For MacThomas Pockets, his work and the line that comes with it are the two areas where he will never compromise. When he agrees to work as Maybe Joe Sue’s bodyguard, his resolve is quickly and constantly challenged. Joe needs protection, not only from her overzealous producers, a deadbeat husband, and the hounding paparazzi, but her drug addiction has become desperate and now her surrogate is blackmailing Joe using her unborn baby as leverage. When Joe asks Pockets to protect her from her own self, how far will Pockets be willing to go?

The story of Pocks and Joe unfolds through two points of view: before and after. While most of the action happens during the “after” POV, I enjoyed the unfolding character development during the “before” chapters the best. Pockets was my favorite part of this story, and I enjoyed watching his history and motivations slowly be revealed. The depth of his emotions and actions provided a necessary grounding force to this book.

Joe might be a movie star, but she doesn’t have a perfect life. Her story has a lot going on - kidnapping, blackmail, drug use, emotional abuse and manipulation, as well as trigger warnings for IVF, infertility and child loss. While there were times I struggled with the pace of the book’s writing or found the storyline to be a bit unrealistic, I still cared about Joe and Pockets and wanted them to find a happy ending.

Thank you, Thomas Nelson, for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publisher for providing me an arc copy. The author Charles Martin was so humble not to include a dedication in this book. Charles Martin is a new author that I discovered last year when I read When Crickets Cry, I loved his writing style and decided to find more of his books. This book was full of suspense and it kept me reading to see what happened. This thriller involves an agent who had to protect an actress, and all the struggles that occurred. You will not want to put this book down Enjoy!

Wow! Just, wow! I have read a lot of Charles Martin’s books, and I was convinced that his last trilogy was him at the top of his game. I was mistaken. To me, The Last Exchange is his best work to date. I had to let the story percolate and settle before I was remotely able to articulate my thoughts.

If this story doesn’t move you, then I really don’t know what will. I cannot wait to see what Charles Martin will do to follow up after this book. The story of Pockets and Joe Sue is unforgettable and a perfect example of deep, unconditional love. The wrap-up to this story astounded me and really touched my heart. Masterfully crafted, this story has the makings of a timeless classic.

I obtained an advance copy of this book from the publisher on NetGalley and my opinion is my own.

This book and the way it was written was kind of mysterious; the reader comes upon subheadings “Before” and “After” all throughout the story. Slowly the reader comes to realize what they mean, but it’s not until the end that everything is revealed. Charles Martin is a gifted writer and it’s a joy to read his books!

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Five stars.

I struggled between giving this title a 3 or 4 stars. The storyline was great but I found myself wanting to skip certain parts. The dialogue between the kidnapper and kidnapped was wholly unrealistic and required a lot more of suspension of unbelief than I was willing or able to muster. It’s a fantastic love story, though. Wouldn’t mind seeing it as a movie too. So in the end, I decided to give it 4 stars.

Charles Martin is the author who got me back in to reading as an adult. His writing style has a depth to it you don't find in many authors. I really enjoyed this work of his. It gave total Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes with the old Hollywood style. And man, Pockets was just fantastic! An air of mystery and two stories colliding, I couldn't put it down!

Too didactic in parts, which is not my style. See my full review on GoodReads at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5828661696

I wasn't familiar with Charles Martin but this novel sounded intriguing so I thought I'd try him. After a few chapters, I was so caught up in the story and characters that I researched Martin and found he's a very popular author; now I know why.

Maybe Joe Sue's career is skyrocketing. She took the acting world by storm with her first movies and won awards and accolades. This, coupled with her powerful marriage to fellow actor Syd Painter, makes it appear as if she has it all. But scratch the surface and you'll find everything is not quite so stellar. Joe's early childhood was anything but storybook, she's been in rehab several times for her pill addiction, and her one unattainable thing is a child of her own.

Enter MacThomas Pockets. A former member of the Scottish Special Forces who, after a chance encounter with a director, finds himself a consultant in the Hollywood filmmaking industry and eventually ends up becoming Joe's bodyguard. Talk about oil and water. Pockets is reserved and professional while Joe is always trying to get him to loosen up. Joe comes to rely on Pockets but there is always a line they do not cross., even when Pockets ends up saving Joe from herself on more than one occasion. Can their relationship continue this way as Joe continues to spiral downward?

This is an engrossing story that is excellently plotted. The reader is taken on the rollercoaster ride that is Joe's life with the ever-present Pockets ready to pick her up each time she falls. It is about love, friendship, and trust in a fellow human being. At times suspenseful and always emotionally charged, this is an excellent book that gives the reader two good characters to root for. 4.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The publication date is October 3, 2023.

"The Last Exchange" by Charles Martin is the first book I have read by this author. It is definitely an interesting book. I had a bit of trouble following it as it went back and forth from past to present. It is about a popular actress that struggles with drug addiction. She has been in and out of rehab seven times. All she really wants is to have a baby but she has suffered several miscarriages. She gets hooked up with a surrogate that then tries to extort money from her for the baby. Her constant support is her body guard. You will need to read this book to see what the outcome is. It is a very complex book. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I feel slightly ashamed to say that this was the first Charles Martin book I ever read . . . but oh my goodness, it was not the last. The second I finished the ARC, I started downloading book after book from his backlist and I spent all summer immersed in his stories. I've loved every one of them and am already mourning the fact that I only have a couple more to go. The Last Exchange is intriguing and interesting and at times, head-scratching in a way that makes it pretty much impossible to put the book down. Plumbing the depths of love and sacrifice, it's a story that stuck with me long after I finished. Lovely writing accompanied by lovable, though flawed, characters—the bookworm in me was oh-so-satisfied. And now that I've got a whole line of Charles Martin paperbacks filling a bookshelf, I think I can safely say that even though I was late to the game, I'm not a massive fan!

This author is a gifted, inspiring storyteller who has created a riveting, contemporary story brimming with optimism, forgiveness, camaraderie, and compassion. It’s a book I couldn’t put down.

In addition to a slow-burning romance that extends beyond the confines of the page and rich, believable, three-dimensional characters that prick your emotions, this story is full of heart, mystery, and intrigue. As this novel covers Joe's path from waitress to Hollywood actress, kidnapping, and courtroom drama, I occasionally found myself in tears.

Charles Martin, a master, word smith expertly captures the ever-evolving glory of survival and a hope realized. I loved the relationship between Mr. Pockets and Joe, and the Hollywood setting. Joe says to him, “Sometimes hope hurts the most.” Mr Pockets replies, “Don’t ever quit on your hope. No matter the cost”…”Not Ever.”

This is one of my favorites novels Charles Martin has written, the characters and their situation will stick with you long after you close the book. This is a wonderful escape and one that would be amazing for you next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Beautifully written and absorbing story of a down on her luck gal who is found in a rundown diner, is given a chance of a lifetime, only to rocket to superstardom, yet just doesn't lose that hometown gal way of life. Maybe Joe Sue enlists Pockets as her bodyguard (who you will absolutely fall for - chivalry is not dead!), and what happens next is a story that you will just have to read for yourself to discover. Beautifully written, the story is easy to follow and yet, it grips you and won't let you go. Classic Charles Martin masterpiece!!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

Maybe Joe Sue ( yes it’s all her name) is a performer with a huge audience and great talent. Yet in her private life she lacks the one thing that she craves. She’s been unable to have children. Her husband is not the most likable character. Why she stayed with him is testimony to her own insecurity.
When a Scottish bodyguard takes on the job as her protector and friend he assumes a great responsibility both physically and emotionally. He will keep her safe at all costs. That’s who he is.

While there are some surprises ( I figured most of them out early on) and a bit of a mystery, I would classify this as largely a romantic story with ups and downs, over an ever changing period of time Some very current moral dilemmas are addressed. I always understood where this was headed but was never sure how it would get there.

This was a very hard book for me to rate. Charles Martin is a talented writer. His sentences flow and it’s a fast read. I read until the end wondering how things would tie up- or not. The two main characters were very well drawn. I liked the book enough to finish it quickly. I recommend this for those who are looking for a easy quick simple read. My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be published on October 3, 2023.

“In my line of work, I’ve met people. All kinds. All walks. Some up. Some down. One thing is true of all of us: Nobody has their stuff together. Not paupers. Not soldiers. Not actors. We are all a mess. When you’re broken, life is about finding the beauty in the mess.”

First let me say, I am a huge Charles Martin fan. I was so excited to receive the advance copy of this book. The Exchange did not disappoint, however, it did have a different feel from his previous novels. What a different world it would be, if we all had a MacThomas Pockets to help us through life challenges. This story covers many issues; lies, addictions, love, rejection, childhood issues, pregnancy, blackmail, attempted murder and aggravated assault. Charles Martin’s stories always invite the reader to become part of the journey. I love how he sprinkles life nuggets throughout his books. In the end, it had me asking myself, how far would I go to save someone I love?

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I never thought I would be writing a negative review of a Charles Martin book. As much as I wanted to love this one, I just didn't. In fact, I didn't finish it. I did not like the way that he mixed the Before & After sections-I just found that confusing. I could not find one redeeming quality in the main character. I felt like I was reading a book by another author entirely, I am sad to say.

When you start reading this book, it may take awhile to figure out what in the world is happening, but I loved the slow build to the story! This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be the last! I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the ending had some definite surprises!

Charles Martin is a gifted author and he proves it with this novel. The plot was unique and engaging with many twists and turns that were unexpected. The character development was phenomenal and believable considering he was writing about an A-list actor and her bodyguard. I will say the names of the main characters were a little awkward in the beginning of the story but I grew to love them. I really enjoyed how he wrote the story in “before” and “after” scenes, which made the story flow smoothly forward. The message of the novel had me thinking about this Bible verse: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬. This is what true love is and I think the author used Pockets showcase this.

As usual, I loved the characterization but I can’t say I was sold on the storyline. It was a mix of a literary fiction which is his usual fare and I like that a lot, and the thriller aspect was thrown in and that isn’t my thing. It was a bit of a circus for me. I normally really like Charles Martin’s work but The Last Exchange was a bit lost on me.

My gratitude to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions are mine and honest.

Do not start this book unless you have plenty of time because you will NOT want to set it down. Charles Martin does it again! This book will grab you from the first page and keep you reading until the last. I loved the character of Pockets. It's so infrequent that you find a character who is so raw, honest yet reliable beyond imagination. There are twists, surprises and incredibly real characters woven throughout.
I LOVED that Martin is able to what other authors seem to find impossible. He writes this entire novel sans swearing. He also writes a love story without sex scenes. You could actually listen in the car with your kids! What a novel concept!
The book delves into the topics of addiction and infertility in a real way. This is a suspense/mystery novel, but it's also a love story. It has it all.
Can I really ONLY give it 5 stars?
(I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

I can’t remember the last time I read a book and wished it wouldn’t end, “The Last Exchange” by Charles Martin was that book for me and it touched my soul. The story deals with some very current & difficult topics, addiction, foster care, and infertility. The main characters are a Hollywood Star and her bodyguard who are authentic to the point of believing you know them, and wishing you really did! The author poses the question of “how far would you go to save someone you love” and crafted a story unlike anything else I have read, full of suspense, heart, hope and humor. I found myself laughing, crying and worried all at the same time. This book has to be one of the best books of the year, it certainly is #1 for me!

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Publisher, and Charles Martin for the ARC and allowing me to review this book.