What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Exchange: A Novel
"The Last Exchange is somehow equal parts page-turner, heart-breaker, and hope-dealer. Another brilliantly written novel by Charles Martin." --Annie F. Downs
Gripping suspense meets heartfelt emotion in this standalone novel from New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin. Everyone in her life has only taken from her. So she's not quite sure how to handle it when her new body guard will go to any lengths to protect her and shield her--even from herself. Is this what love actually looks like? For fans of Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino and One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
When MacThomas Pockets finished his last tour as part of the Scottish Special Forces, he was hired to consult for a film director to finesse some scenes that weren't working. In a twist he never saw coming, he ended up moving to L.A. to work as the bodyguard for movie star Maybe Joe Sue.
It didn't take long for Pockets to realize there were two Joe The Joe Sue the public saw with her perfect life and her Hollywood husband. And the private Joe the one with the traumatic youth that no amount of pills could cover up, who desperately wanted a child of her own.
Even after their paths diverged, he continued to track Joe Sue's life. Only a few would notice when the bottom fell out. But he did. And that's when he stepped in.
In The Last Exchange, you'll find a compelling love story alongside a thought-provoking and soul-searching dilemma as one man seeks to answer the How far would you go--really--to save someone you love? What if you'd get nothing in return? In the masterful hands of New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin, finding the answer will take readers on an intense and heart-wrenching journey to the very end.
Gripping suspense meets heartfelt emotion in this standalone novel from New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin. Everyone in her life has only taken from her. So she's not quite sure how to handle it when her new body guard will go to any lengths to protect her and shield her--even from herself. Is this what love actually looks like? For fans of Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino and One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
When MacThomas Pockets finished his last tour as part of the Scottish Special Forces, he was hired to consult for a film director to finesse some scenes that weren't working. In a twist he never saw coming, he ended up moving to L.A. to work as the bodyguard for movie star Maybe Joe Sue.
It didn't take long for Pockets to realize there were two Joe The Joe Sue the public saw with her perfect life and her Hollywood husband. And the private Joe the one with the traumatic youth that no amount of pills could cover up, who desperately wanted a child of her own.
Even after their paths diverged, he continued to track Joe Sue's life. Only a few would notice when the bottom fell out. But he did. And that's when he stepped in.
In The Last Exchange, you'll find a compelling love story alongside a thought-provoking and soul-searching dilemma as one man seeks to answer the How far would you go--really--to save someone you love? What if you'd get nothing in return? In the masterful hands of New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin, finding the answer will take readers on an intense and heart-wrenching journey to the very end.
Audible Audio
Published October 3, 2023
1398 people are currently reading
17902 people want to read
About the author
Charles Martin
54 books9,588 followersCharles Martin is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. He and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, FL. Learn more at charlesmartinbooks.com; Instagram: @storiedcareer; X: @storiedcareer; Facebook: @Author.Charles.Martin
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,267 reviews
September 27, 2023
4.5 stars
As with every book by Charles Martin, you can take the story for what it is on the surface--an intriguing adventure tale with twists and turns--or you can look a bit deeper and see the themes relating to faith, love, sacrifice, and freedom. This is a gorgeously told, multi-faceted story about sacrificial love.
There are so many genres represented here: mystery, thriller, domestic drama, romance, courtroom drama, and so much more. It's the story of a broken woman and a stoic man charged to protect her, even from herself. Because isn't that what all of us need? Someone to save us from ourselves? I know I do.
I listened to the audiobook of this one and the narration captures the main characters perfectly. I listened to this in less than a day because I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know what would happen.
I highly recommend this book, and all of Martin's other books. His writing is superb.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
As with every book by Charles Martin, you can take the story for what it is on the surface--an intriguing adventure tale with twists and turns--or you can look a bit deeper and see the themes relating to faith, love, sacrifice, and freedom. This is a gorgeously told, multi-faceted story about sacrificial love.
There are so many genres represented here: mystery, thriller, domestic drama, romance, courtroom drama, and so much more. It's the story of a broken woman and a stoic man charged to protect her, even from herself. Because isn't that what all of us need? Someone to save us from ourselves? I know I do.
I listened to the audiobook of this one and the narration captures the main characters perfectly. I listened to this in less than a day because I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know what would happen.
I highly recommend this book, and all of Martin's other books. His writing is superb.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
October 1, 2023
I want to start this review off by saying if you haven't had the pleasure of reading one of Charles Martin's books, please pick one up now!!!!
Everytime I read his books, I am in awe at how he can take tough, heart wrenching topics and write about them with the most delicate of hands. In addition to that, he comes up with simply the best stories that are not your run of the mill fiction or mystery.
"Scars are just the body's response to things that shouldn't be there. A reminder of the pain."
As with most of his novels, this one is a story within a story. You have Maybe Joe Sue (which let's be honest here - who would ever name their child that!), who is a broken woman with the biggest heart on the planet, but her ife is one big roller coaster ride. And all she wants is to have a baby and be loved. You have Pockets (which let's be honest here is just the coolest name ever!), who is her bodyguard, confidant, safe keeper and moral compass. I think we all could use a Pockets in our lives.
"We are all a mess. And no amount of money, and no amount of drugs, changes that. When you're broken, life is finding beauty in the mess. And then holding in for dear life."
The Last Exchange is about how their lives intersect and to what lengths one will go to for love. It's a story of friendship, commitment, love, forgiveness, intelligence, lots of heart and fight, and survival. Martin's writing is inspirational, beautiful, exciting, emotional and has some surprising mystery and twists built in.
Overall this is a hard to put down page turner, that is one awesome story with incredible characters that have multiple layers to them. And with all of his books, I feel like I've walked away learning something deeper about myself.
"A life laid down is better than one picked up.
Charles Martin is hands down my favorite author. But I promise you that did not influence this review. His book is just that good!
My thanks to Charles Martin, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Everytime I read his books, I am in awe at how he can take tough, heart wrenching topics and write about them with the most delicate of hands. In addition to that, he comes up with simply the best stories that are not your run of the mill fiction or mystery.
"Scars are just the body's response to things that shouldn't be there. A reminder of the pain."
As with most of his novels, this one is a story within a story. You have Maybe Joe Sue (which let's be honest here - who would ever name their child that!), who is a broken woman with the biggest heart on the planet, but her ife is one big roller coaster ride. And all she wants is to have a baby and be loved. You have Pockets (which let's be honest here is just the coolest name ever!), who is her bodyguard, confidant, safe keeper and moral compass. I think we all could use a Pockets in our lives.
"We are all a mess. And no amount of money, and no amount of drugs, changes that. When you're broken, life is finding beauty in the mess. And then holding in for dear life."
The Last Exchange is about how their lives intersect and to what lengths one will go to for love. It's a story of friendship, commitment, love, forgiveness, intelligence, lots of heart and fight, and survival. Martin's writing is inspirational, beautiful, exciting, emotional and has some surprising mystery and twists built in.
Overall this is a hard to put down page turner, that is one awesome story with incredible characters that have multiple layers to them. And with all of his books, I feel like I've walked away learning something deeper about myself.
"A life laid down is better than one picked up.
Charles Martin is hands down my favorite author. But I promise you that did not influence this review. His book is just that good!
My thanks to Charles Martin, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2023
A life laid down is better than a life picked up.
In this new release from Charles Martin we catch a glimpse of our Savior in the story of Joe and Pockets. I was enthralled by this thrilling tale of love and sacrifice. What would you do for the ones you love? How much is too much?
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.~John 15:13
If you are already a Charles Martin fan watch for little bits connecting to previous titles like "The Mountain Between Us" hidden like little Easter eggs in the narrative.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
In this new release from Charles Martin we catch a glimpse of our Savior in the story of Joe and Pockets. I was enthralled by this thrilling tale of love and sacrifice. What would you do for the ones you love? How much is too much?
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.~John 15:13
If you are already a Charles Martin fan watch for little bits connecting to previous titles like "The Mountain Between Us" hidden like little Easter eggs in the narrative.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 17, 2023
I feel slightly ashamed to say that this was the first Charles Martin book I ever read . . . but oh my goodness, it was not the last. The second I finished the ARC, I started downloading book after book from his backlist and I spent all summer immersed in his stories. I've loved every one of them and am already mourning the fact that I only have a couple more to go. The Last Exchange is intriguing and interesting and at times, head-scratching in a way that makes it pretty much impossible to put the book down. Plumbing the depths of love and sacrifice, it's a story that stuck with me long after I finished. Lovely writing accompanied by lovable, though flawed, characters—the bookworm in me was oh-so-satisfied. And now that I've got a whole line of Charles Martin paperbacks filling a bookshelf, I think I can safely say that even though I was late to the game, I'm now a massive fan!
June 15, 2023
Every now and then, I stumble upon a book that has it all--depth of character, a driving plotline, twists I can't see coming, and--the icing on the cake--writing that is almost poetic at times, without being pretentious.
The Last Exchange is just such a book. It's the kind of book that makes you care. Real-world situations--like opioids, which are wreaking havoc in so many families right now, yet are rarely addressed in inspirational fiction--were handled thoughtfully and portrayed realistically. And the characters and their backstories were compelling--after all, if you don't like Pockets as much as I do, are you even human?
This is one of those books that skyrockets to the top of my "Best of the Year" lists, one I can recommend to a wide variety of reading friends, and one that will stick with me. I'm very impressed with it, and I'm hard to impress. A little like Pockets, in fact.
It's a comfort to know there are still books like this going out into the world. Top notch.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Last Exchange is just such a book. It's the kind of book that makes you care. Real-world situations--like opioids, which are wreaking havoc in so many families right now, yet are rarely addressed in inspirational fiction--were handled thoughtfully and portrayed realistically. And the characters and their backstories were compelling--after all, if you don't like Pockets as much as I do, are you even human?
This is one of those books that skyrockets to the top of my "Best of the Year" lists, one I can recommend to a wide variety of reading friends, and one that will stick with me. I'm very impressed with it, and I'm hard to impress. A little like Pockets, in fact.
It's a comfort to know there are still books like this going out into the world. Top notch.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 29, 2023
An Extraordinary Story of Service and Commitment
SUMMARY
Maybe Joe Sue is a famous movie star under tremendous pressure, and to cope, she wears a pill fob around her neck and pops pills like candy. She has been through rehab six times. Nothing works. But now, there is an even more significant threat to her happiness. She has been trying for years to have a baby. Now, she has a surrogate carrying her baby, but even that seems to be in jeopardy. The surrogate has disappeared.
Six years earlier, MacThomas Pockets, who had served in the Scottish Special Forces, was hired as a movie consultant. He moved to L.A. To be a bodyguard for Maybe Joe Sue. He served as her bodyguard, where he came to know her all too well. He would do anything and everything to protect her, even from herself. He kept an eye out for her even when he could no longer work for her. He promised to always be there for her and even protect her heart.
REVIEW
Charles Martin is a consummate storyteller. All of his books are exciting and emotionally profound. THE LAST EXCHANGE is an extraordinary and gripping story of service, commitment, survival, and forgiveness. The writing has numerous shifts and is brilliantly plotted. The unrelenting tension will hold you captive for hours.
The characters were unforgettable. From the honorable special forces soldier turned professional bodyguard to the diner waitress turned pill-popping movie star, you cannot help but be amazed at the depth of the character development.
You must add THE LAST EXCHANGE to your reading list. If you are a Charles Martin fan, you know what I mean. If you have never read Charles Martin, you are missing something special, but be careful; just one book is enough to get you hooked. You will want to read all his others, too.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Publisher Thomas Nelson
Published October 3, 2023
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
June 9, 2023
“I am a prisoner in a nuthouse with a complete nutjob.”
“We are all a mess. And no amount of money, and no amount of drugs, changes that. When you’re broken, life is about finding the beauty in the mess. And then holding on for dear life. And there’s no shame in that. Provided we’re honest about it.”
“Love is what makes us who we are. Hope is how we express us. Hope is love with legs.”
This was in many ways a different kind of Charles Martin book. Although it had some of his usual trademarks (mysterious male protagonist, broken heroine, beautiful writing), it edged more towards thriller than his usual emotional literary fiction. I think it was a good genre for him but it didn’t have the emotional payoff that his other books had - it was definitely more The Mountain Between Us than Long Way Gone or When Crickets Cry. But after his masterpiece trilogy of The Water Keeper series, it is no surprise that he may continue to ratchet up the thrills from now on.
Having just read his older book Unwritten, I felt there were some similarities in his characters of Katie Quinn and Maybe Joe Sue. Pockets, on the other hand, was a very interesting character and had a different feel from a lot of his main characters, part of which was that he was a secondary character to Maybe Joe Sue. I still feel like there was more to explore with the character.
What kept this from being a 5 star for me was that I pretty much guessed all the big twists and reveals throughout. Charles Martin always does a great job of withholding information until it’s completely necessary in order to keep the reader intrigued and give a nice payoff. So this one had those moments at the beginning but then it all seemed pretty obvious how it all was going to play out. The good news is even if you guess it, it still made for an interesting story. As I read the ARC of this book, I do hope they go in before final print where are multiple pages of dialogue between Joe and her captor and put in more “Joe said” in various spots because there were times I would get lost on who was talking (formats on ARC’s often make it even more confusing).
All in all, a good book and worth reading. Just not as good as some of his masterpieces he has done.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
“We are all a mess. And no amount of money, and no amount of drugs, changes that. When you’re broken, life is about finding the beauty in the mess. And then holding on for dear life. And there’s no shame in that. Provided we’re honest about it.”
“Love is what makes us who we are. Hope is how we express us. Hope is love with legs.”
This was in many ways a different kind of Charles Martin book. Although it had some of his usual trademarks (mysterious male protagonist, broken heroine, beautiful writing), it edged more towards thriller than his usual emotional literary fiction. I think it was a good genre for him but it didn’t have the emotional payoff that his other books had - it was definitely more The Mountain Between Us than Long Way Gone or When Crickets Cry. But after his masterpiece trilogy of The Water Keeper series, it is no surprise that he may continue to ratchet up the thrills from now on.
Having just read his older book Unwritten, I felt there were some similarities in his characters of Katie Quinn and Maybe Joe Sue. Pockets, on the other hand, was a very interesting character and had a different feel from a lot of his main characters, part of which was that he was a secondary character to Maybe Joe Sue. I still feel like there was more to explore with the character.
What kept this from being a 5 star for me was that I pretty much guessed all the big twists and reveals throughout. Charles Martin always does a great job of withholding information until it’s completely necessary in order to keep the reader intrigued and give a nice payoff. So this one had those moments at the beginning but then it all seemed pretty obvious how it all was going to play out. The good news is even if you guess it, it still made for an interesting story. As I read the ARC of this book, I do hope they go in before final print where are multiple pages of dialogue between Joe and her captor and put in more “Joe said” in various spots because there were times I would get lost on who was talking (formats on ARC’s often make it even more confusing).
All in all, a good book and worth reading. Just not as good as some of his masterpieces he has done.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 1, 2023
This book is a quick read even though there is a lot, and I mean A LOT, going on. I think the story of Joe & Pockets meeting, working together, falling in love, and ending her marriage to an abusive husband could have been a phenomenal book all on its own. But Pockets escaping prison to abduct Joe and hold her against her will to get her clean, while he hunts down the surrogate who is essentially holding her baby hostage just seems excessive and unnecessary. Also, all the dramatic courtroom revelations just drug things out, were unrealistic, and made Pockets out to be as creepy and abusive as the husband. If he uses a shock collar to unlawfully restrain you, and switches sperm samples to father a child with you without your knowledge is he really the better choice? I think at its heart what could’ve been a great story about two broken people finding happiness against all odds just became too convoluted and messy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2023
WOW!! This was another "WOW" book from Charles Martin. It's one of those books that I was completely obsessed with, and when I had to put it down, I couldn't help but think about the main characters. The hero, Pockets, was absolutely the best protector and loyal to his core. The heroine, Maybe Joe Sue, was giving and down to earth even with her addictions. The plot, mystery, suspense, and love were a masterpiece to me. I tend to scratch my head at all of Mr. Martin's endings because they are mind-blowing! This book was no exception.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers, and this is my honest opinion.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers, and this is my honest opinion.
October 15, 2023
It is easy to see why Charles Martin is one of my favourite authors. His storytelling totally captivates me and "The Last Exchange" is a perfect page turner.
An unlikely pair, a Scottish bodyguard and a former waitress/movie star team up as their paths diverge. The author creates characters that the reader instantly care about with "Pockets" being a character that will stay with me for a very long time.
A well-plotted tale of love and friendship that is emotionally charged and at times suspenseful.
Highly Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
An unlikely pair, a Scottish bodyguard and a former waitress/movie star team up as their paths diverge. The author creates characters that the reader instantly care about with "Pockets" being a character that will stay with me for a very long time.
A well-plotted tale of love and friendship that is emotionally charged and at times suspenseful.
Highly Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
November 2, 2023
I am shocked at how many 4 and 5 star reviews this book has. This is my first book from Charles Martin, maybe that is why my review is not swayed by previous books. Otherwise, I am just in the minority that found no enjoyment from this read. I thought about quitting it multiple times but I kept hope that the end would explain the hype... it did not.
Unrelated and just a personal dislike of mine, it was very annoying how many times Pocket used "MUM" in the book. I understand that he is Scottish but that "enduring" joke between them was weird and overused.
On to the multiple reasons why I disliked the book. Sorry if I missed some key points that would explain the reasonings.... I struggled to stay awake through the majority of the book.
I feel like I am missing some good reasons for disliking this book so feel free to comment any that I missed. :)
Unrelated and just a personal dislike of mine, it was very annoying how many times Pocket used "MUM" in the book. I understand that he is Scottish but that "enduring" joke between them was weird and overused.
On to the multiple reasons why I disliked the book. Sorry if I missed some key points that would explain the reasonings.... I struggled to stay awake through the majority of the book.
I feel like I am missing some good reasons for disliking this book so feel free to comment any that I missed. :)
August 5, 2023
Charles Martin is such a talented author. Even though I didn't love one of the main characters (Joe), this novel held my interest from beginning to end.
What I did love was the main male character Pockets. Pockets had physical strength, integrity, intelligence and heart. I was wowed by his investigative skills. He was phenomenal.
With Joe, I appreciated her humble beginnings and that she gave freely to others. Her goal to be a mother was heartbreaking, but a little tough to believe from some of her actions.
There was a twist in the novel, that completely surprised me and was so clever.
Overall, it was a good novel.
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
What I did love was the main male character Pockets. Pockets had physical strength, integrity, intelligence and heart. I was wowed by his investigative skills. He was phenomenal.
With Joe, I appreciated her humble beginnings and that she gave freely to others. Her goal to be a mother was heartbreaking, but a little tough to believe from some of her actions.
There was a twist in the novel, that completely surprised me and was so clever.
Overall, it was a good novel.
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 24, 2023
For years, I have listened to my sister-in-law Carolyn’s favorable reviews of Charles Martin’s work and watched her attend his book events in Jacksonville, Fl, but I had no idea what I was missing. Now that I have read THE LAST EXCHANGE, I can promise you that I will be working my way through the rest of his novels. The Last Exchange is an engrossing story that explores the depths of sacrificial love. This story is one that will stay with the reader long after the last page is read.
The writing is flawless, often so beautiful that it is musical. The characters are fully developed, so perfectly described that one can picture them. They are endearing and settle into the reader’s heart within a few chapters. There’s Maybe Joe Sue, the star, and her bodyguard Pockets, who is Scottish and every bit a gentleman. She also has a boyfriend Syd, who is a slug. We need a character to dislike in every book, and in this one, it’s Syd.
Here’s a book that has it all: great characters, a moving and twisting plot, talented writing, and touching human drama. And ever so subtly, there’s another story woven among the pages, one for those with ears to hear. It’s the greatest love story ever told. “Me for you.”
THE LAST EXCHANGE releases on October 3, 2023. This review is my honest opinion.
The writing is flawless, often so beautiful that it is musical. The characters are fully developed, so perfectly described that one can picture them. They are endearing and settle into the reader’s heart within a few chapters. There’s Maybe Joe Sue, the star, and her bodyguard Pockets, who is Scottish and every bit a gentleman. She also has a boyfriend Syd, who is a slug. We need a character to dislike in every book, and in this one, it’s Syd.
Here’s a book that has it all: great characters, a moving and twisting plot, talented writing, and touching human drama. And ever so subtly, there’s another story woven among the pages, one for those with ears to hear. It’s the greatest love story ever told. “Me for you.”
THE LAST EXCHANGE releases on October 3, 2023. This review is my honest opinion.
September 29, 2023
Excellent audio, narrators are great, easy to understand, calming and wouldn’t change a thing!!
The last exchange follows, a very different tale of love, brokenness, healing, and the spirit of overcoming life‘s challenges. Pockets is a bodyguard hired to protect three time academy award winning actress Maybe Joe Sue. She is married to another actor Syd, who later turns out to be not such a nice person. I don’t really want to spoil this book for you! Please trust me and just read it! I will be thinking about this book for a long time! I did include some of my favorite quotes below—-
How far would you go for someone you loved?
“This love is wrapped around my soul. It can’t be doused. Or appeased. Or talked off the ledge.” I tapped my chest. “And it doesn’t die because you lock it up. Or grow old.” I held out my hand and uncurled my fingers, noticing the scar where the bullet entered. “This kind empties itself. Holds nothing back. Gives you all of me. When your hope hurts, this love stands on a rooftop, or shackled in a courtroom, and screams at the top of its lungs. This love stands up and stands between. It says to those who would hurt you or steal from you, ‘Not today. Not as long as I have breath.’ So that’s what I did. I stood up. I gave you me.”
How far would you go to protect those you love?
“That said, there was one thing I had not protected her from because it’s the one thing on planet Earth that sets us free from the stuff that enslaves us and holds our heads under the water. The stuff trying to kill us. We can lie to one another to soften the blow, but lies only strengthen the chains. There’s only one thing in this universe or any other that cuts through prison bars and sets us free from the prisons in which we live. And that thing is the truth. Without it, there is no freedom.”
“So Pockets did for me what I could not do for myself.”
“Which was?”
“The last exchange.”
“The what?”
She spoke slowly. Enunciating. “Last exchange.”
He looked confused. “I don’t under—”
She cut him off. “It’s when you cross paths with someone who’s broken, just a mess of pieces, unable to fix anything about anything, and yet for some inexplicable reason, you stoop down, reach out and say . . .” She paused. Collecting herself. “Me for you.”
He protested. “But he took you—”
Joe cut him off again. Her voice stronger. “He took from me my pain and gave me what I do not deserve.”
“Which is?”
“My next breath.” She tapped her chest. “And the reason to take another.”
“Brokenness is not weakness.” She waved her hand across the crowd. “Look around. We’re all broken. Welcome to the human race. Weakness is being broken but too proud to ask for help. Sitting there thinking you got this.” She shook her head once. “You don’t got this. You don’t got this at all. Real strength is knowing that and when you’re broken. Only then do you got anything.”
Huge thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio for my advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
The last exchange follows, a very different tale of love, brokenness, healing, and the spirit of overcoming life‘s challenges. Pockets is a bodyguard hired to protect three time academy award winning actress Maybe Joe Sue. She is married to another actor Syd, who later turns out to be not such a nice person. I don’t really want to spoil this book for you! Please trust me and just read it! I will be thinking about this book for a long time! I did include some of my favorite quotes below—-
How far would you go for someone you loved?
“This love is wrapped around my soul. It can’t be doused. Or appeased. Or talked off the ledge.” I tapped my chest. “And it doesn’t die because you lock it up. Or grow old.” I held out my hand and uncurled my fingers, noticing the scar where the bullet entered. “This kind empties itself. Holds nothing back. Gives you all of me. When your hope hurts, this love stands on a rooftop, or shackled in a courtroom, and screams at the top of its lungs. This love stands up and stands between. It says to those who would hurt you or steal from you, ‘Not today. Not as long as I have breath.’ So that’s what I did. I stood up. I gave you me.”
How far would you go to protect those you love?
“That said, there was one thing I had not protected her from because it’s the one thing on planet Earth that sets us free from the stuff that enslaves us and holds our heads under the water. The stuff trying to kill us. We can lie to one another to soften the blow, but lies only strengthen the chains. There’s only one thing in this universe or any other that cuts through prison bars and sets us free from the prisons in which we live. And that thing is the truth. Without it, there is no freedom.”
“So Pockets did for me what I could not do for myself.”
“Which was?”
“The last exchange.”
“The what?”
She spoke slowly. Enunciating. “Last exchange.”
He looked confused. “I don’t under—”
She cut him off. “It’s when you cross paths with someone who’s broken, just a mess of pieces, unable to fix anything about anything, and yet for some inexplicable reason, you stoop down, reach out and say . . .” She paused. Collecting herself. “Me for you.”
He protested. “But he took you—”
Joe cut him off again. Her voice stronger. “He took from me my pain and gave me what I do not deserve.”
“Which is?”
“My next breath.” She tapped her chest. “And the reason to take another.”
“Brokenness is not weakness.” She waved her hand across the crowd. “Look around. We’re all broken. Welcome to the human race. Weakness is being broken but too proud to ask for help. Sitting there thinking you got this.” She shook her head once. “You don’t got this. You don’t got this at all. Real strength is knowing that and when you’re broken. Only then do you got anything.”
Huge thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio for my advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 25, 2023
I had to grab this book because it is written by Charles Martin. Everything I've read by Martin has been really good. I like the way he is able to convey events that are violent and omit all the gory details yet still convey the scenario.
Description:
When MacThomas Pockets finished his last tour as part of the Scottish Special Forces, he was hired to consult for a film director to finesse some scenes that weren’t working. In a twist he never saw coming, he ended up moving to L.A. to work as the bodyguard for movie star Maybe Joe Sue.
It didn’t take long for Pockets to realize there were two Joe Sues: The Joe Sue the public saw with her perfect life and her Hollywood husband. And the private Joe Sue: the one with the traumatic youth that no amount of pills could cover up, who desperately wanted a child of her own.
Even after their paths diverged, he continued to track Joe Sue’s life. Only a few would notice when the bottom fell out. But he did. And that’s when he stepped in.
The latest novel from New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin travels from Hollywood to rural Montana as one man answers the question: How far would you go—really—to save someone you love?
My Thoughts:
I love the vivid characters drawn and the names are so unique. A character named Maybe Joe Sue (who would name a kid that??) and another called 'Pockets'. Both characters were wonderful, lovable people, but I think I want Pockets in my life. I don't think I've ever read a character so loyal, loving, and caring as this man. The story was very tense, to say the least, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put this one down - but that's wht happens to me with all of Charles Martin's books. Highly recommended as a great thriller!
Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on October 3, 2023.
Description:
When MacThomas Pockets finished his last tour as part of the Scottish Special Forces, he was hired to consult for a film director to finesse some scenes that weren’t working. In a twist he never saw coming, he ended up moving to L.A. to work as the bodyguard for movie star Maybe Joe Sue.
It didn’t take long for Pockets to realize there were two Joe Sues: The Joe Sue the public saw with her perfect life and her Hollywood husband. And the private Joe Sue: the one with the traumatic youth that no amount of pills could cover up, who desperately wanted a child of her own.
Even after their paths diverged, he continued to track Joe Sue’s life. Only a few would notice when the bottom fell out. But he did. And that’s when he stepped in.
The latest novel from New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin travels from Hollywood to rural Montana as one man answers the question: How far would you go—really—to save someone you love?
My Thoughts:
I love the vivid characters drawn and the names are so unique. A character named Maybe Joe Sue (who would name a kid that??) and another called 'Pockets'. Both characters were wonderful, lovable people, but I think I want Pockets in my life. I don't think I've ever read a character so loyal, loving, and caring as this man. The story was very tense, to say the least, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put this one down - but that's wht happens to me with all of Charles Martin's books. Highly recommended as a great thriller!
Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on October 3, 2023.
December 20, 2023
SMITTEN!! GoodReads classifies a 5-star as "It was amazing!" and that isn't often how I feel about books I've read ... HOWEVER Charles Martin's books never let me down. I've been reading his books for about a decade, and THIS is why--his heroes are next-level awesome. THE LAST EXCHANGE is a powerful combination of raw, real, and awesome. Where few authors tend to delve these days, he portrays messy lives in respectful ways and draws a map for healing and redemption that leaves me breathless. Pockets is the best of Martin's heroes, and my only regret is having finished this, I'm not forced to wait umpteen years (okay, not really, but it feels that way) for Martin's next book.
January 11, 2025
This book is not for younger readers. Adult Only.
Charles Martin knows how to write a book. The Last Exchange was easy to read, and the characters were well-written according to their lifestyles and employment. I loved that one main character was Scottish, especially as he was in special forces. The Hollywood life of the Maybe or "Joe" is written particularly well, looking at how easy it is for someone in her position to become ruled by the world and how things look on the outside.
I truly enjoyed most of the first 75% of the book. The before and after stories drew me in, and I could not wait to turn the page to find out what would happen. The latter part and ending were where I found the book problematic. There was a lot that all the characters did that I did not agree with, and I found the text even upsetting. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this, but I questioned how I would react in the same situation. The ending brought my 5-star rating down to a 3-star, with a few days of pondering before I rated this book. I found no faith or Christian elements in this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Charles Martin knows how to write a book. The Last Exchange was easy to read, and the characters were well-written according to their lifestyles and employment. I loved that one main character was Scottish, especially as he was in special forces. The Hollywood life of the Maybe or "Joe" is written particularly well, looking at how easy it is for someone in her position to become ruled by the world and how things look on the outside.
I truly enjoyed most of the first 75% of the book. The before and after stories drew me in, and I could not wait to turn the page to find out what would happen. The latter part and ending were where I found the book problematic. There was a lot that all the characters did that I did not agree with, and I found the text even upsetting. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this, but I questioned how I would react in the same situation. The ending brought my 5-star rating down to a 3-star, with a few days of pondering before I rated this book. I found no faith or Christian elements in this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 7, 2023
I’m struggling a lot with writing this review. Charles Martin’s books rank up there among my favorites. I was quite eager to read this novel. It is an engaging story and a fast read. That being said, there are three elements of the novel that bother me. First, the motif the “weak woman who needs a man to save her” became increasingly obnoxious as the story went on. I will not go into great detail to avoid spoilers, but for being a main character, Maybe Joe Sue never gains any emotional depth or character from the trials she faces. Second, there is sexual titillation in this novel that is just unnecessary to the plot. Contrast this with Martin’s Murphy Shepherd books that involved sex trafficking. The line was never crossed there as it is here. Third, the ambiguity regarding faith in this novel. It appears to be a story about what lengths love will go to in order to save someone. Great. However, none of that is rooted in God’s love in the book. Rather, it is a man who makes incredibly questionable ethical decisions and actions that is the savior but all of those are “justified” in the name of “love.” Usually, I leave a Charles Martin book feeling strengthened in my faith. With this book, I sadly don’t. This novel fell short of my high expectations for it.
Read
May 16, 2025Don't let the prologue dissuade you from reading this novel. I almost put it down and then POW! I was hooked. Read it in four days. A different sort of novel that I totally enjoyed. Total escapism. This former drama teacher loved reading about a larger than life starlet.
July 13, 2023
I don’t think it’s ever taken me so long to formulate my rating and thoughts on a book, but here we are.
The story was well-written and fairly easy to read in style. The Montana setting & the promise of a Scottish character were what originally drew me to the story. Martin paints a painfully realistic view of the “behind the scenes” of life, particularly the Hollywood life. The life we display is often different than the life we truly live.
There’s more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, but in the end, the burning question is this: how far are you willing to go to save the one you love? And how far is too far? The sticky moral implications & conundrums are some of the most difficult I’ve come across in literature. And with the ambiguous ending, there’s no clear-cut answer. So all I’ll say is that it left me to ponder in ways I’d never quite considered before. And maybe that’s the whole point. I didn’t know what to do with all of the content, and this is most definitely a mature ADULT read.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Content Notes: (some of this has *spoilers*, but I thought it worth noting)
innuendo & questioning if a man is gay; drug addiction; several mentions of a woman’s “iconic legs”; mentions of the “price” of Hollywood fame (groping, harassment, drug addiction, sugar mamas); mild language (p*ss); Joe strips naked for a camera she knows a man is watching to tease him into getting her way; brief onscreen waterboarding to make a man talk; miscarriages & infertility struggles & IVF; casual mentions of sex; frequent mention of “playing God”; mention of a girl suntanning topless; divorce & infidelity; semi-graphic birthing scene; a prominent part of the storyline deals with a married woman making advances & passes at her bodyguard (he never reciprocates) but they are emotionally attached; woman unknowingly uses abortifacients
The story was well-written and fairly easy to read in style. The Montana setting & the promise of a Scottish character were what originally drew me to the story. Martin paints a painfully realistic view of the “behind the scenes” of life, particularly the Hollywood life. The life we display is often different than the life we truly live.
There’s more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, but in the end, the burning question is this: how far are you willing to go to save the one you love? And how far is too far? The sticky moral implications & conundrums are some of the most difficult I’ve come across in literature. And with the ambiguous ending, there’s no clear-cut answer. So all I’ll say is that it left me to ponder in ways I’d never quite considered before. And maybe that’s the whole point. I didn’t know what to do with all of the content, and this is most definitely a mature ADULT read.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Content Notes: (some of this has *spoilers*, but I thought it worth noting)
innuendo & questioning if a man is gay; drug addiction; several mentions of a woman’s “iconic legs”; mentions of the “price” of Hollywood fame (groping, harassment, drug addiction, sugar mamas); mild language (p*ss); Joe strips naked for a camera she knows a man is watching to tease him into getting her way; brief onscreen waterboarding to make a man talk; miscarriages & infertility struggles & IVF; casual mentions of sex; frequent mention of “playing God”; mention of a girl suntanning topless; divorce & infidelity; semi-graphic birthing scene; a prominent part of the storyline deals with a married woman making advances & passes at her bodyguard (he never reciprocates) but they are emotionally attached; woman unknowingly uses abortifacients
September 24, 2023
Solid thriller with heart!
A charming, broken Hollywood star who needs understanding and protection.
A taciturn ex Scots guardsman just off his who says yes when Joe Sue asks him to be her security guard
The line between guard and employer is a fine one and not to be crossed.
When Kelly MacThomas Pockets takes on Joe’s protection, part of it will be protecting her from herself. As it turns out there’s also her drug addiction, her husband, and her overwhelming desire to have children.
So much is squeezed into this story I was at once both exhausted and exhilarated. There’s nary a beat between the unfolding plots told in a Before and After exposè.
Is there an HEA? Possibly, but not quite in the way I thought.
The courtroom drama was a little insane but hey! so the whole read.
High drama, likeable characters and high octane story telling made this a winner for me.
A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
A charming, broken Hollywood star who needs understanding and protection.
A taciturn ex Scots guardsman just off his who says yes when Joe Sue asks him to be her security guard
The line between guard and employer is a fine one and not to be crossed.
When Kelly MacThomas Pockets takes on Joe’s protection, part of it will be protecting her from herself. As it turns out there’s also her drug addiction, her husband, and her overwhelming desire to have children.
So much is squeezed into this story I was at once both exhausted and exhilarated. There’s nary a beat between the unfolding plots told in a Before and After exposè.
Is there an HEA? Possibly, but not quite in the way I thought.
The courtroom drama was a little insane but hey! so the whole read.
High drama, likeable characters and high octane story telling made this a winner for me.
A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
May 18, 2023
Charles Martin has outdone himself with this book. The psychological suspense had me at the edge of the seat. As the story comes together, it left me completely in awe. As with all of his novels, I want to re-read it just to see the beauty of the story. The depth and the insight that is relayed throughout the story never ceases to astonish me. Maybe Joe Sue is a phenomenal character in the story and I can't say enough good things about this one!!
Thanks so much to the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Thanks so much to the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
June 13, 2023
Wow..this book...just wow.
Best book.that I've read this year by far
Started it not really sure about it but it definitely drew me in. So many feels. A love story in the end that just touched my heart big time. This author has a way with words that make you believe The story is actually true.
I read this in one sitting it was yes that great!!!.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Thanks to the author,the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
Best book.that I've read this year by far
Started it not really sure about it but it definitely drew me in. So many feels. A love story in the end that just touched my heart big time. This author has a way with words that make you believe The story is actually true.
I read this in one sitting it was yes that great!!!.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Thanks to the author,the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
October 2, 2023
4.5⭐️s rounded up to 5
Charles Martin is an amazing storyteller, and I've been a fan for a while. This book did not disappoint. It was well written, and the plot completely drew me in. The setting of Montana was like icing on the cake, especially since I read it while I was there😊
Maybe Joe Sue is a movie star with several academy awards married to a fellow Hollywood star. They seem like they are the perfect couple, but looks can be deceiving. MacThomas Pockets, former Scottish Special Forces, is hired by a film director to consult on some scenes of an upcoming movie. Once the consulting is done, Joe Sue decides to hire him as a personal bodyguard. As Pockets and Joe Sue become closer, he starts to see the other side of her. The side with the traumatic childhood with pain that she tries to cover up with pills. The side that wants a child of her own so badly she'll do anything. Can she save herself, or does she need some help?
How far would you go for the person you love? Would you do whatever it takes to ensure their happiness? This book definitely explores those questions. The drama and the twists definitely made it hard to put down. I really enjoyed this emotional, suspenseful read that doesn't fit into just one genre but multiple. I would highly recommend this one!
Charles Martin is an amazing storyteller, and I've been a fan for a while. This book did not disappoint. It was well written, and the plot completely drew me in. The setting of Montana was like icing on the cake, especially since I read it while I was there😊
Maybe Joe Sue is a movie star with several academy awards married to a fellow Hollywood star. They seem like they are the perfect couple, but looks can be deceiving. MacThomas Pockets, former Scottish Special Forces, is hired by a film director to consult on some scenes of an upcoming movie. Once the consulting is done, Joe Sue decides to hire him as a personal bodyguard. As Pockets and Joe Sue become closer, he starts to see the other side of her. The side with the traumatic childhood with pain that she tries to cover up with pills. The side that wants a child of her own so badly she'll do anything. Can she save herself, or does she need some help?
How far would you go for the person you love? Would you do whatever it takes to ensure their happiness? This book definitely explores those questions. The drama and the twists definitely made it hard to put down. I really enjoyed this emotional, suspenseful read that doesn't fit into just one genre but multiple. I would highly recommend this one!
November 26, 2023
Charles Martin is one of my all time favorite authors, however this novel left me wondering if he was the one who wrote it. It is so unlike When Crickets Cry or Chasing Fireflies...it left me missing his beautiful, elegant writing. It is full of redemption and hope like his other books, has flawed characters in need of redemption and saving, but I just didn't connect as I have with his other books and characters.
June 1, 2023
A very odd, but gripping story! I read it in one sitting.
My thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
My thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
February 23, 2024
Oh my heart! This took awhile for me to fully appreciate but the desire to parent, the honor, the 2 times periods and the court reveal. Wow!
October 11, 2023
This book really blew me away. I had very high hopes for this book but was trying not to set my expectations too high. It far exceeded my expectations! I requested this book because to this date one of my all time favorite books is by our author, Where the River Ends, from 2008. I still love it enough that I gifted a copy to my mom last year because it was still on my mind. But let’s discuss the here and now.
I would warn of triggers and suggest that you do your own research if there are some you avoid. Some I would mention, but not limited to are, infertility, addiction, and pregnancy loss.
I haven’t read any other reviews yet because I don’t want to put other review ideas in my head. I have a feeling somewhere someone else may have or may also mention that in the best way possible the character Maybe Joe Sue in this book reminds me of Evelyn Hugo. Now not exactly, those are some giant shoes to fill, but she did come to mind. In this story Maybe Joe Sue is a movie star who hires MacThomas Pockets to be her bodyguard. This story has two very fascinating timelines, a before and after. The before being their working relationship, and the after, following once they have parted ways. Even after parting “Pockets” is the only one that truly knows “Joe” and scoops in to save her. It is always fascinating to me when I end up rooting for the “bad guy”, and loving the strung out movie star. It’s really hard not to with this wonderfully told story. It all comes together perfectly.
Thank you to our author, Netgalley and Thomas Nelson publishing for providing me with an advanced eGalley copy of the book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This was available on October 3rd, 2023. I hope if you choose to read it you enjoy it as much as I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I would warn of triggers and suggest that you do your own research if there are some you avoid. Some I would mention, but not limited to are, infertility, addiction, and pregnancy loss.
I haven’t read any other reviews yet because I don’t want to put other review ideas in my head. I have a feeling somewhere someone else may have or may also mention that in the best way possible the character Maybe Joe Sue in this book reminds me of Evelyn Hugo. Now not exactly, those are some giant shoes to fill, but she did come to mind. In this story Maybe Joe Sue is a movie star who hires MacThomas Pockets to be her bodyguard. This story has two very fascinating timelines, a before and after. The before being their working relationship, and the after, following once they have parted ways. Even after parting “Pockets” is the only one that truly knows “Joe” and scoops in to save her. It is always fascinating to me when I end up rooting for the “bad guy”, and loving the strung out movie star. It’s really hard not to with this wonderfully told story. It all comes together perfectly.
Thank you to our author, Netgalley and Thomas Nelson publishing for providing me with an advanced eGalley copy of the book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This was available on October 3rd, 2023. I hope if you choose to read it you enjoy it as much as I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 17, 2023
Charles Martin is one of my favorite Christian Fiction authors. This one wasn't exactly Christian Fiction but it was a feel good story with a sweet ending. He usually tackles a hard topic (or five) and creates beautiful characters to journey that road. This one was no different. It had all of the above.
I liked this one. I loved the do-gooder who really shined in this one. It was a little predictable but I was pulled in anyway by the characters and the story. So 4 stars.
I liked this one. I loved the do-gooder who really shined in this one. It was a little predictable but I was pulled in anyway by the characters and the story. So 4 stars.
April 7, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. A classic Martin book with a “savior” male lead, a broken woman, mutual love and attraction between them, thrilling, mysterious, spiritual undertones, and a twist at the end. Pockets was great, and the narrator did an awesome job with his Scottish accent. 👌🏻 I didn’t love the whole part where Maybe Joe Sue was held captive. Even though it was for her own good, it seemed a little weird. Why would Pockets not reveal himself to her? It would have made her feel a lot safer and she probably wouldn’t have run away. Also, why did Pockets never reveal to Jo or the police why he went bonkers on Sid, the crime that actually landed him in prison to begin with? There were just some things that didn’t make sense for me. But I loved Jo’s backstory and how their relationship grew during his time with her. And the twist at the end about why she couldn’t stay pregnant and who the real father was…🤯. But I think I am bound to be a little let down by any of Martin’s books after The Mountain Between Us and the Keeper series. Those books were SO good! But he always has some of the sweetest lines in his books that echo God’s love for us, and writes such creative stories to portray that. “A life laid down is better than a life picked up.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,267 reviews