Charles Martin has done it again! The Last Exchange had the perfect amount of suspense to keep me reading and an imperfect main character, Maybe Joe Sue. Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Charles Martin has outdone himself with this book. The psychological suspense had me at the edge of the seat. As the story comes together, it left me completely in awe. As with all of his novels, I want to re-read it just to see the beauty of the story. The depth and the insight that is relayed throughout the story never ceases to astonish me. Maybe Joe Sue is a phenomenal character in the story and I can't say enough good things about this one!!



Thanks so much to the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

This new book by Charles Martin has a different feel to it than his other books. It drew me in right away, but it took a long time to figure out what all was going on and how it was tying together. You may need some tissues by the time you get to the end. It is an amazing book, and the contrasts of self-love vs self-sacrificing love, addiction vs discipline, giving life vs taking life are very thought-provoking. You will either love or hate the characters. It’s well worth reading.

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

Each Charles Martin novel seems to be my favorite. I am not fond of sappy romances and his never are sappy. In fact I would not classify The Last Exchange as a romance, but it is a character driven love story. It included a mystery, with such a clear picture of good vs evil, and those trapped in an evil drama. The characters became so clear in how far they would go to really demonstarte their love, or their evil intentions. I appreciate Charles Martin keeping unnecessary bad language in check, he also keeps it a clean story , even while it deals with the ugly reality of actions of evil hearts.It will be available Oct. 3
Thank you Charles Martin for writing such wonderful stories. If it could be a ten, I would give it 10 stars
The story does deal with the trauma of multiple miscarriages.
Thanks to #NetGalley, #ThomasNelson, #CharlesMartin

In true Charles Martin fashion, you are about to open a wonderful book that does not loose its grip on you until the final page has turned. The Last Exchange is a story of good vs. evil, grief, hope, and the complications that relationships and life undoubtedly bring. It is told in a before and after plot line and, throughout the story, the reader is left in the dark about what exactly the event that took place to trigger this before and after. The ending is wrapped up beautifully and I cannot wait to read it again to appreciate it even more.

Thank you kindly to Thomas Nelson Publishers, Charles Martin, and Net Galley for the complimentary copy of this book that I received. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

*Note to readers- there is mention of miscarriages and infertility.

This was another wonderful book by one of my favorite authors. I have recommended it on a social media group of readers with over 20,000 members.

I received an early release copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.

The beauty of NetGalley is that you find authors that you normally might overlook. This is one of those! I wasn’t familiar with Charles Martin and wasn’t entirely sure about requesting this book, but am glad I did. What a ride. Initially, I had no idea where it was going and had real trouble seeing the connections between the different characters. However, had I noticed right away that there were “before” and “after “ chapters, I might have done better, ha! The story is like a fog, it slowly dissipates until everything becomes clear. “Joe”, the female lead, is real and believable who struggles with an issue that’s all too familiar to many of us. “Pockets” , one of the male characters, is too good to be true, most of the time. The book is full of intrigue and you’re wondering how this will end. The author is an excellent writer, “...where hope once bubbled up through the cracks of impossibility, she now knew only tragedy”. He throws in some “higher education” knowledge, if you will. Non-native speakers might struggle with some of his words and expressions such as “he cooked the books”, “liked to travel with a bit of a posse” or (my favorite) “every Tom, Dick and Harry.” It’s a fascinating read with a lot of depth and nuances that will probably require another read at some point in the future. His style reminds me of Davis Bunn, who has long been one of my favorite writers. I’m definitely adding Charles Martin to my list and will be looking for more of his work. I’d highly recommend giving The Last Exchange a try.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing me with a free complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Charles Martin has done it again! I was fortunate to receive an ARC through NetGalley. Thank you!!! I am a huge Charles Martin fan. I read it in one sitting. Now I'm upset it's over. This may have to be a read over. The story grabbed me from the beginning. Having read all of Martin's previous novels I knew it would address some hard topics. Miscarriage, infertility and some violence were part of the story. Charles Martin has a wonderful talent of writing from both the male and female perspective. What a beautiful love story and tells the limits one would go to to protect someone they love so deeply they would even sacrifice them self. I will say the court scene was a bit unbelievable but it added to the story's drama. Up to this point, Martin's character Murphy Shepard was my favorite but Pockets just took over my number one spot.
Well done Charles Martin! Another home run!

There has not been one time I have read a Charles Martin novel that I didn’t end up a blubbering snotty mess. And with The Last Exchange I have extended that streak. Martin will drive you insane (in the best way) wondering where in the world he is going with the story at the beginning, only to sit at the end of the book staring open mouthed and stunned to see where the journey ended. Thank you netgalley and Thomas Nelson for Themis advanced copy!

Love this book. As always this author gives himself to the story making you want read and not stop. His characters are so believable and real. Loved it! Would give it 10 stars if I could Cantwait for his next book!

Charles Martin has done it again! What a remarkable story! His new book, The Last Exchange, will leave you spellbound until the very end. The Last Exchange is a story of hope in the midst of adversity, unconditional love and loyalty, good vs. evil, grief and loss, and is displayed in a web of relationships and characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is written in two-time frames, before and after, and can be sometimes hard to follow initially, but as you progress, you start to take the tidbits of information Charles presents, and simply want more. You will read this book quickly, as it is hard to put down! Topics such as loss, addiction, and heartbreak are prevalent throughout the story. The ending represents what true commitment and love can bring to a society overwhelmed by brokenness and sorrow.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishers, Charles Martin, and Net Galley for the complimentary copy of this book that I received. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Excellent book! This is the type of book you don't want to put down. Maybe Joe Sue is an excellent character, overcoming failed marriages, failed pregnancies and addictions. An actress who has earned many nominations if not awards she always helps those around her. This book has everything, romance, mystery and even a bit of a thriller. Highly, highly recommend.

Wow..this book...just wow.
Best book.that I've read this year by far
Started it not really sure about it but it definitely drew me in. So many feels. A love story in the end that just touched my heart big time. Thus author has a way with words that make you believe The story is actually true.
I read this in one sitting it was yes that great!!!.

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

Thanks to the author,the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.

Every now and then, I stumble upon a book that has it all--depth of character, a driving plotline, twists I can't see coming, and--the icing on the cake--writing that is almost poetic at times, without being pretentious.

The Last Exchange is just such a book. It's the kind of book that makes you care. Real-world situations--like opioids, which are wreaking havoc in so many families right now, yet are rarely addressed in inspirational fiction--were handled thoughtfully and portrayed realistically. And the characters and their backstories were compelling--after all, if you don't like Pockets as much as I do, are you even human?

This is one of those books that skyrockets to the top of my "Best of the Year" lists, one I can recommend to a wide variety of reading friends, and one that will stick with me. I'm very impressed with it, and I'm hard to impress. A little like Pockets, in fact.

It's a comfort to know there are still books like this going out into the world. Top notch.

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

I don't remember the last time I've been so engrossed in a novel! Without giving too much away, this mystery is about a Hollywood star's journey with infertility and drug addiction and how her bodyguard, Pockets, is willing to risk it all to help her find true happiness.
This story is written in two time frames- Before and After. At the beginning, it was hard to put the puzzle pieces together. But, as the story progressed, the "Before" and "After" made sense.
There are only a handful of books that I would read more than once, but this is definitely one of them. I can't wait to read more of Charles Martin's books!

WOW is the perfect word for this amazing book!! I'm always excited to start a new Charles Martin book, but this one is by far, my very favorite of his. It has everything you could want in a book - a little romance, a lot of suspense and a lot of wondering how it will all end. I absolutely loved this one and highly recommend!

Thank you to net galley for the arc in exchange of an honest review!

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
I absolutely devoured this book!!!! What a book!
Pockets is asked to be movie star Joes bodyguard. Joe suffered an unhappy childhood and is married to a husband who is never home or with other women. She desperately wants a baby. With all this she finds her escape in drugs, she struggles with her addiction, seeking treatment which never seems to work and asks Pockets if she slips again to help her, After numerous miscarriages her only hope is a surrogate and then that leads to demands for money.
This book will grab you and you will feel love, tears, frustration, humor and hope!
I can’t wait for Martins next book!

This is a fascinating, compelling story that is action-packed, and somewhat of a roller-coaster ride to the very end. The characters are utterly amazing and made me wonder how anyone could put together such a diverse, and interesting cast of characters who each play a vital role in this gripping story.

Born to a young girl and left at the hospital: somehow the name Maybe Joe Sue ended up on her birth certificate. Joe grew up in over twenty different foster care homes until she aged out. Now she works at an all-night diner, flipping burgers to survive. A regular to the diner in the early morning hours frequently uses the corner booth to rewrite scripts. One morning he notices Joe’s easy-going manner, contagious smile, and her legs. That is when her life changed for both good and bad. In time, she becomes an Academy award winning actor, married to another Hollywood star. She, sadly, is also an addict, who after seven trips to rehab, still wears a pill fob around her neck which makes it easy and convenient to drop a pill discreetly into her mouth. The one thing missing that she yearns for is a baby, however, she has suffered numerous miscarriages.

Mac Thomas Pockets was in the Scottish Special Forces and was hired to consult on a film and ended up not going back to Scotland as planned, but instead moves to Los Angeles and becomes the bodyguard for Maybe Joe Sue. He immediately tuned in to her addiction, however, also recognized the other Joe, the movie star that her fans love.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and comments are my own.

My words alone can’t do this book justice. It is a beautiful, touching story of love, addiction, infertility and the rigors of fame. It is a poignant exploration of human nature and the events that can change the course of a life.

The characters are well thought out with distinct personalities and the plot is unique and intriguing. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. I am now on a mission to read all of Charles Martin’s books.

This is most definitely a 5-star read and I am ever so grateful to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advanced copy. This book is due to be published on October 3, 2023. Be sure to grab a copy.

Page-turner.
I had no idea what was happening at the beginning of the book but Mr. Martin had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure it all out. By the end of the book I was in awe at how he pulled it all together. The characters are full of life. I thought I had things completely figured out and while I did guess somethings other things caught me by surprise.
This is a definite recommend from me!

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

Summary:

“Here’s the catch—even if I make it out of here alive, I need a reason to breathe again.”

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?

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. Charles Martin is one of my favorite authors and he didn't disappoint with his new book. I wasn't sure where the book was headed at first and I sure did not see some of the ending of the book coming at all. Loved it!

Charles Martin tells a story like no one else. An unlikely heroine; an even more unlikely hero. A line of protocol that must not be crossed. Indulgent, self-serving love versus sacrificial care. What emerges is the me-for-you kind of love story that rarely finds its way into today’s novels. Thank you, Charles, for this book.

I received an advance copy of this book for review. The novel explores the idea of how far a person will go to protect someone he/she loves. The very original and unique plot is multi-faceted and peopled with interesting and complex characters. I gladly and enthusiastically recommend this read.

As Charles Martin does best, a heart wrenching portrayal of good vs. evil. Good from first page to last page, I recommend for every adult.

How far would you go for someone you love? That's the question this story asks and answers. I loved every inch of this book. I couldn't put it down - read it in a day. This is a story of love and sacrifice that everyone should read.

This is listed as Christian fiction, but there is nothing overtly religious about it. But if you are a believer, the concept of the last exchange - having Someone taking your brokenness and giving you His unbrokenness - will resonate.

Highly recommended. Family friendly though some of the topics such as drug abuse and miscarriages will be difficult for some readers.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the early reader copy of The Last Exchange by Charles Martin! This author is one of my all time favorites, and his newest book does not disappoint! Martin’s books often revolve around people who have been broken through tragedy and the healing process they go through to find peace and forgiveness. In this story, it’s a Hollywood starlet and her bodyguard, and the complex relationship between them. I read this book in a day - I laughed, I cried, and I loved right along with the characters in the book.

Charles Martin has once again delivered an "I can't put it down" book, The Last Exchange. Maybe Joe Sue (Yes, that is her name.) was a foster child who made it big in Hollywood. She married, Syd, another actor who rode her coattails to star status. Pockets was hired to be her bodyguard. Because Syd was constantly away filming, Pockets and Joe became close, but they never crossed a professional line. When Joe was just our of rehab, she was kidnapped after receiving her third Oscar, and her surrogate mother was demanding more money , The whole story unfolds as Pockets stands trial. It is a story that could only happen in Hollywood.

this book illustrates what a person will sacrifice when they truly love someone. it's a great read. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.

Charles Martin is one of my favorite authors and in my opinion he hit it out of the park with this one. It felt like a different type of story – a romance, a mystery and a good versus evil all wrapped up together. The characters are real, you feel their love, their hurt and their pain. You cry for them and you root for them to win.
I loved this book, and highly recommend this one!
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for my ARC.

I’m true Charles Martin fashion, the author ripped my heart out and handed it back to me at the end. I finished this book a few days ago and I am still speechless. How far would you go for love? Would you take it to the last exchange? If you are looking for a happily ever after this isn’t for you.

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.
All opinions are my own.

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.

I was first introduced to Charles Martin when I read The Water Keeper for my book club and have been a fan ever since. He writes about flawed people and then develops them throughout his books. This story was no exception. He always throws in a couple of "curve balls" in the plot that I never see coming. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting my request to read this book. I highly recommend it.

Another great story by Charles Martin. The main characters are lovable. The details to build the story and characters are fantastic as always. I loved the twist near the end.

The last Exchange by Charles Martin was an amazing story of love without expecting anything in return. In true Charles Martin form, it kept me captivated. I’ve never been disappointed in any of his books. They just get better and better.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

Joe Sue led the perfect rags to riches storybook life. Now a revered famous Oscar winning actress, she remembers her roots well, amidst a troubled and much less than perfect personal life as she battles drink and drug addiction.
The story is really quite enthralling as told through the back and forth, between past and present. Usually not a great fan of the "then and now" carousel, this time, in this story, it was actually quite compelling and brought the scenery of the tale much more alive.
Joe Sue's bodyguard, Thomas MacPockets, a former Scottish guard, plays a front and center role as her story unfolds: dramatically, frighteningly and not without a little bit of sincere pity for the balancing act between having it all and living authentically.

The Last Exchange is the first book I have read by Charles Martin. It was a nonstop thriller. The main character Maybe Joe Sue had struggled all her life with being in and out of foster homes. Her character is so likable that you feel sorry for the turmoil in her life. I thought the back and forth with past and present flowed together nicely. A must read!
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Charles Martin for the ARC for my review.

I finished this book last night. I've read most (if not all) of Charles Martin's books, and this was a departure from anything else he's written. It jumps back and forth from the past to the present day, and it was a fun challenge to determine how the parts and pieces of Maybe Joe Sue's story fit together.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishers, Charles Martin, and Net Galley for the complimentary copy of this book that I received. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

THE LAST EXCHANGE by CHARLES MARTIN is a real classic and I cannot recommend it highly enough The story is both poignant and suspenseful, and full of emotion, with Maybe Joe Sue’s rags to riches rise to fame and the way Pockets takes care of her. We see the contrast between the two men in Joe’s life, Syd’s selfishness, pride and vanity compared to Pockets’ sacrifical love. In fact I find this a distinct reminder of Christ’s sacrificial love for us….
Both Joe and Amber come from humble beginnings, but, whereas Joe is kind and relates well to the common man despite all her awards for her brilliant acting, Amber is jealous and evil, feeling she deserves to have what Joe has….
Drugs, danger and blackmail are rife in the Hollywood scene, but the themes of new beginnings, true love and hope flow through the story as well.
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling the read for you.
This is a novel that I will read more than once. It is beautifully and sensitively written and most enjoyable, with even a dash of humour. The author obviously has a wonderful way with words.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Title: The Last Exchange
Author: Charles Martin
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 5 out of 5 (Actually, more like 6 out of 5).

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.

Yes, Charles Martin is my favorite author and I love everything he writes, but dang. This book. I laughed and cried while reading this—and I binge-read the entire thing in one afternoon. Martin’s characters are always so quirky and larger-than-life and Joe and Pockets are no exceptions. I loved how their friendship grew and the secrets they were both hiding made it even more tangible and real. (The scene with the Queen!) As always, Martin manages to illustrate the beautiful truth of the Gospel while weaving a beautiful, moving story, and that’s why he’s my favorite author.

Charles Martin is a bestselling author. The Last Exchange is his newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link will be live on release day, 10/3)

Wow, Charles Martin never disappoints! I couldn’t hit request quick enough when I saw this as available. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. I didn’t anticipate the twist at the end that brought the story full circle. What an amazing read.

What a great book. Charles Martin's characters are always so real and endearing. This story is about a famous actresses named Maybe Joe and her bodyguard Pockets. Things go terribly wrong with Joe's attempts to get pregnant. There are lots of twist and turns as the past and present interact. 5+ stars for this sweet story!

If you enjoy a good story, superb dialogue, outstanding character development, and a sprinkling of a love story, Charles Martin's latest offering is worth reading. If you are a Charles Martin fan, get this book. If you've not yet become a fan, read this book and join his growing circle of followers.

The Last Exchange
Charles Martin
Pub Date: October 3, 2023
Thomas Nelson
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Loved this * Christian Romance/ Fiction
It is a beautiful story of love, addiction, infertility, and the rigors of fame. The characters are well thought out. The plot is unique and intriguing. I have only read the last three books by Martin. I now want to read them all! Be sure to read this one.
5 stars

The Last Exchange by Charles Martin tells the story of Maybe Joe Sue who grows up in the foster system but ends up becoming a well loved Hollywood star. Her husband Syd Painter is also a movie star and her bodyguard Pockets are main people in her life. The story is well written before the event alternating chapters with after the event. It’s a great story line with romance, kidnapping, and a trial. The characters are believable. I highly recommend this book and will look at others written by this author. Thank you NetGallery and Thomas Nelson Publishing for letting me review this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read so few books by male authors, but I'll pick up and devour ANY book written by Charles Martin...whether fiction or Non-fiction. His books are gritty, heart tugging, believable, engrossing, page-turning, memorable...the list goes on.

This one is no different. Powerful, un-put-downable read.

WOW! This is the first book that I have ever read by this author and it was captivating. I have never read anything quite like it. A true hero and heroine who epitomized selfless love and generosity. Fraught with challenges, sadness, deceit, greed, and naivety. Did it have a happy ending? Let's just say that it left room for hope, but wasn't fairytale "happily ever after." I hope to read more of Mr. Martin's writings. This did not contain foul language or explicit sex scenes. Yes, I recommend.

Charles Martin is such an incredible story teller. This books is so well written and the story kept me turning the pages. Thanks for the advanced copy. I look forward to his next writing.

Charles Martin has outdone himself yet again with this rousing saga. Once again he'll blow your mind with his ingenius work. The poignant awareness of a person going through de-tox for substance abuse, their struggles and the triggers that pushed the protagonist beyond her limits coupled with IVF hopes gives depth but keeps the reader on the roller-coaster along with Maybe Joe Sue, Pockets and Syd with bings and zings zapping among them. And just who is that mystery man? I could be wrong, but I get a vibe that this book has an allegorical feel to it in showing how muchg God loves and cares.

I highly recomment this highly acclaimed author and I'm giving him a 5-Star rating for this fabulous story. It is a book I'd love to possess so I could read and re-read it multiple times over!

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

July 2023

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

After reading the Charles Martin "keeper" trilogy, I was ready for more from this author and the ARC from NetGalley was a great opportunity to connect with more.

This book did not disappoint. I loved the characters and their development. It was great to see how Martin clearly, but without being preachy, creates characters that show redemptive engagement and care for others in a broken world.

Wow—this book was not my normal easy fluffy romance read, but I blew through it in less than a day. The setting and the main characters were all so rich it almost felt like it was based on a. true story. I feel like we will be seeing this book on a lot of top book lists.

Charles Martin is one of my favorite authors and The Last Exchange did not disappoint! The book challenges one to ask themselves how far you would go for someone you love, putting your own desires to the side. This book kept me wrapped from the first page with great character development throughout. Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC! I highly recommend this one!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." This story is full of action, mystery, and suspense. An allegory is revealed in the last chapters. I loved the detailed, engaging roller coaster ride!