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.

I can't think of the words my heart is trying to form regarding this book. This is a story of relationships: romantic, friendships. and parental. More than that, it is the story of how God moves in and around our lives while giving us free will. It is about grief, forgiveness, jealousy, and temptation. It is exactly what my heart needed at this moment.

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.

Being Known by Robin Jones Gunn is a look at life and how it challenges us to adapt to new experiences. Jennalyn and Joel are married and have two young children. Joel is a chef and part owner of a restaurant meaning very long working hours leaving Jennalyn alone with the children and house. They struggle to connect as a couple. She meets as regularly as she can with her group of friends but they all have a difficult time scheduling meetups. Will Joel and Jennalyn ever find their way back to each other and a way to connect as a family?
I enjoyed this very honest look at how couples can grow apart over time as work and other obligations demand more time. The characters are all very realistic and I felt a part of the girls’ group. The story moves along at a good pace and kept me engaged in the story line. I give this book 5 of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

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.

Being Known is the story of Jennalyn, a mother of two grieving the loss of her own mom. Her husband, Joel, is struggling to balance family and a start up business, leaving Jennalyn lost in a sea of emotions. An unexpected encounter with an old flame also has her feeling confused and vulnerable. Although committed to her marriage, Jennalyn finds her heart quickly entangled. Can Joel and Jennalyn find their way back to each other before it's too late?

The second book in the Haven Makers series, Being Known follows the group of five women... supporting each other through the ups and downs of life. Unlike the first book (Becoming Us), this book follows the life of a new character. The other four women have storylines in this book as well, but all are secondary to Jennalyn and Joel's life, allowing the reader to know them better. Their struggle and emotions feel authentic, and it's easy to fall in love with the characters.

My biggest struggle with Being Known is that the issues are too easily resolved. Although Jennalyn's struggle with her emotions is very real, once she and Jowl communicate these issues seem to melt away almost too nicely. Being Known is a nice light read for a relaxing weekend.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Oh, man, this was so good. I love Robin Jones Gunn’s works, and this book is no exception.

I read the first book in the Haven Makers series right before this one (amazing for me! Lol!), and loved that I didn’t have to wait to continue the story. I was surprised to see that the story is from a different character’s point of view, but I soon got used to it. Having read some of the Christy Miller books (and ironically just finishing one soon after this that fills in the gaps on a key minor character—don’t worry, no spoilers here!), I particularly enjoyed the little Easter eggs included that I would have missed otherwise. You totally don’t have to have read them first, it’s just an added bonus, and I’m sure I’ve missed some still!

Gunn has such a peaceful way with words. I just felt like this book welcomed me in, like a book version of a hug.

I can’t wait for more books in the series!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A red light on an ordinary Southern California January day sets off a series of events that leave Jennalyn Marino staggering under grief. Grief for the mother she lost seven years ago, grief for the way her marriage to the love of her life seems to flounder, and grief in feeling as if no one really knows her.

While she seems to have everything she needs to cope with the thug in her life (grief), she feels woefully unprepared. Without her fellow Haven Maker friends, she would shatter. When her first boyfriend (and the man she thought she would one day marry) shows up at her daughter’s dance class, Jennalyn starts down a path that could alter her life forever.

Book two in a series, Being Known explores marriage, friendship, and the little choices we make that can have a huge impact on our lives. Without sounding like a college psychology textbook, Gunn manages to work in textbook wisdom about communication for married couples. Her characters explore ways the friendships can sustain and nurture us through life’s dilemmas and trials.

The Haven Makers, a diverse group of thirty-something women from different backgrounds, band together in friendship and find ways to nurture each other using their unique superpowers.

“Being Known” is the sequel to “Becoming Us”. The story this time is told in the first person by another of the women, Jennalyn. Jennalyn is feeling vulnerable, her husband, Joel, works long hours at the restaurant he owns. He works there as the manager and head chef. Jennalyn feels she is left to parent their children on her own most of the time. She is also still grieving the loss of her mother to whom she was very close.

At her most vulnerable, she unexpectedly meets Garrett, an old boyfriend when she takes her daughter to her dance class. Jennalyn was crushed when her boyfriend ended the relationship, but her mother helped her to move on and in time she met Joel. However, Jennalyn still feels the connection with Garrett, especially as he too knew her mother and she finds it helpful to chat online with him about shared memories of her mother. She keeps it all to herself for a long time, but does in the end share with her friends and her husband, but not before much hurt is caused to both her husband and herself.

Jennalyn realised that although nothing physical happened between her and Garrett she did allow her heart to become entangled. When Joel and she finally start communicating more, he admits that by working such long hours he had made himself physically unavailable to her.

They know they have much to work through and that there is fault on both sides, but both are determined to put God first and they are committed to protecting and strengthening their marriage.

In this sequel, the five friends: Jennalyn, Christy, Sienna, Emily and Tess are once again there for each other as they go through life together. What I like about the friendship they share is there is no judgement between them, only the offer of love, spoken in truth and a comforting shoulder to cry on. They share an accountable relationship with one another which makes for a great relationship, not just in books, but in real life too. It’s something worth developing in our own friendships.

"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 touched my heart in so many ways! I have read many books by this author and each and every one has impacted me in a good way. The writing is amazing with a story line that draws the reader in. There isn’t any part of this story that someone can’t relate too. I look forward to many more books by this author!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley

This story was well done about a very timely plotline. It was a bit slow and it was hard to keep turning the pages.

I received a copy of this arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I have been reading Robin Jones Gunn for years and I love how she unfolds characters in her stories. This book is number two in the series and I did not catch the first one, but it seemed okay. This book moved a little slow but eventually became a great read.

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!

I do not know where I have been, but Being Known is the first book I have read by Robin Jones Gunn. This second installment from her Haven Makers series. I thought it was great.
Five stars.

I loved this newest book of Robin's. She always has something in her books that I can relate to and includes sound Biblical advice. I love that this newest series has some of my favorite characters from Robin's past books in them, Christy, Sierra, and Katie (Rick and Nicole even show up in this book). It would be beneficial for you to have at least read Becoming Us before reading this book, as this book builds upon the first book in this series. Being Known goes deeper into Jennalyn's life and also allows a bigger glimpse into Tess's life. I know of many marriages that have fallen apart due to the couple not having enough time together because of work and other life issues. I so appreciate the truths that Robin has in this book about guarding your marriage, putting your marriage first, and setting up boundaries for relationships with those of the opposite sex. I love the close, authentic friendships that the DOE's have together. It is a rare thing to find friendships like that these days and is something I hope to have in my own life at some point. I feel women with younger kids would relate to this book the most. It will be especially loved by those who have read Robin's Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, and Katie Weldon series.

I received a free copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I always enjoy this author’s stories, and I thought she did a great job having these characters face, from a Christian perspective, difficult situations in their marriages. Being familiar with this series helped, but this could easily be read as a stand-alone book, too. It was refreshing to read a story like this that upheld Biblical principles.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Great continuation of the series! Highly anticipated book for me and I really enjoy the adult friend centric books! I love how it gives me the same feeling I had with the Christy Miller series while being adult.

The second in the Haven Makers series has Jennalyn narrating. She is struggling with motherhood and her husband being at work for long hours. The five women (Daughters of Eve) have a close bond and can discuss many aspects of their lives. I love this close knit group are depend on their faith and support each other. The idea of a word for the year is a very appealing concept. Readers will want to read Becoming Us to fully enjoy this book. Looking forward to the next book. Recommended!

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!