Tracie Peterson

2.5 stars

The lead characters in this installment are supposedly Miranda and Teddy, but their story seemed rushed, shallow, and just a way for the author to glue together other plotlines. Their personalities are not very distinct; yet, Miranda's personality seems different from what it was in the previous books.

There's more talk in this book about characters being incomplete without a spouse.

A lot of the talk about God in this book felt forced and preachy. It was just a bit too much.

Side note: Money and jobs seem to come very easily to all these characters. I wish more authors would write about regular people.… (lisätietoja)

3.5 stars

Like the first book in the series, this was quick to read and mostly enjoyable, but there were some comments that indicated a poor understanding of God's standards regarding relationships.

One character did realize the error in her thinking that was present in the first book; but then, other characters are told that they need to "follow their heart," that men need a good woman to "complete" them, that romantic love is greater and more important than life itself - better to die with the person you love than to live without them. It's indicated that God has a "special man" in mind for all women. When vows are exchanged, they talk of "eternal love" instead of "til death doth part," which is a subtle but telling difference.

There were several scenes that were overly sensual, moreso than in the first book.

I did generally like the character of Karen, and appreciated seeing her struggle with anger towards God. Yet, this seemed too quickly and easily resolved. I really wish this had been more true-to-life - which is maybe an unrealistic expectation from "Christian" fiction.… (lisätietoja)

3.5 stars

I was glad to see that the main women in the book, all Christians, applied their faith to all facets of life - mostly. The main male characters all lack a trust in God.

There's a lot that I enjoyed about the book, such as that there are missionary characters referred to, and one woman who is an older single and missionary. I appreciated that the women talked about their faith in a casual, everyday way. It wasn't some special thing reserved for a church service.

However, toward the end, there is a situation where a character justifies marriage to a nonbeliever (whom she had already allowed herself to fall in love with) because she "couldn't see another way," but this is such an easy excuse to make. She didn't try very hard to find another way. She definitely takes on the "missionary dating" attitude that believes it's okay to disobey God in this way, because she's going to help him become a Christian and that will smooth it all over. It's just wrong.

There's also the presence of "instalove" here, which is always frustrating, and while there's nothing sexually explicit, there are a few scenes that are sexually suggestive.

The primary characters are all quite wealthy, and I'm not a fan of reading about rich people, to be honest.

There are several very cheesy lines.

So, not terrible overall, but could have been improved, for sure.… (lisätietoja)

I loved the ease of reading Knowing You. It was almost like listening to a story told by an old friend. May and Lee are both such sweet souls, and I love that they had one another during both good times and bad. That unwavering support of such a strong friendship is goals. The author did an excellent job of filling in the gaps from the first two books, the details from previous novels were added in so seamlessly that it made reading this as a standalone perfection.

Racism runs rampant in this novel, and it truly made my blood boil to read it. How people can see themselves better than others is just beyond me. I am white but I was raised to believe that we are all God’s children, and that race and culture is something to be admired and respected. For a long time I thought that was how everyone believed, so when I experienced racism for the first time at a young age it was a complete shock to me. I am in a biracial marriage and even in 2023 I am shunned for it, not only by perfect strangers but even members of my husband’s family! It angers me and breaks my heart but all I can do is pray for those people and live what I believe: that we are all equal. When I read about what Lee and May would face it hit very close to home, but the redemption made by some gives me hope and reminds me that God is bigger than racism and that He can soften anyones hearts. True redemption is so magnificently beautiful!

One of my favorite parts of this novel were the parts about the Japanese culture. I always love learning new things about other cultures and seeing the world through different lenses, so I soaked up all of the cultural tidbits that are sprinkled throughout the narrative with earnest. I found myself looking up different words as a I read and even got into a discussion with a friend of mine who has studied the Japanese culture extensively. So fascinating!

May’s strength in her faith was also so inspiring. Turning to the Lord in all things in prayer is something I’ve always struggled with, but to May it’s as natural as breathing. Oh, to have that kind of relationship with my Lord! It is clear that she lives what she believes and it was a sound reminder to myself to do the same.

Knowing You is hands down one of my favorite novels of the year! Add in a mystery, theft, and love on top of the cultural and historical aspects, plus strong writing and endearing characters, and you’ve got one novel that truly has it all!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.… (lisätietoja)