared memories. Garrett recently lost his mother and understands what Jennalyn is experiencing. Jennalyn begins to wonder about her life and the choices she made. Her friends are aware something is wrong and rally around to help Jennalyn. Being Known is the second novel in the Haven Makers series which I did not know when I began reading it. I felt like I had been plopped down in the middle of a book. I wish the author had taken the time to introduce the characters in the beginning. Things become clearer as I got further into the story. I believe it would have been beneficial to have read Becoming Us first. There is a nice mix of Christian women in Jennalyn’s group. They all have problems and doubts. The group helps them to get through the difficult times as well as provide comfort, support, and encouragement. They bring out the best in each other. I had a hard time liking Jennalyn who made bad choices or retreated into her “cave” of melancholy. She could be rude at times and standoffish. I could understand how hard it was for her to be at home with two young kids (both under four) and with her husband working long hours. There were miscommunication issues in the marriage along with Joel’s highhandedness and his short temper. This couple needed marriage counseling and time together (a weekly date night). I would have liked the author to develop the characters (they were not fleshed out). Having faith and putting God first are two important aspects of Being Known. I was curious, though, why Jennalyn and Joel did not attend church. Being Known is a good novel to read while sitting poolside (or at the beach or by the lake). Being Known is an optimistic novel about faith, friendship, and family.
Just like Becoming Us this book is about friendship and finding hope in the Lord and those friendships. I felt like this book got really to the heart of the matter with Jennalyn, with her missing her mom and the struggles she faces. This book was told in a first person point of view and I was not a fan of that. The author keeps this book clean so that is so nice allowing suitable for age appropriate readers. I think it goes back to this author has written about Christy for years and this series seems to be the adult version and the friendships she is forming along the way. I love these group of women and their friendships. Life is not perfect and life always hands you trials and the author doesn’t try and make anything perfect or sugar coat anything. If you are looking for a fun read that’s a breathe of fresh air and a little different then other books out there, this is worth the read. 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
This book picks up where the first book left off, and the main focus is on Jennalyn, and her current struggles. We also have Tess, and her personal decisions, along with the other DOE’s, there is information here to bring you up to date, but you will be hooked and wanting to read the first book!
What loving, caring friends, and they sure are there for one another, who wouldn’t love to be invited to one of their get togethers? They sure go all out, but through it all there is a constant love of the Lord.
There are a lot of emotions here, including sorrow, compassion, hope, love, friendship, and trust. As the story unfolded it made me page-turn for the answers, and now that the answers and surprises are known, I hope there are more books to come!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Waterbrook. and was not required to give a positive review.
This is a beautifully written book that is full of emotions. It will touch your heart and soul. This would be a wonderful book for a book club or a women’s church group. It is a fiction book but it is full of golden nuggets to remember.. This book was an absolute joy to read. 5 solid stars!! Thank you WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this wonderful book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really don’t enjoy women’s fiction, but Robin Jones Gunn captured my attention with the Christy Miller series when I was a teenager, and I look forward to everything she writes whether it is YA or Women’s fiction. Being Known continues the journey of adult, parenting group of friends that have devoted time to spend together. Either praying or talking about issues in their lives. It is nice to catch up with Christy Spencer and Sierra from Gunn’s earlier writings. But it is also nice to hang with the new girls. Everytime I read Gunn’s new series, Being Known included, I wish I had a group of Christian women I could hang out with and plan different get together days. It would be nice to have prayer partners who I can see actually caring about the situations in my life. Gunn does a wonderful job at showing the heartache of being a mother at home with kids all day while the husband works. Now one of her novels needs to show a mother who works 50 hours a week while her husband works 40 hours and she still has to come up and cook dinner, enforce chores, assign baths, and work on homework while the husband lounges on the couch watching television. That is a book I couldn’t wait to get my hands on. In Being Known, I really admired the way Gunn handled the grief of losing a mother from Jennalynn’s perspective. So many times novels mention once and then the characters appears to move on and never think about it again. So untrue. Losing my Daddy four years ago, it can hit at the most unexpected time, and I think about him almost every day. Overall, Being Known is not a typical women’s fiction novel, I love how Gunn faces the harsh realities of being a mother and parent in her novel, but with grace and surrounded by friends. I highly recommend this series to anyone. Christian or not.
I received a complimentary copy of Being Known by Robin Jones Gunn from Waterbrook-Multnomah Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my ow
Heartwarming story. Life becomes overwhelming for Jennalyn and she wonders what her future holds. With the help of a group of close friends, she learns to rely on more than the present situations. I enjoyed this story and will read more by author Robin Jones Gunn. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
God always knows what I need, when I need it, down to the nth detail. This true and simple assurance never ceases to amaze me. Yesterday, in the middle of the day of blahs in my heart, a new launch team notice came from Waterbrook & Multnomah, a new galley to review. I have read most of my books in print, so getting a notice that there was a digital copy available since printing and mailing at this time in the pandemic is difficult, was a happy surprise.
Well, because of this wonderful treat, nothing got done for the rest of the weekend because I have done nothing but immerse myself in Robin Jones Gunn’s newest novel, Being Known.
I received Being Known from Waterbrook & Multnomah Publishing as a part of their launch team for an honest review.
Gunn’s book fills a hole in my heart that has been deepening since the beginning of this pandemic distancing and stay-at-home time. One of the things I have been missing the most is the ability to be with and around my girlfriends, getting and giving hugs and enjoying the sisterhood of companionship that all women need. Being Known tells the story of a group of women living regular day to day lives and trusting in God and his goodness to sustain them through their relationship with Him and each other. The problems that the women face are common to all wives, mothers, and girlfriends. Seeing how the characters work through them and come forth stronger is heartwarming, a bit of sunshine during these days of unrest.
I love Gunn’s writing style and the gift of making her characters and the dialogue feel as though you know them personally, that they have left the page and become part of your close circle of friends. I want to read more of her books, and delight in her plots and characters more often, now that I have found her.
I can’t say enough good things about Gunn’s new book, Being Known. It’s a literary hug from a new friend that will endure.
Like many Christian teenagers in the 90s, I grew up with Robin Jones Gunn’s Christy Miller series. Christy was an inspiration, not because she was perfect, but because she cared about really following God, even when it was difficult. Since then, I’ve read Sierra Jensen, Katie, and Christy’s college years, along with many other of Robin’s books. But I hadn’t realized she was still writing about Christy. When I saw that NetGalley had a new book by Robin Jones Gunn, even if it was mid-series, I knew I wanted to read it. It took me an entire chapter to realize that Todd and Christy were THE Todd and Christy. And from that moment in, I was hooked.
Being Known is the story of five women, four of whom are married with children, who have gathered together to create and live out Christian community. There is something beautiful about the idea, although it felt more fantasy to me than Robin’s previous books. As someone who has grown up loving the church, I found in Robin’s book a deeper picture of Christian community than I am used to seeing. Women who loved each other deeply, but offered gentle correction as well as grace. Women who cared about each other’s marriages and families and relationships with God. Women who offered support in different ways that were appropriate to the different situations they each found themselves in. Women who didn’t put pressure on others or themselves to be cookie cutter images of each other or even Biblical womanhood.
I know it’s fiction, but as I read the book, I found myself wishing I knew community like that. I also found myself trying to make sense of why it felt more like an ideal fantasy than real life. Several reasons came to mind about why I think this is lacking, at least in my own life. 1. We hold others to identical standards as ourselves. This may not seem like a bad thing, however, none of us are the other and none of us fully understand the other. What God is teaching me or challenging me, may not be the same thing he is challenging you. I’m not claiming that right and wrong are relative, or even arguing for situational ethics, only saying that we need to withhold judgment and trust that God might be working in someone else’s life differently than he is working in ours. 2. We don’t all agree on moral standards. If you are married, is it wrong to have a deep conversation with someone of the opposite gender? Is it okay to date someone who is going through a divorce, but not divorced yet? When is jealously appropriate? I think we all have opinions on these topics, but I doubt we would all answer them the same way. Having different standards make it difficult to confront others. We might be able to create a group in which we all share the same values and are in the same place in life, but then I fear that it would be easy to be judgmental and hard to offer grace. Not trying to preach, just trying to understand where this type of Christian group could come close to fitting into reality.
While this type of fellowship might be rare in real life, the picture it painted of grace and true friendship was beautiful. It’s a good reminder of what we can aspire to. When fiction challenges us to be better versions of ourselves, rather than just seeking to entertain us, that is always a good thing. It definitely challenged me to look more closely at my friendships and consider where more truth or more grace might be needed.
Disclaimer: For those who are sensitive to complementarity vs. egalitarian values in Christian fiction, headship and the desire for the husband to lead the family were named, but partnership was demonstrated in several of the marriages.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and have reviewed it freely.
Since my teen years when I read the Christy Miller series, Robin Jones Gunn has spoken so much wisdom into my life through her books. Being Known was no exception.
Joel and Jennalyn have slipped into their busy roles in life, and their marriage has suffered. Enter Jennalyn’s ex-boyfriend, and struggles are compounded.
Being known hit on so many real life issues that at some times it was painful, but as Gunn always does, she points the characters and readers to Jesus. I highlighted numerous passages to go back and ponder.
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley, and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“Love grows in fields of grace, not in ruts of shame.”
This book dealt with deep real life situations.
How can a book be so amazing!!!
I enjoyed reading about the girlfriends clique; Jennalyn, Christy, Sierra, Emily and Tess. Their girls times, talks, confession times… were incredibly heartwarming. Reading the book made me want to have lots of girlfriends.
My heart broke for Jennalyn for her struggles especially with her marriage and the grief of loosing her mother. I could so relate with her floating in her grief and not having any meaningful connections to talk about what was going on with her. I loved immensely how the author wove the story into how Jennie got to realize she was known by God and wasn’t alone.
As a young unmarried lady I could relate soooo much with Tess when someone she shouldn’t be having any emotional connection with came into her life. But I was glad how she handled it with guidance from God and great advice from her friends.
This book brought to mind the danger of living in isolation when dealing with issues. Isolation has a way of making darkness grow and become so overwhelming. But when Jennalyn trusted God and brought to light all she was passing through she became free. The verse that’s says you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free was beautifully expressed in this books and the blessing of having Godly friends in one’s life.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Robin Jones Gunn creates a beautiful story of mother going through the trials of raising a young family while her husband works hard to build and run a restaurant to support them. Even though both spouses are doing their part to take care of their family both are weighed down by their commitments which separates them even though they share the same house. The separation opens them both up to temptations and choices that can break a marriage. The five friends (the DOEs) play pivitol rolls in helping their each other be known and work through the struggles they face. Their camaraderie keeps the story positive even as individual characters are hurting. I enjoyed this story and thank NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC edition.
Great realistic Christian fiction book. Jennalyn and her husband, Joel, are in their mid thirties and are going through life beside each other but disconnected. A chance encounter with an old boyfriend brings things to a head with Jennalyn and Joel. Jennalyn has a group of girlfriends she meets with regularly that shares their lives with each other. The title, Being Known, is apt as Jennalyn just longs to be known. In the end she learns that she is known best by God who made her.
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to review this book for my honest opinion.
Pure everyday life on the written page. That was my first thought after finishing this novel. The characters were so true to life in their marriages, struggles and child raising. After the bloom of new love and being newlyweds begins to wear off, that’s when real life sets in. I identified with the main character of Jennalyn and her grief over her mother dying. Even though it had been ten years there’s a special bond of mother and daughter that never goes away. In the first lines of the story when she thinks of her mother, the red toenail polish that she always wore came to mind. Jennalyn also brought together four other women and they built a friendship and closeness and called themselves DOES. Daughters of Eve…I loved that. Meeting together regularly with themes, they shared their problems and struggles with husbands, marriage and children. The biggest struggle I noticed was the lack of communication between Jennalyn and her husband. He was busy with his career and she with raising their two children. Faith and looking to God first was also a strong component in the story. This was a pure delight to read and I throughly enjoyed it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley but was not required to write a review.
Author Robin Jones Gunn continues writing about the lives of the DOES. (You’ll have to read the book.) She tackles the subject of grief and a struggling marriage with grace and gentleness.
The characters are true to life in their struggles and triumphs. Every woman will want a group of friends like this! Open and honest, they care deeply for each other. They give each other space to grow and to deal with life’s challenges.
If you are looking for a contemporary story about life, friendship, and love and contains humor, then I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Robin Jones Gunn books are always encouraging to read. Gunn, time after time, pens realistic, true to life stories, and Being Known delivers the encouraging read I had expected.
Being Known focuses mainly on Jennalyn, a young mother of two children, and her difficulties in handling home, friends and life alone due to a virtually absent, workaholic husband. Many women can easily and readily identify with Jennalyn’s struggles and frustrations at her husband’s constant excuses, even if they are valid (at least in his mind), and his absences are at times necessary.
The story picks up with the Haven Makers aka DOEs (Daughters of Eve), a group of young married and single female friends who meet periodically to inspire, boost and nurture each other through the good and bad times of their lives. The group is founded on Biblical principles and draws heavily on Biblical truths to guide them.
I had a small problem with this book in the beginning. I thought it faltered at first, with a spate of short, choppy sentences. Don’t be deterred. When the novel hits its stride, the story that emerges develops wonderfully and flows seamlessly. No one should miss this heartening and inspiring book.
Being Known is the sequel to Becoming Us but works fine as a stand-alone.
I received this book from NetGalley and Multnomah. However, I was under no obligation to write a review.
#BeingKnown #NetGalley
This is a very powerful read. It evokes emotions in varying degrees. This is a story of a young woman who starts to spiral with all the pressures of life. The author takes us through the story with a real to life look at how life can sometimes overwhelm even the best of us. This book has elements of grief, crisis of faith, forgiveness, second chances, and love. I must admit I loved the emotional track this book took me on. I must admit there was areas that I truly identified with the main character. I loved this story. This is the first book I have read from this author, but it won’t be the last. This is the second book in the Haven Makers series, but since I had not read the other book this was a stand alone for me. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good book that truly mimics life, both the good and bad.
I received this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve never read a novel like this one. The story is almost a “reality novel,” as true-to-life as possible, about the lives of five young women. Most of the ladies are married with children. This narrative centers mostly on Jennalynn and her marriage to Joel, but it also highlights the other women, especially Tess. While second in a series, the book stands alone well.
I loved how Jennalynn, Christy, and their friends have developed a very special Christian support group. As such they are not only physically present for each other, but help guard each other emotionally and spiritually.
Jennalyn finds her relationship with Joel on slippery ground as a result of his long work hours and her not being willing to confide her innermost issues.
While the book isn’t “preachy,” its goal is to teach and guide through some of the life issues that occur. It could possibly be used in counseling, and every young Christian wife should read it to gain real insight in how to make wise choices.
About the edible oils…Many will argue that NO oils should be ingested.
Notable Quotables:
“Love grows in fields of grace, not in ruts of shame.”
“…your word for the year was like a love note from the Lord.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Waterbrook-Multnomah. This in no way influences my opinions, which are solely my own.
Being Known: A Novel, by Robin Jones Gunn, is the second book in the Haven Makers series. It is an engaging novel of friendship, truth, vulnerability, and faith. This book explores the dreams, doubts, and motivations of a group of young women whose friendship with each other is an important source of support and encouragement as they pursue wholeness in their roles as friends, wives, mothers, and professionals. Though they have all faced various trials, they press on despite fears and uncertainties as they help each other find the strength to overcome grief, temptations, and insecurities so that they can pursue lives that are filled with faithfulness, authenticity, and gratitude.
The characters in this novel are truly interesting and deeply sympathetic. Their choices and struggles are believable and resonate with honesty, veracity, and emotion. As they contemplate their choices and persevere through the consequences that follow, they grow in wisdom and confidence. Their faith is also nurtured as they learn to trust in love, grace, and forgiveness.
It is very uplifting to read about characters who bravely pursue wholeness in the aftermath of grief and disappointment, giving space for their hardships to grow in them a generosity, a wisdom, and a faith that inspires others. It is refreshing to read a novel that thoughtfully explores the power of friendship to nurture hope and healing. The themes of being seen, being heard, being appreciated, and being valued resonate on every page of this book making it genuinely touching and moving. Beyond mere entertainment, this story is very compelling as it considers the value of meaningful friendships and the powerful impact that is possible when lives are lived with faith and honesty and in community with others.
Ms. Gunn has skillfully crafted a story that is emotionally impactful and endearing. Being Known: A Novel is a special book that is memorable and relevant. It is a pleasure to recommend it.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Another sweet story by author, Robin Jones Gunn. The book is number two in the Haven Maker series.
It is a very relatable story no matter where you are in your marriage. Although the story is about 30 somethings, it was fun to read and see how they worked together to lift one another up and base their advice on scripture. A fun read, but an encouraging read with great examples of how we can care for each other especially in light of our current crisis. No matter what we are facing—will the baby nap, or will we get to go out in public again—this story is inspiring to work through the tough times and do so with God in your plans and a good friend (or four!) in your pocket.
A definite read for all RJG fans! And those that will be once they’ve read the book!
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy through NetGalley from WaterBrook Multnomah with no expectations in return. The thoughts and words above are my own.