This was a bit of a miss for me. I loved the idea of the DOE or haven makers and their support for one another, encouraging each other's strengths and gifts, sharing their opinions, and being pillars of strength for one another. We all need friends like that and as a busy wife, mother, woman, found some of their issues relatable. I appreciated their faith and some poetic turns of phrase. Unfortunately, I didn't connect with the voice or pace of the book and found myself trudging through many chapters. I often find that if I were to give stories like this a second chance when I'm "in the mood" for then they reflect better, but ultimately it just wasn't for me in the moment.

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.

Enjoyable story! Perfect beach read! I always enjoy Robin Jones Gunn's book! This one was worth picking up!

I'd read the first book in the Haven Maker series, and connected with it a lot, so I jumped at the chance to read this second book as well. (Note: even though they are part of a series, each book can stand alone as well.)

I truly felt like this was the perfect book for me to read at this time. Some of the internal struggles that the main character was going through resonated with me. The feeling of needing companionship, yet seeking for it in unhealthy ways. I read this book front to back in one day during the covid-19 stay at home order for my area.

My only bone to pick is that the very big marital conflict that had been building the whole book, was dealt with in what I felt was a superficial way. It was handled too perfectly. I've had many conflicts, and they don't just dissipate by saying you had an epiphany from scripture. Yes, I do think that those kind of conflicts need the Bible to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. Yet there are still the mucky mud of hurt feelings and the cavern of mistrust to navigate through. Such conflicts are rarely resolved in a single day or a single conversation. I would've liked to see the end of the book extend a little more, to show how the 2 main characters dealt with the repercussions of the ways they hurt each other, and see how they would continue to choose to heal the wounds they caused, rather than defend their actions.

But even with that abrupt, dissatisfying ending, I still thought it was a great book and would recommend it! I received an advance copy from the publisher, for the purpose of sharing my unbiased opinion on the book.

I've always enjoyed Robin Jones Gunn's book and this one was no exception. It was great to catch up from characters from her previous novels and learn more about them.

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.

This is the first time I’ve read this author and certainly won’t be the last!
Being Known is the second book in the title of series. The story follows Jennalynn and her overworked husband, Joel of nine years. They have two children ages four and one, so it’s a busy time in their lives. She has a wonderful circle of friends who meet together whenever they can, to encourage each other and to support one another in whatever situations the women find themselves in. Jennalynn is still grieving the loss of her mother after six years and she struggles with sharing her feelings with her husband since it’s been so long, thus setting the stage for the major conflict of the story.
The question arises, in a few of the characters’ lives, is investing yourself emotionally in a person’s life of the opposite gender while married (one or the other) an affair?
Yikes. There are two circumstances that arise that seem so very different for Jennalyn and Tess (one of the friends) at first, that it’s hard to make the connection of the big picture question. As the friends work through Tess’ newfound relationship, Jennalynn is faced with her own guilt over a chance encounter with an old boyfriend who had been strongly connected to her family in the past and is interested in rehashing the past.
I loved everything about this story. The author nailed the husband/wife relationship of nine years and the exhaustion a mother of preschool children faces. There is a conversation that takes place early on in the novel between Jennalyn and Joel that was a laugh out loud moment for me, since it generally sounds like my household.
The narrative is easy to follow and pulls the reader in from the first page. I had a hard time putting this one down to do mundane tasks that need to be done.
The spiritual thread is strong, to the point and not preachy. The friendship of the group of women provides a safe haven for spiritual matters to be discussed. There’s prayer, scripture readings and conversations surrounding the word of the year activity the women decide to do.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I found Being Known by Robin Jones Gunn to be another well written story by this author. I just love how she invites you into her characters lives to the point of pulling on your heart strings and making you want to be in their amazing friendship group. Everyone at some point in life is struggling with something and it’s so much better to walk the struggle with friends. Love, loss, poor decisions, and wise decisions. All wrapped up in this one. I loved it and I’m sure you will too.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.


***Also posted on Amazon, CBD, B&N

I've been reading Robin Jones Gunn's books since high school. I think this latest Haven Makers series has done a wonderful job of highlighting real struggles women go through, especially after marriage and kids. When the world would play off an emotional affair as no big deal, this book reminds us of the importance of more than just physical fidelity in a marriage.

And I definitely need a friend group like this. We were not meant to live in isolation and this group shows the benefits of fellowship and accountability.

The book is kind of slow, but the characters are very relatable. I'm looking forward to seeing Gunn flesh out some of the other characters in future books.

I had to play a bit of catch up since I hadn't read book 1 yet! The writing was easy to get involved in. The author creates friendships that are relatable and honestly, exemplify the kinds of godly ones we should have. I felt like I was reading a story with real friends because of the way it's written. This book really exemplifies contemporary women's fiction in my opinion.

Jennalyn and her friends have an incredible bond. It's not perfect, but it's special. These are the kinds of relationships I think many of us strive for. The most important aspect overall for me was the truth they shared with each other. If one seemed to be making difficult decisions, the other ladies were able to lovingly share their thoughts.

I think in all 5 of the women's lives the reader is able to relate to them in various ways. I remember being a young mom at home with a couple of kids feeling like I was doing everything on my own. Jennalyn felt it in a stronger way with the loss of her mom and her husband working so much. It was so easy to see how she (or anyone really) could be lured into a sense of "ok" with someone of the opposite sex. I appreciated the storyline of Tess as well because being emotionally involved with someone can be just as destructive as being physically involved with them. It's an important topic to discuss.

I also liked that Christy's husband, Todd, is involved in encouraging Joel with a marriage retreat and further along in the story to being a good listener when needed. Sometimes men don't get any credit for the strength their friendships are to one another.

Throughout the story, I loved how the Haven Makers built each other up and made wonderful memories together. These kinds of relationships are so vital to our day to day lives. The faith thread that works its way through the story is an important aspect of their friendships and marriages. It comes through in their words of the year, which I thought was a neat addition and something many people do in this day and age. Who needs a resolution when you can have a word to cling to that goes along with the Word of God?

I'm looking forward to going back to book 1 to get to know the ladies from the start and then the next book in the series! Anyone as impatient as me for future books? lol

I love Robin Jones Gunn, and I have always been a huge fan of her Sister Chick books. However, I never read any of the Christy Miller books. This is the second Haven Makers book for Gunn. I have not read the first book, Becoming Us, but I was able to follow the various storylines with brief snippets of background the author included. I love the relationships between these women (Daughters of Eve), and that is a great strength of Robin Jones Gunn and her books. I love reading books where women build each other up. We need more of that!
This book pulled in several tender topics, and the author handled the temptation of infidelity within marriage with great care. Grief, parenting, marriage, and friendship are strong themes in this book, and the author grounds the characters and their ultimate choices throughout the book in strong faith. I love that she reminds readers of the importance of "guarding our hearts" in our relationships. It was a great read, and I will go back and read the first book, Becoming Us, now that I have completed this book.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher WaterBrook & Multnomah. I was not required to give it a positive review. This is my honest opinion.

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

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 any NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

I am not familiar with the Christy Miller series or the first Haven Makers book, but one can easily read this book and put people and events in perspective with the background info interspersed throughout the novel. This book highlights the (marriage) struggles of a young mother with two small children. As a side issue, it describes the problems of a single woman on the dating path. Remembering my days as a young mother with small children, I thought the issues were very relatable. The "connecting to someone emotionally" is very valuable, no matter what age you are. This book contained Biblical truths for everyone. It's not a "How To Fix Your Marriage" book, but it gives food for thought and I hope it will encourage people to actively seek ways to improve relationships that are going downhill. The book quietly trots along, you won't be turning pages as fast as you can but that's o.k. It gives you a chance to absorb the deeper lessons the author is trying to convey. There were some very elaborate descriptions of food platters and such which were not of particular interest to me personally, but it might have given others new ideas!

*Thank you NetGalley and Multnomah for making an ARC available to me. I was not required to leave a review. The sentiments expressed are my own.

This is the perfect, stress-free, feel-good beach read for this season. So many times those books have a trashy spin on them. Gunn does a great job of developing characters, engaging the readers, and providing the perfect start of summer escape!

What a beautiful peek into what friendship can be! I felt as if I had been invited to join Jennalynn, Christy, Emily, Sierra, and Tess as they made their faith and their time together a high priority. Their trust and love for each other grew as they navigated their ways through difficult life experiences in their marriages, families, grief, and friendship. The characters are well developed and relatable. The descriptive material helped me feel like I was part of the story. Even though I hadn’t read her earlier works, the story held together beautifully for me, only wondering once “who is that?” regarding someone apparently from an earlier book. Well written, enjoyable Christian novel.

I received a free advance copy of the book from the publisher, but the views and opinions are my own.

I totally found myself immersed in this book. The characters were so real and so relatable! Not many authors can pull off such a real story that is graced with compassion and conviction. It is a story that has faith embedded in it and is not stilted when it is shared. Would highly recommend!!

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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.