The Better Friend - by Grace Valentine (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Tired of one-sided friendships that leave you feeling lonely? Make the shift to life-giving connection.

"Grace Valentine teaches us how to nurture the meaningful, healthy friendships we all long for and deserve."--Ashley Morgan Jackson, bestselling author of Tired of Trying

Friendships should build us up, not leave us scrambling to prove our worth. But in a culture obsessed with popularity, it's easy to settle for shallow friendships that take more than they give.

The good news is that meaningful friendships with sisters you can lean on anytime are possible. In this encouraging book, author, podcast host, and speaker Grace Valentine offers twelve powerful truths to help you rethink the way you connect with others. As someone who has been through the low-lows and high-highs of friendships--saying goodbye to those that were stuck or one-sided, uprooting her whole life and starting over in finding community, and nurturing long-distance friendships--Valentine knows what it takes to make good friends and to be a good friend.

When you build better friendships with people who help you become the best version of yourself in every way, you become better, get to know God better, and experience confidence in who He made you to be. Whether you're ready to level up your current friendships or start fresh, The Better Friend gives you the tools you need to build life-giving connections in any season.

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.