Being Known is the story of Jennalyn, a mother of two grieving the loss of her own mom. Her husband, Joel, is struggling to balance family and a start up business, leaving Jennalyn lost in a sea of emotions. An unexpected encounter with an old flame also has her feeling confused and vulnerable. Although committed to her marriage, Jennalyn finds her heart quickly entangled. Can Joel and Jennalyn find their way back to each other before it's too late?

The second book in the Haven Makers series, Being Known follows the group of five women... supporting each other through the ups and downs of life. Unlike the first book (Becoming Us), this book follows the life of a new character. The other four women have storylines in this book as well, but all are secondary to Jennalyn and Joel's life, allowing the reader to know them better. Their struggle and emotions feel authentic, and it's easy to fall in love with the characters.

My biggest struggle with Being Known is that the issues are too easily resolved. Although Jennalyn's struggle with her emotions is very real, once she and Jowl communicate these issues seem to melt away almost too nicely. Being Known is a nice light read for a relaxing weekend.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Oh, man, this was so good. I love Robin Jones Gunn’s works, and this book is no exception.

I read the first book in the Haven Makers series right before this one (amazing for me! Lol!), and loved that I didn’t have to wait to continue the story. I was surprised to see that the story is from a different character’s point of view, but I soon got used to it. Having read some of the Christy Miller books (and ironically just finishing one soon after this that fills in the gaps on a key minor character—don’t worry, no spoilers here!), I particularly enjoyed the little Easter eggs included that I would have missed otherwise. You totally don’t have to have read them first, it’s just an added bonus, and I’m sure I’ve missed some still!

Gunn has such a peaceful way with words. I just felt like this book welcomed me in, like a book version of a hug.

I can’t wait for more books in the series!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A red light on an ordinary Southern California January day sets off a series of events that leave Jennalyn Marino staggering under grief. Grief for the mother she lost seven years ago, grief for the way her marriage to the love of her life seems to flounder, and grief in feeling as if no one really knows her.

While she seems to have everything she needs to cope with the thug in her life (grief), she feels woefully unprepared. Without her fellow Haven Maker friends, she would shatter. When her first boyfriend (and the man she thought she would one day marry) shows up at her daughter’s dance class, Jennalyn starts down a path that could alter her life forever.

Book two in a series, Being Known explores marriage, friendship, and the little choices we make that can have a huge impact on our lives. Without sounding like a college psychology textbook, Gunn manages to work in textbook wisdom about communication for married couples. Her characters explore ways the friendships can sustain and nurture us through life’s dilemmas and trials.

The Haven Makers, a diverse group of thirty-something women from different backgrounds, band together in friendship and find ways to nurture each other using their unique superpowers.

“Being Known” is the sequel to “Becoming Us”. The story this time is told in the first person by another of the women, Jennalyn. Jennalyn is feeling vulnerable, her husband, Joel, works long hours at the restaurant he owns. He works there as the manager and head chef. Jennalyn feels she is left to parent their children on her own most of the time. She is also still grieving the loss of her mother to whom she was very close.

At her most vulnerable, she unexpectedly meets Garrett, an old boyfriend when she takes her daughter to her dance class. Jennalyn was crushed when her boyfriend ended the relationship, but her mother helped her to move on and in time she met Joel. However, Jennalyn still feels the connection with Garrett, especially as he too knew her mother and she finds it helpful to chat online with him about shared memories of her mother. She keeps it all to herself for a long time, but does in the end share with her friends and her husband, but not before much hurt is caused to both her husband and herself.

Jennalyn realised that although nothing physical happened between her and Garrett she did allow her heart to become entangled. When Joel and she finally start communicating more, he admits that by working such long hours he had made himself physically unavailable to her.

They know they have much to work through and that there is fault on both sides, but both are determined to put God first and they are committed to protecting and strengthening their marriage.

In this sequel, the five friends: Jennalyn, Christy, Sienna, Emily and Tess are once again there for each other as they go through life together. What I like about the friendship they share is there is no judgement between them, only the offer of love, spoken in truth and a comforting shoulder to cry on. They share an accountable relationship with one another which makes for a great relationship, not just in books, but in real life too. It’s something worth developing in our own friendships.

"Love grows in fields of grace, not in ruts of shame."

This book dealt with deep real life situations.
How can a book be so amazing!!!

I enjoyed reading about the girlfriends clique; Jennalyn, Christy, Sierra, Emily and Tess. Their girls times, talks, confession times... were incredibly heartwarming. Reading the book made me want to have lots of girlfriends.

My heart broke for Jennalyn for her struggles especially with her marriage and the grief of loosing her mother. I could so relate with her floating in her grief and not having any meaningful connections to talk about what was going on with her. I loved immensely how the author wove the story into how Jennie got to realize she was known by God and wasn't alone.

As a young unmarried lady I could relate soooo much with Tess when someone she shouldn't be having any emotional connection with came into her life. But I was glad how she handled it with guidance from God and great advice from her friends.


This book brought to mind the danger of living in isolation when dealing with issues. Isolation has a way of making darkness grow and become so overwhelming. But when Jennalyn trusted God and brought to light all she was passing through she became free. The verse that's says you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free was beautifully expressed in this books and the blessing of having Godly friends in one's life.


I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

This book touched my heart in so many ways! I have read many books by this author and each and every one has impacted me in a good way. The writing is amazing with a story line that draws the reader in. There isn’t any part of this story that someone can’t relate too. I look forward to many more books by this author!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley

This story was well done about a very timely plotline. It was a bit slow and it was hard to keep turning the pages.

I received a copy of this arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I have been reading Robin Jones Gunn for years and I love how she unfolds characters in her stories. This book is number two in the series and I did not catch the first one, but it seemed okay. This book moved a little slow but eventually became a great read.

I do not know where I have been, but Being Known is the first book I have read by Robin Jones Gunn. This second installment from her Haven Makers series. I thought it was great.
Five stars.

I always enjoy this author’s stories, and I thought she did a great job having these characters face, from a Christian perspective, difficult situations in their marriages. Being familiar with this series helped, but this could easily be read as a stand-alone book, too. It was refreshing to read a story like this that upheld Biblical principles.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Great continuation of the series! Highly anticipated book for me and I really enjoy the adult friend centric books! I love how it gives me the same feeling I had with the Christy Miller series while being adult.

The second in the Haven Makers series has Jennalyn narrating. She is struggling with motherhood and her husband being at work for long hours. The five women (Daughters of Eve) have a close bond and can discuss many aspects of their lives. I love this close knit group are depend on their faith and support each other. The idea of a word for the year is a very appealing concept. Readers will want to read Becoming Us to fully enjoy this book. Looking forward to the next book. Recommended!

Through Net Galley, I received the ARC of Robin Jones Gunn’s newest book in the Haven Makers Series, Being Known. I truly enjoyed the sweet friends together again and learning how to live out their faith as they walk alongside one another.

In Being Known, Jennalyn continues to mourn the loss of her mother. Although, her mom’s death has passed and she had thought that she had properly moved forward, the deep loss of her mother continues to haunt her. Since Joel, her chef/restaurant owner husband, is fully consumed with getting the restaurant off the the ground, Jenn’s sorrow is compounded by feeling abandoned to deal with their two small children alone. Rather than share how she is feeling with Joel or her dear friends, the other Daughters of Eve (DOE’s) she plasters a smile on her face and keeps her struggling throughts to herself.

In the midst of her internal struggle, Garrett, the high school boyfriend that broke her heart walks into her life unexpectedly. Although 15 years have passed and she is a grown women, her grief and discontent heart causes Jennalyn to question her marriage and life as she knows it. Before she realizes it, she begins down a road that may lead to an end to the life she shares with Joel.

Ms. Gunn did an excellent job of helping the reader understand Jenn’s thoughts and struggling heart. I appreciated the way she clearly pictured how quickly our mind can lead us to places that we should not and actually do not want to go. The longer Jenn kept her thoughts and actions hidden and in the dark, it was easier for her to move in a dangerous direction and to justify her behavior.

The one issue I had with the characters were their church involvement. Since both Jennalyn and Joel’s characters were professing believers, I wish that they appeared more invested and involved in a church body and community group.
I did however love the friendship of the DOE’s. Although it was difficult, they boldly and lovingly spoke truth into one another’s lives. I would definitely recommend this book!

Jennalyn and Joel are just an ordinary married couple. They struggle to communicate and get caught up in the busyness of life. Joel’s focus shifts from family to work as he manages his restaurant, and Jennalyn’s focus shifts to her children. When the opportunity for a marriage retreat in Hawaii becomes available, they decide to invest in their marriage.

This story includes characters from the series I read in high school, The Christy Miller series. Girls grow up into women of faith that speak truth and have deep friendships. I loved how the author penned a story from the perspective of a young Mother who wrestles with the daily challenges of marriage and motherhood. A five star read for sure!

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

I've enjoyed every title I've read by Robin Jones Gunn , and ' Being Known ' is no exception. Her writing envelops the reader into a world of close friends to share life experiences. Her readers will no doubt carry the life experiences from the fictional world to their daily life, blessing others along the way. Reading ' Being Known ' was a true joy.

Being Known is an emotional story of real life struggles. I liked the story. Although the resolution seemed to be rushed. I have not read the other books in the series but didn't feel lost. I like a book that I feel connected to, and I felt like I understood the struggles and emotions and had empathy for the characters. If you are a Robin Jones Gunn fan, you will love this book.

Can I just say how thankful I am that Robin Jones Gunn has seen fit to continue giving us some Christy Miller connection points?! We are able to get a glimpse of what Christy and Todd are up to, and meet new friends along the way. Part of the "Haven Makers" series, this second book follows a deeper dive into the story of original DOE (Daughters of Eve, as they have name themselves) Jennalyn (we also learn a bit more about Tess, another DOE). The author does not shy away from challenging subjects, including grief, depression, co-dependency, and emotional affairs. For anyone who has been married for more than 10 minutes this is a poignant and possible illustration of the disconnects and seriously difficult times that can occur and we see that when they are navigated with grace and forgiveness we are able to fully known.

Jennalyn is still grieving the loss of her mother. With two small children and successful but very busy restauranteur husband, Joel, she begins to feel very alone. When she runs into former high school boyfriend and first love at her daughter's dance class, they begin to slowly reconnect. Sister DOE Tess is struggling with connection as well, and although she tries to keep it professional with one of her clients, their deepening friendship may soon be crossing a line - because he is married. There are some interesting surprises and just enough conflict to keep it real.

If you haven't already, you should DEFINITELY read "Becoming Us" first. I am loving this series and will gladly endorse this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

I have enjoyed Robin Jones Gunn books in the past and so I was excited to get to review Being Known. I had never read the Christy Miller series and this book is about Christy’s friend Jennalyn’s marriage and her grief journey. Jennealyn seems to have a dream life, but she is lonely and not grateful for what she did have. The book had too many storylines being covered for me enjoy reading it and was bored with the friendship gatherings, Jennalyn wanting Christy to be her best friend and discussions on things like essential oils that had nothing to do with the story. I think Christy Miller fans will love it, but it wasn’t for me.

Wow! What a deep, intense book sharing real-life struggles and temptations mixed with God's incredible grace and love! Being Known continues the story of previous characters of Robin Jones Gunn's book, this time focusing on Jennalyn. As a mom with a toddler and a baby and wife of a busy chef/restaurant owner, Joel, Jennalyn's life is a whirlwind. Grief from her mom's recent death coincides with the chance meeting of a former boyfriend. Jennalyn's life intertwines with the lives of her friends who are also going thru difficult struggles. As Jennalyn and Joel work through normal struggles of marriage, they also learn to prioritize their marriage. The story is well-written and very easy to connect with on an emotional level. The story can stand on its own, but is a far deeper reading experience if you've read previous books by Gunn. GREAT READ!!!

This was a great continuation of the characters of the book "Becoming Us"....although you don't have to have read that book to be able to read this one! This was such a true depiction of marriage and trying to find your rhythm with each other and kids and jobs and LIFE! It is also a wonderful reflection of friendships, how important they are and how important it is to foster those friendships! I am anxious to read more books in this series!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.