Contemporary Fiction Book Review: Being Known

-

About the Book

Title: Being Known: A Novel
Series: Haven Makers (Book 2)
Author: Robin Jones Gunn
Publisher: Multnomah
Release Date: April 28, 2020

Click here to purchase a copy of this book for yourself.

Publisher's Description

"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 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?"

My Review

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 truly 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.

About the Author: Robin Jones Gunn



"Robin Jones Gunn has written over 100 books with sales of over 6 million copies sold worldwide. She and her husband have two grown children and live in Hawai'i.

Her best-selling Father Christmas novels have been made into 3 Hallmark Movies. Get a behind the scenes look in her book, "How My Book Became a Movie".

Robin's best-selling, award winning novels include the Christy Miller series for teens as well as the Sierra Jensen and Katie Weldon series. The characters in these series continue in Christy & Todd: The College Years, The Married Years, The Baby Years and in The Haven Makers series. More details at www.ChristyMiller.com

The Glenbrooke series by Robin features 8 gentle love stories and her Christy Award winning Sisterchicks(R) novels are a book club favorite. Her popular non-fiction titles include "Victim of Grace", "Praying For Your Future Husband", co-authored with Tricia Goyer and "Spoken For", co-authored with Alyssa Joy Bethke." –Biography from Robin Jones Gunn's author page on Amazon.com.

Click here to visit Robin Jones Gunn's website.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Historical Fiction/Time-Slip Book Review: Hidden Among the Stars

-
Image
Publisher's Description "From the award-winning author of Catching the Wind , which Publishers Weekly called “unforgettable” and a “must-read,” comes another gripping time-slip novel about hidden treasure, a castle, and ordinary people who resisted evil in their own extraordinary way. The year is 1938, and as Hitler’s troops sweep into Vienna, Austrian Max Dornbach promises to help his Jewish friends hide their most valuable possessions from the Nazis, smuggling them to his family’s summer estate near the picturesque village of Hallstatt. He enlists the help of Annika Knopf, his childhood friend and the caretaker’s daughter, who is eager to help the man she’s loved her entire life. But when Max also brings Luzia Weiss, a young Jewish woman, to hide at the castle, it complicates Annika’s feelings and puts their entire plan―even their very lives―in jeopardy. Especially when the Nazis come to scour the estate and find both Luzia and the treasure gone. Eighty...
Read more

Historical Fiction Review: The Seamstress

-
Image
  About the Book Title: The Seamstress Author: Allison Pittman Genre: Historical Fiction Release date: February 5, 2019 Publisher: Tyndale A beautifully crafted story breathes life into the cameo character from the classic novel A Tale of Two Cities . France, 1788   It is the best of times . . . On a tranquil farm nestled in the French countryside, two orphaned cousins—Renée and Laurette—have been raised under the caring guardianship of young Émile Gagnon, the last of a once-prosperous family. No longer starving girls, Laurette and Renée now spend days tending Gagnon’s sheep, and nights in their cozy loft, whispering secrets and dreams in this time of waning innocence and peace. It is the worst of times . . . Paris groans with a restlessness that can no longer be contained within its city streets. Hunger and hatred fuel her people. Violence seeps into the ornate halls of Versailles. Even Gagnon’s table in the quiet village of Mouton...
Read more

Historical Romance Book Review: Meeting Her Match

-
Image
  About the Book Title: Meeting Her Match   Series: The Matchmakers , Book 3   Author: Jen Turano   Genre: Historical Roman ce   Publisher: Bethany House Publishers   Release Date: J uly 16 , 2 02 4   Click here to purchase a copy of this novel.   Publisher's Book Description “ Miss Camilla Pierpont, a renowned matchmaker and influential member of the New York Four Hundred, has vowed never to marry after suffering a devastating heartbreak during her debut years ago. However, when she is nearly abducted along the Hudson River, she finds herself rescued by an annoyingly outspoken, albeit fascinating, gentleman who challenges her in a manner she wasn't expecting.     After learning that Camilla Pierpont has enjoyed success with taking wayward young ladies in hand, Mr. Owen Chesterfield travels to the Hudson River Valley determined to convince Camilla to sponsor his sister, who is in desperate need of social rehabilitation.   ...
Read more