You're In Good Company: The Gift of Friendship, Motherhood, and Showing Up

by Ashlee Gadd

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but how, exactly, do you create and sustain that village? You're in Good Company, by Ashlee Gadd and the writers of Coffee + Crumbs, is a heartfelt collection of stories celebrating the unique roles that food, friendship, and hospitality play within the context of motherhood.

 

Through captivating and honest essays, Ashlee and the Coffee + Crumbs team invite moms to rediscover—and even redefine—what hospitality can look like in a busy, lonely world. it looks less like glamorous dinner parties, and more like ordinary grace around the backyard fire pit.

 

You're in Good The Gift of Friendship, Motherhood, and Showing Up mixes personal stories, reflections, and helpful ideas, all based on the belief that hospitality doesn’t need to be perfect to matter. From folding laundry together on the living room floor to sobbing together at the top of a hike, these essays will prompt you to laugh, cry, and immediately pick up your phone to text a friend.

 

This book is for anyone who  

Deeper connections, richer friendships, and a more engaged sense of community.Tangible examples of creating sacred, memorable moments in the midst of a busy life. Encouragement to approach hospitality through a lens of faith, love, and belonging. 

You're in Good Company offers practical ways to deepen friendships, featuring recipes that go along with each essay. From a dish full of cultural tradition to the comfort of baking sourdough as a form of healing, these are stories about feeding people and being fed—not for the sake of performance, but for the sake of presence.

 

This book gently reminds you that hospitality is about showing up, consistently and imperfectly, with love and care. You're In Good Company is not a book you simply read; this is a book you live.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 17, 2026

About the author

Ashlee Gadd is a mother, writer, photographer, and the author of Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood. She has spent the last ten years helping mothers harness their creative talents into powerful storytelling at Coffee + Crumbs—a beautiful online space where motherhood and art intersect.

Reviews

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re in good company is the perfect book for remembering why friendship is hard and friendship is worth it. The women at Coffee and Crumbs are so generous with their words and their hearts and this book feels like being at home with friends who are cheering you on. There are so many ways to mom, what a great encouragement that wherever and however you’re a mom—don’t go it alone, and if you’re going it alone find people to invite along.

If you’re picking this book up looking for Michelin starred cuisine you’ve misunderstood what this book is offering. This book is to remind all of us that being cared for and caring for others is the good part… and doesn’t have to be that complicated.

ARC from NetGalley

[Bre Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning compilation of hospitality and the many forms that can take on. The stories were all so different while also having so much in common: inclusion, love and togetherness. Well done.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of stories that showcase the transformative power of female friendships. These heartwarming stories inspired me to make hospitality and connection a priority. The recipes shared in the book were an unexpected bonus. I have already added some of them to next week’s meal plan and I am excited to give them a try.

ARC from NetGalley

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley.

This is such a cozy read in the middle of winter. If you like the Coffee & Crumbs blog and podcast, you will love this book. I also like that each story includes a recipe — I have saved each one to make in the future!

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t stop reading the essays. I know many will linger. But most importantly, I’m inspired to consider hospitality in my own life - tiny things and meaningful things and big things - and how to create space for someone else. I can’t wait to buy copies as gifts - I want so many others to read these stories, too.

[Claire Baltzley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith. Food. Friendship. If one of those three things intrigue you, this book is made for you. Hospitality isn't just something our grandmothers or that one Southern belle on Instagram has. Hospitality is Biblical, life-giving, and deeply transformative. The stories in this book show the power of that kind of love - the love that shows up, the love that doesn't judge, the love that continues to allow others into the all the mess that life has to offer. The recipes are simple but, more importantly, are connected to the stories so you feel much more meaning in the baking, cooking and mixing. Each woman speaks of relatable things, hard things, beautiful things. Do yourself a favor - buy this book. Keep it on your kitchen table, your nightstand, somewhere in reach. Gift it to a friend, suggest it to your church as a study; live this book. Because in living out this book, you will start to reclaim the good stuff of life: putting skin on your love.

[Sadie E · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC

You’re in Good Company is a collection of stories, reflections, and recipes. At its core it's about showing up for others when life feels overwhelming. I read cookbooks for the recipes (obviously!), but also for the stories around food, and the stories are the strongest part of this book.

I'm definitely not the intended audience. I'm not a Christian, not a mother, not a housewife, and (sorry to all the people who added recipes!) I’m a good cook. I usually avoid Christian books because they tend to veer into preachy territory, but this one was a pleasant surprise. The faith elements are gentle and are woven into the storytelling rather than aggressively pushed. It was really well done.

Now… the recipes. You know that stereotype about white people not seasoning their food? It’s alive and thriving here. The recipes are basic. Aggressively basic. Many have only two ingredients; I really don't think a two-ingredient recipe deserves a place in a food-focused book?

Exhibit A: the chicken tikka masala. Remove a few tiny pinches of spice that altogether add up to a tsp or two (in a recipe that serves 6), and you’ve got chicken paprikash. The instructions suggest marinating the chicken in yogurt, making the sauce, and then dumping the raw chicken-yogurt mixture straight into the pan. Tikka chicken is supposed to be cooked before being added to the sauce, so I’m genuinely unclear what culinary crime we’re trying to commit here 🤷🏼‍♀️ Maybe the thought process was to cut down on washing up? But in that case, you could: fry the chicken, return it to the marinating bowl, make the sauce in the same pan, toss in the cooked chicken at the end (or grill the chicken while the sauce cooks, seriously, just anything to get a bit of flavour)

Oh, and the chilli recipe that consists of beef mince, tomatoes, beans, Campbell's spaghetti, and a dash of seasoning. Then you dump it all in a slow cooker. No browning. No salt. No pepper... No flavour.

Has anyone involved ever heard of the Maillard reaction? Even in passing??

If you cook with confidence or like bold flavours, you’ll probably be skimming these pages (or just skip it entirely).

This may also be an issue specific to the Kindle edition, but the formatting is all over the place, which made the reading experience more distracting than it needed to be.

However, there's a lovely sense of warmth and companionship here, and it's very charming. I checked out the Coffee and Crumbs site and read its essays after I finished the book, and honestly, they're good, just like the essays here. I really think this would be wonderful if it ditched the recipes altogether and focused on stories of life, motherhood, and faith, because that's where it actually shines.

[Becca Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved each and every one of these stories! I’m a mom, a woman in corporate America and someone who cares deeply about authentic friendships. However, making friends, maintaining friends and finding time for friendship and hospitality are often a struggle for me! The stories in this book made me feel not alone. They also offered much needed perspective, practical ideas and some fun recipes. While the stories are written by fellow moms, the heart of the book is about friendship, belonging and hospitality. So even if you’re not a mom, I highly recommend the book!

[Lauren Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly a gift. It’s a beautiful collection of stories and recipes that encourage friendship and hospitality.

I am so thankful for the hearts of the Coffee and Crumbs team and how they wove their stories to together to leave us with lasting impressions and open hearts. While this certainly isn’t just a cookbook, there are so many recipes to choose from that personify their stories and the heart of the book - simple, loving, food.

I didn’t want this book to end and cannot wait to live it out. Thank you for the most peaceful benediction that brought me to tears…

“May your life be one of good company, where you are safe, known, encouraged, and loved.”

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

The title of the book says it all. Reading each essay is like having a heart-to-heart with a dear friend while digging into the dish that inspired their story. This collection is a beautiful reminder that moments of vulnerability and bravery can lead to deep connection, and that the food we share with others is made more delicious by the meaning infused within it.

[Jessika Kauffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of real-life examples of how to both be a friend AND accept the gift of friendship. I connected with Soo many stories and it was therapeutic to be able to work my way through pages of real life examples of hurt and pain and love and joy. The recipes are simple- in the BEST sense of the word, since I am not a chef I was happy to understand how to make these dishes without extra googling. As we grow & change & get old & no longer have vast pools of people to choose friends from, it's important to be reminded how to show up for others, and this book did just that!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of essays that you can read straight through or skip around and find the story that meets you where you are.

[Kelsee Thaten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! Classic Coffee & Crumbs writing, which I love. Full of meaningful and inspiring stories of hospitality, community, connection & the power of female friendships. I don’t think it was overly focused on motherhood, so I’d expect non-mothers to also enjoy it for the most part too. Definitely feels like an encouragement towards thoughtful community that we need more of in the isolated culture we live in these days.

The audio version is great, with Ashlee reading it herself, and I can’t wait to get the physical copy in my hands to admire once it’s released!

NetGalley ARC

[Ellen Grzymkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always feel like I am in good company when it comes to reading the Coffee + Crumbs blog. That said, "You're in Good Company" is aptly titled and only a teaser for all it has to offer.

This collection of essays is like an open invitation to readers. It beckons you and me to slow down, lean in, and delight in stories of friendship and hospitality. While not exactly a cookbook, its writers intentionally "sprinkle" in delicious recipes throughout the text, each connected to an essay for a well-rounded experience.

At its core, "You're in Good Company" is a tribute to the power of female friendships. It speaks to its readers like an old friend, weaving tales of joy with universal vulnerabilities. It begs its readers to consider the differences between hosting and entertaining, being hospitable and putting on a show. Most importantly, it reminds us that a good friend can brighten even the darkest of days.

It's safe to say that in today's world, we could all use more good company. Do yourself a favor and order your copy immediately. Maybe initiate a connection and send one to a friend, too ;)!

[Kailee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a supporter of Coffee+Crumbs for many years and have always appreciated the vulnerability and openness they share. I know the kind of deep heart work that they do. The essays collected here in this aesthetically-beautiful treasure of a book are deep in longing, connection, and the search to be seen. As is. Without the filter. The women writers included here are scribbling in the margins of motherhood, relationships, careers, heartbreaks and hardships, and day-to-day life. It's convicting (hosting doesn’t need to be as hard as we make it out to be!) and relatable in many ways. I’m living in a new place where I don’t know anyone, so I’m feeling a little inspired to put myself out there, while also feeling encouraged to maintain my long-distance friendships, too.

Caveat: If you’re looking for a cookbook, this isn’t it. That’s not the point! It’s not about the food. I still think you can find the recipes worthwhile to try though. Also, it’s Christian faith-based without being pushy. That’s not the point of this book either.

*ARC - NetGalley

[Emily Snooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in two days, that’s how much I enjoyed it. The essays on motherhood, hospitality, friendship and good food were ironically food for my soul. I loved all the different stories they were able to tell that centered around a favorite recipe. Food truly does bring people together and bring about an openness in community. Jesus most intimate moments were around food and I think what a great example for us. I’m excited to try out many of the recipes and I’m even more inspired by all the different gatherings they mentioned throughout the stories. I think a cookie exchange and a girls weekend may be in my future. As always I love the collaborative style of a Coffee and Crumbs book and look forward to even more hopefully in the future.

[Amelia Jantzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are wired for connection, for community, for a Village, but in our modern world, finding those connections can feel impossible, something that always happens to other people but never to us. You’re in Good Company is a celebration of that community and an inspiration to find it. It’s wise and funny and oh so very real. The stories of these women as they navigate the desire for community as mothers, wives, daughters, and friends, mirrored elements of my own life back through the pages. Each story reminds me that building community doesn’t need a large budget or picture perfect space, but intention and love. Come for the prose, but stay for the stories that matter (and the recipes shared with love).

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make you laugh and cry, but more than anything, it will make you feel seen. It reads like real stories shared over tea while the kids play nearby — tender, honest, and deeply human.
.
It’s a practical guide to making hospitality simple and sustainable, no matter what season of life you’re in. Most of all, it’s a reminder that we’re in this together — as women, mothers, sisters, and friends — learning how to build a village and how to be a good villager in the small, ordinary ways that matter most.
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It’s the kind of book you underline, dog ear, spill on-then wipe off, and keep out as a guide to return to again and again.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world full of AI slop and a constant barrage of anger and arguing online, You’re in Good Company, is a lifeline. It’s a beautiful reminder that human connection is vital and through heartfelt stories it offers practical encouragement for readers to cultivate friendship and hospitality.

While this book is written by mothers, motherhood isn’t the focus. If you’re a human being, this book is for you. It will make you laugh and cry and ultimately remind you that loving others is the point of this whole thing we call life and it’s not as complicated as we make it out to be.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anything that Ashlee Gadd and the Coffee + Crumbs team write. These essays offer many different ways to practice hospitality to those who are around you. One of my favorite essays was about how it's not cheating to use a box mix to make muffins. I also loved the way that going first can develop friendships and traditions. Melanie Dale writes about her tradition of inviting her neighbors over for Christmas Eve. We need to gather with people and these essays give so many different ideas on how to do that. Also, I'm excited to try the recipes!

[Stephanie Blunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book with all the best things, inspirational writing that makes you want to write and also get up and live differently- and that is Beautiful- ( the photography is just so artistic and simple) and is connected with cherished recipes- and stories tied to these recipes. It’s like the perfect book to inspire you not just to look at delicious food but also great community around it.
I want to host a book/ dinner club around this book!
Highly recommend !

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book feels like sitting on a couch with wise, honest friends who remind you that you’re not alone. It gently reframes hospitality as something beautifully imperfect, less about hosting flawlessly and more about showing up as you are. It’s warm, faith-rooted, and deeply encouraging — the kind of book that makes you want to text a friend and say, “Come over. My house is messy, but you’re welcome anyway.”

[Alyssa Silvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re in Good Company is a celebration of friendship and lowkey hospitality that makes a big impact. You’ll laugh, cry, mark up the pages, add ingredients to your upcoming grocery list, and text a friend all in one sitting. You’re in Good Company is gorgeous storytelling from the authors we all love at Coffee + Crumbs. Their vulnerability will inspire you to make the first move with a new friend, plan a friend date, and be the one to go first. I can’t wait to gift this stunning book!

[Courtney Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of beautiful stories, recipes, & ideas for how to practically care for others! One of those books that makes you feel a little less alone & a little more understood. The recipes are tied to nostalgic memories- which always make food taste better. Can't wait to share the book with friends and plan a supper club to read it with other women!

[Lauren Groves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with everything the Coffee + Crumbs women write, and this is no different. As someone who lives squarely in the middle of the intended audience, these essays were both inspiring and convicting. Friendship matters. And it’s absurdly easy to let it slip through my fingers in the middle of the little years. The writing is warm and approachable, and the essay style makes it perfect to thumb through a little at a time (though I drank up every word quickly!). Well done, Ashlee and team!

[Jennifer Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re in Good Company is a lovely collection of stories that celebrate friendship and hospitality. It gently reminds us how meaningful human connection can be—and that creating community doesn’t need to be complicated. The stories are heartfelt and often humorous, and each one is paired with a recipe that beautifully complements the narrative.

[Katrina Hein]

I already love this book, and have pre-purchased it as a gift for two of my best friends. I honestly think it spans personality types, life-stage status, and generations really well. Highly recommend- it’s beautiful and the pages make you feel like you’re treating yourself to special down time (even if it’s only for less than 10 minutes because that’s all you have at a single time).

[Reb Smyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I GOBBLED UP every single essay in this book. The storytelling is *chef’s kiss*. I can’t wait to go back and linger and I know it will have a permanent home on my coffee table/bedside/kitchen worktop. Not a huge foodie but there’s nothing I love more than a recipe with a story. An ode to the magic of female friendship and womanhood.

[Kellie Kaminski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This soulful collection of essays on hospitality, friendship, and food was inspiring, convicting, and the kick in the pants I needed to pursue my in-person friendships more intentionally. It gives permission for both simple and out-of-the-box hospitality and really redefines what hospitality even is, especially during the stages of motherhood. If I could give this book 6 stars, I would!

[Nicole Kashmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've followed coffee and crumbs for years and I loved everything about this new book 😍 so many of the essays were so relatable. Personally, I loved that the recipes were simple, as I will be actually trying all of them!