So, so, SO good!!! Charles Martin might just be my favorite author. He has such a way with writing stories. His books make me feel all the feels, and this one was no different. Highly recommend!

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

Wow. Charles Martin has done it again! His books are just so beautifully written. I have read several of them and I have not been disappointed yet. The Water Keeper is no exception, just like the rest, I could not wait to read every day, I like to take my time and savior the story, so I read only a little bit every day until I finish. I spent most of my childhood growing up in Florida and I loved the familiarity of so many places he mentioned.

The Water Keeper is book 1 in a series of 4. I usually am not one to read a series, but I would read anything written by Charles Martin. Now, on to The Letter Keeper.

Thank you, Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction, for the opportunity to read this book. Thank you, Charles Martin for all your beautiful stories.

This book had all the right elements! A love story full of of tragedy and pain that ended with redemption and fulfillment. A mystery and thriller, solved just in time. A main character that was lovable and made you root for throughout. Highly recommend this read, with a perfect amount of faith and religion mixed in. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

So, so, SO good!!! Charles Martin might just be my favorite author. He has such a way with writing stories. His books make me feel all the feels, and this one was no different. Highly recommend!

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

I accidentally read The Letter Keeper before reading The Water Keeper - but I'm glad I now know the back story of how Murph rescued the Summer and the sad death of his mentor "Fingers". Charles Martin's books are truly remarkable and leaves the reader inspired and wanting more at the end. He is a true storyteller!

This novel is simply a thing of beauty. It has touched my heart like nothing I have read in the last few months (and during pandemic, I have read tons). There is so much understanding of what a brokenhearted state is, so much tenderness in touching the wounds both raw and (seemingly) healed, so much of that "foolish non-logic" that given the needs of the one the priority above all the sensible mind's words, safety and even own health. So much understanding what love is, or should be (and pointing to the source of that Love).

To me, Charles Martin's writing is uneven (still, great quality). I have loved "Water from My Heart", but I am more neutral towards "Send Down the Rain". But this novel is one of his best.

Murph is a man of secrets. Some kind of secret agent involved in the fight against sex trafficking combined with lone, suffering man. Wise romantic, sensitive good soul in the body of a man kicking out the doors and freeing the kidnapped girls. But Murph is much more than any Hollywood hero - because there is one true soul within him, to which you respond.
So, Murph is on another hunt - the one that will change him. Accompanied with beautiful mama Summer, dying old man Clay, wise dog Gunner and tough teenager Ellie, the unprobable squad hunts down the kidnapped Angel, Summer's daughter. And more, because their pasts are going to be revealed and maybe they are going towards the healing.

Ah, sure. When you read this book using your logic, there are glitches. I, as a Catholic, am scratching my head about the priesthood thing (and, ahem, hoping that he author just misunderstood some aspects). And there might be too much explanations and a few logical steps missing. But...when you read using your heart (and Charles Martin is really, really good at involving you from the first moment), the things change ad you just swim in the sea of healing and grace. And it is a much needed swimming.

Also, there is a second installment of this series on the horizon!

Recommended read.

Heart rending, heart wrenching, heart stopping with bits of heart warming thrown in. I have no words to really describe how this book made me feel. The idea of human and sex trafficking being such a well-oiled and lucrative business is heart rending and angering. How could you be that evil? While this is a work of fiction, I have no doubt that it could easily be a true story.

"Love is an amazing thing. It takes the brokenness, the scars, the pain, the darkness, everything, and makes it new." Charles Martin really stresses that and also how water can be cut through, like with a boat, but it flows back together and you cannot tell anyone has been there. I am not entirely sure what Charles meant with this analogy, but to me it is a bit like having Christ in your life. He can take the brokenness and make a person whole and while the scars may remain, a peace and calmness can fill the life that is surrendered to God.

Murph was a broken man, but maybe he's finding healing, finding a new freedom, a true freedom. And yet the story leaves you with so many questions, it feels like it needs a sequel to continue what was begun in this book.

I really enjoyed this story, if you can enjoy a story like this. I about couldn't turn the pages fast enough. While the trauma and violence was minimize, I would still say that the book has triggers and to use caution.

There were parts that confused me and I am still not sure how it all fits together, but over all I just wanted to keep reading for another couple hundred pages and find out the rest of the story.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

If my child would ever go through what the daughter in this book does I would want someone like the hero to come after her and fight for her. This story deals with modern day sex trafficking. It is happening everywhere, all you have to do is look in the news. I know there are people out there risking their lives to save young girls and boys too and I'm so thankful for that. This story is full of hope, love, tears, forgiveness. A wonderful story.

Charles Martin does it again. The Water Keeper is a wild ride down the Intracoastal Waterway in Florida. Martin tackles the difficult topic of human trafficking on this book, and if I were to pick one author to take on that complex subject, it would be Charles Martin. He doesn't shy away from the horror and reality of it, bringing awareness to it and opening the reader's eyes to this travesty that is happening right under our noses. Murphy is such a complex character and it takes the entirety of the book to unravel him, but I loved his heart. Summer was also a great character, and the supporting cast did its job--supporting the main characters while still being colorful, lifelike, and unique. All in all, I cannot recommend The Water Keeper enough. I wouldn't suggest it for young readers due to the sensitive subject matter, but it's a must-read for all adults, I'd say! Well done, Mr. Martin.


FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Thank you NetGalley and published for an ARC. Another 5⭐️ read from Charles Martin after 2018’s Send Down the Rain. This too was set in Fl. This time a thriller that takes place from north to south along the Intercostal as well as a story of broken people healing as they come together rescuing victims of a sex trafficking ring. Both lyrical and edge of your seat.

Recommended! THE WATER KEEPER by Charles Martin thrashed me through a range of emotions. From laughter to deep sadness, from anger to happiness, Martin paced me through a wringer, anxious for that happy-for-now I hoped was coming. This time, I’m begging for a sequel because I don’t think this amazing story is done yet. At least I hope not.

Murphy is quite a protagonist. We learn about all the characters from his point of view and he’s sparse with the words sometimes. He reveals what he wants to for the moment, so you’re always wondering when he’s going to spill the beans and let you in on his secrets. The best part of this book is that Murphy is as surprised as we are when the truth comes down.

I did guess some of Murphy’s secrets early on, but that didn’t sacrifice my enjoyment of this book. It actually enhanced it because I wondered how his truth would finally be revealed.

This book isn’t fluff. It’s hardcore at times with a reality many of us don’t really want to know. Don’t stop reading, because truth is necessary and sometimes books help us understand what we don’t realize we need in our arsenal.

There are many enjoyable characters in this book. I loved all of Murphy’s tagalongs he picked up on his journey. They each played their part, but I was especially enamored by the brave dog. He was what we know dogs can be – protective, loyal, and resilient when it comes to their people.

I think this book will appeal to many different types of readers. It has the action-packed adventure that a male reader may love. Halfway through my review copy, I ordered the audible for my husband. This is the kind of book I think he’ll sink his teeth into, even though he’s not a huge fiction reader. Personally, I think it would make an amazing movie or series, and that would definitely appeal to him.

THE WATER KEEPER has some faith-based elements that will tug at your heart and hopefully, touch your life. It’s not preachy or overly religious, so if you don’t normally read Christian fiction, don’t worry – this should sit right with you. It makes sense as part of the story.

As for those who love relationship stories, this one left me with some significant feels. I cried for Murphy and others. Their endurance is a true testament to the human spirit. It sends a message of hope to the hopeless.

This book is very rough around the edges when it comes to the harsh reality of human unkindness. If you’re like me, it will make you angry enough to scream at the horrors of some evil. There is a special place for the bad guys like the ones in this story. Their punishment is well-deserved.

Finally, if you’re a boater, then you will LOVE the detail of Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway. We explore it thoroughly, and Murphy is a master captain who scared me as much as his passengers. I could feel the chop of the waves and my stomach flip-flopped.

There are a few over-the-top, unbelievable bits, but what grand adventure doesn’t include some things we find too outrageous to believe, even if they’re possible?

THE WATER KEEPER is full of heart, action, bad guys, people who don’t deserve the bad guys, and surprises that are fun to experience – both shocking and joyous. I highly recommend this book if you love twisty, gut-wrenching adventures with love entwined. Expect the unexpected is what I rely on from Charles Martin.

Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. A digital copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review.

Another solid outing for Martin. Charles Martin is consistently a good read. His books are always emotional, but this one also included suspense. I loved the author's son's review, and that was what made me pick it up. I'm glad I did.

This book is the first book out of the last few of Charles Martin that I really enjoyed! I found it completely engaging. It held my attention and kept me reading. The spiritual thread was evident, not overwhelming, yet clear.

I enjoyed watching Murphy come alive as he helped girls come out of sex trafficking. It was like seeing him find a different part of himself.

Charles Martin is one of those authors that I never completely write off if I don't enjoy a book or two because I know I'll connect with the next one. That's the beauty of reading.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Captivating book for sure! A few scenarios in the book definitely made it seem like the fiction book that it is, but overall a great read and one that leaves you begging for the sequel!

2025
“Love fills the empty places and flows from what was once the epicenter of the wound. And it’s the flowing that washes out the residue of the pain and makes us whole again. That’s the crazy miracle that is love. The more you pour out, the more you have to pour. I don’t understand it, I just know it’s true.”

I had never read anything by Charles Martin before and it will definitely not be the last time. This story was unputdownable. Martin’s writing is incredible and Murph is a completely tough, intelligent, courageous character. The adventure they went on was insane! I can’t imagine what Angel and the other girls went through. I also can’t imagine being one of the people who catch the scum human traffickers. Murph’s backstory was heartbreaking and I really hope he finds happiness. With his line of work he does so much good. This was a beautiful book that focused on God’s love and forgiveness and second chances. There were some very difficult situations that truly made my heart sad but the story was well worth the read and I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of the series

I am not sure the last time a book wrecked me like The Water Keeper did. It was deep, well written, heart breaking & redemptive. Murphys line of work and his story will cut your to the core & not be fully put back together, as it ends in a cliff hanger. Charles Martin is a fabulous story teller & I cant wait to dive into the next 3 books.

Murphy Shepherd is an example of the saying "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger". Life has handed him many challenges, he's won a few and lost some very important ones. Murph has retreated to an island off the Florida coast where he is isolated from those who have hurt him. But Murph cannot turn off that piece of his mind that insists he rescue those who need his help and rid the world of those who have no conscience. His life begins to twist again when he meets a young woman in trouble and later meets her mother, who's just trying to save her daughter.

I've read several of Charles Martin's books and am always surprised when I fall into the stories, only to "see" the characters and their stories. Martin's skillful descriptions of the Florida scenery give excellent display to the ever changing coastal waters. I listened to THE WATER KEEPER on audio book and was swept away by the narrator's reading. Reading or listening, it's a 5 star experience.