In the 2nd Haven Makers book, Jennalyn is feeling distant from her husband Joel as his busy restaurant takes off. Things get complicated when she runs into her high school boyfriend and is also struggling with the grief of losing her mom. The thing I love about Gunn's books is the way the women connect and support each other no matter what the circumstances. The friendship between the DOEs is beautiful and they hold each other accountable while also encouraging and showing love. ( )

Robin Jones Gunn books are always encouraging to read. Gunn, time after time, pens realistic, true to life stories, and Being Known delivers the encouraging read I had expected.

Being Known focuses mainly on Jennalyn, a young mother of two children, and her difficulties in handling home, friends and life alone due to a virtually absent, workaholic husband. Many women can easily and readily identify with Jennalyn’s struggles and frustrations at her husband’s constant excuses, even if they are valid (at least in his mind), and his absences are at times necessary.

The story picks up with the Haven Makers aka DOEs (Daughters of Eve), a group of young married and single female friends who meet periodically to inspire, boost and nurture each other through the good and bad times of their lives. The group is founded on Biblical principles and draws heavily on Biblical truths to guide them.

I had a small problem with this book in the beginning. I thought it faltered at first, with a spate of short, choppy sentences. Don’t be deterred. When the novel hits its stride, the story that emerges develops wonderfully and flows seamlessly. No one should miss this heartening and inspiring book.

Being Known is the sequel to Becoming Us but works fine as a stand-alone.

I received this book from NetGalley and Multnomah. However, I was under no obligation to write a review.

#BeingKnown #NetGalley ( )

I’ve never read a novel like this one. The story is almost a “reality novel,” as true-to-life as possible, about the lives of five young women. Most of the ladies are married with children. This narrative centers mostly on Jennalynn and her marriage to Joel, but it also highlights the other women, especially Tess. While second in a series, the book stands alone well.
I loved how Jennalynn, Christy, and their friends have developed a very special Christian support group. As such they are not only physically present for each other, but help guard each other emotionally and spiritually.
Jennalyn finds her relationship with Joel on slippery ground as a result of his long work hours and her not being willing to confide her innermost issues.
While the book isn’t “preachy,” its goal is to teach and guide through some of the life issues that occur. It could possibly be used in counseling, and every young Christian wife should read it to gain real insight in how to make wise choices.
About the edible oils...Many will argue that NO oils should be ingested.
Notable Quotables:

“Love grows in fields of grace, not in ruts of shame.”

“...your word for the year was like a love note from the Lord.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Waterbrook-Multnomah. This in no way influences my opinions, which are solely my own. ( )

Being Known by Robin Jones Gunn has Jennalyn feeling the grief from her losing her mother six years prior. At the time her mother passed away, Jennalyn had too much going on to stop and deal with the loss. She now has two children under the age of four, a lovely home and a husband she loves. Her husband, Joel is part-owner in the Blue Ginger, a local restaurant, as well as the head chef. He is working long hours until he can get the staff he needs in place. She feels alone and misses her mother dearly. Jennalyn is thankful for her friends, but she does not feel she can share this with them. The ladies call themselves “Daughters of Eve” (DOEs) or haven makers. One day, Jennalyn encounters Garrett, an old boyfriend, when dropping off her daughter for dance class. They begin chatting online over their shared memories. Garrett recently lost his mother and understands what Jennalyn is experiencing. Jennalyn begins to wonder about her life and the choices she made. Her friends are aware something is wrong and rally around to help Jennalyn. Being Known is the second novel in the Haven Makers series which I did not know when I began reading it. I felt like I had been plopped down in the middle of a book. I wish the author had taken the time to introduce the characters in the beginning. Things become clearer as I got further into the story. I believe it would have been beneficial to have read Becoming Us first. There is a nice mix of Christian women in Jennalyn’s group. They all have problems and doubts. The group helps them to get through the difficult times as well as provide comfort, support, and encouragement. They bring out the best in each other. I had a hard time liking Jennalyn who made bad choices or retreated into her “cave” of melancholy. She could be rude at times and standoffish. I could understand how hard it was for her to be at home with two young kids (both under four) and with her husband working long hours. There were miscommunication issues in the marriage along with Joel’s highhandedness and his short temper. This couple needed marriage counseling and time together (a weekly date night). I would have liked the author to develop the characters (they were not fleshed out). Having faith and putting God first are two important aspects of Being Known. I was curious, though, why Jennalyn and Joel did not attend church. Being Known is a good novel to read while sitting poolside (or at the beach or by the lake). Being Known is an optimistic novel about faith, friendship, and family. ( )

Being Known, the second book in the Haven Makers series, is the continuing story of a circle of women who grow in friendship, challenge each other and find comfort in their connection with one another. I found the book to be entertaining, and yet even more that than, encouraging and inspirational. Ms. Gunn writes with authenticity and readers are easily drawn into the lives of these women who have known disappointment and heartache and yet can find strength as they nurture each other, realize God’s provision in their lives, and find the passion of true friendship. "Having friends in your life who are willing to take the time to know you by heart is a gift." Being Known is a poignant story about understanding the importance of cultivating wholesome relationships and recognizing that we are fully known by our Heavenly Father. I received a complimentary copy of the book from WaterBrook & Multnomah Publishers and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own. ( )