This novel hooked me from the first scenario. The hero is larger than life, overcoming repeated life-threatening injuries, something you can get away with in fiction. But it wasn't entirely believable. I liked how, though he was flawed and broken himself, he risked himself to help others. Along his rescue journey, he picks up a crew of misfits, like himself. They rescue each other and heal some of their hurts together. The topic of modern-day slavery feels immediate and will keep readers engaged.

As I read the e-book, I highlighted several lines. The author is insightful, and his prose requires a double take at times. As a general fiction novel, this book tackles heavy topics of human trafficking and the violence of pursuing the traffickers. Expect blood. There is a thread of romance, along with a thread of a previous love story. I liked the sense of justice and clearly contrasting values/morals, where we root for the good guys and delight when the evil ones fall. If you’re a sensitive reader, as I am, you may need to skim a few passages, but I didn’t find those elements overwhelming.

I found repeated patterns of “to be” verbs paired with -ing words: like “was swimming” or “were making,” and there were several POV missteps. The jarring pattern of “began _____-ing” pulled me from the story multiple times. (It’s impossible to turn off the inner editor.) I also became a little lost on occasion. But by the end, readers will understand earlier mysteries. There were moments of melodrama and what some might call schmaltz, but the good outweighs the bad here. Any or all of these issues may have been reworked from the ARC (advanced reader copy, which I read) to the final version.

The other missing element for me was deep POV. Most of the time, readers are kept in the dark about what the MC is thinking/feeling. This may be because this novel leans toward the suspense genre, which hides things from readers for the sake of mystery.

I recommend this novel, and I’ll watch for the next book in this series.

Murphy Shepherd is a man of contradictions. His seminary training and his caretaking of a run-down church and the island where it sits shows a quiet man, content with the simple life he has built. And yet, Murphy is a crusader, a man who rescues young women caught up in sex trafficking, someone who tracks the abductors and brings them to justice. His friend and mentor, Fingers, died in a raid on a boat in Florida, leaving Murphy alone. Following Fingers’ last words, Murphy heads out to scatter his ashes where they first met, and along the way, Murphy finds a young girl involved in a party on a yacht, a dog swimming in the Gulf, a distraught mother, a dying man, and the key to his heart.

This book has plenty of action, some intrigue, and no shortage of heroic acts. And yet, I felt it was too busy. There were too many people around Murphy, and while I understand he may have needed an entourage, it was just too much. I liked Summer, and felt she was a strong and determined woman who was focused on finding her daughter, and was willing to do whatever was necessary. I appreciated Murphy’s courage and conviction, living by Scripture and searching for the one lost sheep, and providing an option for the girls he rescued, but I was exhausted with everything that happened…and kept happening.

My thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher and author for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am so glad this book is part of Book Sparks Summer Reading program #src2020. It was hands down the best book I have read in 2020!

I like most genres but tend to veer towards female authors. I wouldn't have come across The Water Keeper without Book Sparks and I would have missed out on this amazing storyline: part thriller, part romance and part travel memoir. Martin managed to keep the tension high, even during the downtimes when the characters were opening up and revealing tiny confessions about their past. The main character Murph was James Bond and a romance novel hero beefcake blended together. Even the dog had personality layers!

As the characters made their way down the Intercoastal waters off East Coast Florida, I kept google maps open so that I could track their movements and I kept a note of the places Murph mentioned as possible vacation destinations. The beautiful characters and scenery were in stark contrast to the horrors of the 'flesh ships'. I felt the tension of the clock ticking for Angel and cheered for every girl saved. I felt so invested in the saving of Angel and the other girls, Martin's words drew me in and forced me to experience the anxiety and anger of what was happening to the victims. It was an emotional rollercoaster! And underneath the present day story unfolding was an old love story so pure and heart wrenching it had been melting the hearts of millions of readers.

Thanks you to Netgalley for sending me an ARC. This is my honest review,

The water keeper. I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is my second CM book. The first was When Crickets Cry in 2006. I still remember how that book made me feel, how beautiful the story. The Water Keeper did not disappoint. We are introduced to Murph and his dedication, his calling, to finding and restoring those lost to the sex trade. Charles has created several characters who are fleshed out and easy to begin to care about. Sections of this book are difficult to read and I had to put the book down and walk away. But I could not stay away from the story.
Redemption is a powerful need. He writes about it beautifully. It is real and raw. I will definitely recommend to fellow readers and my book clubs.

This is an unusual and complex book dealing with some emotional issues. Full of adventure, it deals with hard subjects with sensitivity. It was confusing at first - takes awhile to get into the story and get to know the characters. A thought-provoking book,.

Classic Charles Martin. I so enjoyed this book.

I am a long time Charles Martin fan and I was happy to see him introduce human trafficking into this storyline. Per usual, the main character is a tortured soul that rises above his past. The writing was precise, never over the top emotional and perfectly captured the humanity of all involved.

My one issue was that this book felt similar in areas to a few of his other books. Probably not something a lot would notice and it is definitely not something that should deter new readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

"The Water Keeper" by Charles Martin is a novel about an author serves as a rescuer of the Human Slave Trafficking for the governor. His cover is a serving as a priest. The story follows Murph as he tries to bring home Angel, a girl tring to lead the wild life and quickly finds herself in over her head.

The book is the first in a new series by Martin, but it reads like you have joined in the middle of a series. It leaves the reader kind of confused, but pulls it all together in the end. It is a Christian novel, but not too preachy. Keeps things on a n emotional level. It was worth the read and I will probably give the next in the series a try. "I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

🌊 The Water Keeper 🌊
- by Charles Martin

While battling a past of his own, Murphy Shepherd, as well as some friends along the way, are pulled far into the world of human trafficking. Full of secrets, betrayals, and heartache comes a story that genuinely shows how powerful love can be. This book had me on every page. Charles Martin has a beautiful way of writing that just pulls you in and immerses you into the story.

Once again Charles Martin has turned me into a soggy sobbing mess. I do not know how he continues to come up with new ways to reach into the depths of my soul with such finesse. His ability to tackle current day issues and give them a personal twist is amazing.

The emotions you experience once you find yourself immersed in the story are varied. From anger, fear, love, loss, shock, to physical and emotional pain ... you will travel with Murph and his motley crew of characters down the intercoastal waterway of Florida. You will feel the breeze blow as the boat travels along, smell the brackish waters, bathe in the warmth of the sun. But all of this is part of the journey to redemption...and not just redemption for Murph.

The tension builds the more you find yourself flipping the pages and there are times you're not sure you can take much more. But the journey with Murph is worth is and the twists and turns along the way will have you gasping in shock. (I love when that happens in a book!)

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. When I am asked who my favorite authors are, Charles Martin is always on the list. His gift with words is astounding and something for which I am grateful!

The Water Keeper is a masterpiece. There are strong themes of Water and Word in this book and it all reflects the power of love. This is one of those books where you want to go back and read it again so you can take in all the nuances you missed the first time.

AND THE COVER! The cover takes on its full significance once you've turned the last page. You look at it and think, "Now I get it!"

Charles Martin has a way of leading you on a roller coaster journey and just when you think you've figured it out, BAM! You'll know what I mean when you read it.

The richness and depth of emotion this main character expresses both in his story, his actions and his words are so powerful and haunting. It is all framed in a page-turning plot that will leave you reflecting on this story long after you've finished the last chapter.

I received a ARC copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. My opinion is my own.

Charles Martin’s new book The Water Keeper is out now and you don’t want to miss it!

WHAT A RIDE! A fast paced, action packed thriller-mystery-love story all in one. You feel like you are actually watching a movie, riveted to your seat, cheering for the good guys.

Murph, the mysterious main character will capture your heart. I don’t think anyone could help but fall in love with him along with his dog Gunner. Murphy’s one mission in life is to save “the one”. His philosophy in life is everyone matters. He has committed his life to saving and rehabilitating as many young girls as possible who have been abducted and whisked into a world of sex trafficking and drugs. You will travel with Murphy up and down the coastline of Florida, haunted by what is happenIng onboard million dollar yachts.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an ARC of The Water Keeper By Charles Martin in exchange for an honest review. I now must go find out when Mr. Martin will be at a bookstore near me so I can have the pleasure of meeting him in person!

This book ticks almost all the boxes. Love story, adventure, secrets, action. What a page turner from Charles Martin.

Murphy Shepherd is a man who is living a life of solitude, his past buried and secretive, alone on an island who dedicates his life to rescue people and animals that wash up on his island. Well, I'm not giving much away. This book was amazing. I recommend it with 4 stars! I'll just say he falls in love with a beautiful woman he rescued but he has to find her, while escaping the ghosts of his past. Emotionally heartbreaking and heartwarming as well. 4 stars!

Special thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

I had no idea when I began this book the wild ride it was about to take me on. In "The Water Keeper," we are introduced to Murphy Shepherd. With every page turn another layer about Shepherd is peeled away, further revealing a tiny glimpse into the story that has made him into a man with a mission. Martin displays many storylines before the reader, but somehow magically manages to unfold all of them from his hand by the last page turn.

The Water Keeper is something special, powerful. While it embraces Christianity and a depth of love not many know, it is also raw and painful as the author tackles the impact of human trafficking. This book will appeal to male and female readers as the main character is a dichotomy of strength and vulnerability; his past pushing him to leave the ninety-nine to seek the one, a journey requiring monumental sacrifice. Along the way he collects a band, a fellowship of sorts, of those who need him, but who also have much to offer.

I cannot encourage you enough to step into the world of The Water Keeper. I am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Water Keeper is a richly layered and riveting story of rescue, romance, and redemption, beautifully woven together with Martin’s hauntingly lyrical prose. From the first line, readers are drawn into an adventure that refuses to release them until the very last word is devoured. This is a book that is not to be missed!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This multilayered story never gets bogged down in details and I loved every bit of it. Two troubled souls saddened by loss of loved ones find each other by happenstance. Murphy and Summer are wonderfully drawn characters that touched my heart as they grew their relationship. Add a tail wagging, faithful Labrador and all is right in the world.

Murphy is grieving the recent loss of two besties and when he comes upon Summer who is recklessly driving a small boat in a channel where she shouldn’t be and thrown overboard. He pulls her out of the water and learns of Summer’s desperate attempt to save her 16 year old daughter who has joined a ‘party boat’ of suspected child traffickers. Murphy clearly seems to have history connected with the traffickers and joins on her mission. Martin brilliantly tackles their struggles, blossoming friendship and soul-baring of Murphy and Summer and I was riveted by their journey, feeling like I was alongside of them as they navigated the Florida waterways.

A perfect book club choice as there would be so much to talk about!

I didn't know what to expect when I requested The Water Keeper on Netgalley. I thought that it would be a steady paced and easy read however I was surprised to find a stimulating and complex plot with plenty of action and rollercoaster moments. It suited both the character development and story line well and never left me bored.

The characters in The Water Keeper are extraordinary. Murph at first appears to be a normal man with a love of boats but that doesn't even cover the surface of the complexity of his character. His passion for justice is reflected in the risky work he undertakes each time he saves a girl from sex traffickers. His integrity and dedication is ignited when he meets Angel, a young girl who soon becomes the target of a dangerous group of sex traffickers. I found myself warming to Murph with every decision he took to save her life and he soon became my favourite character. Secondary characters are often more difficult to connect with but that wasn't the case in The Water Keeper as each character had a place and was beautifully developed. They included an unlikely mix of a convict, a dog, a young girl who is still trying to discover who she really is and a worried mother hoping to be reunited with her daughter.

At the forefront of The Water Keeper is the beautiful and calm scenery which perfectly challenges the turbulent plot filled with violence. I found the boat related descriptions too repetitive but I realise that it is closely connected to Murph's love of boats and the sea and complements his passion well. The remaining imagery was delightful and superbly described. It takes the reader on a journey through both tranquil and dangerous waters as Murph and the team get closer to Angel and I thoroughly enjoyed following them on their journey.

The Water Keeper kept me guessing until the very end and there were several troubling moments where I wasn't sure if it would end in disaster or not. However, I was satisfied with the ending which ties up all lose ends and also answers all the questions from Murph's private life and why he chose to follow such a dangerous career. Filled with wonderful storytelling, a set of interesting characters and vivid scenery, The Water Keeper is a must read for anyone who is willing to be surprised and taken on an exciting adventure.

I never think twice about reading a novel written by Charles Martin. He creates characters that make an impression on the reader and storylines that tug on your heartstrings. This one was a bit tougher to read because it deals with the terrifying subject of human trafficking. It sounds like this may be the first in a new series, so I look forward to learning more about the characters introduced in The Water Keeper. I feel there are definitely more stories to tell. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the complementary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine"

This song echoed through my head throughout my reading of this novel. The Parable of the Lost Sheep. There are so many parallels between Murph and that overwhelming love of God that seeks us out even when we are the only one who is lost. This is a story within a story within a story. A heart's cry to love and to open ourselves up to love. Also about Whose we are. And who we are, but one leads to the other.

"We don't love because people love us back. We love because we can. Because we were made to. Because it's all we have. Because, at the end of the day, evil can take everything save one thing: your love. And when you come to realize that, that the only thing you really control in this life is your love, you'll see, maybe for the first time, that we're all just lost."

Martin's writing is stellar, as usual. His way of turning a phrase is exquisite, he puts so much meaning that can both be taken as face value with an exciting story, but also as much deeper and contemplative about life on another level.

Beautiful book with some difficult themes of human trafficking, but well worth the discomfort to find the joy that can be discovered on the other side of the darkness for all of us.

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Charles Martin for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is one that will stay on your mind for a long time. The characters, who suffer great loss and love, are so real and likable, allow the reader to join their journey of discovering happiness, love, and hope for the future.

Murphy, living alone on an island as caretaker to an uninhabitated church, has suffered a lot in his life, but channels his energy into helping others who are suffering. He rescues Summer, former addict and accomplished dancer, from a boat she has just wrecked while trying to save her daughter from sex traffickers. The journey has just begun, keeping the reader in anticipation and full of hope. The story is enriched as Murphy and Summer add quite a collection of passengers on their rescue mission.....including the lovable Lab known for awhile as Gunner, an ex con, Clay, and the wonderful teens, Ellie and Angela. I loved this book.