Being Known (2020) — My Thoughts + Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Being Known

Author: Robin Jones Gunn

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release Date: April 28, 2020

After her mom passed away, Jennalyn was in the midst of moving, having a baby, and helping her husband work toward his dream job. At the time, she thought she processed the shock and loss, but only now that Jennalyn has two small children, a lovely new home, a lucrative side hustle with her art, and a husband who is always working does she feel the full impact of the loss.

Enter an old boyfriend who knew Jennalyn well and who shares many fond memories of her mom. Jennalyn begins to doubt her marriage and all her other life choices ever since her mom passed away. It takes the power of truth, close friends who know her well, and a series of choices at the heart level before Jennalyn can surface from the confusion and see with clarity where her life is headed.

Click HERE to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts

Being Known by Robin Jones Gunn is exactly the story I needed to read at this point in my life. I feel as if this book was personally written for me as it spoke volumes. I loved everything about this novel. I found the plot highly engaging, perfectly paced, and quite satisfying. The characters are excellently crafted and completely endearing. I especially related to Jennalyn and her inner turmoil. I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of the DOEs (Daughters of Eve) again. They’re so special and sweet, and I really love the deep bond they each have with one another. Every woman needs a special band of like-hearted sisters such as the DOEs. While I’m positive Being Known could be read as a standalone story, I don’t recommend it because I believe the reader would lose out on grasping just how impactful and special the DOEs are to one another. It is my opinion that the Haven Makers series be read in order so the nuances of the DOEs are not lost.

As stated above, I really related to Jennalyn and her struggles. In relatively recent years, she lost her beloved mother. She has a beautiful 4-year old daughter and full-of-energy 2-year old son. Both children light up her life but exhaust her with their boundless energy. And her handsome husband, whom Jennalyn loves with her whole heart, works 70+ hours a week at work. She often feels like a single mom who sometimes lives with a cute roommate. Jennalyn knows communication is key, but how does authentic communication happen when the other person is never available to talk? So when issues do arise, Jennalyn finds herself innocently turning to an old high school boyfriend and sharing her heart. Eventually, it appears like an emotional affair could be on the horizon for Jennalyn.

I have recently lost my beloved step-father. I work a full-time job during the day, then come home to my precocious, high-energy, highly intelligent daughter. My handsome hubby works nights. On a given day, I see him for maybe 30 minutes. That’s not a lot of time to share our days, bring to light any issues we may have, and/or share our hearts with one another. I have emotional needs like any other woman. I need someone to talk to on a regular basis. While I’ve never turned to another man to divulge my heart, I have been guilty of turning to my very best girlfriend and sharing everything — my grief over my dad (she has lost both of her parents), my exhaustion (she works full time too and has three kids), my frustrations, stresses, issues, etc. Very recently, I’ve realized that I was turning to her to meet my emotional needs, which isn’t necessarily bad in and of itself, but I was neglecting to ever tell my husband. Yes, it was hard to pin him down, but I was getting to the point where I wasn’t talking to him about real things at all. The thing is, it became REALLY easy to turn to my best friend and ignore my husband. Like Jennalyn does a bit in the novel, I, too, tried to justify my actions. I would tell myself that some things were just easier to discuss with another woman than with a man. But if I’m honest, I didn’t really want to wait a whole week to talk to my husband about things that were important to me at the moment. It was easier to just call my best friend.

I’m not going to tell you Jennalyn’s story; a lot is going on in her life. Definitely, I highly recommend reading this fabulous story to find out. But I can report a positive impact this novel had on me and my relationship with my husband. Having so much glorious free time right now with my husband — in 11 years of relationship we have NEVER had this much time together — and discussing the various issues Jones Gunn brings up in Being Known, we’ve both realized that we need to restructure our time as a couple and as a family better once life gets back to a more normal routine. I couldn’t have asked for a bigger or better blessing than this. Being Known fully blessed my life, and I just cannot recommend this novel enough. Purchase your copy today. It may just be the story you need right now, too!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Waterbrook Press, via NetGalley in order to review. I also received a paperback copy of this book from the publisher as well. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

GIVEAWAY

I am giving away ONE (1) paperback copy of Being Known by Robin Jones Gunn. My giveaway begins today, 4-28-20 at 5:00 am (PST) and ends on Saturday, 5-2-20 at 12:00 pm (PST). To enter, click on the Rafflecopter link below. Good luck!

Congrats to Natalya L.!

You have won this giveaway. Thank you for participating. I appreciate your support!

***Please Note: Open to Continental U.S. mailing addresses only.*** One winner will be notified via email at the end of the giveaway and will be announced here on this page. For full giveaway disclosures and policies, click HERE.