Being Known: A Novel (Haven Makers)

Being Known by Robin Jones Gunn has Jennalyn feeling the grief from her losing her mother six years prior. At the time her mother passed away, Jennalyn had too much going on to stop and deal with the loss. She now has two children under the age of four, a lovely home and a husband she loves. Her husband, Joel is part-owner in the Blue Ginger, a local restaurant, as well as the head chef. He is working long hours until he can get the staff he needs in place. She feels alone and misses her mother dearly. Jennalyn is thankful for her friends, but she does not feel she can share this with them. The ladies call themselves "Daughters of Eve" (DOEs) or haven makers. One day, Jennalyn encounters Garrett, an old boyfriend, when dropping off her daughter for dance class. They begin chatting online over their shared memories. Garrett recently lost his mother and understands what Jennalyn is experiencing. Jennalyn begins to wonder about her life and the choices she made. Her friends are aware something is wrong and rally around to help Jennalyn. Being Known is the second novel in the Haven Makers series which I did not know when I began reading it. I felt like I had been plopped down in the middle of a book. I wish the author had taken the time to introduce the characters in the beginning. Things become clearer as I got further into the story. I believe it would have been beneficial to have read Becoming Us first. There is a nice mix of Christian women in Jennalyn's group. They all have problems and doubts. The group helps them to get through the difficult times as well as provide comfort, support, and encouragement. They bring out the best in each other. I had a hard time liking Jennalyn who made bad choices or retreated into her "cave" of melancholy. She could be rude at times and standoffish. I could understand how hard it was for her to be at home with two young kids (both under four) and with her husband working long hours. There were miscommunication issues in the marriage along with Joel's highhandedness and his short temper. This couple needed marriage counseling and time together (a weekly date night). I would have liked the author to develop the characters (they were not fleshed out). Having faith and putting God first are two important aspects of Being Known. I was curious, though, why Jennalyn and Joel did not attend church. Being Known is a good novel to read while sitting poolside (or at the beach or by the lake). Being Known is an optimistic novel about faith, friendship, and family.