What a beautiful story of finding beauty in the messes of life, of knowing that brokenness and need are not weaknesses. Martin once again has written a story that draws the reader in from the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. It is a story that addresses real-life situations of addictive behavior and childlessness. It is an amazing story of a man who would exchange his own life for the woman he loves. Readers who enjoy contemporary psychological fiction will not want to miss The Last Exchange. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

Phew!!! What an emotional journey. In typical Martin form, he has written a achingly beautiful story with characters that feel real, raw, and flawed in the best ways. I don’t know how he does it every single time… but let me tell you, he’s done it yet again!!!

My thanks to NetGalley and to Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins Publishers for the ARC of "The Last Exchange" in exchange for an honest review.
Leave it to Charles Martin to once again take a reader on a whirlwind emotional journey........ and keep you compelled to abandon everything else in your life until you reach the final page.
Every time I find myself completely engulfed in a Martin book, my overall reaction is always the same......that this author's like Nicolas Sparks on steroids. He starts out by gripping you with a story and characters you can't resist........then along the way, he manages to impart some universal life lessons in love, loyalty, courage, faith and the power of good to overcome evil Somehow (I don't know how he does it) he never makes it feel preachy, just common sense inevitable wisdom.
You'll be pleased to know he's more than done it again with "The Last Exchange", a heartfelt, yet suspenseful saga of a celebrated, but much troubled movie star and her stalwart Scottish bodyguard.
The stoic, taciturn Scot MacThomas Pockets has traveled the world as a battle hardened warrior and when needed, a fearless, loyal protector and defender. It's in that last capacity that he finds himself guarding movie superstar Maybe Joe Sue. A gifted, gorgeous multiple Oscar-winning actress, 'Joe' survived a trauma filled childhood to become beloved by millions. But while she's admired and coveted worldwide, her drug addiction keeps her constantly in and out of rehab. And her equally popular movie star husband offers little help or solace... Because the world doesn't know he's actually a self-aggrandizing jerk who only lives for his own fame while hopping from one movie set to another. But in her sturdy, steady bodyguard Joe develops a slow burn, unlikely (and yes, sometimes downright funny) friendship, which Pockets struggles to not cross the line into anything more than that.
In true Charles Martin fashion, multiple terrible calamities befall Joe, seemingly all at once. And it's up to Pockets to put things right and thwart some hateful people, who've no idea of the fierce depths of his loyalty (and obvious unspoken love) for his besieged client.
Fair warning here - by the time you arrive at this book's grand slam finale, you're not going to move a muscle other than your finger furiously turning the pages or swiping across your e-reader. It's a prime Martin-ized wrap-up filled with stunning revelations, gut wrenching emotions and even some surprising humor along the way.
All of that makes "The Last Exchange" easily one of the best 5 star books I've read all year......and highly recommended.

This is a really great story, and I was pulled into it almost immediately. I liked the dual timeline and felt the transition back and forth came at just the right times to be relevant to the story. I liked both of the primary characters and felt the relationship development was just right. I liked the perspective of being in their thoughts and really understanding how each one felt.

The big reveal was a whopper, and completely unexpected. However, the setting in a courtroom and how that played out was both ridiculous and unbelievable. I would have given the book 5 stars if it wasn’t for that.

Much thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

“Do you love someone enough to fight for them?”
“ life is about finding the beauty in
the mess”

Wow! This book had me captivated from the first chapter to the last word… Even when you thought you knew, you didn’t.

Joe Sue was such an amazing, human, generous, flawed character

Pockets was so mysterious that even when I knew what he was doing, I didn’t know what he was doing

This is my first book by this, author and I can assure you it will not be my last,
I loved everything about it, the characters, the story, sitting on the edge of my seat as the author unveiled this like an onion we peeled back layers and layers and layers to just wow!

How far would you take things for love? This is an intriguing Hollywood starlet novel of addiction, loss, love, and the unexpected solution to a problem of great proportion. Marriage, family, bodyguard, and IVF gone astray keeps you guessing what could possibly happen next. Not your typical Charles Martin love or family story. Definitely worth reading.

Well, Charles Martin has done it again! The emotional connection he makes us as readers feel to the characters he rights is incredible. He reminds us that we are all human and all worthy. This one did not disappoint!

The Last Exchange is exactly what I would expect from the talented author, Charles Martin. I loved it and was intrigued from start to finish. I highly recommend it. Five stars.

Charles Martin has done it again! I loved this book. The story was really good and although I figured out the twist…it didn’t take anything away from my enjoyment of reading it. Pockets is my hero and what a love story between him and Joe. The plot, the characters, the writing…all superb. Charles Martin is an auto-buy author for me. He never disappoints. I gave this FIVE STARS and highly recommend! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Charles Martin is one of my top three favorite authors ever since I discovered When Crickets Cry years ago (still my favorite novel). I'm pretty sure I've read every book he's every written and I haven't disliked any of them! I read this book cover-to-cover in just two sittings--it is a fast, easy, and captivating read.

Coming on the heels of the amazing "Keeper" trilogy, which I absolutely loved, I wasn't sure what to expect from The Last Exchange. Would it launch a new trilogy? (I don't think so.) While I wouldn't rank The Last Exchange as one of my top 4 Charles Martin novels, it also didn't disappoint at all. The characters were well developed, likable, and realistically flawed. The plot had good twists and turns in it, and enough surprises to keep one totally engaged. In a couple of places it felt a little obvious where the story was headed, but I discovered that there was a reason for that later on. Recommended!!

What a beautifully written book! I, however, am not surprised as Charles Martin is one of my favorite authors. Pockets is such a likable character and so is Maybe Joe Sue. I won’t ruin it for others by explaining the whole story but I will say I’ve never read a book like this one. I felt like I was right there with the characters going to Scotland, Montana, and other places. Fantastically written. I was provided an advance copy by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this book before others.

Another great book by this author. This story was multi-layered and I loved how it all came together at the end with a great theme. The structure was interesting with time and perspective jumps throughout, which really kept the pages turning. The only thing I didn't like were the names of the main characters. I got over it, but it take away from my enjoyment of the book.

Charles Martin is such a talented author. Even though I didn't love one of the main characters (Joe), this novel held my interest from beginning to end.

What I did love was the main male character Pockets. Pockets had physical strength, integrity, intelligence and heart. I was wowed by his investigative skills. He was phenomenal.

With Joe, I appreciated her humble beginnings and that she gave freely to others. Her goal to be a mother was heartbreaking, but a little tough to believe from some of her actions.

There was a twist in the novel, that completely surprised me and was so clever.

Overall, it was a good novel.

This was the first book I have ever read by Charles Martin. It was so incredibly good. I did not want to put it down & read it in one day. It had hurt, love, reality, suspense. And so many things I could connect with. Joe's heartbreak hit way too close to home but I felt I could understand her even better. This book will sit with me for awhile. And will be recommended to many.
Thank you netgalley for a copy of this book. All reviews and rating are 100% my opinion

Charles Martin knows how to write a book. The Last Exchange was easy to read, and the characters were well-written according to their lifestyles and employment. I loved that one main character was Scottish, especially as he was in special forces. The Hollywood life of the Maybe or "Joe" is written particularly well, looking at how easy it is for someone in her position to become ruled by the world and how things look on the outside.

I truly enjoyed most of the first 75% of the book. The before and after stories drew me in, and I could not wait to turn the page to find out what would happen. The latter part and ending were where I found the book problematic. There was a lot that all the characters did that I did not agree with, and I found the text even upsetting. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this, but I questioned how I would react in the same situation. The ending brought my 5-star rating down to a 3-star, with a few days of pondering before I rated this book.

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

In "The Last Exchange," Charles Martin weaves a gripping tale of suspense, romance, and raw emotion that will leave readers captivated until the very last page. As an acclaimed author known for his evocative storytelling, Martin takes his signature style to new heights, immersing us in a world where love knows no bounds and sacrifices are made without hesitation.

At the heart of the story is MacThomas Pockets, a former Scottish Special Forces member turned Hollywood consultant and bodyguard for the movie star, Maybe Joe Sue. In a serendipitous twist of fate, their lives become entwined, and Pockets soon discovers the stark contrast between the public persona of Joe Sue, with her glamorous life and Hollywood husband, and the private Joe Sue - a woman plagued by a traumatic past and an overwhelming desire for motherhood.

As the narrative unfolds, we bear witness to the intricate layers of both characters' lives. Martin's deep understanding of human emotions and nuanced character development shines through, allowing readers to form a profound connection with Pockets and Joe Sue. Their journey takes us on a rollercoaster of emotions - from heartwarming moments of tenderness to heart-wrenching revelations of pain and vulnerability.

In "The Last Exchange," Martin takes a departure from his previous works. While maintaining his trademark poignant prose, he infuses the novel with a gripping suspense that keeps us on the edge of our seats. The questions of how far one would go to save someone they love, and what it truly means to find redemption, echo throughout, leaving us introspective and deeply moved.

The chemistry between Pockets and Joe Sue is palpable, and their bond transcends the confines of fiction. As they navigate the tumultuous waters of love and self-discovery, we are left to ponder the very essence of human connection and the lengths we'd go to protect those we cherish.

"The Last Exchange" is a masterclass in contemporary fiction that goes beyond the boundaries of genre. Martin expertly explores the intricacies of the human heart, leaving readers spellbound and emotionally invested from start to finish. As a standalone novel, Martin clearly has the ability to create a world that feels achingly real.

"The Last Exchange" is a tour de force of suspenseful romance that will keep you engrossed until the final, heart-stopping exchange. Charles Martin's latest offering reaffirms his position as a true maestro of the written word, enchanting readers with his unforgettable characters and deeply resonant narrative. This is a novel that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

"Charles Martin's 'The Last Exchange' is a heart-wrenching masterpiece that will leave you breathless. A rollercoaster of emotions that stays with you long after the final page."

"In 'The Last Exchange,' Charles Martin proves once again why he is a master of storytelling. An unforgettable journey of love, sacrifice, and redemption that will tug at your heartstrings."

"Prepare to be spellbound by 'The Last Exchange.' Charles Martin's evocative prose and poignant characters will leave you utterly immersed in this gripping tale of romance and suspense."

"With 'The Last Exchange,' Charles Martin delivers another literary triumph. A powerful narrative that investigates the depths of human emotions, leaving readers profoundly moved."

"A tour de force of storytelling. 'The Last Exchange' is an exquisite balance of suspense and romance, revealing Charles Martin's exceptional talent in crafting unforgettable characters."

"Charles Martin's latest novel is an emotional rollercoaster that grips your heart from the very first page. A captivating story of love's power to heal and redeem."

"In 'The Last Exchange,' Charles Martin weaves emotions and genuine human connections. A novel that lingers in your thoughts well after you've finished reading."

"Charles Martin's prose is poetry in motion. 'The Last Exchange' is a poignant and powerful exploration of love's resilience amidst life's darkest moments."

"A heart-stopping story that stays with you. Charles Martin's 'The Last Exchange' is a breathtaking tale of love's triumph over adversity. Prepare to be moved to tears and inspired."

"With 'The Last Exchange,' Charles Martin delivers a gripping narrative that captivates from beginning to end. A must-read for anyone seeking a profound and beautifully written love story."

The story started slow about an actress with a drug problem who was kidnapped. But it developed into a very good love story with plot surprises. The book was well written going from “before” the kidnapping to “after” the kidnapping between chapters.

For the last 100 pages, you knew the characters so well that you felt what they were going through, even to the point of tears for me. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it.

What can I say that has not already been said, Fantastic book by Charles Martin. Thank you, NetGalley for letting me read this advanced copy.

Wow, what a powerful story of two flawed people whose paths converge in a deeply moving story. I haven't read a Charles Martin book in a while, but this one makes me want to go back and read them all. Joe Sue is a tortured soul and Pockets has a deep and abiding love that he will take to the extreme to sacrifice all for her. Highly recommended.

A solid love story with several twists, turns and surprises.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson—Fiction for the opportunity to read this ARC.