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Haven Makers #2
Being Known
From the bestselling author of
Becoming Us
comes a novel unpacking loss, doubts, friendship, and the hard questions we ask of God and those we love.
After her mom passed away, Jennalyn was in the midst of moving, having a baby, and helping her husband work toward his dream job. At the time, she thought she processed the shock and loss, but only now that Jennalyn has two small children, a lovely new home, a lucrative side hustle with her art, and a husband who is always working does she feel the full impact of the loss.
Enter an old boyfriend who knew Jennalyn well and who shares many fond memories of her mom. Jennalyn begins to doubt her marriage and all her other life choices ever since her mom passed away. It takes the power of truth, close friends who know her well, and a series of choices at the heart level before Jennalyn can surface from the confusion and see with clarity where her life is headed.
After her mom passed away, Jennalyn was in the midst of moving, having a baby, and helping her husband work toward his dream job. At the time, she thought she processed the shock and loss, but only now that Jennalyn has two small children, a lovely new home, a lucrative side hustle with her art, and a husband who is always working does she feel the full impact of the loss.
Enter an old boyfriend who knew Jennalyn well and who shares many fond memories of her mom. Jennalyn begins to doubt her marriage and all her other life choices ever since her mom passed away. It takes the power of truth, close friends who know her well, and a series of choices at the heart level before Jennalyn can surface from the confusion and see with clarity where her life is headed.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2020
60 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
About the author
Robin Jones Gunn
164 books2,654 followersROBIN JONES GUNN has written more than 100 books with over 6.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her Father Christmas books have been made into three Hallmark Christmas movies. The timeless Christy Miller series now continues in Christy & Todd: The College Years, Married Years, Baby Years, and the Haven Maker series. Robin's novels and non-fiction works include Before Your Tween Daughter Becomes a Woman, Victim of Grace, Praying for Your Future Husband, and Before You Meet Your Future Husband co-authored with Tricia Goyer. Her books have received multiple awards and are a favorite with book clubs and study groups. Many of Robin's books are in eBook, audiobook, large print, and foreign editions. Robin does a weekly Podcast called "Women Worth Knowing" with Cheryl Brodersen. Robin and her husband have a grown son and daughter and live in California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
April 25, 2020
This book takes off from Book one Becoming Us. You don't necessarily have to read book one but it was so good.
I love the whole idea of the Haven Makers group, we need something like that.
This is an emotional read, but a good one.
I am such a fan of Gunn's she always writes maters of the heart in a way that draws you in for the long haul.
I gave this book 4 stars and I can't wait for the next book. I recommend this series.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
I love the whole idea of the Haven Makers group, we need something like that.
This is an emotional read, but a good one.
I am such a fan of Gunn's she always writes maters of the heart in a way that draws you in for the long haul.
I gave this book 4 stars and I can't wait for the next book. I recommend this series.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
May 19, 2020
Where have I been all this time that this is my first Robin Jones Gunn book to read.
WOW!!!!!!! This book is so wonderful and heartfelt dealing with really listening to what your spouse is saying to you and not jumping to conclusions.
A group of five women friends who call themselves the Haven Makers, though they have different personalities they are there for each other through thick and thin really listening to what each other has to say.
Very heartwarming and emotional read that I had to stay up late reading, I was unable to put it down until I was done with it!
Published May 5th 2020 by Multnomah
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
WOW!!!!!!! This book is so wonderful and heartfelt dealing with really listening to what your spouse is saying to you and not jumping to conclusions.
A group of five women friends who call themselves the Haven Makers, though they have different personalities they are there for each other through thick and thin really listening to what each other has to say.
Very heartwarming and emotional read that I had to stay up late reading, I was unable to put it down until I was done with it!
Published May 5th 2020 by Multnomah
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
April 28, 2020
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.
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.
May 19, 2020
I grew up with Christy Miller and the Haven Maker books are some of the best of all of the Christy books. There is just so much meaning and "life" stuff in these books that make them incredible reads. I really enjoyed this story with Jennalyn and her struggles. The struggles she faces can be a common one for wives and mothers and I identified with her a lot. This story is raw and beautiful and I adored it. I am so looking forward to more in this series!!
November 24, 2019
A long time fan of the author I had high hopes for this story. It beings with Jennalynn and her husband Joel along with her group of friends who call themselves the "DOES" daughters of Eve.
They are collectively the Havenmakers. Christian women, most of who are married mom's, along with one who is single. They are a delightful mixed group of women who care for each other, meeting often and trying to live rightly. Yes the Christian theme is an undercurrent throughout the book.
We meet Jenna our main character who still grieves the loss of her mother, a frustrated stay at home mom whose husband is mostly absent while he's both running a new restaurant and is the head chef there. Her two children are an almost 4 year old and an almost toddler. Jenna is not seen nor is she heard by her husband. I had a tough time liking Joel. Joel raised in a large Italian family, her in-laws are a wonderful support for her, I liked them very much. When she takes her daughter to ballet class she runs into her high school boyfriend, the man who broke her heart. His daughter and her's happen to be best friends in this class. While Garrett tries to engage Jennalynn, she's pretty standoffish, and shuts him out. He apologizes for the past. He is married, his wife busy with her work, so he's the one who brings her to class. Jenna doesn't share this meeting with her circle of friends, nor does she share the online contact that happens to develop with him after Jenna and Joel have yet another major disagreement. Jenna retreats to her cave that is a source of comfort for her. The two play a simple word game on social media and there is some conversation woven into that. She finds out that he too has lost his mother who was her mother's best friend. In that they share a common bond. She does recognize that she is married and nothing can ever happen, yet she doesn't share this with her friends. I enjoyed the support and caring for each other these women had and the often times guidance they provided for each other. Pivot point in the plot when Joel comes home saying they need a vacation and he's taking her to Hawaii. She's over the moon with that, thinking she'll finally recharge both herself and her marriage. She misses her husband. When he tells her it's a marriage retreat, suggested by her friends husband, she's a little less than happy. Add that he's already made the plans for them to go without talking with her about it, even less happy. Another point of contention in their already strained marriage. Again we see Jenna hold back with her group about this. Her closest friend knows the strain. Her husband is the one who talked to Joel about the retreat and they want to go also, so he's working extra jobs to pick up the much needed money to go.
The lack of communication between these two and Joel's anger issues were a problem for me. Along with some things with Jenna that could be obvious to the reader that paid attention to her unresolved grief issues and maybe a little post partum thrown in. That was just my feeling. While the group was busy guiding the single woman through a questionable friendship with a man, Jenna was always the peacemaker of the group. Withholding her own story, I didn't find her likable at times, yet I am certain there are many women who can relate to this scenario. Jenna tries several times to talk to Joel about Garrett, and none of which she's able to accomplish due to Joel. Things blow up, Joel's anger really shines through and leaves the reader wondering really what's going on here. It did me.
When he turns a corner, I found it superficial and much too quick and tidy. I needed more character development and depth to these two. It's a light read, quick and light on their faith relationships.
Also notable you never read about Jenna or Joel going to church. While church attendance isn't the focus of the story, it's brought up by other characters while they were relating a story to each other.
I had higher expectations for this book, since the author is a talented writer. For me it was just ok.
arc from publisher with thanks
They are collectively the Havenmakers. Christian women, most of who are married mom's, along with one who is single. They are a delightful mixed group of women who care for each other, meeting often and trying to live rightly. Yes the Christian theme is an undercurrent throughout the book.
We meet Jenna our main character who still grieves the loss of her mother, a frustrated stay at home mom whose husband is mostly absent while he's both running a new restaurant and is the head chef there. Her two children are an almost 4 year old and an almost toddler. Jenna is not seen nor is she heard by her husband. I had a tough time liking Joel. Joel raised in a large Italian family, her in-laws are a wonderful support for her, I liked them very much. When she takes her daughter to ballet class she runs into her high school boyfriend, the man who broke her heart. His daughter and her's happen to be best friends in this class. While Garrett tries to engage Jennalynn, she's pretty standoffish, and shuts him out. He apologizes for the past. He is married, his wife busy with her work, so he's the one who brings her to class. Jenna doesn't share this meeting with her circle of friends, nor does she share the online contact that happens to develop with him after Jenna and Joel have yet another major disagreement. Jenna retreats to her cave that is a source of comfort for her. The two play a simple word game on social media and there is some conversation woven into that. She finds out that he too has lost his mother who was her mother's best friend. In that they share a common bond. She does recognize that she is married and nothing can ever happen, yet she doesn't share this with her friends. I enjoyed the support and caring for each other these women had and the often times guidance they provided for each other. Pivot point in the plot when Joel comes home saying they need a vacation and he's taking her to Hawaii. She's over the moon with that, thinking she'll finally recharge both herself and her marriage. She misses her husband. When he tells her it's a marriage retreat, suggested by her friends husband, she's a little less than happy. Add that he's already made the plans for them to go without talking with her about it, even less happy. Another point of contention in their already strained marriage. Again we see Jenna hold back with her group about this. Her closest friend knows the strain. Her husband is the one who talked to Joel about the retreat and they want to go also, so he's working extra jobs to pick up the much needed money to go.
The lack of communication between these two and Joel's anger issues were a problem for me. Along with some things with Jenna that could be obvious to the reader that paid attention to her unresolved grief issues and maybe a little post partum thrown in. That was just my feeling. While the group was busy guiding the single woman through a questionable friendship with a man, Jenna was always the peacemaker of the group. Withholding her own story, I didn't find her likable at times, yet I am certain there are many women who can relate to this scenario. Jenna tries several times to talk to Joel about Garrett, and none of which she's able to accomplish due to Joel. Things blow up, Joel's anger really shines through and leaves the reader wondering really what's going on here. It did me.
When he turns a corner, I found it superficial and much too quick and tidy. I needed more character development and depth to these two. It's a light read, quick and light on their faith relationships.
Also notable you never read about Jenna or Joel going to church. While church attendance isn't the focus of the story, it's brought up by other characters while they were relating a story to each other.
I had higher expectations for this book, since the author is a talented writer. For me it was just ok.
arc from publisher with thanks
April 28, 2020
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.
April 28, 2020
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
I received a complimentary copy of Being Known by Robin Jones Gunn from Waterbrook-Multnomah Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my ow
January 5, 2020
Being Known is a literary walk through the trialsome years of marriage, through the throes of becoming roommates instead of lovers, through the heartache of life interrupting romance, and through the necessity of sisterhood that breathes life into otherwise dying hearts. I was blessed, challenged, and oh so thankful for the truth and love that binds all relationships planted in the Father. This novel will not only entertain, but it will encourage and revitalize hope within a tired and weary soul.
May 2, 2020
I absolutely loved Gunn's Sisterchick series, so was sure I would love her new series about a group of BFF's. I did not read the first book in this series which must have set up the group of young women, but this book read well as a stand alone. (I definitely will find book 1 and read it.)
This group of 5 women are a wide variety of personalities and places in life: single, married, married with children. But their strong faith makes them supportive of and great at sharing their wisdom with one another. The focus is on Jennalyn who has a 4 year old and a new baby. She is still deeply grieving the loss of her mother and is frustrated that her husband who is a chef and has his own restaurant is gone so much of the time. When she takes her daughter to begin a ballet class, her ex-boyfriend is there with his daughter. This begins an "emotional affair" with her ex in that they talk for hours on the phone and play a game app together.
Being open with your spouse, forgiveness, trust, and support all are major themes in this book. I thought the idea of an "emotional affair" quite interesting. We often don't think that sharing our deepest thoughts with someone of the opposite sex, if married, does amount to an "emotional affair" when we should be sharing those with our spouse.
I hope that Gunn will continue this series and focus on each of the women.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
This group of 5 women are a wide variety of personalities and places in life: single, married, married with children. But their strong faith makes them supportive of and great at sharing their wisdom with one another. The focus is on Jennalyn who has a 4 year old and a new baby. She is still deeply grieving the loss of her mother and is frustrated that her husband who is a chef and has his own restaurant is gone so much of the time. When she takes her daughter to begin a ballet class, her ex-boyfriend is there with his daughter. This begins an "emotional affair" with her ex in that they talk for hours on the phone and play a game app together.
Being open with your spouse, forgiveness, trust, and support all are major themes in this book. I thought the idea of an "emotional affair" quite interesting. We often don't think that sharing our deepest thoughts with someone of the opposite sex, if married, does amount to an "emotional affair" when we should be sharing those with our spouse.
I hope that Gunn will continue this series and focus on each of the women.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
February 28, 2020
"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.
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.
September 28, 2020
A refreshing look at a “romance novel”, Being Known presents the reader with more than a we-met-and-fell-in-love story. This book covers the topic of being REAL in relationships, being honest with yourself, and what being known by another really is. Along the way you will laugh, want to cry, and maybe kinda-sorta want to slap a couple of characters upside the head (even you know you might have just as hard a time “seeing the light” were you in their shoes).
FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
February 15, 2020
I could not put this book down. It is a story of how much distance there can be between a husband and wife and what it takes to close that gap. Heart breaking and heat warming at the same time. Definitely worth the read!
July 12, 2020
Ms. Gunn is a hit or miss author for me, and sadly this one was a miss. Grief does do things to affect a person's thought process and usually the spouse doesn't know how to respond. I get this, but she opened doors that should've remained shut and locked.
I'm also not a huge fan of women's fiction, and I love a strong faith message.... this is women's fiction and the faith message was very weak. However, fans of Ms. Gunn's Christy Miller series and spin-offs will love revisiting old friends...
A mixed review that may just be me and my tastes, so check it out for yourself. Ms. Gunn is a best-selling author for a reason.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
I'm also not a huge fan of women's fiction, and I love a strong faith message.... this is women's fiction and the faith message was very weak. However, fans of Ms. Gunn's Christy Miller series and spin-offs will love revisiting old friends...
A mixed review that may just be me and my tastes, so check it out for yourself. Ms. Gunn is a best-selling author for a reason.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
January 26, 2024
I’m at the beach and for me it’s not a beach vacation unless Robin is with me.
Robin transports me not necessarily to a tropical locale, but to a sweet place I long to be with my friends, my husband, my kids and mostly with God.
Thank you for making me long for Truth and calling me forward with such sweetness, Robin!
Robin transports me not necessarily to a tropical locale, but to a sweet place I long to be with my friends, my husband, my kids and mostly with God.
Thank you for making me long for Truth and calling me forward with such sweetness, Robin!
April 2, 2020
I read Robin Jones Gunn's books when I was a teenager and enjoyed them very much, so I was excited to see she had a new book releasing that's targeted toward my current demographic. This is the second book in the Haven Maker series, although it can be read as a stand alone.
The characters are well-written, the dialog is compelling and it's fun to read a book by an author who knows how to portray a Southern California setting accurately. The heroine and her circle of friends are supportive and encouraging. Readers who expect a strong Christian message in their novels will definitely be pleased with the Biblical principles emphasized through the characters' words and actions.
I wanted to love this novel because I adored this author when I was younger and I have tremendous respect for her success in the publishing industry. Sadly, this book is not super compelling. Maybe I'm not the target demographic after all. I did finish it, but I really did not like Joel. At all. Because I didn't care for him as a character, it was hard for me to root for the heroine or the resolution of their marital conflict. He's rude and thoughtless and insensitive. The heroine spent much of the novel making excuses for his behavior.
A lot of their marital issues would've been resolved more quickly if they took the time to have a conversation and she stopped procrastinating or justifying his lousy behavior. I realize that's a significant plot point, but for me, this felt like several episodes of a suburban housewife's life linked together until the characters couldn't avoid their problems anymore and finally had a messy confrontation. The problems the heroine faced felt like ordinary, everyday life and I prefer a more intense plot with characters who grapple with much higher stakes. If this is supposed to be a novel about unresolved grief over the loss of the heroine's mother, that theme did not resonate with me.
Readers who like faith-based fiction focused on family, female friendships and marital conflict will probably enjoy Being Known.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions stated here are my own.
The characters are well-written, the dialog is compelling and it's fun to read a book by an author who knows how to portray a Southern California setting accurately. The heroine and her circle of friends are supportive and encouraging. Readers who expect a strong Christian message in their novels will definitely be pleased with the Biblical principles emphasized through the characters' words and actions.
I wanted to love this novel because I adored this author when I was younger and I have tremendous respect for her success in the publishing industry. Sadly, this book is not super compelling. Maybe I'm not the target demographic after all. I did finish it, but I really did not like Joel. At all. Because I didn't care for him as a character, it was hard for me to root for the heroine or the resolution of their marital conflict. He's rude and thoughtless and insensitive. The heroine spent much of the novel making excuses for his behavior.
A lot of their marital issues would've been resolved more quickly if they took the time to have a conversation and she stopped procrastinating or justifying his lousy behavior. I realize that's a significant plot point, but for me, this felt like several episodes of a suburban housewife's life linked together until the characters couldn't avoid their problems anymore and finally had a messy confrontation. The problems the heroine faced felt like ordinary, everyday life and I prefer a more intense plot with characters who grapple with much higher stakes. If this is supposed to be a novel about unresolved grief over the loss of the heroine's mother, that theme did not resonate with me.
Readers who like faith-based fiction focused on family, female friendships and marital conflict will probably enjoy Being Known.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions stated here are my own.
January 31, 2020
Through Net Galley, I received the ARC of Robin Jones Gunn’s newest book in the Haven Makers Series, Being Known. I truly enjoyed the sweet friends together again and learning how to live out their faith as they walk alongside one another.
In Being Known, Jennalyn continues to mourn the loss of her mother. Although, her mom’s death has passed and she had thought that she had properly moved forward, the deep loss of her mother continues to haunt her. Since Joel, her chef/restaurant owner husband, is fully consumed with getting the restaurant off the the ground, Jenn’s sorrow is compounded by feeling abandoned to deal with their two small children alone. Rather than share how she is feeling with Joel or her dear friends, the other Daughters of Eve (DOE’s) she plasters a smile on her face and keeps her struggling throughts to herself.
In the midst of her internal struggle, Garrett, the high school boyfriend that broke her heart walks into her life unexpectedly. Although 15 years have passed and she is a grown women, her grief and discontent heart causes Jennalyn to question her marriage and life as she knows it. Before she realizes it, she begins down a road that may lead to an end to the life she shares with Joel.
Ms. Gunn did an excellent job of helping the reader understand Jenn’s thoughts and struggling heart. I appreciated the way she clearly pictured how quickly our mind can lead us to places that we should not and actually do not want to go. The longer Jenn kept her thoughts and actions hidden and in the dark, it was easier for her to move in a dangerous direction and to justify her behavior.
The one issue I had with the characters were their church involvement. Since both Jennalyn and Joel’s characters were professing believers, I wish that they appeared more invested and involved in a church body and community group.
I did however love the friendship of the DOE’s. Although it was difficult, they boldly and lovingly spoke truth into one another’s lives. I would definitely recommend this book!
In Being Known, Jennalyn continues to mourn the loss of her mother. Although, her mom’s death has passed and she had thought that she had properly moved forward, the deep loss of her mother continues to haunt her. Since Joel, her chef/restaurant owner husband, is fully consumed with getting the restaurant off the the ground, Jenn’s sorrow is compounded by feeling abandoned to deal with their two small children alone. Rather than share how she is feeling with Joel or her dear friends, the other Daughters of Eve (DOE’s) she plasters a smile on her face and keeps her struggling throughts to herself.
In the midst of her internal struggle, Garrett, the high school boyfriend that broke her heart walks into her life unexpectedly. Although 15 years have passed and she is a grown women, her grief and discontent heart causes Jennalyn to question her marriage and life as she knows it. Before she realizes it, she begins down a road that may lead to an end to the life she shares with Joel.
Ms. Gunn did an excellent job of helping the reader understand Jenn’s thoughts and struggling heart. I appreciated the way she clearly pictured how quickly our mind can lead us to places that we should not and actually do not want to go. The longer Jenn kept her thoughts and actions hidden and in the dark, it was easier for her to move in a dangerous direction and to justify her behavior.
The one issue I had with the characters were their church involvement. Since both Jennalyn and Joel’s characters were professing believers, I wish that they appeared more invested and involved in a church body and community group.
I did however love the friendship of the DOE’s. Although it was difficult, they boldly and lovingly spoke truth into one another’s lives. I would definitely recommend this book!
December 21, 2020
Being Known is book two in the Haven Maker series by Robin Jones Gunn.. This story focuses on Jennalyn. Jennalyn is a mother of 2 young children and the wife of chef and restaurant owner, Joel. With Joel spending so much time and energy getting his restaurant going, Jennalyn is left to handle the children alone. They spend very little time alone and talking, which leads to problems in their marriage. She runs into an old boyfriend and for a short time gets reacquainted and share their grief of the loss of their mothers.
Jennalyn is part of a group of young women who get together on a regular basis. These women come from different walks of live, married and single, stay at home moms and career women. Yet they are there for each other to encourage, support and pray for each other.
This is a great Christian modern day story that deals with real life situations. While this is part of a series, and the characters come from several previous series, this is also a good stand alone story. The parts in the story that stand out for me is the support Jennalyn and Joel get from their friends and his parents. The young women in the group chose a word that is significant for them for the year, such as love, trust, wait. There are also a lot of emotions running through this story. The loss of a mother, the hurts of a struggling relationship, the compassion and love of a friend and trust and waiting for God's answer. There were times while reading the story I felt frustrated with the couple, who turned to others with their problems than to each other.
I received a copy of this story from the WaterBrook and Multnomah Launch Team via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Jennalyn is part of a group of young women who get together on a regular basis. These women come from different walks of live, married and single, stay at home moms and career women. Yet they are there for each other to encourage, support and pray for each other.
This is a great Christian modern day story that deals with real life situations. While this is part of a series, and the characters come from several previous series, this is also a good stand alone story. The parts in the story that stand out for me is the support Jennalyn and Joel get from their friends and his parents. The young women in the group chose a word that is significant for them for the year, such as love, trust, wait. There are also a lot of emotions running through this story. The loss of a mother, the hurts of a struggling relationship, the compassion and love of a friend and trust and waiting for God's answer. There were times while reading the story I felt frustrated with the couple, who turned to others with their problems than to each other.
I received a copy of this story from the WaterBrook and Multnomah Launch Team via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
May 11, 2020
I enjoyed this book. This second book could be read independently but does connect details to the first Haven makers book. This book takes on JennaLynn another woman in the established friend circle that have named themselved DOEs or Daughters of Eve. This book layers in self actualization and discovery as Jenna struggles with the grieving her mom, her husband working long hours and their lack of communication, struggles with interactions with another man, and her thought life. It was strange that no mention of attending church by her comes up, other members of talk about knowing someone from church, but this theme isn't present in the book at all. There are connections and things that we are to remember from the first book, some of which weren't mentioned in this book, and even though I read the first book less than a year ago, at times I was trying to remember details.
My joy in reading this series is the narrative of faith in God and choosing to grow as people and followers of Christ. This book was a little more disjointed to me, but it shows the thinking and Jennalynn's prayer life grows as she reflects and trusts God more. I'd like to see a bit more depth in this area. Thankful to partner with netgalley and review this book.
My joy in reading this series is the narrative of faith in God and choosing to grow as people and followers of Christ. This book was a little more disjointed to me, but it shows the thinking and Jennalynn's prayer life grows as she reflects and trusts God more. I'd like to see a bit more depth in this area. Thankful to partner with netgalley and review this book.
August 14, 2021
I gobbled this book right up. I laughed. I cried. This all might sound very cliche, but this book just spoke to me.
Jennalyn was my favorite character from the previous book in this series. I too love watercolor and calligraphy. I was so happy to get a glimpse into her day to day.
Jennalyn is such a relatable character. She struggles with the duties of a mom, a wife, and a friend. But she's also so good at all of the above. I just love the DOEs and all their adventures. I want to start having Spring Fling parties.
I loved seeing more of Christy from someone else's perspective. I want my home to have the same welcoming feel hers does, and to be such a listener. Also, can we all just admire her ability to quote scripture?
I appreciated how Joel and Jennalyn's marriage issues were handled. They weren't glossed over, and they were resolved realistically.
Please tell me there will be more installations in this series. I want a Sierra book, a Tess book, and another Katie book. Or another Christy book. Or more Jennalyn. Really, the Havenmakers series just needs to continue. Period.
Jennalyn was my favorite character from the previous book in this series. I too love watercolor and calligraphy. I was so happy to get a glimpse into her day to day.
Jennalyn is such a relatable character. She struggles with the duties of a mom, a wife, and a friend. But she's also so good at all of the above. I just love the DOEs and all their adventures. I want to start having Spring Fling parties.
I loved seeing more of Christy from someone else's perspective. I want my home to have the same welcoming feel hers does, and to be such a listener. Also, can we all just admire her ability to quote scripture?
I appreciated how Joel and Jennalyn's marriage issues were handled. They weren't glossed over, and they were resolved realistically.
Please tell me there will be more installations in this series. I want a Sierra book, a Tess book, and another Katie book. Or another Christy book. Or more Jennalyn. Really, the Havenmakers series just needs to continue. Period.
June 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, even more than the first one in this series. Joel and Jennalyn’s story was very sweet and seemed realistic. Yes, some events were a bit cliché, but I was too caught up in the flow of it that it honestly didn’t bug me. If anything, it made it much more interesting.
There were some old characters that popped up in unexpected ways. One of them I really have never liked, but it was still entertaining to see them.
I reread the entire Christy Miller series before reading this book, and I’m glad I did. It wouldn’t have affected the story much if I hadn’t, but for some reason it made it all seem that much more real to me.
I would definitely recommend this book. :) I'm sad that I'm done reading about these characters for now. :(
There were some old characters that popped up in unexpected ways. One of them I really have never liked, but it was still entertaining to see them.
I reread the entire Christy Miller series before reading this book, and I’m glad I did. It wouldn’t have affected the story much if I hadn’t, but for some reason it made it all seem that much more real to me.
I would definitely recommend this book. :) I'm sad that I'm done reading about these characters for now. :(
August 22, 2020
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.
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to review this book for my honest opinion.
August 31, 2020
Raw. Emotional. Truth filled friendships. I have grown up with the fictional characters of Christy Miller and friends, and even 20 years later I am learning, seeking, identifying with them as if they are real. These fictional but oh-so-real-to-the-readers have their lives dissected and discussed over and over, goodness this whole book club was based on this series. Get it yet? These characters, these friends, sigh. So much life and love. 100☆
January 30, 2020
I've enjoyed every title I've read by Robin Jones Gunn , and ' Being Known ' is no exception. Her writing envelops the reader into a world of close friends to share life experiences. Her readers will no doubt carry the life experiences from the fictional world to their daily life, blessing others along the way. Reading ' Being Known ' was a true joy.
January 24, 2021
This takes place in California. The story is about a woman looking for healing and a way out of loneliness. The main character does somethings she shouldn't have done but didn't go too far. Things worked out in the end. I had hoped things would have happened differently, though. I'm glad there was a happy ending.
June 20, 2020
The places and people within Robin's pages always feel like "home," but I loved the excitement and experience of learning Jennalynn and navigating life with her. Robin, please don't ever put your pen down.
January 19, 2025
- 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞 -
I’ll admit that this book didn’t pull me in as quickly as the first book did. I didn’t identify quite as much with Jennalyn as I did with Emily, though I don’t have much in common with either woman. But true to form with Robin Jones Gunn, I still really enjoyed this book. Her stories are always like a breath of fresh air to my soul.
"𝙶𝚘𝚍 𝚊𝚕𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚜. 𝙷𝚎'𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚗."
Jennalyn, who we learned a bit about in Becoming Us, was having struggles with her marriage and life in general. It all began to feel routine and mundane, and it certainly didn’t help that her husband kept such a busy schedule and rarely spent much time with her and the kids. Then an unexpected flash from the past showed up and turned her life into an even bigger muddle. I’ll admit I wasn’t overly fond of this plot line, but I understand that this is a very real struggle for some people so I can appreciate the way Robin wrote it. The way that the conflict helped Joel and Jennalyn develop an even deeper and stronger relationship was beautiful ♥️
"𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚞𝚙, 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚏𝚊𝚒𝚝𝚑, 𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚏𝚞𝚕, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚌𝚒𝚛𝚌𝚞𝚖𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎."
"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚑, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚑 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚎𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚛𝚎𝚎."
I absolutely love the DOEs, the little group of friends who mean so much to each other. I was so happy that we got to see them each pick their word for the year again and how each word was so perfect for that specific woman! The way these women fill the empty spaces in each other’s lives fills my heart to overflowing 🥹 I appreciated the way they pointed out that 𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚎, 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚢.
"𝙷𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚊 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝."
𝙷𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚎.
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟑:𝟏𝟕
I love that this book pointed out how God needs to be your number one priority in life. If He doesn’t have that prestige in your life, things start to fall apart and mayhem ensues. This is something I’ve been working on in my own life so I’m very thankful for the way Robin wrote this into the story ♥️
𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗. 𝙵𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚋𝚢 𝚖𝚢 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝙵𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛. 𝙷𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝙷𝚒𝚖 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝙷𝚒𝚖 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚢 𝚠𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝.
I’ll admit that this book didn’t pull me in as quickly as the first book did. I didn’t identify quite as much with Jennalyn as I did with Emily, though I don’t have much in common with either woman. But true to form with Robin Jones Gunn, I still really enjoyed this book. Her stories are always like a breath of fresh air to my soul.
"𝙶𝚘𝚍 𝚊𝚕𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚜. 𝙷𝚎'𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚗."
Jennalyn, who we learned a bit about in Becoming Us, was having struggles with her marriage and life in general. It all began to feel routine and mundane, and it certainly didn’t help that her husband kept such a busy schedule and rarely spent much time with her and the kids. Then an unexpected flash from the past showed up and turned her life into an even bigger muddle. I’ll admit I wasn’t overly fond of this plot line, but I understand that this is a very real struggle for some people so I can appreciate the way Robin wrote it. The way that the conflict helped Joel and Jennalyn develop an even deeper and stronger relationship was beautiful ♥️
"𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚞𝚙, 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚏𝚊𝚒𝚝𝚑, 𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚏𝚞𝚕, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚌𝚒𝚛𝚌𝚞𝚖𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎."
"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚑, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚑 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚎𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚛𝚎𝚎."
I absolutely love the DOEs, the little group of friends who mean so much to each other. I was so happy that we got to see them each pick their word for the year again and how each word was so perfect for that specific woman! The way these women fill the empty spaces in each other’s lives fills my heart to overflowing 🥹 I appreciated the way they pointed out that 𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚎, 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚢.
"𝙷𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚊 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝."
𝙷𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚎.
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟑:𝟏𝟕
I love that this book pointed out how God needs to be your number one priority in life. If He doesn’t have that prestige in your life, things start to fall apart and mayhem ensues. This is something I’ve been working on in my own life so I’m very thankful for the way Robin wrote this into the story ♥️
𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗. 𝙵𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚋𝚢 𝚖𝚢 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝙵𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛. 𝙷𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝙷𝚒𝚖 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝙷𝚒𝚖 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚢 𝚠𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝.
November 5, 2020
This novel just wasn't my cup of tea. Until the last quarter of the book, I didn't make much of a connection with the protagonist, which is odd for a first-person point of view. I couldn't connect with the group of friends, the Haven Makers, who seemed more like puppets than real people to me. (Maybe if I had a greater interest in women's fashion and charcuterie boards, I'd have felt more affection for them.)
The warning not to develop emotional intimacy with someone of the opposite sex other than your spouse was worthwhile, and I did finally enjoy the storyline when THAT was the focus, but it always felt as if the story existed to serve the author's message, making it author-driven rather than character-driven.
This is the first book I've read by Robin Jones Gunn, and I know her Christy series is beloved by many. Maybe if I'd grown up with that series I'd feel differently, but for the most part, Being Known was a book I plodded through rather than devoured.
The warning not to develop emotional intimacy with someone of the opposite sex other than your spouse was worthwhile, and I did finally enjoy the storyline when THAT was the focus, but it always felt as if the story existed to serve the author's message, making it author-driven rather than character-driven.
This is the first book I've read by Robin Jones Gunn, and I know her Christy series is beloved by many. Maybe if I'd grown up with that series I'd feel differently, but for the most part, Being Known was a book I plodded through rather than devoured.
September 6, 2020
It's amazing !! It tugged at my heart as my greatgrandma passed away a few weeks ago. Reading this book made me feel like i had a friend who is going through some what I am going through. See more on a review check out my Instagram post on @sarahsprivatelibrary20
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2020
This felt a little preachy in the middle but overall I enjoyed catching up with the Haven Makers. Was surprised by some of the old faces that popped up!
May 4, 2020
As always it’s a great story. Filled with warmth, love, truth, honesty and trust. A group of friends help one another in life. The choices they make in their relationships are held to a level of trust and truth only a God can direct. The storyline is written in a way that draws you directly in and you feel as though your living amongst these friends.
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