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Never Alone: Stories of Invitation & Connection
If God wanted us all alone, he would have given us each our own planet. He didn’t.
Everyone faces challenges and difficulties, but not everyone knows—or remembers—in the middle of those trials, that they are not alone. Through her everyday stories of how God never leaves us high and dry in the midst of our mess, Sue Donaldson recalls that on more than one occasion how a simple conversation with God or a friend or a friend-in-the-making, can make all the difference.
Loneliness isn’t the same as solitude. “As one of the most extroverted people I know,” Donaldson writes, “I have still found myself lonely at times. I don’t like it. It’s a killing feeling. It’s different than solitude because it’s not by choice. And it sucks the joy out of life.”
Feelings of isolation can sneak up on us in different seasons of our lives whether through a traumatic life-altering experience—a divorce or loss; or even in the midst of a normal life a new job, a new town, a new role. We may wake up one morning and I don’t know how I’m going to get through this. I feel so all alone.
In Never Alone, we see that when we invite God into the dailies of our lives, and take steps—even baby steps—towards deeper community, we will flourish and persevere with hope, joy and faith.
Everyone faces challenges and difficulties, but not everyone knows—or remembers—in the middle of those trials, that they are not alone. Through her everyday stories of how God never leaves us high and dry in the midst of our mess, Sue Donaldson recalls that on more than one occasion how a simple conversation with God or a friend or a friend-in-the-making, can make all the difference.
Loneliness isn’t the same as solitude. “As one of the most extroverted people I know,” Donaldson writes, “I have still found myself lonely at times. I don’t like it. It’s a killing feeling. It’s different than solitude because it’s not by choice. And it sucks the joy out of life.”
Feelings of isolation can sneak up on us in different seasons of our lives whether through a traumatic life-altering experience—a divorce or loss; or even in the midst of a normal life a new job, a new town, a new role. We may wake up one morning and I don’t know how I’m going to get through this. I feel so all alone.
In Never Alone, we see that when we invite God into the dailies of our lives, and take steps—even baby steps—towards deeper community, we will flourish and persevere with hope, joy and faith.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
6 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 18, 2025
Loneliness is the fruit of lives that are scheduled to the point of strangulation. Add to that the effects of social media, tricking us into believing we’re connecting with “our people,” when we affirm their vacation photos with a click and comment on the video of their new puppy. We know more about our Instagram friends than we do about our next-door neighbors, and we often find ourselves weighed down by comparison and competition with their seemingly perfect images.
Sue Moore Donaldson has experienced loneliness herself and comes to her readers with practical and theologically tethered words of advice. Her skillful storytelling gets to the heart of biblical narratives so that the Old Testament story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath becomes a tale of a hospitality challenge well-managed. The New Testament account of Philip and the man from Ethiopia becomes a primer for developing and asking good questions.
By sharing both humorous and melancholy stories from her own life, Donaldson urges her readers to embark upon an adventure that views loneliness as an opportunity to invite others to the table, with full assurance that God is always on the guest list. In an era defined by loneliness, we need to be reminded that we're Never Alone.
Sue Moore Donaldson has experienced loneliness herself and comes to her readers with practical and theologically tethered words of advice. Her skillful storytelling gets to the heart of biblical narratives so that the Old Testament story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath becomes a tale of a hospitality challenge well-managed. The New Testament account of Philip and the man from Ethiopia becomes a primer for developing and asking good questions.
By sharing both humorous and melancholy stories from her own life, Donaldson urges her readers to embark upon an adventure that views loneliness as an opportunity to invite others to the table, with full assurance that God is always on the guest list. In an era defined by loneliness, we need to be reminded that we're Never Alone.
November 19, 2025
Sue is a great storyteller. I felt like I was sitting across from her, coffee in hand, listening to the chapters. Honest about her own seasons of loneliness, Sue is wonderfully relatable. I read a chapter out loud to my husband and he laughed at all the right places. Heart and humor are Sue's specialty.
Her passion to invite others out of their aloneness into community reflects the redeemer heart of Jesus. This book will having you drafting a list of people and ways to host them that takes the "it's not my cup of tea" thought right out of your mind!
This book is a healing balm of God's grace as Sue recounts the times and ways that God has allowed her to be part of what He is doing by simply inviting and connecting with others. Her thoughtful questions and suggestions at the end of each chapter, as well as the helpful resources at the end - including simple recipes, take the guess work out of inviting. Lot's of help inside to break the cycle of loneliness we often experience.
Be like Sue - invite like Jesus. You won't regret it.
Her passion to invite others out of their aloneness into community reflects the redeemer heart of Jesus. This book will having you drafting a list of people and ways to host them that takes the "it's not my cup of tea" thought right out of your mind!
This book is a healing balm of God's grace as Sue recounts the times and ways that God has allowed her to be part of what He is doing by simply inviting and connecting with others. Her thoughtful questions and suggestions at the end of each chapter, as well as the helpful resources at the end - including simple recipes, take the guess work out of inviting. Lot's of help inside to break the cycle of loneliness we often experience.
Be like Sue - invite like Jesus. You won't regret it.
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November 5, 2025Sue Donaldson’s Never Alone is a warm, heartfelt reminder that God designed us for connection—both with Him and with others. Through relatable, faith-filled stories, Donaldson invites readers to see that loneliness is not a permanent state but a sacred invitation to draw near to God and community.
Each chapter unveils a facet of God’s character—steadfast, trustworthy, all-sufficient, compassionate, faithful—and reassures the reader: You are never alone. Donaldson’s storytelling blends humor, vulnerability, and Scripture beautifully, offering wisdom that comforts and challenges at once.
This book encouraged me to open my home, heart, and schedule to God’s divine appointments—to see interruptions as invitations. Never Alone will resonate deeply with anyone longing for authentic connection, reminding us that God is always near, and His presence transforms isolation into intimacy.
Each chapter unveils a facet of God’s character—steadfast, trustworthy, all-sufficient, compassionate, faithful—and reassures the reader: You are never alone. Donaldson’s storytelling blends humor, vulnerability, and Scripture beautifully, offering wisdom that comforts and challenges at once.
This book encouraged me to open my home, heart, and schedule to God’s divine appointments—to see interruptions as invitations. Never Alone will resonate deeply with anyone longing for authentic connection, reminding us that God is always near, and His presence transforms isolation into intimacy.
November 11, 2025
I absolutely loved Never Alone! This book feels like sitting down with a friend who really gets it--someone who knows what it’s like to feel disconnected and gently reminds you that you don’t have to stay there.
Sue Moore Donaldson writes with such warmth and authenticity. Her stories are real and relatable, filled with thoughtful insights about being present and finding connection in everyday life. Each chapter offers a short reflection, a Scripture focus, “think-about-it” questions, a prayer, and my favorite part--a simple, practical step you can take toward deeper connection.
By the end, I honestly felt like I’d been sitting at Sue’s table, sipping tea, and soaking in her wisdom and encouragement. This book reminded me that we really are never alone. I highly recommend this book!
Sue Moore Donaldson writes with such warmth and authenticity. Her stories are real and relatable, filled with thoughtful insights about being present and finding connection in everyday life. Each chapter offers a short reflection, a Scripture focus, “think-about-it” questions, a prayer, and my favorite part--a simple, practical step you can take toward deeper connection.
By the end, I honestly felt like I’d been sitting at Sue’s table, sipping tea, and soaking in her wisdom and encouragement. This book reminded me that we really are never alone. I highly recommend this book!
November 21, 2025
While Sue Donaldson doesn’t take herself too seriously, she does take sharing God’s love very seriously. All her stories in Never Alone point to the truth that, although we may be lonely at times, we are never alone because the God who never leaves is with us. This enables us to take brave steps toward connection, even when we’re the ones feeling isolated, left behind or rejected.
Sue, who describes herself as one of the most extroverted people she knows, has decades of experience reaching out to people around her. Women of all ages—including those of us who are more introverted—have much to learn from her about asking good questions, inviting strangers over, making new friends at the grocery store and introducing people to Jesus. Sue doesn’t pretend it’s always easy, but she leads the way with wisdom, warmth and humor.
Sue, who describes herself as one of the most extroverted people she knows, has decades of experience reaching out to people around her. Women of all ages—including those of us who are more introverted—have much to learn from her about asking good questions, inviting strangers over, making new friends at the grocery store and introducing people to Jesus. Sue doesn’t pretend it’s always easy, but she leads the way with wisdom, warmth and humor.
November 13, 2025
Never Alone expertly blends personal anecdotes and real-life, often humorous stories with biblical wisdom on combating loneliness, portraying Christ's rich invitation to "come and dine". From her own story of loneliness as a single working girl to the introverted choir member whose friends moved away, Sue explores the importance of fellowship and hospitality in various life stages. This delightfully easy-to-read work offers practical insights and thought-provoking questions, encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences with loneliness and their role in building community. Whether you're seeking connection or looking to reach out to others, Never Alone offers valuable guidance from someone who's been there.
November 17, 2025
I pre-ordered this book and got an early copy. I am blessed to know Sue in real life and chapter 7 is about my mom. Sue is a redhead, just like me and an extrovert, also like me. But she is the queen of hospitality. She is known for inviting strangers to lunch, dinner, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve soup potluck. As a single woman, this book really resonated with me. Singleness can be lonely sometimes, but you don't have to be single to feel lonely at times. Sue uses 24 true stories of people who were lonely and needed a friend, and Jesus, to come along side them. You can read this book in one sitting, or slowly to absorb the stories and ideas. If you, or someone you know, has ever been lonely grab this book. Sue will walk you through ways to help yourself and others.
November 18, 2025
Adjectives to describe the message of this book? Encouraging, motivating, inspiring, awakening, convicting, blessings. Sue explains how to be someone’s answer to prayer with simple, stress free ideas. She makes you aware of opportunities to bless others and how to be a hostess without the burden of perfection. Her honest, transparent stories of initiating fellowship with strangers, focusing on relationship rather than dust on the furniture, and the simplicity of preparation are unmatched! If you’re looking for a purpose, fulfillment, to be used by the Lord, then read this book and reap blessings (and maybe a crown in heaven to lay at Jesus’s feet?)
November 21, 2025
Sue’s warm writing drew me in like listening to a friend sharing old stories! Each story of connection encouraged me to look around my life and see who I might be able to invite in, even if in a small way. I love how Sue connects the stories to scripture. This brought each passage a little more to life, feeling relatable, and helped me to see God’s great character on display in his steadfast love and pursuit of, and presence with, his children. Quick encouraging read! Full of ideas if you feel stuck in loneliness (or need to be challenged to invite others in)! Read by yourself or with a friend.
November 8, 2025
Sue Donaldson has many gifts: hospitality, wit, and storytelling to name a few. Each chapter of her book is framed by a personal story with biblical and scriptural connections woven in between. Never Alone means inviting people to coffee, a meal, for Thanksgiving or Christmas, to church. Our “you-are-never-alone” God provides the nudges and takes care of the rest. This book is exactly what families, congregations, and neighborhoods need! I only have one question: How did Sue meet the Man-in-Plaid?
November 17, 2025
"Never Alone" is a sweet, funny, inspiring book that will make you want to open your doors for friends and strangers alike. Sue Donaldson uses stories from her life to show how invitation and connection are always available--all you have to do is BE available! She uses stories from the Bible to show how God's invitation to be a part of his kingdom is a roadmap to invite others. Whether your house is undergoing renovation or if your backyard is full of patchy grass, you can be a gracious host for people who are starved for connection. You'll love this book.
November 17, 2025
In Sue Donaldson’s new book, Never Alone: Stories of Invitation & Connection, I feel like I am sitting across the table from Sue having an ordinary conversation. Through her master storytelling, she leads the reader to a place of feeling seen and known.
Sue encourages us to extend a simple invitation to those we see in our neighborhoods, local stores, church, etc. to join us on this journey of life. She has made it her mission to reach out so others never feel alone and we can do the same. Never Alone will guide you on your own journey of making sure you are never alone.
Sue encourages us to extend a simple invitation to those we see in our neighborhoods, local stores, church, etc. to join us on this journey of life. She has made it her mission to reach out so others never feel alone and we can do the same. Never Alone will guide you on your own journey of making sure you are never alone.
November 18, 2025
Never Alone by Sue Donaldson is part entertaining, part inspirational. Above all, it is a beautifully written book that brings tender honesty and spiritual warmth to the lonely places of our lives, all while pointing to the One who will never leave us. Sue’s fun storytelling reminds us that God’s invitations often come through the margins, and that loneliness is a call to unlikely friendships and everyday hospitality. She writes with such hope, reminding us that God sees even our most hidden pain. Sue can inspire any reader to draw up one more chair to the table!
November 10, 2025
You have heard the old saying, "she doesn't know a stranger". Well, that would be Sue. Because she knows God invites all, she has made that her life's message too. She is constantly inviting anyone she meets to come to her table. In this book, you will get just a few of the amazing stories of people being changed and pointed to a welcoming God through Sue's invitation. She never wants anyone to feel alone.
November 17, 2025
Great new book, timeless (and much-needed) message. Sue's words are from her heart and experience and will be balm for anyone feeling isolated and alone. Sue's writing style is authentic and relatable, pointing to Jesus as the One who never leaves us or forsakes us and giving us the courage to reach out to others, as He has provided others who have reached out to us.
November 30, 2025
Sue Donaldson’s book is a balm to the lonely soul. Whether you need a reminder you’re not alone or an invitation to see others around you who feel alone, this collection of stories offers both. It’s an easy, uplifting read with quippy, engaging stories that both challenge and encourage. This book goes great with a morning cup of coffee.. “tea works too” (agrees Sue).
November 11, 2025
Love this book. It reminds me of Love Does by Bob Goff. There are lots of great stories with poignant lessons to learn and scripture woven in to encourage. It's one of those books that you can pick up at any time and enjoy a chapter or two.
November 15, 2025
Sue Donaldson is a master storyteller whose relatable, easy-to-read stories draw you in from the very first page. I love how she weaves Scripture into each chapter. Her warmth, humor, and engaging writing style make Never Alone a joy to read. Truly a refreshing book!
November 20, 2025
This book is one of those rare books that feels like sitting down with a trusted friend. Great stories and it will fill your cup. Highly recommend!
December 19, 2025
Sue Donaldson is a treasure and has written a gem! Through personal stories, Biblical connections, and her often self-deprecating humor, she had me tearing up and laughing out loud. Her stories are so engaging that it's hard to put the book down mid-chapter. The truths she conveys—on loneliness, invitation, hospitality, and showing the love of Christ—make the reader feel, think, and hopefully act differently.
Through her example, Donaldson challenges us to invite neighbors, acquaintances, and even strangers into conversation and connection, into our lives and homes, and eventually into our hearts. Her kindness and hospitality often result in Christian witnessing, and lives are changed when lost souls discover the love of Christ.
Each chapter includes questions for the reader to respond to, a prayer, and an action step. "Never Alone" is a great book for anyone wondering how to be a better witness for Christ. It would make an excellent resource for churches and Bible study groups as well.
Through her example, Donaldson challenges us to invite neighbors, acquaintances, and even strangers into conversation and connection, into our lives and homes, and eventually into our hearts. Her kindness and hospitality often result in Christian witnessing, and lives are changed when lost souls discover the love of Christ.
Each chapter includes questions for the reader to respond to, a prayer, and an action step. "Never Alone" is a great book for anyone wondering how to be a better witness for Christ. It would make an excellent resource for churches and Bible study groups as well.
December 3, 2025
A Heartfelt, Funny, and Deeply Inspiring Book About Connection and Faith
Sue Donaldson is a gifted storyteller—funny, engaging, and full of heart. Never Alone: Stories of Invitation and Connection beautifully captures her life message: that genuine hospitality and spiritual connection can change lives.
Each story is told with warmth, humor, and insight. I found myself laughing out loud one moment and deeply moved the next. Sue’s storytelling feels like a conversation with a trusted friend who reminds you that small acts of welcome can have lasting impact.
As someone who has worked in publishing, I was especially impressed by her craft. The chapter titles alone—Wine Nights—Not Your Usual Baptist Fellowship, Spa Days for Heaven’s Sake, Your Crock-Pot is a Holy Vessel—are inviting and clever, a perfect reflection of her mix of humor and heart. The chapters are well-paced, focused, and end with thoughtful discussion questions that make this book ideal for Bible studies and small groups.
The stories about Sue’s family and friends--especially Doug, a stranger-turned-friend--are both touching and inspiring. Through them, she illustrates how hospitality and faith intertwine in everyday life. I also loved the story about the couple who bought her parents’ home—an unforgettable example of integrity and kindness.
This book overflows with wisdom, warmth, and joy. Fans of Linda Dillow, Becky Harling, and other Christian authors who blend Scripture with practical living will find much to love here. Never Alone reminds readers that we are meant for connection—and that even the simplest invitation can be holy work.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to grow in faith, friendship, and the art of welcome.
Sue Donaldson is a gifted storyteller—funny, engaging, and full of heart. Never Alone: Stories of Invitation and Connection beautifully captures her life message: that genuine hospitality and spiritual connection can change lives.
Each story is told with warmth, humor, and insight. I found myself laughing out loud one moment and deeply moved the next. Sue’s storytelling feels like a conversation with a trusted friend who reminds you that small acts of welcome can have lasting impact.
As someone who has worked in publishing, I was especially impressed by her craft. The chapter titles alone—Wine Nights—Not Your Usual Baptist Fellowship, Spa Days for Heaven’s Sake, Your Crock-Pot is a Holy Vessel—are inviting and clever, a perfect reflection of her mix of humor and heart. The chapters are well-paced, focused, and end with thoughtful discussion questions that make this book ideal for Bible studies and small groups.
The stories about Sue’s family and friends--especially Doug, a stranger-turned-friend--are both touching and inspiring. Through them, she illustrates how hospitality and faith intertwine in everyday life. I also loved the story about the couple who bought her parents’ home—an unforgettable example of integrity and kindness.
This book overflows with wisdom, warmth, and joy. Fans of Linda Dillow, Becky Harling, and other Christian authors who blend Scripture with practical living will find much to love here. Never Alone reminds readers that we are meant for connection—and that even the simplest invitation can be holy work.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to grow in faith, friendship, and the art of welcome.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews