This is the first book I've read by this author, and I can't believe it's taken me this long to discover him! He definitely has a different writing style than I'm used to but I loved this book! There are parts that are a little unbelievable but overall, it's fiction at its finest. The characters are so flawed but you are rooting for not only their love story but their lives in general. Maybe Joe Sue (yep, that's her real name!) is a famous Hollywood actress who is as flawed as they come. She is the "people's" actress because she really is one of them - caring, comes from nothing, very charitable, down on their level, etc. - but she's got so many issues! She is addicted to drugs to deal with all this fame and the fact that she has infertility issues. Her husband, also a famous actor, is a scum and I disliked him instantly! However, my favorite character is MacThomas Pockets - Joe's Scottish bodyguard. He is former military and will not cross any boundaries but guards Joe with everything in him. He goes above and beyond. I loved his character and his personality. He stuck by Joe through thick and thin. The suspense storyline shows his true character also.

I have thought about this book for days since finishing it. That's how I know it's a fantastic story. It's made me THINK about so many things! Mainly, what would you sacrifice for the one you love and how far would you go for another one's happiness and their security? So thought provoking! I will be thinking about this book for months to come!

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!

WOW! This story is un-put-downable! From beginning to end it will have you either racing to turn the pages, or forcing yourself not to. These are realistic, raw characters that exhibit everything you could want in a book. There are twists and turns I didn't see coming and a love story that is so much more than just romance. This is an example of true, self sacrificial love. The kind we all crave and pray we have the fortune of experiencing. This story just may leave you dumb struck and looking up every Charles Martin novel ever written!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

"How far would you go for someone you love? . . . How far?"

"The last exchange. . . . . .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 . . . 'Me for you'."

"A life laid down is better than a life picked up."

Imagine reading a story that transforms all of these convictions into reality . . . . loving so, so far . . . . transferring the pain of another onto yourself, exchanging life for life rather than sweeping up the innumerable shattered pieces of an expiration. It's here. Between the pages. Of this book.

Utilizing extraordinary plotting expertise to full advantage, the author slowly and meticulously weaves his story, merging "before" and "after" scene changes in such a way that the true story organically emerges at just the right times in all the right places. Readers will question who Kelly MacThomas Pockets really is (and rightfully so), what Maybe Jo Sue has to gain by having him to secure the boundaries of her lavish lifestyle, and ultimately what their relationship will cost each of them in the end. However, . . . . .

"I've been in some places where there is no hope, and yet somehow it swims through the cracks. Rises to the surface. . . . . No matter what you do - ignore it, shove it in a closet, drown it with drink and pill, or stab it with science, experts, and talking heads - you can't kill hope. Not in all of human history has hope ever been laid to rest."

A story that goes deeper and deeper with the turning of every page; fascinating, heart-breaking, hope-building. Salvation always beckons an exchange.

Maybe Joe Sue (her real name) was a famous, brilliant actress who was grappling with emotional pain that was brought on by her traumatic childhood and complicated by her strong desire to create her own family with her movie star husband who was frequently away on location. Eventually Joe Sue became addicted to drugs and needed medication to help her sleep and medication to help her wake up and work the long hours necessary during filming her blockbuster movies. The only constant in her life besides pain was the presence of her bodyguard, MacThomas Pockets, who could always be counted on to protect her and look out for her best interests. Joe thought of Pockets as a friend but Pockets, though kind, kept an invisible boundary line between them at all times out of respect for her. This book asked the question: How far would you go to save someone you love? And it answers the question in a thought-provoking way. I was gripped by the mystery, the suspense, and the complicated relationships. While there were no overtly Christian references I was inspired by the beauty of the purity in a radical true love that willingly lays down its life for the good of the loved one. I only wish that the book ending could have been longer; after all of the drama, I needed a little more happy. An excellent book and I highly recommend it! I received an ARC from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.