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Ratings & Reviews for

The Water Keeper

Charles Martin

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5 stars

20,500 (51%)

4 stars

12,524 (31%)

3 stars

5,201 (12%)

2 stars

1,317 (3%)

1 star

607 (1%)

Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,659 reviews

Jill

45 reviews7 followers

June 22, 2020

I usually enjoy Charles Martin books, but this was a bit too ridiculous for me. Spoiler alert - there is a lot of coincidental happenings in this book that makes the whole beginning so unbelievable it's silly. He meets Angel who he gives his card to and then just happens upon her mom (Summer) at the exact right time, just as she is in a boating accident - where he saves her, picks up Gunner and happens on his owner in a field. Summer just loves a certain book collection and it's so obvious from the mere mentioning of it that that the narrator (Murph) is the author of those books. Plus he happens to find a girl stowed in his boat who turns out to be his daughter, etc. Besides that, there's the whole aspect that Murph gets stabbed, punched, and shot multiple times and manages to walk away every time with little intervention - minus of course, a quick IV drip and some Coke. I guess we should suggest that to the ER staff. It was 'eye rollingly' silly. Mindlessly entertaining, yes, but too silly for me.

Dave

3,507 reviews418 followers

July 29, 2020

In the movie "The Wrath of Khan," Spock says, “Logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” Captain Kirk answers, “Or the one.” The Water Keeper adopts Captain Kirk's answer and states that the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the ninety-nine. Each life matters and no one gets left behind.

The Water Keeper is a rich, evocative thriller that echoes Travis McGee's helping hand along Florida's canals and waterways. If you miss hearing about the beauty and majesty of those bays and inlets, this book offers another taste of that paradise. But, Martin's Murph or Murphy is not some pretend McGee, he's a priest and a wounded man who has been twisted past the point of breaking. And he is a man on a mission to save those stolen by human traffickers plying the Florida and Caribbean coasts before they are used up, traded, discarded.

The story begins on a deserted island where Murph lives in a church without a priest and he has lost those close to him and must lay their weary ashes somewhere. His losses are incalculable, included the one who lifted him from the dirt when he'd al but given up and his lifelong love, Marie, without whom it was "like waking up in a world where the sun had been removed from the sky."

He has some kind of magnet attracting those that need help from the man whose life had been stolen from him by forty years in prison to the Broadway dancer who lost her daughter while she drowned in dope. The author reminds us that people are like icebergs and we can't readily see their stories, what's deep within them, eating away at them.

Religious themes are in the background of the story such as redemption, forgiveness, and faith. As the author explains at one point, we are somewhere east or west of the Garden of Eden and we don't always hear or trust.

The story is filled with broken people and Murph rescues them from evil even though he can barely heal his own wounds. But he minces no words when it comes to evil like the child traffickers. Evil cannot be bargained with. It cannot be reasoned with. Giving in to evil never satisfies it.

This story is a high-paced jet-propelled thriller but it's got depth to it that few thrillers really can claim.

crime-fiction-all literary read-have

Darla

4,429 reviews1,073 followers

July 3, 2022

Oh. My. Heart. Charles Martin weaves a tale that broke it right in two and put it back together making it more than the sum of its parts. Talk about layers! This book has a surprise at every stop on the IC and as the group on the boat grows, the adrenaline rises. If you could combine Francine Rivers, Nicholas Sparks, and Daniel Silva into one person -- this is what you would get. Folks who love boats and the ocean will get some extra thrills. Social justice warriors will rejoice in the karate chop that hits the white slave trade. For me, this book fed both my heart and my soul -- a rare combination.

Don't miss this trilogy from Charles Martin starting with this compelling title.

Elyse Walters

4,010 reviews11.7k followers

May 29, 2020

Hoopla Audiobook....
narrated by Jonathan Riggs

I’ve been meaning to read Charles Martin for years.
you know... ‘one of these days’.
The book covers are usually all eye-catching and reviews seem mostly high from readers. I knew Charles Martin had a strong fan base.

So, when Hoopla offered this audiobook- I download it.

It seemed to take me forever to finish it.
I kept reading other books, instead.
So, to be honest, stopping and starting this book as many times as I did -definitely broke the page-turning flow enjoyment. I started to dread the thought of returning back to this book ....
And I’m not really sure why it wasn’t awful... I just wasn’t much in the mood - for what I felt was over sensationalized.
It began with a BANG of action!!!....
I ‘was’ engaged - but.... then every once in a while I picked up a biased prejudiced slant ... that bothered me... that was hard to shake.

Read other reviews....
Many readers loved it.
Perhaps -I’ll try another Charles Martin book sometime (read it rather than listen to it).

Forgive me .... I’m just not in the mood to write much about this book -one way or another.

Going for a Friday morning walk.... and letting my thoughts go on this one.

Melissa (Always Behind)

5,013 reviews2,912 followers

May 5, 2020

"Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine"

This song echoed through my head throughout my reading of this novel. The Parable of the Lost Sheep. There are so many parallels between Murph and that overwhelming love of God that seeks us out even when we are the only one who is lost. This is a story within a story within a story. A heart's cry to love and to open ourselves up to love. Also about Whose we are. And who we are, but one leads to the other.

"We don't love because people love us back. We love because we can. Because we were made to. Because it's all we have. Because, at the end of the day, evil can take everything save one thing: your love. And when you come to realize that, that the only thing you really control in this life is your love, you'll see, maybe for the first time, that we're all just lost."

Martin's writing is stellar, as usual. His way of turning a phrase is exquisite, he puts so much meaning that can both be taken as face value with an exciting story, but also as much deeper and contemplative about life on another level.

Beautiful book with some difficult themes of human trafficking, but well worth the discomfort to find the joy that can be discovered on the other side of the darkness for all of us.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

Chelsey (a_novel_idea11)

646 reviews160 followers

May 5, 2020

Murph is a mysterious man with a haunted past. He lives and works in a chapel in Florida when he’s not on a mission or on the water. Nearby is a popular sandbar where boats dock to party and enjoy the water, sunshine and views. When a young girl comes by the chapel, obviously on something and in some sort of trouble, Murph isn’t able to just let her go. He gives her his satellite phone number and lets her know he’ll be there if she ever needs anything.

Shortly after, by the docks, Murph watches a very distraught woman running and clearly looking for someone. The description matches the young girl that came by the chapel. Fearing a dead end, the woman steals a boat and takes off. It’s obvious to Murph the woman has no idea what she’s doing and could get herself into real trouble. Again, unable to let her risk her life, Murph hops in his own boat and takes off after her.

Sure enough, the woman, Summer, gets in an accident and Murph rescues her. Confirming the girl Summer is looking for is the same girl Murph encountered, he takes it upon himself to help track her down. He has history and experience with this dark underworld and it’s clear to him that the girl, Angel, has gotten herself wrapped in the flesh trade.

Summer and Murph embark on a mission to save Angel. Along the way, they learn about each other and pick up other wanderers including a dog, an ex convict, and a young girl who doesn’t know who she is. The trip is not only an adventure to rescue Angel, but a mission of self discovery and faith.

Generally, the story felt a bit predictable and incredibly unrealistic. I could definitely see this as a Liam Neeson movie filled with action, peril, unrequited love, and an unlikely hero.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

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Lynn

1,130 reviews

June 22, 2020

Just wow. I can't remember ever reading a less believable book. Not only is the main character a super hero who simply can not be killed, no matter what weapon is thrown at him, he's a priest - of sorts - an author, a rescuer of human trafficking victims, a jilted husband, a philosopher, a doer of good deeds and obscenely rich to boot. But, if you can buy all of that, you must also love endless lessons about, or be intimately familiar with boating, weapons, Florida geography and philosophical thought. Oh, and you must also be able to totally suspend your belief in reality. I really liked Long Way Gone. This one? Not so much.

DeAnn

1,640 reviews

April 29, 2020

4 Mission Impossible Stars

I picked this one up when I saw a few stellar reviews from fellow Goodreads friends. I have never read this author before and for some reason the cover made me think it would be literary fiction. I would say it is more of a thriller, action book that reminds me of a Mission Impossible movie.

The mysterious hero of the book is known as Murph and we learn that he is an expert on rescuing young girls from the sex trade and this book is centered in Florida. He is a master boatman and knows the waters well which helps him track down the bad guys. Along the way he picks up a few stray passengers and helps them in their quests as well. There is a wonderful Labrador dog who saves the day.

I loved the references to a Colorado ghost town, and I want to visit! This one is beautifully written, but it is hard for me to give away any more plot points. I think it is best to go into this one blind. I think this would make a great escape read. If you like James Bond movies and don’t mind suspending belief a bit, this one would work for you!

Thank you to NetGalley, Charles Martin, and Thomas Nelson for my complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

2020

Lisa

741 reviews264 followers

May 22, 2021

The Water Keeper is a riveting and breathless boat trip down the Florida Intercoastal Waterway

SUMMARY
Murphy Shephard is a man with many secrets. He lives alone on a island in Northeast Florida, tending the grounds of a church with no priest and no parishioners. He has quietly dedicated his life to rescuing women in peril. No one knows who he is or what he does. But as he mourns the recent loss of his mentor and friend, Murph himself may be more lost than he realizes.

When he pulls a beautiful woman name Summer out of the Florida Intercoastal Waterway, Murph’s cruise to lay his mentor to rest in the water of the Keys, takes an unplanned and dangerous turn. Drawn to help Summer find her missing daughter, Murphy is pulled once again, into the dark and dangerous world of human-trafficking.

Murphy gets help from some unexpected new friends, including a faithful Labrador he plucks from the ocean, and an ex-convict name Clay. Murph races against the clock to locate Summer’s daughter. At the same time he is unknowingly uncovering secrets of his past.

REVIEW
THE WATER KEEPER is another fabulously powerful novel by Charles Martin. It’s a story of love, friendship, sacrifice, dedication and forgiveness. The writing is absorbing and beautiful, and each of the characters are well drawn. This is a BlueStocking Best read for 2020.

Murph is an amazingly strong, sensitive and faith-filled man. His past, present and future collide in this smartly structured action-packed thriller. Just be prepared for a fast and furious roller-coaster of a boat ride.

There is danger around every bend, as Murph races down the Intercoastal to find the bad guys and rescue Summer’s daughter before it’s to late. A big shout out to Gunner, the resilient Labrador Retriever. Even he helps bring the story to life with his boundless energy, stamina and loyalty.

Author Charles Martin lives in Jacksonville, Florida and has portrayed the beauty of the eastern coastline of Florida magnificently. This is his fourteenth novel. His prior novels include Send Down the Rain Long Way Gone and The Mountain Between Us, which was made into a major motion picture

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Publisher Thomas Nelson
Published May 5, 2020
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

2020 5-star-reviews netgalley

Oceana GottaReadEmAll

858 reviews1,917 followers

May 30, 2023

What an incredible story. Charles Martin does it again!
This is the first book of his that I also listened on audio and I loved it!

This book follows Murphy Shepherd who is part priest part human trafficking fighter. He lives on a little island off the coast of Florida and a teenaged girl comes up, obviously inebriated, and they talk a little. He knows she is a victim of trafficking but her cruise ship is too close to save her.

Cut to Murphy on the mainland seeing a woman steal a boat to go after the cruise ship. He saves her (she can’t swim) and finds out she is the mother of the girl he just spoke with. The story takes off from there. They are on a mission to save the daughter. More friends join the crew and they work together to try to take down this human cargo ship disguised as a cruise ship.

I loved the storytelling as I always do with Charles Martin. His writing is unique to him. It’s poetic and impactful.
I LOVED the characters. They felt real. I could picture they clearly and felt their pain. There’s also a dog. Need I say more? Actually, there is a bit of violence related to the dog that some might want caution about.
The plot progressed in an intense way and I could barely predict where it was going. I was just along for the ride.
There is a touch of faith that made the whole book more special. When Murphy start describing Love and the person who will love us perfectly back to life- I cried! That’s Jesus!
By the last few pages, I knew without a doubt that I would be reading the next book as soon as possible.

I took a star off because it did take me a bit to get fully immersed in the story. I could have gone without the thorough description of the Florida coast. There were times when it felt like a 5 star read, but ultimately 4 stars feels right.

Absolutely recommend!

christian-fiction

Missy

358 reviews107 followers

July 24, 2020

Ok, I think I have stopped crying enough to write this review. Charles Martin can make me ugly cry in every book.

This story is about Murph Shepard, a loner, a priest, broken-hearted, and will stop at nothing to bring stolen girls home. But it all changes for him when he meets a young girl, Angel, who stumbles upon his chapel while out on a "party boat" having a good time, who likes to twirl, and tells him he needs to meet her mom. As Murph gets ready to go to the beginning and spread the ashes of his "best friend", he finds a distraught woman who doesn't know how to drive a boat, let alone swim. He also picks up a dog, who is more of a lifesaver than any human, and Clay an ex-prisoner who has more to tell than realized. Then there is Ellie, a girl who has no home, no family, but a clue to find out who she is. But through their travels to save Angel, secrets, never told stories, and feelings all start to surface, can this trip give all of them the new beginning they all deserve.

As usual this is a keep your tissues handy kind of book, can't put it down, a twist at the end that really isn't a twist but a good enough twist, and of course the descriptions of feelings, sights, emotions that only he can do. All while knowing that God has their path, they just have to trust.

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Jennifer

3 reviews

May 19, 2020

Not his best

I love All of the other books Charles Martin has written. It saddens me that this one was over the top unbelievable. All of the other books drew me in and held me in the world of the main character. Not this one. To me, this book had way too many “too good to be true,” and “that would Never happen” moments to be believed.

Rachel Bennett

579 reviews33 followers

April 23, 2020

2.5 stars.

I'm always excited to read a new Charles Martin. This one, however, just fell flat. I could tell he was going for the heart that he always has in his novels, but The Water Keeper felt like it was trying just a little too hard. Everything was disguised in so many layers of metaphor that I eventually felt like I had no idea what was actual plot and what was symbolic. He's done something like this before, like the twist in The Mountain Between Us, but there, it was just one big reveal. In this book, it felt like every chapter for the second half of the book revealed some new information, most of which didn't really make sense. Murph's backstory was confusing and mangled, so I really didn't know who he was as a character, since, again, I didn't know what was real. I would have preferred a much simpler, more straightforward, telling of this story.

The plot centered around sex trafficking in Florida & the southern United States - it's a huge problem that not as many people know about and I'm glad Martin chose to set a book around it. The action was heart pounding at times, and well written.

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

Anna

1,262 reviews122 followers

June 1, 2020

This novel deals with the serious and difficult topic of sex trafficking.
Murphy, a broken and lonely man, is a caretaker of a remote chapel on an island off the coast of Florida and captains a small boat. He is also part of a group who are highly trained to rescue kidnapped and vulnerable girls who have been stolen to traffic to the highest bidder. Once restored himself at his lowest moment, Murphy was taught by his mentor that a good shepard leaves the ninety nine to go after the one and that one outweighs the needs of the others. This is what drives him to continually put his life at risk to reach "the one".Murphy believes: "Don't kid yourself. We all lose our way. Sometimes it just takes somebody else to find us and bring us back. Remind us.... That we were made to want and give love. That no matter how dark the night, midnight will pass. No darkness, no matter how dark, can hold back the second hand. Whether you like it or not, whether you build a wall around your soul and cut out your eyes, wait a few hours and the sun will crack the skyline and the darkness will roll back like a scroll."
Though the story at times is brutal, violent, painful and harrowing, the underlying theme is about redemption and love as expressed here: "Somewhere in there it struck me that love is what we're made to do. It is the thing our hearts are made to pour. I would later learn it was his own wound surfacing when he told me, 'We don't love because people love us back. We love because we can. Because we were made to. Because it's all we have. Because, at the end of the day, evil can take everything save one thing: your love. And when you come to realize that, that the only thing you really control in this life is your love, you'll see, maybe for the first time, that we're all just lost' And the needs of the apollumi outweigh the needs of the ninety nine."
Charles Martin has a gift for drawing you into the lives of his characters and making you care deeply for those who are the most troubled and broken, and triumphantly cheer when those who are evil are brought to justice. There's a special place in hell for those in the sex traffic trade and the clients they service.

christian-fiction contemporary-fiction thriller

Wendy

1,881 reviews664 followers

March 29, 2021

The Water Keeper is a perfect page turner!
A man with many secrets, Murphy Shepherd lives alone on an island maintaining the grounds of a church with no parishioners. He's dedicated his life to those in danger.
As he mourns the loss of his friend and mentor he finds himself lost as well. His promised mission to lay his friend to rest takes a dangerous turn when he rescues a beautiful woman from Florida's intercoastal Waterway. Desperate to find her missing daughter Murphy becomes involved in the dark and dangerous world of modern-day slavery.
A captivating story of heroism, heartache and the power of love.

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Staci

2,146 reviews613 followers

April 8, 2020

Wow. What an intense page turner. Main character Murphy is one amazing man. His character lives out what it means to love others unconditionally. While love is the main theme and trust me it is crystal clear in theme, there is a LOT of action. Speeding boats, guns and much more as Murphy seeks to rescue women and girls from sex trafficking.

Secondary characters are well developed and complement the story. I especially loved Clay, a man recently released from prison after serving decades and Gunner, the canine hero of the novel.

Beautifully written novel that's both engaging and meaningful.

My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

read-in-2020

Judy

1,409 reviews85 followers

April 2, 2020

One awesome read! Themes of love and redemption run through this story surrounding the evil abduction of girls for sex trafficking. These themes are familiar in all the Charles Martin stories I've read so far. I am so in love with the hero, Murphy and everything he does in helping others. I highly recommend this and any of Charles Martin's books. His books touch my soul!

The characters are well-developed and interesting. The plot is engrossing. Then tension builds at just the right pace.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson - FICTION through Netgalley for an advance copy.

Krista

517 reviews1,312 followers

April 28, 2024

This was probably a 3.5 for me. I struggle with all the boat talk and really didn't like the romantic relationship in the story.

2024

Skip

3,657 reviews548 followers

June 11, 2020

Like his other books, Charles Martin's themes of love, hope and redemption are prevalent in this story, which revolve around sex trafficking. Murphy Shepherd lives a double or perhaps triple life, posing a hermit helper of a priest. He mourns the loss of his great love, but has a new purpose in life, which is rescuing young girls from the clutches of the traffickers. As he heads south along the Intercoastal Waterway in Florida to scatter the ashes of his mentor, he saves the life of Summer, who is trying to find her own daughter, who has fallen in with the wrong crowd, and a Labrador retriever, who leads Murph to his owner, a recently paroled black inmate, who is dying and wants to say goodbye to his departed wife. There is even a stowaway on board, Ellie, who wants to know about the mother that put her up for adoption. Good twists and turns, especially about Murph's life story and wealth, offset by an endless and pointless listing of every town along the journey.

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Heidi Chiavaroli

Author 19 books1,034 followers

November 13, 2020

I don't think Charles Martin would know how to write an ugly sentence if he tried. He's one of my favorite authors and this riveting book doesn't disappoint. Beautifully written with a message alluding to the parable of the lost sheep.

This book seemed to be a little more suspenseful than his others, which I enjoyed. The topic of sex trafficking was difficult to read about, but important and illuminating. While I had trouble connecting with a couple of the characters, I would still highly recommend this book.

Judy Collins

3,088 reviews435 followers

May 5, 2020

Check out my Q&A Elevator Ride with the Author. Congrats to Susan Marshall of Jupiter, Florida - Winner of the Book Giveaway Contest.

One of my favorite authors, Southern master storyteller and New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin, kicks off an extraordinary new evocative series in celebration of his 20th anniversary of stories. This one gets ALL the stars from me and then some.

Beautifully executed, with power and precision, Charles Martin is at his finest (his best book yet) in this latest novel of forgiveness —THE WATER KEEPER. Hands down, The BEST Book of 2020! This book has it ALL! For guys and gals, young and old alike.

The author takes us on a (boat-Gone Fiction “ride of your life” suspenseful adventure from the Atlantic coastal NE Florida ICW to the Southernmost part of the US— Key West. (Floridians will find a lot to like here).

With classic Charles Martin's signature style, fans have come to expect. Combining a perfect blending of a poignant Nicholas Sparks-The Notebook (love story romance) meets action-packed thrills and suspense of Greg Hurwitz (Orphan X series) and Harlan Coben.

An intriguing, moving, and memorable journey with heartfelt and broken characters seeking love, redemption, and forgiveness.

The people and bad guys they encounter along the journey are reminiscent of the works of authors: Richard Paul Evans (The Walk Series), and Catherine Ryan Hyde (Take Me With You and Stay).

The lyrical prose and stunning metaphors will draw you into the world of a complex broken man. David Bishop Murphy Shepherd (a priest, a recluse, a man who loves deeply, a fictional writer, and a powerful government agent). He is resilient and will stop at nothing to save those sheep who have fallen astray from the fold to lead them back to their loved ones and freedom.

However, he needs to be the kind of shepherd who will leave the warmth of the fire and the safety of the flock to risk the cold, the rain, and the sleepless nights to "find the ONE."

The historical and literary elements will remind you of (Ernest Hemingway) adventures, infused with literary icons, rich historical details, and vivid settings with an Old Florida flair.

From characters, Murphy meets along the way:

Angel, a sixteen-year-old girl, pulled into sex trafficking and human slavery.

A mother recovering from an Opioid addiction in search of her missing daughter before she is sold to the highest bidder.

An African American older gentleman ex-con (self-defense) barely surviving, fighting to see the love of his life to make things right. A tenacious white Labrador retriever, Gunner, who has nine lives and is the captain of this ship.

A young girl who is desperately trying to find her birth mother and father, a woman who is dying hiding from a world due to shame, leaving just enough crumbs for someone to see her.

A convent and Sister trying to protect. A mentor, a fellow agent, a rescuer, and just one more sheep to be saved before it is too late.

Martin intertwines humor, page-turning suspense, intense emotions, an endless love story, and unforgettable characters that reach into your heart and soul, searching for the healing power of forgiveness and freedom.

Ultimately uplifting and hopeful, leaving fans anxiously awaiting the next in the series. Prime for a TV series or the widescreen.

Flawless and irresistible, profoundly moving, and endlessly emotional. Fans continue to love the warmth and inspiration they draw from Martin's books and characters. They will be richly rewarded.

I highly recommend all his books (both fiction and nonfiction). Crossing multi-genres, Charles Martin proves that he is at the TOP OF HIS GAME! An Outstanding Achievement. More, please 😊

“Love does that. It erases the pain. The darkness.
The stuff that wants to hold our head under the water.
Love reminds us who we are and who we were always
meant to be. And there never has been nor ever will
be anything that can kill it.”
—David Bishop Murphy Shepherd
Charles Martin | The Water Keeper

In celebration of Charles 20th Anniversary of stories, my favorites:

I love them (all 5 Stars); however, if I must pick:
• Chasing Fireflies
• Where the River Ends
• When Crickets Cry
• Water From My Heart
• The Water Keeper

#JDCMustReadBooks

A special thank you to Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins) for an advanced reading copy. Also purchased a hardcover copy and audiobook.

On a side note:
Being a Floridan, I have resided and worked along the coast of SE Florida (ICW and A1A) from St John’s, Volusia, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties over the past twenty years, I immensely enjoyed revisiting familiar, memorable landmarks and the rich Florida history. (great job) Being a Georgian before Florida, I devoured Martin’s earlier novels, as well.

I really enjoyed the boating/water elements in THE WATER KEEPER, having lived and worked in the Florida Keys selling waterfront condos for boats and condo-hotel residences with marina clubs and currently reside along ICW in West Palm Beach. Every time I see a yacht across the street, I think of this book.

2020-releases charles-martin netgalley-arc

Dana Michael

1,344 reviews145 followers

May 9, 2023

Edited... I just finished listening to the audio version, and the narrator was fantastic! I feel the same about the book as I did when I first read it.

I am undone. Really. This book is amazing. Can someone be in love with a fictional hero? I fell hard in 8 hours' time. It's more like 5 minutes. This story is about love. Unconditional love. It's about going after the one and leaving the 99 behind. This book is soul stirring. It deals with pure evil, sex trafficking. It has action, suspense, and mystery, with a kick butt hero. And did I mention unconditional love? This book will appeal to both men and women. This is a typical Charles Martin drop-a-bomb ending that will leave chills and warm your heart. Just click to buy now and be blessed.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson publishing. This is my honest opinion.

Sarah Grace Grzy

633 reviews921 followers

October 12, 2020

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.

Robyn

2,287 reviews133 followers

September 18, 2020

"Several people said a lot of stuff I can't remember".... rather like this book?

I was always told that if something seems too good to be true.. it probably isn't true. I am not sure that Murphy Shepherd is a man that has done everything... experienced everything there is to experience... been shot so many times, stabbed, punched, saved people from human trafficking and dogs.

This is just too much to believe. Sorry, Mr. Martin... I didn't like it.

2 stars

Still reading!

2020 wishihadnt-read-this

Sharon Huether

1,678 reviews35 followers

November 3, 2020

A fast paced thriller as Murphy Shepherd traveled down the intercoastal waterway in Florida.

He rescues, he saves a woman in the water who can't swim, a lovely lab dog, who is so loyal and faithful, and ex con.
More importantly he rescues young girls who had been taken against their will to be sold as sex slaves.

Murphy is a real hero.

A great read.

christian-fiction love-story

Tami

1,016 reviews

April 17, 2020

This was my second book by Charles Martin and I enjoyed it even more than the first one I read. It was a bit of a slow and confusing start, but well worth the payoff to stay the course.

Murphy, the main character, is a bit of a contradiction. He’s also full of secrets—or at least information that he chooses to keep to himself, revealing information only as needed. Murphy has found fulfillment in finding victims of human trafficking. The focus of the story is about the love that led Murphy to rescue victims and also led to his “other profession.”

The story was one with a strong sense of place. Set on the coastal waters of Florida and in Key West, Martin painted such a vivid picture that it was easy to imagine being there. There was quite a bit about boating, but the human trafficking was front and center in the story.

When Murphy meets a woman named Summer, the pace of the story really revs up. It was exciting, nerve-wracking and heart-warming. At times, I had to suspend belief a bit because when Murphy is in pursuit, he is close to being superhuman and unstoppable. I have to give a special shout out to Gunner, my favorite character in the book, who saved the day several times. Charles Martin, I thank you for not gutting me where Gunner was concerned.

Readers need not worry about explicit sexual content relating to the human trafficking. There is, however, quite a bit of violence at times, but the story moves fairly quickly, not dwelling on the injuries. With themes of love and forgiveness, this is a story that stresses the value of each of us and that we are all worthy of being saved.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me to read an advance copy and give an honest review.

2020 christian-spiritual fiction

Kelli

252 reviews

June 20, 2020

To be honest I haven’t finished this book. It has been so highly rated that I was disappointed to find it cheesy and not realistic. Something about the tone feels off to me. The way the author writes about women really is off putting. Although it is felt that a good but flawed man was trying to help troubled women, I also felt that the descriptions of the womens dress and behavior did the very opposite in sexualizing them, which struck me wrong. Maybe if I’d finished it I would have felt different and maybe because of that my review is unfair, but the initial tone made me not want to finish.

Bruce Eckert

103 reviews1 follower

June 1, 2020

Not my cup of tea - I can see how this book does get good reviews but it is too Harlequin Romance for me. The subject matter is gritty but the writing style is fluffy and shallow.

Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Rampling

1,247 reviews104 followers

February 8, 2025

Charles Martin is very popular in fiction, so I was thrilled to see what the fuss was about.
The first book in the Murphy Shepherd series is rather low key, setting the scene for what the forthcoming books are likely to involve.
The main character Murphy Shepherd is, as usual, troubled and with secrets, but these underpin his motives for doing the job he does.
I enjoyed this book, although I wouldn't say it set my world alight! But I'll see how the following books fare.

Karen R

886 reviews529 followers

May 5, 2020

This multilayered story never gets bogged down in details and I loved every bit of it. Two troubled souls saddened by loss of loved ones find each other by happenstance. Murphy and Summer are wonderfully drawn characters that touched my heart as they grew their relationship. Add a tail wagging, faithful Labrador and all is right in the world.

Murphy is grieving the recent loss of two besties and when he comes upon Summer who is recklessly driving a small boat in a channel where she shouldn’t be and thrown overboard. He pulls her out of the water and learns of Summer’s desperate attempt to save her 16 year old daughter who has joined a ‘party boat’ of suspected child traffickers. Murphy clearly seems to have history connected with the traffickers and joins on her mission. Martin brilliantly tackles their struggles, blossoming friendship and soul-baring of Murphy and Summer and I was riveted by their journey, feeling like I was alongside of them as they navigated the Florida waterways. Thanks to Thomas Nelson books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A perfect book club choice as there would be so much to talk about!

Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,659 reviews

Ratings & Reviews for

The Water Keeper

Charles Martin

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