The Joy of the In-Between: 100 Devotions for Trusting God in Your Waiting Season: A Devotional

by Ashley Hetherington

Are you sick of waiting for your “real” life to begin? This joy-filled daily devotional offers the abundant peace that comes when you place your trust in God’s plan and start living today—from the founder of the Honey Scoop.“Ashley’s timely wisdom will draw you in and leave you feeling equipped and encouraged to begin each day with joy.”—Rebekah Lyons, bestselling author of Rhythms of RenewalDo you have big dreams and can hardly wait to start the future God has planned for you? But maybe you haven’t yet arrived where you want to be. Perhaps you yearn for the spouse you’ve been praying for, the career you’ve been working toward, or the life you’ve been hoping for. Whatever your longings, waiting can be difficult. But you don’t have to wait until God answers your prayers to embrace where He has you today.The truth is, you’re not just hanging around for what comes next—you’re in a meaningful process of becoming the person God created you to be. This daily devotional from the founder of the Honey Scoop will fill you with encouragement to help you deepen your faith as you trust God with your life and its sweetness exactly where you are right now—not where you will be someday. You don’t need to waste your current season as you wait for what’s next.Discover how you can experience more joy, more purpose, and more trust in God today, and make the most of these holy, God-given days as you embrace The Joy of the In-Between.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Devotional, Faith, Religion, Christian Living

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2024

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Prosperity teacher. Beware !

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful devotional, very relatable and pulled at the heartstrings on multiple occasions. This seems a bit more geared to a young woman in/around her late 20s to early 30s, but I think both younger and older women will enjoy this. The readings were short but thorough. Sometimes short devotionals can read a bit “surface level”, if you will, but that wasn’t the case here. Ashley did a wonderful job at connecting with the reader through her personal life experiences and their connections with Christ.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Praise the Lord for I have finished it! 🙏🙌

This could've easily been a 20-day devotional considering how many things were being repeated. This was a first problem for me. After 20 days, you've basically read the whole book. You can peacufully put it down, there's no need for you to drag through the whole 100.

Secon, pilates. Girl, there's certain amount of pilates stories I can take, and this crossed that amount. Why is hardship in life being compared to hard pilates workout???? Life ain't pilates! I don't know why I expect some white girl LA influencer to get that. I'm naive, what can I say.

Third, some of this had absolutely nothing to do with the Bible verses??

Two stars because some devotions were actually good and encouraging. However, not worth my time or money because most were very shallow.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Ashley. I follow her YouTube channel and she is such a gem. The moment I heard she was letting out a book, I preordered it. And when I got it, I’m telling you I actually squealed. Then I read it. She has so much wisdom and I love how many anecdotes and real life stories she uses to illustrate her points. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone waiting for anything, big or small.

[Rebekah Garber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I🩷Ashley Hetherington!!!
Such a great devotional that I highly recommend

[chiara]

two days!!

[Lucy Hewlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars! I really enjoyed this!

I LOVVVVVVED THE LAST TWO DEVO'S!!! They were extremely inspiring, especially since it feels like I am in 4 major waiting seasons right now... So, the reminder that waiting is a beautiful thing really helped me see my problems in a positive way (Even though some of them are causing me MUCH actual physical pain-- like my acne, it's really bad right now and it has been... so I'm struggling to push through all the remedies and waiting week after week, month after month, to hopefully see some improvement... it's draining. But after Ashley's encouraging words, I know that the Lord will heal me and lift me up from this painful season in my life, and later, whenever He does, it would be, as Ashley put it, "completely worth the wait"...*cries dramatically).

This simple book also helped me notice that some things in my life were/are waiting seasons when I myself didn't even realize it until after reading it lol. So, this book was pretty helpful-- and it was a nice, fun, short encouraging message that I got to read after I woke up.

Anyway, nice job, Ashley! Thanks for encouraging me with your words!

[Meghan McNatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ This sweet devotional gave good wisdom and practical applications. Some days felt slightly repetitive, but overall, it was good. I recommend it to anyone who feels they are in a season of waiting.

[Amelia McCay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came into this with questions, and left with answers. Jesus is woven throughout the pages along with storytelling and prompts that flow together to make the book very easy to understand, and very helpful and entertaining. Ashley Hetherington is so good at keeping the devotional fun while still being an amazing resource. I think everyone is waiting for something, so this book would be amazing for anyone. Ashley also does a great job of making this book appeal to all ages. This book really helped me to answer the “why?” in my life. “Why is God doing this, why am I going through this?” I feel like I better understand God’s reasoning for our different life seasons, and I feel so much more content in my waiting. I really understand that my waiting season has a purpose, and don’t feel restless like I need to rush out of it anymore. I am more at peace knowing that Jesus has it taken care of. I think everyone needs this incredible, life-changing book!

[Conner Futrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to Sydney Furlong for gifting me this wonderful devotional. If you are waiting for a promise placed on your heart by God, I would recommend this devotional. It’s nothing fancy but using it every morning helped reframe the way I prayed and went about my day. In doubt never forget the God we serve and the depths of his love.

[Madison Bookheimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really wish I could give this 6 stars!! Wow this book was such a beautiful way to start my morning everyday. Also the timing of this book could not have been more perfect. I really needed this book for this season. This is an absolute must read!!! So glad I found this book from Ashley on Jesus Freaks 🫶🏼

[Becca Ahrendsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this devo! Would highly recommend to those looking for a morning devotional.🫶🏼

[Emily Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ a great daily devotional that’s relatable and light but meaningful. A little cheesy at times, but still a good option.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75 🌟 Although it was great for the first few "days," it got pretty repetitive in the end. it does have great lessons and a great introduction to Christinaity, though

[Mila౨ৎ ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this !!!

[Christina Soave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the BEST devotional ever! If you’re in your waiting season and looking to grow/deepen your relationship with Jesus, then look no further, because this devotional is EVERYTHING! 🫶🏻🙏🏻

[Danica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, this was soooo good, it has been really helping me through my waiting season and really brightened my mornings. The stories in each devotional was easy to relate to. I am now on the hunt for a new devotional, any suggestions?

[Suzanne Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟 rounded up

Ashley’s writing is encouraging, and I appreciate the examples and scripture uses. Overall, the writing isn’t very strong, and several of the messages are quite repetitive. Still enjoyed and gained a lot from it.

I’d love to see more writing about Christianity and waiting seasons; it’s especially nice to hear from a younger woman like this who’s in a similar season to me — versus a seasoned person who’s out of their waiting seasons.

I’d read more from Ashley in the future.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad book, but not for me -- Only someone from Gen Z (or maybe a Millennial) could really relate to most of the personal experiences she uses as illustrations for the devotions, which are upbeat and encouraging but don't have a lot of depth.

[Claire Jeffers · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't what I expected.
Some of the reviews said it would be good for baby-Christians (which is me) but I still felt like it wasn't exactly what I was looking for.
My expectations were to have multiple chapters we would study, which encouraged people in a waiting season. This felt a little bit more like her telling her own life stories, how that relates to waiting, and how it can relate to us. (Which is still good.)
It was a good book, just not what I thought it would be or what I was specifically looking for.

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you sick of waiting for your “real” life to begin? This joy-filled daily devotional offers the abundant peace that comes when you place your trust in God’s plan and start living today—from the founder of The Honey Scoop.

Perhaps you've found yourself in a season of “not yet”—whether you don’t yet have the career you've been working for, the spouse you've been praying for, or the life you've been hoping for. Maybe you feel like you're somewhere in between one chapter ending and a new one beginning, unsure of when or how God will show up for you in the waiting.

As the founder of The Honey Scoop, Ashley Hetherington is deeply connected to the pain points of young women. In the midst of her own waiting season, Ashley has met countless others who feel like they are in the hallway to God’s promises for their lives. They wonder when God is going to open the next door, answer their deep desires, and show up in a tangible way. She understands that not knowing the future when everything feels uncertain can cause you to question God and struggle to trust in His goodness.

In The Joy of the In-Between , Hetherington offers daily encouragement for having faith as you wait for what’s next, and guidance for trusting God with your life right where you are. Ashley proposes that the in-between days are ripe for knowing God’s voice and experiencing His presence. They’re not a hyphen between two important chapters, but a chance to experience more joy, more purpose, and more connection. Waiting is a season that can be marked by abundant peace rather than frustration and chaos.

I really enjoyed this book, I appreciated the practical applications, the reassurance that I am not the only one feeling at a loose end, wondering ‘what next’ or when my life will start.

The daily encouragement was like a pep talk for my soul, short and to the point, and I found it changed my daily mindset.

This is definitely a book I shall be returning to time and time again.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

This review will also be posted to my Instagram account @kathleenryderauthor

#christian #devotionals #netgalley #bookreview #bookstagram

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, picture this: I’m a baby Christian, just dipping my toes into the vast ocean of faith. I’m on the lookout for Christian books that can be my trusty companions on this adventure. And guess what? I stumbled upon Ashley’s book. Now, let me tell you, she’s kinda relatable.

At first, I raised an eyebrow. “Relatable?” I thought. “How can someone named Ashley, living her life, possibly connect with my unique struggles?” But hold up—turns out, she’s no different from your average girl. Yep, we’re all in this together, navigating the twists and turns of life.

Here’s the deal: a lot of us are in this “in-between season.” You know, that moment when you’ve handed over everything you thought was yours to God.
You’ve whispered, “Okay, Lord, it’s all Yours. Take the wheel.” And then? You wait. And wait some more. It’s like being at a cosmic bus stop, asking, “Now what?”

Enter Ashley. She’s your spiritual big sis guiding you through this “Now what?” stage.
Her chapters are like little peeks into her prayer closet.
No neon signs from God here—just whispers, feelings, and gentle tugs.
Like that time she stood at a red light, waiting for it to turn green. The word “STEADY” on the pedestrian sign caught her attention. And suddenly, it all clicked: We need to be STEADY on this walk with Jesus.
NO sprinting, NO face-planting—Just. Steady. Steps.

Now, full disclosure: I’d slap a solid 5 stars on it.
It does remind me that imperfection is part of the journey.
So, if you’re a gal looking for devotionals and find yourself in the longest waiting season of your life, give this one a go. it’s relatable, it’s real, and it’s a companion for the soul.

[Mary-Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just in case you were wondering (because I know you were), I consider Annie Downs' 100 Days to Brave: Devotions for Unlocking Your Most Courageous Self to be the gold standard of devotionals. While I didn't enjoy this quite as much as that one, it came very, very close.

I really admire and look up to Ashley. I love her YouTube channel and follow her across social media platforms. She just seems like such a lovely person, and this book confirmed that for me.

As someone who feels like they have been in a waiting season for a very long time, this was perfect for me. I found myself highlighting so many quotes and marking pages so I could go back and re-read them. If you are struggling with feeling like you're waiting for something, or even just struggling with feeling God's love, I highly recommend this.

[Shara Padilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pros:
- Great devo for those who are in their waiting seasons
- Great prompt questions! They’ve helped me dive deeper into the lessons and in the Word
- Straight to the point! Great for those who are busy

Cons:
- Some devos use some verses out of context, which can be dangerous for those who are new in the faith which is why even though it’s straight to the point, I caution recommending it to those who are new
- Some devos don’t have a proper conclusion to the story. One experience will be brought up for a moral or Biblical lesson or parallel but then not mentioned again. I guess it was inconsistent in this sense since there were proper conclusions for some.
- I find that sometimes it lacks the depth that I’m looking for when it comes to diving more into the Bible.

Overall, I still enjoyed this as a devo in the midst of my waiting season.

[Jana Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. The idea of the book is nice, but the content is shallow and the focus is off. It can be pleasant to romanticize waiting for anything if you are focusing on “it” instead of just focusing on loving the Lord and serving the people around you. There is nothing wrong with observing stories in scripture of people who were forced to wait for something. However, we see in many of those stories, they had to let “it” go, release control, and walk in whatever obedience the Lord was calling them to.

Furthermore, the part of the book I did read was just stories from Ashley’s life that she used symbolically and she gave an application on how to wait in light of it. There was little to no deep dive into scripture. A verse was listed at the top of each day’s devo. I wouldn’t recommend this book personally.

I do like Ashley’s virtual content though!

[Tanya Maughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would definitely recommend this book to another believer and sister in Christ!
I have been reading the "30 devotionals together series" and it is INCREDIBLE!!!

You really learn to take 'you' off the throne of your heart and remember to instead place God back on the throne as he is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

I have extremely enjoyed reading these devotionals and just how welcoming along with inviting this book is to children of the most high God.

If you are struggling or have struggled in a waiting season this book kindly enough reveals to you what you 'SHOULD' and 'SHOULDN'T ' do during it.

I really do encourage more of you to go ahead , purchase and then proceed to read this book when it's available ❤

[keke. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good devotional; which I often noticed repeated itself on certain days (not an error, just a choice of message repetition). It also took some Bible verses out of context of what it was teaching (which can negatively create a habit of “quoting scripture out of context” to support a personal standard or belief that isn’t right).

I’ll also add, Ashley, although a sweet person from videos of seen of her, isn’t God. Therefore, it won’t replace or teach in profound ways like the Bible does, so please don’t expect such a thing in this book (as it is in no way perfect).

Other than that, it’s . . . alright. It did help change my perspective on my waiting season though (positively). However, I wouldn’t 100% recommended this book.

[Angela Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding and Relatable Devotional

I’ve been following Ashley on YouTube for the past couple of years, so I already knew this devotional was going to be both outstanding and relatable, especially for young and middle-aged women. I found myself constantly taking screenshots and sharing inspiring devotionals with church sisters, family, friends, and my young adult niece at least once a week. Everyone who received them shared positive feedback and said how much the messages spoke to them.

I’ll definitely be purchasing several hard copies to include with Christmas gifts for the young women in my family. This devotional is so uplifting and relevant that I plan to start reading it again from the beginning and continue through to the end

[Amanda Alviz · Rating 5 out of 5]

While being in the midst of a long and tough waiting season this devotional has been really helpful with refocusing my perspective. The devotions are a quick read, but a little more in depth than most devotions I'm used to, which I like. There's also two questions each devotion which prompt you to think deeper about your faith walk and reflect on who God is and what He has done for you. Ashley did a really great job with this devotional and I'm thankful to be able to read and meditate on this during my current season of life.

Thanks to Netgalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah, WaterBrook for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jazzmyn Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a blessing in so many ways. We are all in a waiting season and it can be so hard. The gift of “The Joy of the In-Between” is knowing we are not alone. There is a community of Christ followers who are waiting and sometimes even suffering. The enemy wants us to suffer alone but this book brings us all back together. It brings us back to Christ. It’s not about how long we are waiting but it’s about how we choose to carry ourselves in the waiting. What are you going to do during your waiting season? I pray you grab this book and allow it to help guide you into a season of waiting well.