⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Stars (Outstanding)

Setting: A variety of locations
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin is an unforgettable novel that grips your heart from the first page and doesn’t let go. Murphy Shepherd is not just a man on a mission—he is a beacon of hope for the lost, the broken, and the enslaved. But when his own family is taken, his fight against human trafficking becomes deeply personal, pushing him to the limits of faith, endurance, and love.

Martin’s storytelling is masterful, weaving together action, emotion, and raw humanity with his signature poetic prose. The novel is both thrilling and deeply moving, exploring not only the horrors of human trafficking but also the power of love and sacrifice. Murphy’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and the relentless pursuit of justice, making this book impossible to put down.

If you love stories that challenge the heart and inspire the soul, The Letter Keeper is a must-read. It’s not just a book—it’s an experience that stays with you long after the final page. #netgalley #theletterkeeper #booked_this_weekend

Book #2 in the Murphy Shepherd series. You could read this as a stand alone and enjoy it but you'd miss most of the back stories of the principal characters. These characters have all suffered through difficult challenges and come out better on the other side. Murphy in particular has gone from a lonely person living apart from the world to a man with a family. In THE LETTER KEEPER, Murphy's new family is threatened, then taken. He will do what he does best and rescue them while stopping a trafficking ring. While this my not sound like an original story line, you don't know Charles Martin's works. Yes, this series is thrillers. No, it's not just any thrillers. Martin develops the characters into real people, the descriptions of the Florida coastal waters is so well described, you "see" it. I listened to this book on audio and the narrator does Martin's works justice as only a person who loves reading could. Whether you read the book or listen to it, Murphy Shepherd is a character you need to know.

The Letter Keeper starts off differently than the first book. A little slower, not quite as intense. We, the readers, get a lot of background information and I loved it. We got to know more about Murphy, who he is and how he became who he is. And then about 55% through, the book gets intense. Twists, turns, struggles. Well done. Anxiously ready to read book #3

**Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing for giving me a complementary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!**

I enjoyed this book, but I had some issues feeling invested. I can tell that Martin's writing style is getting better as this series goes on, but the pacing was weird, and I kept getting lost in the fight/adventure sequences (and they felt oddly passive). There are also literal pages of this book that are copied and pasted word-for-word from book 1 (and are later also used word-for-word in book 4). That bothered me. I still love the characters and their stories, but I think this book just needed some more editing.

This book exceeded my expectations; it was both emotional and heartwarming, and the characters were so memorable. I was totally engaged throughout the entire novel.
The book was full of vivid descriptions and vivid imagery to the point where I felt like I had slipped into the pages.

“Love shows up.”
“And love, the real kind, the kind that walks into hell and says me-for-you, is the only thing in this universe or any other that does.”

Charles Martin has an incredible tackling incredibly difficult and painful subjects while also expressing emotion and empathy in an amazingly beautiful way. The relationships between his characters are dynamic and complex and they all show up for each other. Murphy Shepherd and his team are true heroes who deal with the most vile people and rescue the victims of human trafficking. They find those that other people have given up on and not only rescue them, they help them find healing and show them that they are still loveable and to see themselves the way God does. They truly live out the leaving the 99 to go after the 1. Charles Martin manages to tell the story of God’s love for us and how far He is truly willing to go to save us. This book moved me to tears several times as Murphy put his police on the line to save his wife and daughters and the mission his team has created. Casey’s story was so moving and it broke my heart the way she had been harmed. The story was truly unputdownable and I had to start book 3 the minute I finished this one.

Amazing as usual. I enjoyed the first book "The Water Keeper" and wasn't sure if the second book "The Letter Keeper "could match the first, but Charles Martin has out done himself again. I would have to say he is one of my favorite authors. Can't wait to read the third book "The Record Keeper"

Charles Martin puts so much depth into his written that it's easy to get lost in his books in a good way.

Thank you, Net Galley, for the opportunity to read this book.

Great second book in this series. Borrowing so many elements from the first book, the writer expands upon the amazing love story, the thrilling and often heart racing adventure, and really deepens the history of all the characters in this phenomenal follow up. Highly recommend and cannot wait to read the next installment!

Thank you to #NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Charles Martin for the ARC of this book.

I am a big fan of Charles Martin's books, and this particular one in my opinion was his best writing ever! Wow! The story is gripping, the characters are so well developed, the wisdom he shares through the protagonist is such a gift as well, and the plot is so well thought-out. There are SO MANY quotable places in this story. It's a tough setting as the story unfolds through a backdrop of human-trafficking, but the themes such as the power of love, sacrifice, commitment, doing the right thing, helping "just one more", etc., shine through. I sort of see this as a male protagonist version of Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This is the middle book in a trilogy, so read The Water Keeper first!

Thank you to #NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Charles Martin for the ARC of this book.

I am a big fan of Charles Martin's books, and this particular one in my opinion was his best writing ever! Wow! The story is gripping, the characters are so well developed, the wisdom he shares through the protagonist is such a gift as well, and the plot is so well thought-out. There are SO MANY quotable places in this story. It's a tough setting as the story unfolds through a backdrop of human-trafficking, but the themes such as the power of love, sacrifice, commitment, doing the right thing, helping "just one more", etc., shine through. I sort of see this as a male protagonist version of Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This is the middle book in a trilogy, so read The Water Keeper first!

Charles Martin never disappoints and the Letter Keeper is a favorite of mine. This story hits all the feels and pulls at the heartstrings. Make sure you keep the tissue box nearby because you will surely need it. I highly recommended this book.

The Letter Keeper, a Christy Award Nominee for General Fiction, follows Murphy Shepherd, an Anglican priest and secret operative devoted to rescuing victims of sex trafficking.

In this installment of the trilogy, Murphy Shepherd is facing his greatest challenge yet. While taking a much-needed break in Florida, someone blows up Murphy's boat, and he awakens in Freetown, the Colorado recovery center for sex trafficking victims he runs with his mentor. The traffickers target Freetown and kidnap Murphy’s wife, her daughter, and two other teenage girls.

Murphy’s journey to rescue them takes him across the country and into the heart of danger. A diverse group of allies aids him, each bringing unique skills. As Murphy confronts the dark forces at play, he is haunted by his own demons.

The pacing starts with a bang, slows in the middle when it leans too heavily into philosophizing, but ends with plenty of action, so hang in there. The point of view can be confusing, but the story’s strength shines through. It’s important to read the series in order, starting with The Water Keeper.

The Letter Keeper tackles the crucial issue of human trafficking, especially relevant as movies like The Sound of Freedom draw attention to it. A powerful story, it explores redemption, sacrifice, and the lengths one man will go to protect those he loves. The cast of characters wrestle with faith under trying circumstances, making this an inspiring read for fans of Christian fiction. 4 stars.

** Many thanks to the publisher for a comp of this title. The opinions are solely my own.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Charles Martin for the ARC of this book.

I am a big fan of Charles Martin's books, and this particular one in my opinion was his best writing ever! Wow! The story is gripping, the characters are so well developed, the wisdom he shares through the protagonist is such a gift as well, and the plot is so well thought-out. There are SO MANY quotable places in this story. It's a tough setting as the story unfolds through a backdrop of human-trafficking, but the themes such as the power of love, sacrifice, commitment, doing the right thing, helping "just one more", etc., shine through. I sort of see this as a male protagonist version of Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This is the middle book in a trilogy, so read The Water Keeper first!

2.5 stars

The Letter Keeper was an entertaining read, even if it wasn't one I found to be believable. The fight scenes were crazy and some of the things that happened just seemed unrealistic.

The beginning of the book had a lot of backstory, which I would have expected more in the first book. I found that part a little boring, even though it did fill in some things.

Some of the content was a little uncomfortable for me to read and there is a character who says things that I just don't like.

I really like the most of the characters and want to know what happens next, so I still plan on starting the next book soon.

All in all, this was an okay read.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

I finished this story in one half-day but not without some mixed feelings.
Content warnings galore - the author does not shy away from the despicable inhumane ugly side of humanity, but he's not graphic in terms of actual acts that have occurred.

The first half of the book I felt like I had walked into a conversation midway through. It was reflective and introspective and I was vaguely in tune, but wondered what I had missed. Turns out this is a sequel. Reading it as part of a series would add to the overall enjoyment and would probably have bumped up my internal rating.

Despite hope and freedom as definite themes, it's very heavy and it is going to be uncomfortable for many readers. Murph and his team are the good guys, and yet my soul feels angry. I didn't necessarily agree with all of Murph's opinions on "things" but I'm not an expert and still feel in the end he was love in action, going after the one because "Love shows up."

I am happy that the author didn't shy away from a very serious and prevalent exploitation in our society. I "liked" the book, but it hit hard and fierce and stung a little too. It's not feel good entertaining fiction, but definitely worth the read if it won't be triggering for you.

When I requested this ARC I did not realize that this was book #2 in the Murphy Shepherd series.

Although you do not need to read the first book to enjoy this book, I felt like we jumped in to a story and I didn't know what had happened to get us to that point. With that being said, this book by itself was still immensely enjoyable and I have already added The Water Keeper (book #1) and The Record Keeper (book #3) to my ever growing TBR. I love the premise of this book, Murphy and Bones traveling all over the world saving people that have been kidnapped or coerced into the human trafficking trade and bringing them back to their sanctuary to heal.

Highly recommend this novel.

Five hundred stars. I could read and reread and reread this. I absolutely loved this book so much. THe themes, the characters, the overarching plot, all of it. So many twists and turns. And Martin's writing style is just stunningly beautiful. I can't even give this a proper review because I loved it so much. I have never read anything like it and I'm not sure I ever will. Martin's style and stories are so unique! Give me book three right now please!

This is the second book of a series written by Charles Martin, and I feel that may have been a disadvantage to my appreciation of the book. The subject and synopsis of the book drew me in as it is a very timely topic. The book was somewhat slow to start but worth the wait. The author's development of the characters and descriptive writing style was well-done in the telling of this story. I will plan to read the first book of the series, The Water Keeper, and then continue with it. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #TheLetterKeeper #NetGalley.

Die Geschichte beginnt drei Monate nach den Ereignissen im letzten Buch. Murphy Shepherd geht wieder der Suche von vermissten jungen Frauen nach und hat gerade die seit 27 Tagen vermisste, junge, unter Drogeneinfluss stehende Chris gefunden. Auch sie ist auf die üblichen Methoden der Menschenhändler reingefallen. Wie immer endet sein Einsatz damit nicht, sondern er kümmert sich auch darum, dass sie wieder auf die Beine kommen wird. Aber schon schickt ihm Bones die Informationen zum nächsten Fall, das Zeitfenster ist klein, er wird eingeflogen, ein Priester ist in dem Fall involviert, eine große Party findet gerade statt, aber die Verstecke wurden schon geräumt. Er kann den gesuchten Jungen dort nicht finden, Videos von Überwachungskameras zeigen zu seinem Schreck, dass seine Tochter gerade beobachtet wird, er alarmiert umgehend Bones. Trotz Gegenwehr, Schussverletzung und selbst inszenierten Explosionen, findet er schlussendlich doch den Jungen und mehrere weitere Teenager. Auch dieses Buch beginnt gleich wieder mit hohem Tempo. Murphy agiert in bekannter Manier schnell, ohne Skrupel und ohne Blick auf die eigene Sicherheit. Doch der Kopf der Operation kann ihm entkommen. Eine Zeit später besucht er Summers Auftritt in New York, dabei muss er immerzu noch an Marie denken und warum ihm Bones all die Jahre nichts über sie gesagt hat. Es hat sein Vertrauen in ihn schwer beschädigt, es stellt alles in Frage. Zurückgekehrt auf seiner Insel bringt ihn eine Explosion seines Bootes fast um. Zur Erholung begibt er sich in ihr hochsicheres Camp Freetown, wo auch all die gefunden Mädchen untergebracht sind.
Man muss unbedingt das erst Buch gelesen haben, dann ist es die gelungene Fortsetzung, auf die man vielleicht gehofft hat, sie macht die Geschichte rund. Spannung, fesselnd erzählt, Lachen, Weinen, der Autor zieht alle Register. Der Roman konnte mich sehr gut unterhalten!

This is the second book in the Murphy Shepherd series and I would strongly recommend reading the the Water Keeper before this one. Both books cover the difficult and dark topic of human trafficking, but Martin has a way of writing that leaves you with hope. While the book started slow with Murphy telling his daughter the story of his life, the last quarter of the book was worth the wait, full of suspense and lots of action.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.