Being Known

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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 Jennalynn, 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 Jennalynn’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

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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.

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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.

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Being Known is Robin Jones Gunn's latest book in her Haven Makers series. Like Becoming Us the story is highly emotional and stresses the importance of Christian fellowship, which is now often referred to as doing life together, and accountability. While many will enjoy Gunn's intense and insightful writing, this book and series seem to target women in their twenties to early forties who, like Gunn's characters, are balancing a variety of relationships from family to friends as well as distracting relationships, raising children, creating a haven at home, finding fulfillment in personal pursuits, and pursuing careers; all while growing in their relationship with Christ. There are times in this story when the reader will feel a great sense of contentment, and other times when she will feel like she is watching a train wreck about to happen. Robin Jones Gunn is a master at pulling readers in and tugging at their emotions. I am grateful to have received a copy of Being Known from Multnomah via NetGalley, and for being included on this book's launch team. I was however asked only for my honest opinion, and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. I received no monetary compensation.