Strong Allies: Creating, Cultivating, Restoring

by Leslie Anne Bustard, Théa Rosenburg (Editor)

288 pages, Paperback

Published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Carmen Imes]

Leslie's beautiful book not only shows us Scripture's strong vision for women to be strong allies, but brings that vision to life in the stories of dozens of women then and now in a wide range of life circumstances. Personal and tender, practical and inspiring--we finally have a guide to biblical womanhood!

I enjoyed this book so much.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Strong Allies is like sitting at a table with mentors and friends—sharing stories, being fed, delighting in one another. What a feast! Leslie, Théa, and their wonderful coterie of strong allies have given us a deeply thoughtful study of what it means to be a woman made in God’s image. For those of us who have often been overwhelmed (or underwhelmed) by the idea of “Biblical Womanhood,” the call in this book to be a strong ally is a clear encouragement to follow the Lord into our myriad callings. Both aspirational and inspirational, Strong Allies gives us a gift that we can only pay forward. I look forward to inviting younger women to come and join us at this table, tasting and seeing that the Lord is good.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe even 4.5 This is a very balanced and easy to read book on the topic of women's roles, one that has been written about endlessly I think.
I appreciated this book as it is very positive, set within the Christian context. Probably my favorite chapter is the one on women and work, which traces a cultural/social history of women's roles. It is very illuminating, especially since Christians often mistake cultural norms for Biblical norms.
The book does avoid some of the more controversial topics of women's roles in the church, in terms of ordination and things like, because that is not the focus of the book.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women are a strong force of nature holding so many things together. When we are intentional in being allies in our communities (family, faith, work, neighborhoods) the impact that we can have will ripple for generations to come. Leslie and Thea did a masterful work have painting this living picture for us! Thank you!!

[Holly M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overall - the author seems to be a soft complementarian (she never uses that term) but does a good job of walking in the tension. First few chapters on creation and fall are the best. Could be a good beginning study of women in scripture.