Becoming Us: A Novel

I’ve been reading Robin’s books since I was a teenager. I grew up “friends” with Christy and the gang and I’ve read all her books.This story introduces Emily and we catch up with Christy and her friends. The highs, lows, questions, and friendship are spot on for this time in life—motherhood. There is such a beautiful friendship between these women, it makes me long to pull them off the pages and into my real life so I can tag along. Knowing them, they’d welcome me. I laughed, cried and grew as each women came to life. When I turned the last page, I sighed begging the kindle to add more pages! (I may have backed up and tried a second time hoping for more!)An amazing story. True, real life lessons that point back to our amazing, never-failing, always loving God that are so needed as a mother to young kids as they transition and grow.

I have been a LONGTIME fan of Robin Jones Gunn's writings and so when her newest book was released in May I was so excited to read it. I hesitated simply because I typically dislike "first person" writing but decided to give it a try because of how much I love her books. I am so glad I did because in my opinion this book was one of the best ones that Robin has ever written. I took away so many precious nuggets from the story, cried and laughed through it and was completely encouraged. My tender heart walked away full and I can't wait for more of the books in this series! Is it possible that a writer can become better and better with each book? YES... Robin shows that with each of her new releases and this book is no exception. The depth of the tender message of hope in this book is so beautifully crafted that you will want to read it again and again to let the truth seep deep into your heart. ABSOLUTELY LOVE!

I have read all the Christy books, starting as a young teen, struggling to find where I got in and always seeking approval from others. It was in reading Christy's story that God really began speaking to me. I found Him to be the best and truest friend I could ever have, just like Christy. Now, as a mom of five, married to my own sweetheart for over ten years, I feel like I've grown up with Christy. I could hardly wait to read more about Christy and the people in her life. I was a little sad at first that this story wasn't written from Christy's perspective, until I really met Emily and felt like she was my new friend. That's what makes books come alive for me: when the characters feel like real life friends. I was surprised that, despite the differences in our lives, I related to Emily's story in so many ways. And as she began to heal and release her own painful past, I remembered all the ways God has allowed me to heal and release too. There were so many beautiful moments in her story that became God moments where His grace and mercy and love shined through the pages and straight to my heart. I wish the book didn't have to end, because I felt like I was HOME between these pages.

Robin Jones Gunn strikes every chord on my heartstrings.I finished this book the day after I received it. And I cannot wait for the next one ..I don't know how she did it, but it has to be a God-thing,because I read the Christy Miller series growing up. And she released the married series first book the month after I got married...Now, I'm 5 years into marriage with little children,and this book was everything I needed to know about this season...Every book has been like His still small voice saying, "see, you're not alone."

I have read most of the books Robin Jones Gunn has written. This book was just as good as all the other books she has written. I am so excited when I get the books I read through them right away. Robin Jones Gunn is the only author that can capture my attention to want to read the books so quickly.I love how the majority of Robin’s books overlap with the same people.Reading this book makes me want a group of women just like all of Emily’s (the main character) new friends. It makes me want to create the environment that these women have created.I can’t wait for Mrs. Gunn to come out with more books.

For those who have followed the Christy, Katie and Sierra books, this is a fun glimpse into them as wives and mothers. It focuses on a new lady and her journey to finding a sense of peace at where life is at the moment. It is fun to look in on old friends and meeting a few new ones. There are funny moments, sad moments, learning, growing and fun. Overall a fun ready and a lot of what you have learned to expect with Robin Jones Gunn.

I love many of Robin Jones Gunn's novels. When I found Becoming Us, I knew I had found a treasure. There are real emotions in this book. Relationships aren't easy to build. The beginning of friendship between Emily and three women known from Gunn's previous series is touching and also heart wrenching because it is easy to see Emily's emotions in ourselves. The worry that we don't have anything to offer but the great desire for friendship.Read this book and prepare for tears and a roller coaster of emotion.

"Becoming Us" is such a beautiful book. It is a story of a small group of women growing in friendship, and I wanted to be a part. It is also the story of a family starting over in a new place. I cared about the family finding their way through the challenges and could relate to them. It was nice to revisit people from some of Robin's previous books, but this book stands alone if you have not read any of the others. I'll be looking forward to future books in the Haven Maker series.

Robin Jones Gunn is a wonderful author and brings another sweet & inspiring read with this book. You will find yourself relating to one or more of these characters. A few friends and I took part in our favourite things after reading this story across the miles.

Great to come back to this circle of friends!