The Better Friend - by Grace Valentine (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An inspiring roadmap for women craving deeper friendships, with keen observations and biblical insights into what makes for joyful, meaningful connections-from an engaging speaker, writer, and podcaster.

Women crave true, vibrant friendships yet so often feel we have to resort to one-sided relationships, shallow conversations, and cliques riddled with comparison and resentment. After years of coaching women and finding community after starting over in a new city, author and podcaster Grace Valentine offers heartening truths and practical insights for finding good friends and being a good friend.

Grace looks at the moments when friendships left her discouraged, overlooked, and hurt and she meets these common friendship issues with keen observations and biblical insights that show you how to become a person who loves freely and receives lovingly.

With her signature upbeat storytelling, Grace will help you:

• Learn to receive the gifts of friendship well
• Take the scoreboard out of friendship
• Stop longing to sit at tables not meant for you and discover the incredible friendships right in front of you
• Navigate one-way relationships in a way you'll be proud of
• Develop holy boundaries to love radically but trust wisely

Finding true connection is possible for you right now. Friendship can be messy but also incredibly joyful and meaningful because in the end, we are all better together.

Review Quotes

"In an individualized and lonely world, Valentine encourages readers through her book, The Better Friend, showing us that we are made for community. She addresses the lies that hold us back from deep connection and speaks the truth on how we can begin to find better friends in order to become all God made us to be."--Madison Prewett Troutt, bestselling author of The Love Everybody Wants, podcast host of Stay True, and speaker

"If you've ever felt overlooked or rejected, or you've questioned whether pursuing friendships is even worth it, this book is for you. In The Better Friend, Valentine speaks with honesty and vulnerability about the challenges we face in our relationships with friends. She beautifully expresses the thoughts we've all had but haven't said out loud, guiding us to reflect on where we may need to grow or let go. Through practical insights, tips, and 'the better friend challenge, ' Valentine teaches us how to nurture the meaningful, healthy friendships we all long for and deserve. This is the book you need if you're ready to find--and become--a better friend."--Ashley Morgan Jackson, bestselling author of Tired of Trying, speaker, and writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries

"One of the most important things in a young girl's life is to know how to find a good friend and how to be a good friend. The encouragement and truth found in these pages feels like sitting across the table from a wise older sister who has your best interests at heart and is always ready to give you the best advice in every situation you might face. I believe this book is a must-read for every young woman."--Melanie Shankle, New York Times bestselling author of Nobody's Cuter Than You and Here Be Dragons

"Valentine's heart as a good friend who champions others is evident in everything she does, and I can't wait to see how this book will inspire and encourage you. I believe her words will lead you to deeper connections in your friendships and in your relationship with Jesus."--Laney Rene, founder of The One He Loves

"Many women and girls channel energy into finding the right friends--but very few channel that same energy into being the right friend. This book reverses that dynamic, and I'm so thankful for Valentine's ability to relate to the pain of friendship struggles while also calling us up to a better way. This message is for all ages, and anyone who takes it to heart will see their relationships transformed!"--Kari Kampakis, bestselling author of Love Her Well and host of the Girl Mom podcast

"The Better Friend is an encouraging, inspiring, and reflective book. Just like the author's heart, her book is a true reflection of what the Holy Spirit can do through experiences in friendships to reflect the love of Christ."--Reece Weaver Allman

About the Author

Grace Valentine is a TEDx speaker, host of the Water into Wine podcast, and the author of five books, including Am I Enough? She's a contributing writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries and Live Original. Valentine grew up near New Orleans, Louisiana, and graduated from Baylor University with a degree in journalism. She now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, and is earning a degree at Asbury Theological Seminary. Her mission is to show others that Christianity is an adventure worth living.