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Riverbend Friends #7
Running on Empty
Running on Empty is the seventh book in a series that travels alongside four friends as they deal with teen life in Riverbend, Indiana. The novel inspires young women to deepen their relationships with God as they face real-life issues and solve their problems in God-honoring ways.Who is the real Isabella Valadez? Izzy has been spending the summer trying to find that out. She’s tried all sorts of hobbies, games, and sports—even golf. She still loves art and showing off her baking creations, but is there something unexpected there?Speaking of something unexpected, she’s been growing closer to her cute neighbor, Cody. Could that friendship morph into something more? Maybe, but she’s starting to question everything. School is starting up again, and it’s time to choose where she’ll invest her energy, and who she’ll be doing it with. It seems everyone that she’s close to has something dark lurking beneath the surface. Daniel, Shay, and now Cody?When everyone has a smartphone, access to inappropriate or hurtful content can affect mental health and damage relationships. Gossip and misinformation spreads quickly in the age of technology, can anyone be trusted?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2024
1 person is currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Jill Williamson
66 books1,621 followersJill Williamson is a multi-passionate creative who loves the arts. She’s written over thirty books for readers of all ages and is best known for her Blood of Kings fantasy series, two of which won Christy Awards and made VOYA magazine’s Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror list. She produces films with her husband and teaches about writing at conferences. Visit her at www.jillwilliamson.com.
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Newest Series:
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Jill's author website.
Jill's Amazon Author page.
Jill's Instagram.
Click here for a FULL LIST OF Jill's BOOKS.
Newest Series:
Thirst Duology
Fan favorites:
Writing books:
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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June 11, 2024I love how this story turned out. It was so much fun to write. Especially the grand gesture at the end. ❤❤❤
June 7, 2024
《Maybe most important of all, I no longer minded being seen.》
♡isabella: overcomer, friend, looking to belong
♡cody: yeah he's captain america
Running on Empty continues Isabella's story after the Dropbox scandal in The Me You See. I really liked reading the continuation of Isabella's character arc. Plus, the other characterswere great. Especially Cody. Definitely Cody. Also, the Marvel references are super fun.
Content:
Mentions of pornography, trafficking, rape, and other sexual topics, but these are never expanded on beyond a single sentence and are viewed from a Christian worldview.
Ages 14+
Note: I received this as an eARC for review and was not required to post a complementary review. All opinions are my own.
♡isabella: overcomer, friend, looking to belong
♡cody: yeah he's captain america
Running on Empty continues Isabella's story after the Dropbox scandal in The Me You See. I really liked reading the continuation of Isabella's character arc. Plus, the other characterswere great. Especially Cody. Definitely Cody. Also, the Marvel references are super fun.
Content:
Mentions of pornography, trafficking, rape, and other sexual topics, but these are never expanded on beyond a single sentence and are viewed from a Christian worldview.
Ages 14+
Note: I received this as an eARC for review and was not required to post a complementary review. All opinions are my own.
December 14, 2024
features: PTSD | mentions: pornography
rating: 3.25 ⭐
this book is a relatable teen story that will move and motivate you to draw closer to God and find strength in Him during tough times ❤️✝️🙏🏻
there were a few scenes which felt a little “fake” but overall, the storyline was nicely pieced together and extremely relatable. drew me in pretty well but not too deeply
i enjoyed this book thoroughly!
Cody literally sets the standard for a Godly boyfriend 🫶🏻🫶🏻 LIKE he literally prayed for Izzy RIGHT THEN AND THERE I MELTEDDDDD AHHHHH 😻🥹🫠
quotes 🦋
“…Don’t sabotage your friendship by acting on your fear of things that might happen. Wait until they happen to worry…”
He moved in close, his arms sliding snugly around my waist. My arms went around his waist as well, and I buried my face in his shoulder (🤭)
God had used that boy’s words to give me peace…
“I just think that being fast about things isn’t the only way to win a race.”
rating: 3.25 ⭐
this book is a relatable teen story that will move and motivate you to draw closer to God and find strength in Him during tough times ❤️✝️🙏🏻
there were a few scenes which felt a little “fake” but overall, the storyline was nicely pieced together and extremely relatable. drew me in pretty well but not too deeply
i enjoyed this book thoroughly!
Cody literally sets the standard for a Godly boyfriend 🫶🏻🫶🏻 LIKE he literally prayed for Izzy RIGHT THEN AND THERE I MELTEDDDDD AHHHHH 😻🥹🫠
quotes 🦋
“…Don’t sabotage your friendship by acting on your fear of things that might happen. Wait until they happen to worry…”
He moved in close, his arms sliding snugly around my waist. My arms went around his waist as well, and I buried my face in his shoulder (🤭)
God had used that boy’s words to give me peace…
“I just think that being fast about things isn’t the only way to win a race.”
June 3, 2024
Running on Empty is the first book I’ve picked up from Jill Williamson and I’ll definitely be picking up another one! This novel was the first time I’ve picked up a realistic fiction book for Christian teens and it was a great read. It deals with difficult—but relevant—topics regarding finding your identity in Christ.
Story: 4/5
Worldview: 5/5
Overall, I have to say I really enjoyed the plot of this book. In Running on Empty, we follow Isabella Valadez, a teen trying to figure out her identity after a traumatic event with photoshopped pictures a few months ago. Her then-boyfriend, now convicted felon, had created fake pictures of her and circulated them—along with other girls and victims. She has a hard time trusting anyone anymore, much less boys, even her nice, godly neighbor Cody Nichols.
I felt a bit overwhelmed at first with all the names and people (I mean, this is book 7 in a series), but I quickly figured out who was important (to Izzy’s story). The start was pretty slow, but I appreciated the context when the plot picked up after Izzy and her friends started school again. After that, the pacing was great and I loved seeing Izzy’s growth by the end of the book.
Worldview gets a 5 from me because it deals with difficult topics in a way that challenges the characters—and the reader—to seek God in our weaknesses and have compassion. While the main thread of the novel is Izzy finding her identity, this is coming at the heels of a deep violation. One of her best friends, too, confided in her about a porn addiction, and that had caused a huge rift. Izzy gets self-righteous and judgmental with her friend (who is not Christian). I love how the book mentioned that Izzy’s antagonism made the friend nervous about coming to church, as well as made the friend question if Christ really would forgive her or not.
There are so many nuances that were explored. The novel never wavered on sin being sin, but whacking someone over the head with their mistakes isn’t going to help them come to Christ or find healing from their addiction. The friend was using porn to fill the hole that only Christ could fill in her life, and she needs help.
I really really enjoyed this book overall. :) It deals with tough topics but invites a deeper conversation beyond the novel itself. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free book; all reviews expressed are my own. Feel free to check out this book when it comes out on June 18th!!
Story: 4/5
Worldview: 5/5
Overall, I have to say I really enjoyed the plot of this book. In Running on Empty, we follow Isabella Valadez, a teen trying to figure out her identity after a traumatic event with photoshopped pictures a few months ago. Her then-boyfriend, now convicted felon, had created fake pictures of her and circulated them—along with other girls and victims. She has a hard time trusting anyone anymore, much less boys, even her nice, godly neighbor Cody Nichols.
I felt a bit overwhelmed at first with all the names and people (I mean, this is book 7 in a series), but I quickly figured out who was important (to Izzy’s story). The start was pretty slow, but I appreciated the context when the plot picked up after Izzy and her friends started school again. After that, the pacing was great and I loved seeing Izzy’s growth by the end of the book.
Worldview gets a 5 from me because it deals with difficult topics in a way that challenges the characters—and the reader—to seek God in our weaknesses and have compassion. While the main thread of the novel is Izzy finding her identity, this is coming at the heels of a deep violation. One of her best friends, too, confided in her about a porn addiction, and that had caused a huge rift. Izzy gets self-righteous and judgmental with her friend (who is not Christian). I love how the book mentioned that Izzy’s antagonism made the friend nervous about coming to church, as well as made the friend question if Christ really would forgive her or not.
There are so many nuances that were explored. The novel never wavered on sin being sin, but whacking someone over the head with their mistakes isn’t going to help them come to Christ or find healing from their addiction. The friend was using porn to fill the hole that only Christ could fill in her life, and she needs help.
I really really enjoyed this book overall. :) It deals with tough topics but invites a deeper conversation beyond the novel itself. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free book; all reviews expressed are my own. Feel free to check out this book when it comes out on June 18th!!
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April 24, 2025Review to come
September 7, 2024
A high school student struggling with friendship and boundaries learns some important lessons in Running on Empty by Jill Williamson. The author weaves in the protagonists Christian faith and Biblical instruction in a way that feels natural and important. Readers young and old are engaged by and identify with the cast of characters, especially the various personal struggles they bring to the story. Readers will want to read every book in the River end Friends series.
July 8, 2024
If this was a movie l would watch it every day! Why did the book have to endddd 😩😫😖😔 this has been my favorite so far this year. I don’t think anything will beat this one.
June 30, 2025
I jumped into the middle of this series just based on the premise of Running on Empty, so take any of my thoughts about characters or writing style with a she-skipped-six-books-sized grain of salt. Side note: I wish it had come with a few trigger warnings, as there was a main part of the plot not mentioned in the synopsis that was difficult for me personally.
I wish I had read Running on Empty earlier. When I picked up what was really my first Christian-published novel, I fully expected it to skirt around most of the real issues high school girls face. Williamson knocked that assumption down the drain. It doesn't fall into the traps a lot of similar works seem to, coming to sensitive understanding with moderate views that resonate more with Christians like myself, rather than the extreme ones you might see on TV.
I can't help but wonder if Running on Empty would have been better as a dual-POV book. Having looked into the rest of the series, I feel as though Heart of Belonging, the preceding book, should have been spliced together with this one. For readers who get Izzy's side of the story first, especially younger ones, their perception of Shay and her addiction could be distorted to being entirely unsympathetic.
Where Bible study is described, it is described outstandingly. I had actually never thought about the versatility of David's character matching with his description of a man after God's own heart, and some of the other Old Testament topics Izzy read about with her group. Running on Empty also dealt with the dislikability of some Biblical figures, and the misuse of Scripture (e.g. 1 Corinthians 5:11 to justify judgment). I wish the author had expanded more on the idea of Matthew 6:15, because while Izzy's friend's warning about "forgiving or God won't forgive you" was rooted in Scripture, it was given so bluntly and with too little expansion on how Jesus died ONCE for every sin, even unforgiveness. I loved Cody's involvement in Izzy's prayer life.
Running on Empty handles friendships, technology, and relationships in a Biblically oriented manner. It is so important that this book is out in the world.
I wish I had read Running on Empty earlier. When I picked up what was really my first Christian-published novel, I fully expected it to skirt around most of the real issues high school girls face. Williamson knocked that assumption down the drain. It doesn't fall into the traps a lot of similar works seem to, coming to sensitive understanding with moderate views that resonate more with Christians like myself, rather than the extreme ones you might see on TV.
I can't help but wonder if Running on Empty would have been better as a dual-POV book. Having looked into the rest of the series, I feel as though Heart of Belonging, the preceding book, should have been spliced together with this one. For readers who get Izzy's side of the story first, especially younger ones, their perception of Shay and her addiction could be distorted to being entirely unsympathetic.
Where Bible study is described, it is described outstandingly. I had actually never thought about the versatility of David's character matching with his description of a man after God's own heart, and some of the other Old Testament topics Izzy read about with her group. Running on Empty also dealt with the dislikability of some Biblical figures, and the misuse of Scripture (e.g. 1 Corinthians 5:11 to justify judgment). I wish the author had expanded more on the idea of Matthew 6:15, because while Izzy's friend's warning about "forgiving or God won't forgive you" was rooted in Scripture, it was given so bluntly and with too little expansion on how Jesus died ONCE for every sin, even unforgiveness. I loved Cody's involvement in Izzy's prayer life.
Running on Empty handles friendships, technology, and relationships in a Biblically oriented manner. It is so important that this book is out in the world.
June 2, 2024
Running on Empty was a fun read. This is the third book I've read in the Riverbend Friends series, and I really like Izzy Valadez as a character. She's very relatable and I value her commitment to her convictions. I also very much enjoyed reconnecting with her family-- especially Bash and her dad.
With that said, I'm not comfortable recommending this title because of the message, which has to do with being careful to love people and not judge them. While I agree with some of the author's arguments, and the subject matter is handled in a nuanced way, I am concerned that readers may feel encouraged to "tone down" their convictions. I think that's the message I would have gotten from it, as a high school reader.
I think we're in a time where Christians already feel alarmed about accidentally judging people, which has resulted in approving things we shouldn't be approving. I think Izzy's mentor is well-meaning, but very subtly off-base.
As an adult reader, I'm not sure how I feel about all of Izzy's actions, but
One major content worth noting: a lot of the plot revolves around Izzy's response to her friend's pornography addiction, so content is on the "edgier" side, especially for readers who can strongly relate to Izzy. Book six actually tackles this issue from that character's perspective, so I am not planning to read that one.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
With that said, I'm not comfortable recommending this title because of the message, which has to do with being careful to love people and not judge them. While I agree with some of the author's arguments, and the subject matter is handled in a nuanced way, I am concerned that readers may feel encouraged to "tone down" their convictions. I think that's the message I would have gotten from it, as a high school reader.
I think we're in a time where Christians already feel alarmed about accidentally judging people, which has resulted in approving things we shouldn't be approving. I think Izzy's mentor is well-meaning, but very subtly off-base.
As an adult reader, I'm not sure how I feel about all of Izzy's actions, but
One major content worth noting: a lot of the plot revolves around Izzy's response to her friend's pornography addiction, so content is on the "edgier" side, especially for readers who can strongly relate to Izzy. Book six actually tackles this issue from that character's perspective, so I am not planning to read that one.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
January 31, 2024
I've read all the books in this series so far, and enjoyed them immensely--so when I saw this one come up on NetGalley, I jumped on it--both requesting it and reading it!
It was really, really good--and a good part-two to the previous book in the series, Heart of Belonging. I honestly feel like Book 7 redeemed what I'd struggled with in Book 6!
This series is one I wish I'd had during my tween/teen years. All the books, including this one, deal with so many real-life experiences, and do a fantastic job at making them relatable and illustrating biblical truth amidst the challenges each girl goes through. I loved watching Izzy grow as a character here and learn some tough lessons amidst some hard experiences.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
It was really, really good--and a good part-two to the previous book in the series, Heart of Belonging. I honestly feel like Book 7 redeemed what I'd struggled with in Book 6!
This series is one I wish I'd had during my tween/teen years. All the books, including this one, deal with so many real-life experiences, and do a fantastic job at making them relatable and illustrating biblical truth amidst the challenges each girl goes through. I loved watching Izzy grow as a character here and learn some tough lessons amidst some hard experiences.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
April 20, 2025
Izzy is one of a group of girls at her high school whose picture was posted without her permission on social media. It's worse than I've written. She has sworn off dating and also refuses to have anything to do with one of her former friends. She has a lot to work out. Very topical subject and a warning to people about sharing photos of themselves. Good character depiction and this sounds like a worthwhile series.
April 3, 2024
I think this is a really great series for teens! There are great themes in each of these, and I believe they are very relevant to today's generation. I love the characters, and Zoe is one of my favorites, so it was nice to read a second book about her!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
March 1, 2024
Running on Empty is well written with a good plot. The YA readers would probably enjoy reading this more then the mature readers. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance book. This is my unbiased review.
September 19, 2025
I wonder why I was awake reading this until 3:30 am…
Because this book was captivating, realistic, and relatable. They all are in this series.
I wonder why I didn’t fall asleep until after 5 am…
Because I was too busy thinking about this book, obviously!
Favorites in the series:
1. Real, not Perfect
2. Heart of Belonging
3. Life in the Middle
4. The Me You See
5. Running on Empty
6. Chasing the Spotlight
7. Searching for Normal
Because this book was captivating, realistic, and relatable. They all are in this series.
I wonder why I didn’t fall asleep until after 5 am…
Because I was too busy thinking about this book, obviously!
Favorites in the series:
1. Real, not Perfect
2. Heart of Belonging
3. Life in the Middle
4. The Me You See
5. Running on Empty
6. Chasing the Spotlight
7. Searching for Normal
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews