The Last Exchange by Charles Martin is a Christian fiction story that kept me reading to see how the different situations would end. I especially enjoyed the character of Pockets, the extreme measures he took to help Joe Sue and protect her. I enjoyed the mystery, suspense and the many twists and turns in this story. There is mystery behind so many events in this story, and I was kept alert trying to keep it all straight.

This story does contain topics that I would not feel comfortable having a young person read. With Joe Sue’s on going drug addiction and how Pockets dealt with it. Joe Sue wanted so badly to have a child but was unable to, which lead to her marriage falling apart.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

My first by Charles Martin, but I think I’ll be returning for more! I’ll admit, I dragged my feet in the beginning with getting invested in the story, probably partly due to some of the harsher content I cover below. But by the second half I was totally sucked into the story and staying up late to finish it. Martin has strong writing, good character development, and a unique approach to telling the story (before/after, 1st & 3rd person).
I also really appreciated the featuring of a male lead with upstanding character, strong convictions, who isn’t afraid to stand up and protect the vulnerable. He, at times, admittedly made questionable choices, but it’s unfortunately rare to see this sort of male character in modern writing. Plus a beautiful example of sacrifice: “In all my life, only one person has stood between me and the stuff that wants to hurt me.” She placed her hand over his heart. “I can walk into a crowd, and you walk out bleeding. You carry the scars meant for me.”

Now, for being a book published by a Christian publisher, I was very surprised by the content. Beyond lacking any clear faith themes or evangelical elements (although the opportunity was naturally there many times!), the material was more like what I would expect to see within secularly published fiction: frequent alcohol & drug use, implied curse words, lots of references to sexual activity, irreverent physical descriptions (topless women, ripped men).

While it was an intense and heavy story at times, I did enjoy it. I would just make sure to consider the things listed above in recommending it to others.

Content Warning:
- drug addition, use, & detoxing
- surrogacy, miscarriage, infertility, abortion

“A lie can never stand toe-to-toe with truth.”
“So?”
“Defend truth. No matter the cost.”

“There’s only one thing in this universe or any other that cuts through prison bars and sets us free from the prisons in which we live. And that thing is the truth. Without it, there is no freedom.”

I LOVE Charles Martin and haven't found a book of his yet that I didn't love. While I like this one, the ending left me confused. Was he dreaming? Had she snuck in? I just didn't get it. I love the story all along the way (except for maybe the unrealistic court scene), and even figured out the twist.
I'll continue recommending Charles Martin books. Maybe I'm just not smart enough to get this one.

It is important to know that this book deals quite extensively with serious issues like substance abuse, infertility and recurrent miscarriages. As someone who has experienced recurrent miscarriages, I was not expecting this and found that it was for that reason a very difficult read for me. For others who are triggered by any of these topics, just be aware of this before deciding to read.

This was an intriguing story and quite unlike anything I have read before... and as someone who has read a LOT of books, that certainly is saying something. It was very well written and had many twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. There's a bit of a love story there... but it's definitely not your typical love story. It's over the top and extreme... and honestly, not going to be for everyone. Though very well written, I can't say that I overly enjoyed story--- again just because of my own experiences and the subject matter... but it's certainly one that will absolutely stick with me long after the final pages.

In addition to the potential triggers mentioned previously, this book does have some minor language and some other minor content that some readers may not expect in a book from a Christian publisher.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review.
Absolutely Fantastic! I have read (and own signed copies) of all of Charles Martin’s books. He is local to me and and incredibly talented author. This book is different than any of his other books. It made me laugh out loud and cry as well. The main characters were wonderful. Highly recommend and I even recommended to everyone in my social media groups!! Just fantastic!!!!!!

I know many are fans, but his books are not really for me. I was bored throughout, everything was so obvious. I think I'm the outlier here. Rounded up to a three.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book comes out 10/3

Absolutely amazing story!! I could not put it down/nearly read in one sitting! This story just took you all over the map physically and emotionally. I really enjoyed how the story was told and how it was laid out. Another fantastic Charles Martin story! Highly highly recommend!!!

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

I had to grab this book because it is written by Charles Martin. Everything I've read by Martin has been really good. I like the way he is able to convey events that are violent and omit all the gory details yet still convey the scenario.

Description:
When MacThomas Pockets finished his last tour as part of the Scottish Special Forces, he was hired to consult for a film director to finesse some scenes that weren’t working. In a twist he never saw coming, he ended up moving to L.A. to work as the bodyguard for movie star Maybe Joe Sue.

It didn’t take long for Pockets to realize there were two Joe Sues: The Joe Sue the public saw with her perfect life and her Hollywood husband. And the private Joe Sue: the one with the traumatic youth that no amount of pills could cover up, who desperately wanted a child of her own.

Even after their paths diverged, he continued to track Joe Sue’s life. Only a few would notice when the bottom fell out. But he did. And that’s when he stepped in.

The latest novel from New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin travels from Hollywood to rural Montana as one man answers the question: How far would you go—really—to save someone you love?

My Thoughts:
I love the vivid characters drawn and the names are so unique. A character named Maybe Joe Sue (who would name a kid that??) and another called 'Pockets'. Both characters were wonderful, lovable people, but I think I want Pockets in my life. I don't think I've ever read a character so loyal, loving, and caring as this man. The story was very tense, to say the least, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put this one down - but that's wht happens to me with all of Charles Martin's books. Highly recommended as a great thriller!

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on October 3, 2023.

“I don’t know if this will make sense to you but a life laid down is better than one picked up.”

What a wonderful story! It didn’t hurt that I recently traveled there, but I totally fell for Scottish body-and-soul-guard Kelly MacThomas Pockets, who truly lived a “life laid down.” His commitment to high moral standards and self-sacrifice make him a fascinating character. More than his muscles, his scars define him as the sexiest hero this year. I couldn’t appreciate Maybe Joe Sue quite as much - I’m not interested in Hollywood and its excesses - but I could understand her pain and desperation. The actress everyone wanted to be, except Joe herself. As usual, Martin found a way to weave their relationship and trials together in a believable way for a uniquely UNbelievable happy ending (which is better described as a beginning).
Read this book, and then reread the first five chapters…you won’t be able to stop. Sigh.
I received an advance copy of this book via Net Galley and was not required to post a review.

" I don't know if this will make sense to you but a life laid down is better than one picked up."
" A lie can never stand toe-to-toe with the truth." "So?" " Defend truth. No matter the cost."

Charles Martin sure knows how to tell a story and write flawed characters with hope and grace. The story is centered around a movie star struggling with addiction and fertility, her Scottish bodyguard and mysterious kidnappings but it is so much more than that. There are some slower parts but the audiobook was well done and using that along with the ebook kept it moving along. There are a few twists and turns at the end that are quite satisfying though somewhat predictable and if you have never had a literary crush before you just may find one. I will say that all the jumping around in time was very confusing at first but got a little clearer as the story unraveled and there is mature content but it is not describe in salacious detail.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the chance to read this one in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Solid thriller with heart!

A charming, broken Hollywood star who needs understanding and protection.
A taciturn ex Scots guardsman just off his who says yes when Joe Sue asks him to be her security guard
The line between guard and employer is a fine one and not to be crossed.
When Kelly MacThomas Pockets takes on Joe’s protection, part of it will be protecting her from herself. As it turns out there’s also her drug addiction, her husband, and her overwhelming desire to have children.
So much is squeezed into this story I was at once both exhausted and exhilarated. There’s nary a beat between the unfolding plots told in a Before and After exposè.
Is there an HEA? Possibly, but not quite in the way I thought.
The courtroom drama was a little insane but hey! so the whole read.
High drama, likeable characters and high octane story telling made this a winner for me.

A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

WOW!! This was another "WOW" book from Charles Martin. It's one of those books that I was completely obsessed with, and when I had to put it down, I couldn't help but think about the main characters. The hero, Pockets, was absolutely the best protector and loyal to his core. The heroine, Maybe Joe Sue, was giving and down to earth even with her addictions. The plot, mystery, suspense, and love were a masterpiece to me. I tend to scratch my head at all of Mr. Martin's endings because they are mind-blowing! This book was no exception.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers, and this is my honest opinion.

For years, I have listened to my sister-in-law Carolyn’s favorable reviews of Charles Martin’s work and watched her attend his book events in Jacksonville, Fl, but I had no idea what I was missing. Now that I have read THE LAST EXCHANGE, I can promise you that I will be working my way through the rest of his novels. The Last Exchange is an engrossing story that explores the depths of sacrificial love. This story is one that will stay with the reader long after the last page is read.

The writing is flawless, often so beautiful that it is musical. The characters are fully developed, so perfectly described that one can picture them. They are endearing and settle into the reader’s heart within a few chapters. There’s Maybe Joe Sue, the star, and her bodyguard Pockets, who is Scottish and every bit a gentleman. She also has a boyfriend Syd, who is a slug. We need a character to dislike in every book, and in this one, it’s Syd.
Here’s a book that has it all: great characters, a moving and twisting plot, talented writing, and touching human drama. And ever so subtly, there’s another story woven among the pages, one for those with ears to hear. It’s the greatest love story ever told. “Me for you.”

THE LAST EXCHANGE releases on October 3, 2023. This review is my honest opinion.

A sweet and sincere novel about two very different people- retired soldier Pockets and actress Maybe Joe Sue- who help one another in ways they didn't expect when they met. Maybe Joe Sue has a lot of issues to cope with, some of which are overwhelming. Pockets is a good guy. There's a mystery here (no spoilers) and a little romance but it's really about becoming your best self. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read for Martin's fans.

“Brokenness isn’t weakness”

Loved this book! Charles Martin is a talented author who has once again created a beautiful and moving story. The characters are real with all the complexity and complications of humanity. The story line is intriguing and emotional as it addresses how far you would go for the ones you love.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for giving me early access to the book. All opinions are my own.

My favorite read of not only 2023 but possibly my favorite book ever. I started The Last Exchange a month ago and put it down. I did not think it was for me, but boy was I wrong. Charles Martin, I will never doubt you again, you are a genius when it comes to writing. Pockets is my favorite character of all time, I want him to be mine. He is strong, kind, compassionate, respectful, honorable, loyal and charming. The dialogue between Pockets and Maybe Joe Sue is mesmerizing, witty, engrossing and captivating. Charles Martin is a master storyteller.

This is only the second time I went back to a book I couldn’t get into and I am beyond happy I did. Now time to go back to the other books I abandoned!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a must read.

Even though much of this story is predictable, you can't stop reading it and you can't stop rooting for Maybe Joe Sue and MacThomas Pockets. They each face tremendous trials, and you want things to work out in their lives. Pockets is hired to protect Joe as her fame grows. While he is hired to protect her from outside threats, what she really needs is protection from herself. How far will you go for someone else? "A life laid down is better than a life picked up." The story is told in two timelines; before and after. It is initially confusing, but then everything falls into place. There aren't too many surprises, but that never takes away from the enjoyment of the story. This is my first book by Charles Martin, but I'm anxious to check out some of his other books.

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

I cannot express enough how much I adore novels by Charles Martin. He always manages to reach down into my soul and exorcise all kinds of emotions. This story of pain, loss, drug abuse, infertility, infidelity, high self-inflicted expectations, and the search for true love is one that will have you flipping the pages as fast as you can as you absorb every word written. The story of Maybe Joe Sue is heart wrenching. She has such good qualities and has an ability to appeal to her fans … they can identify with her down-to-earth normal activities that no movie star would consider. You get a glimpse into life in Hollywood and how people are manipulated and the expectations placed on them “to be.” Then steps in Pockets. What an amazing man. I fell in love with him from the beginning and was cheering him on from the first page to the last. I would love to experience the depths Pockets goes to show his love. And when you get to the final chapter, your heart will stop and you will be shocked! Another book by this amazing author that I will be purchasing to share with family and friends! I have every book he’s written and will never give them away … only loaning them so others can have the pleasure of being lost in stories of love, grace, redemption, unconditional love.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

The Last Exchange
by Charles Martin
Pub Date: 03 Oct 2023

"The Last Exchange" is the first novel I've read by author Charles Martin. I must say it was one of the best I've read in a long time. I can't wait to read more.

The characters were so descriptive, you either loved them or hated them. Joe Sue's character was so complicated. Mr. Martin did such a good job describing her ups and downs in life. There were times I thought she had such a large heart and other times I didn't think she had one at all.

The Last Exchange is a story of good vs. evil, grief, hope, and the complications in life and relationships.

I highly recommend this 5 star read.

My thanks to #NetGalley, author #CharlesMartin, and publisher #ThomasNelson #TheLastExchange for providing me with an electronic ARC.

Charles Martin's "The Last Exchange" is a contemporary romance novel that delves into the depths of love and sacrifice. The plot revolves with MacThomas Pockets, a former Scottish Special Forces man who now works as a bodyguard for Hollywood star Maybe Joe Sue. The premise piqued my interest, and I enjoy Charles Martin's writing style, which usually results in a pleasurable reading experience.

However, I must say that I found it difficult to connect with the main character and the plot. I had great expectations for this book after previously enjoying the Murphy Shepard series, but it fell short for me. While Martin's writing is obviously talented, the character development and plot did not hold my interest as much as I had hoped.

I am a fan of Charles Martin's work and am eager to read his future efforts. Not every book will appeal to every reader, and I feel the author's talent will shine through in his future literary ventures. "The Last Exchange" wasn't my favorite, but it won't stop me from reading more of Martin's work in the future.