I can't decide if I loved it or hated it. As a nod to those who love this type of story, I give it 4 stars because it really did keep me engrossed. However, the story is totally unrealistic- I mean, come on, all those exact people just HAPPEN to wind up together? And the MMC is more Terminator than man. You just can't stop him. If you can get past the ridiculous coincidences that all tie together, it's a fun story. I agree with other reviewers that the descriptive language was over the top. I have been to many of the locations mentioned and, I get it, so has the author. I can't speak for his knowledge of weaponry but I'm sure his thorough descriptions were accurate, though long winded. All in all, I can't be too upset because I'm really, really mad at the character of Marie and if you've written a story that actually has me mad at a character, you've at least done a decent job. I signed up to read all four books in this series for netgalley, so I expect more of the same warrior with a soft heart trope- not my favorite. If you like Nicholas Spark and Nicholas Evans, you will probably enjoy this book- especially if you're a Liam Nielsen fan. I suggest skipping the audio book, though. This narrator, Jonathan K. Riggs, annoyed me and I have three more books to go...

As always, Charles Martin is a favorite and does not fail to weave an intriguing tale. This first installment in his series about a rugged loner who helps rescue the lost in a trafficking ring is an important one. Not enough is said or even done about this issue, and I'm glad Martin is taking the time to make a series about it. Sometimes it's still hard to imagine that this happens even right here under our noses in this very country, and I am glad to be educated about it.
I admit to being more a fan of his literary style Southern tales of the past, but I will read any words he puts to paper and spread the word about his books whenever I can.
Don't let this one pass you by. Jonathan Riggs does an exceptional job at narrating as well. I could listen to him read just about anything and it fits very well with this story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARL. All opinions are mine.

Thank you to Charles Martin, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was my first Charles Martin book and I think I have found my new favourite male author! It is SO hard to find Christian books that deal with tough themes as this one does. So often they are too "fluffy" or too afraid to dig in to the hard stuff. The Water Keeper is the perfect mix of gritty topics (human trafficking) and while there are religious undertones and references to scripture it wasn't oozing with the cultish religiousness that Christian literature often can. Highly recommend this for someone looking for a well written, Christian themed book that is more than fluffy romance!

I have already started listening to the second book in this series (The Letter Keeper) and can't wait to continue on with the series after that!

The Water Keeper by Charles Martin is a poignant and thrilling novel that blends suspense, deep emotion, and lyrical prose to tackle the harrowing issue of modern-day slavery. The story follows Murphy Shepherd, a man with a dark past who lives a solitary life on an island, tending the grounds of a church long abandoned by parishioners. His life is dedicated to rescuing those in need, yet as he mourns the loss of his mentor, he finds himself lost in more ways than one.

Murph's life takes a sharp turn when he pulls Summer, a beautiful woman, from the waters of Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway. She’s desperately searching for her missing daughter, and Murph becomes deeply involved in her search. This journey draws him into the dangerous world of human trafficking, forcing him to confront his own painful past.

The novel is filled with unexpected allies, including a loyal Labrador and a reformed ex-convict named Clay, who join Murph on his mission to find Summer's daughter before time runs out. Martin's storytelling shines with heartache, hope, and redemption, highlighting the lengths one man will go to for love and justice.

What makes The Water Keeper so captivating is Martin’s beautiful writing, which elevates this story beyond a simple thriller. It’s an exploration of sacrifice, the weight of secrets, and the power of love to change lives. The novel is both an emotional journey and a thrilling race against time, leaving readers with a deep sense of connection to the characters and the cause they fight for. Fans of Martin's work will not be disappointed by this powerful, evocative narrative.

In this first book in the series we are introduced to Murphy Shepherd and get a glimpse into his many secrets. But when a beautiful woman named Summer who is searching for her daughter enters his orbit, he is drawn into a mission to do what he does best, seek and save the lost. He has made it his life's work to combat the evils of modern-day slavery, but this case has a larger ripple effect on his personal life.

I loved this introduction to the series and from the beginning I was so pleased to know I had more of these characters and scenarios to come. It's action packed without sacrificing or neglecting the character development and backstories.

Charles Martin knows the way to my heart. I just finished listening to The Water Keeper. It was stunning.

I couldn't stop. This was so captivating and it sucked me right in. This has made its way into becoming my favorite book of all time and is such an eye opener in human trafficking. I wept the second half of the book imagining what these poor girls go through. I wish I would have discovered Martin's writing sooner because he is so gifted with story telling. The narrator was phenomenal and I am glad to see he also narrates the rest of the series as well. Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this wonderful story.

This "Christian" book is a thriller. Get ready for a rough ride if that is your preferred genre. A gripping saga, not for the faint of heart. We didn't realize the nature of this novel.

The Water Keeper is the first novel in the Murphy Shepherd series and addresses the serious issue of human trafficking.
There is love, sadness, hope and friendship throughout the narrative. Charles Martin’s writing is rich in detail, which helps to create an immersive experience. He incorporates local history adding depth to the stories he tells. Additionally, Jonathan K. Riggs is the best narrator I’ve encountered so far in my new adventure with audiobooks