Burnout and loneliness often go hand in hand, and with mounting levels of work-related fatigue, people are also feeling increasingly isolated. Religion publishers are stepping in with faith-based takes on how to find and maintain meaningful relationships. Five titles geared toward women explore the concept of belonging, ways to form and strengthen bonds, and the role can faith play in friendships.
The Better Friend: 10 Truths to Shift from Shallow and One-Sided Connections to Vibrant Friendships
Grace Valentine (WaterBrook, Mar. 2025)
Valentine examines ways to both find good friends and be a good friend. The book features reflections on moving to a new city and finding a community and offers biblical insights on friendship and belonging.
Desperate Woman Seeks Friends
Kristen Strong (W. May 2025)
Citing research that indicates rising levels of acute loneliness and isolation, Strong emphasizes the health benefits of friendship, likening good relationships to healthy eating habits and a sleeping well. “Looking to social media to be your only source of friendship is like relying on breadcrumbs as a steady diet for dinner: it won’t nourish or satisfy,” Strong writes. “Unless some of those online connections turn into real life ones, they’re no substitute for in-person friendships.”
Perfect Is Boring (and It Tastes Like Kale): Finding Belonging and Purpose Without Changing Who You Are
Jess Johnston (Convergent, Feb. 2025)
Johnston, coauthor of the 2022 bestseller I’ll Be There (but I’ll Be Wearing Sweatpants), extols the value of authenticity within friendships. The book contends that being open about struggles and insecurities can lead to powerful connections with others. “Showing up is more important than winning,” Johnston writes. “Trying is more important than saving face.”
Praying Through Loneliness: A 90-Day Devotional for Women
Kristen Strong (W, Nov.)
Strong draws on her experiences with multiple moves across the U.S. as the wife of an Air Force veteran in this guide to powering through feelings of loneliness and isolation. The daily readings feature stories of women of all ages and life stages on topics such as rejection and jealousy.
The Way of Belonging: Reimagining Who We Are and How We Relate
Sarah E. Westfell (IVP, June)
Westfell explores how a connection with God can impact one’s view of the world and other people. Instead of attempting to fit in, the book makes a case for looking inward. “Belonging is not something to attain,” Westfell writes, “but someone to become.”
