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The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends
At forty-two, fiercely independent Jess Becker is starting over in Kansas City with minimal furniture, two houseplants, and a newfound faith. After a lifetime of poor choices, she's determined to finally get it right. When she befriends her fourteen-year-old neighbor and agrees to drive her to church, she's swept into a caring community where she meets Reva, a wise mentor figure, and Austie, a troubled young woman. Jess reluctantly opens her home to pizza nights with her new friends, unwittingly opening her heart to a sisterhood of faith.
Just as these relationships begin reshaping her carefully controlled life, Jess receives news that changes everything. She must decide whether to accept the very help she's been trying to give others, or risk losing everything she's worked so hard to build.
Sara Brunsvold presents an authentic story about the transformative power of community, exploring themes of vulnerability, redemption, and the courage it takes to let others in.
Just as these relationships begin reshaping her carefully controlled life, Jess receives news that changes everything. She must decide whether to accept the very help she's been trying to give others, or risk losing everything she's worked so hard to build.
Sara Brunsvold presents an authentic story about the transformative power of community, exploring themes of vulnerability, redemption, and the courage it takes to let others in.
336 pages, Paperback
Published October 6, 2026
About the author
Sara Brunsvold
5 books722 followersSara Brunsvold is a Christy Award- and Carol Award-winning author who creates stories that speak hope and life. Her stories boldly engage modern issues through the lens of hope and unshakable faith. From the time she was a country girl spilling imagination onto notebook paper, she has believed in the power of story to shape a better world for us all.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book and the characters within. All had excellent depth and each had a story to tell. It really made miss my friends and what I can do for each of them. I gave this a 4 star rating and would definitely recommend this book for my friends and all of you!! Read it!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a totally clean and strongly Christian women’s fiction story where true friendship - and not romance - is the heart of the story. Set in Kansas City, Jess is recovering from a tough breakup and needs space to heal and find her own way. Little did she expect that way would lead her to three women who would change her life. When unexpected news rocks her world, Jess discovers what the “One Another’s” in Scripture truly look like.
The unexpected and intergenerational friendships were just incredible. I especially liked inside look at a Sunday School class and how they learned and grew alongside other. What a beautiful model of what it looks like to live in true spiritual community 🥹
Sara Brunsvold is your girl for women’s fiction with a character focus. Her plots are gently-paced which allows you to sit back and enjoy getting to know her people. While nothing can compare to Mrs. Kip (IYKYK), this is a book worth your while!
Thank you to the author and publisher for a complimentary book! Opinions expressed are my own.
The unexpected and intergenerational friendships were just incredible. I especially liked inside look at a Sunday School class and how they learned and grew alongside other. What a beautiful model of what it looks like to live in true spiritual community 🥹
Sara Brunsvold is your girl for women’s fiction with a character focus. Her plots are gently-paced which allows you to sit back and enjoy getting to know her people. While nothing can compare to Mrs. Kip (IYKYK), this is a book worth your while!
Thank you to the author and publisher for a complimentary book! Opinions expressed are my own.
October 7, 2026
This novel began very relaxed and cozy, but I knew with a Sara Brunsvold book there would be some depth, and I would be crying eventually.
The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends is a beautiful story of four women in an unlikely friendship, melded together by Jesus and community. There's mentorship, going out of our way to help one another and dealing with hard situations. There's a lot of grace, both given and received. Scripture from the Bible and prayer play an important role in the story. And the big question: are you willing to share your burders and accept the help you need?
Another great story making me dig deep and be honest with God and myself! Highly recommended!
I received an early copy from the author and publisher. Opinions are my own.
The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends is a beautiful story of four women in an unlikely friendship, melded together by Jesus and community. There's mentorship, going out of our way to help one another and dealing with hard situations. There's a lot of grace, both given and received. Scripture from the Bible and prayer play an important role in the story. And the big question: are you willing to share your burders and accept the help you need?
Another great story making me dig deep and be honest with God and myself! Highly recommended!
I received an early copy from the author and publisher. Opinions are my own.
September 7, 2026
I’ll be thinking about this book for a while. In some ways it was heavy, in others it was filled with hope. The story explores how we need one another as believers and how relationships and community require vulnerability. Strong faith elements added so much depth to the story which really centered on the beauty and strength in intergenerational friendships between Christian women. I’ve had some very special friendships with older Christian women who have mentored me over the years and this story brought me to tears thinking about how these women have made a difference in my life and faith. I loved this beautiful story and how focused it was on how God wants us to treat each other as the Church, how we are to help and at times be the ones accepting that help.
Read if you like:
🎀 Women’s fiction
🎀 Sisterhood friendships
🎀 Strong faith thread
🎀 Found family
🎀 Tender and vulnerable stories of strength
Content to Consider:
Multiple Sclerosis, drinking/drugs, poor home life
I highly recommend this tender novel about Jess and her unlikely sisterhood. I pray we are always on the lookout for younger women that we can help and encourage. I also pray that we are all willing to be vulnerable and accept help from other believers when we need it. This story was a blessing to me and I think it will be to you too!
Read if you like:
🎀 Women’s fiction
🎀 Sisterhood friendships
🎀 Strong faith thread
🎀 Found family
🎀 Tender and vulnerable stories of strength
Content to Consider:
Multiple Sclerosis, drinking/drugs, poor home life
I highly recommend this tender novel about Jess and her unlikely sisterhood. I pray we are always on the lookout for younger women that we can help and encourage. I also pray that we are all willing to be vulnerable and accept help from other believers when we need it. This story was a blessing to me and I think it will be to you too!
October 6, 2026
4.75 stars
"My Chevy truck rested in the pool of shade on the lawn that Thursday, all of my slowly replenished possessions arranged like a jigsaw puzzle in the bed."
Jess Becker is starting over; a new place, a new job, and determined to enjoy her independence away from the plethora of painful memories that stubbornly peek over her shoulder at the most inopportune times. Her cozy little rental has just enough space for her minimal assortment of belongings and working remotely is a perfect match for her introverted tendencies.
It's not long before Jess's privacy is compromised by the appearance of a young teen living next door with her grandfather. One thing leads to another and she finds herself providing Kyla with transportation to a local church where Jess meets two other women who also unexpectedly insert themselves into her life; a seasoned believer Reva and a woman flailing in her circumstances, Austie. When their unlikely pairings test the limits of Jess's newfound faith, her understanding of the many references to "one another" throughout the Bible provide both a comfort and a challenge. Jess is learning to give, but can she open herself up to receiving? Ultimately the answer to that question is practically forced upon her.
There is so much to love about this story. Inter-generational characters from totally different walks of life merge into the kind of community that only the Holy Spirit could orchestrate. With strengths and weaknesses that balance out each other, all four are tested and tried, but they come out stronger together than apart.
"Mighty God . . . . whatever we can do for each other, please show us. Stir us to unity and good works. May we never grow weary in pursuing either." Amen and amen!
"My Chevy truck rested in the pool of shade on the lawn that Thursday, all of my slowly replenished possessions arranged like a jigsaw puzzle in the bed."
Jess Becker is starting over; a new place, a new job, and determined to enjoy her independence away from the plethora of painful memories that stubbornly peek over her shoulder at the most inopportune times. Her cozy little rental has just enough space for her minimal assortment of belongings and working remotely is a perfect match for her introverted tendencies.
It's not long before Jess's privacy is compromised by the appearance of a young teen living next door with her grandfather. One thing leads to another and she finds herself providing Kyla with transportation to a local church where Jess meets two other women who also unexpectedly insert themselves into her life; a seasoned believer Reva and a woman flailing in her circumstances, Austie. When their unlikely pairings test the limits of Jess's newfound faith, her understanding of the many references to "one another" throughout the Bible provide both a comfort and a challenge. Jess is learning to give, but can she open herself up to receiving? Ultimately the answer to that question is practically forced upon her.
There is so much to love about this story. Inter-generational characters from totally different walks of life merge into the kind of community that only the Holy Spirit could orchestrate. With strengths and weaknesses that balance out each other, all four are tested and tried, but they come out stronger together than apart.
"Mighty God . . . . whatever we can do for each other, please show us. Stir us to unity and good works. May we never grow weary in pursuing either." Amen and amen!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
So creatively written, it was a pleasure to read and I couldn't put it down! The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends is such a beautiful story of Christian community, helping one another bear life's burdens, trying to regularly following God's word, selfless love, being there in the midst of the ugly and loving anyway. Told with honesty and funny self-deprecating humor. I loved it!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"It's a strange thing. Jess, to have your heart so entwined with a place where you can't practically stay."
"The week's verse which I had penciled a star next to practically shouted at me. Strive to do what is good. Sometimes, though, what was good was not stepping into places I didn't belong. Who was I to save a burning life when the embers of my own still smoldered?"
“No to assumptions, yes to grace.”
“Jesus stuff really did require a kind of extroverting I wasn't convinced I was ready or right for." "Extroverting always resulted in me developing physical ailments.”
"I almost missed the beautiful hands and feet of Christ right in front of me on Earth because I was too fearful of the clouds overhead. If I had rejected their love, whose love really would I have rejected? Who really would I have held at arm's length?"
"The proverbial fork in the road had been reached. Soon, she and I would both know which way we were to go. But no matter which way it was, one thing remained certain.... "I don't go alone", I whispered."
I highly recommend this beautiful story by Author Sara Brunsvold!
Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"It's a strange thing. Jess, to have your heart so entwined with a place where you can't practically stay."
"The week's verse which I had penciled a star next to practically shouted at me. Strive to do what is good. Sometimes, though, what was good was not stepping into places I didn't belong. Who was I to save a burning life when the embers of my own still smoldered?"
“No to assumptions, yes to grace.”
“Jesus stuff really did require a kind of extroverting I wasn't convinced I was ready or right for." "Extroverting always resulted in me developing physical ailments.”
"I almost missed the beautiful hands and feet of Christ right in front of me on Earth because I was too fearful of the clouds overhead. If I had rejected their love, whose love really would I have rejected? Who really would I have held at arm's length?"
"The proverbial fork in the road had been reached. Soon, she and I would both know which way we were to go. But no matter which way it was, one thing remained certain.... "I don't go alone", I whispered."
I highly recommend this beautiful story by Author Sara Brunsvold!
Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This review by librarian Christine Barth was first published in the September 2026 issue of Library Journal.
Middle-aged and out of options, Jess Becker finally secures a good job and moves to Kansas City for a fresh start. Recovering from a whole host of bad decisions, she accidentally winds up in a Sunday School class studying Bible verses about how to treat one another. As a new Christian, Jess finds some of Jesus' commands regarding her neighbors to be radical, but as she befriends a young woman named Austie, who is recovering from addiction, and a drifting teenager named Kyla, her own faith grows.
A shocking medical diagnosis and Austie's relapse push Jess to let others into her carefully controlled life. In fact, much of the story, including Jess's tumultuous relationship with her father, remains unresolved, even at the end, mirroring the complexity of real-life relationships.
VERDICT: A powerful message of grace and hospitality to new and mature Christians alike, Brunsvold (The Atlas of Untold Stories) brings Bible application to life through fiction. Readers will recognize both themselves and their neighbors in these deeply flawed characters. Nicole Deese and Amanda Cox also hit a similar balance of realism and hope.
Middle-aged and out of options, Jess Becker finally secures a good job and moves to Kansas City for a fresh start. Recovering from a whole host of bad decisions, she accidentally winds up in a Sunday School class studying Bible verses about how to treat one another. As a new Christian, Jess finds some of Jesus' commands regarding her neighbors to be radical, but as she befriends a young woman named Austie, who is recovering from addiction, and a drifting teenager named Kyla, her own faith grows.
A shocking medical diagnosis and Austie's relapse push Jess to let others into her carefully controlled life. In fact, much of the story, including Jess's tumultuous relationship with her father, remains unresolved, even at the end, mirroring the complexity of real-life relationships.
VERDICT: A powerful message of grace and hospitality to new and mature Christians alike, Brunsvold (The Atlas of Untold Stories) brings Bible application to life through fiction. Readers will recognize both themselves and their neighbors in these deeply flawed characters. Nicole Deese and Amanda Cox also hit a similar balance of realism and hope.
October 6, 2026
“Small, everyday acts created the strongest stitches between one life and another.”
Sparked by a study on the “one another” verses in the New Testament, this was a glimpse into the life of middle-aged Jess who is moving to a new city for a fresh start. Through a church Sunday School class, she encounters three women in different stages of life and different chapters of their Christian faith.
Emotionally wrenching at times, the theme is to be able to be a help to others and also to be able to accept help from others. But through it all, no matter where we are in our walk with Jesus, God guides and directs us by using fellow believers. “God takes His one anothers seriously. Because through them, He grows our maturity and lets us know that He hasn’t forgotten us in our trials. He sends His people as an assurance that He doesn’t look away.”
I have enjoyed many books by Ms Brunsvold and have learned different lessons from each one. She is quite the accomplished storyteller. She brings her characters to life and you just might recognize someone you know- or yourself!
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Revell through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
Sparked by a study on the “one another” verses in the New Testament, this was a glimpse into the life of middle-aged Jess who is moving to a new city for a fresh start. Through a church Sunday School class, she encounters three women in different stages of life and different chapters of their Christian faith.
Emotionally wrenching at times, the theme is to be able to be a help to others and also to be able to accept help from others. But through it all, no matter where we are in our walk with Jesus, God guides and directs us by using fellow believers. “God takes His one anothers seriously. Because through them, He grows our maturity and lets us know that He hasn’t forgotten us in our trials. He sends His people as an assurance that He doesn’t look away.”
I have enjoyed many books by Ms Brunsvold and have learned different lessons from each one. She is quite the accomplished storyteller. She brings her characters to life and you just might recognize someone you know- or yourself!
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Revell through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a beautiful, relatable story about what it means practically to be the Church.
The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends follows Jess, a new Christian in her early forties who desperately needs a fresh start. After a disastrous relationship and troubled past, she's moved on to a new city, never expecting the people--and the trials--that are coming her way.
I loved the depth, the realistic characters, the strong faith ...a lot of this story touched my heart and challenged me to step outside my bubble and do for others what I can. That's a challenge that's going to stick with me.
I wholeheartedly recommend this for readers who want strong and realistic women's fiction, heavy on living for the Lord. So glad I read this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
*Chronic disease representation; alcohol use included (mostly in a negative light)
The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends follows Jess, a new Christian in her early forties who desperately needs a fresh start. After a disastrous relationship and troubled past, she's moved on to a new city, never expecting the people--and the trials--that are coming her way.
I loved the depth, the realistic characters, the strong faith ...a lot of this story touched my heart and challenged me to step outside my bubble and do for others what I can. That's a challenge that's going to stick with me.
I wholeheartedly recommend this for readers who want strong and realistic women's fiction, heavy on living for the Lord. So glad I read this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
*Chronic disease representation; alcohol use included (mostly in a negative light)
October 7, 2026
The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends is a fantastic, heartwarming read. I’m honestly don’t read much at all that isn’t romance, but this is Sara Brunsvold and any story in her hands is worth a look.
While I’m not much of a non romance reader, I do love a good starting over story. Jess Becker moves to the city in order to leave her past mistakes behind and start anew. The move is entirely her choice – she’s got a new, data entry job she can do from home. But home doesn’t feel great anymore.
Then, this naturally shy, barely getting by, introvert starts making friends, even when she’s not trying. At all. Slowly, this book lets us glimpse (I’m going to mix the metaphors and I do so unapologetically), a wallflower emerging from her chrysalis. Not as a social butterly, but as something far more beuatiful. A compassionate and generous friend.
Just as a new and rich normal settles in, Jess receives some life altering news. the readers gets to watch her decide whether to lean on her new community or run away to her former life.
Among the things I loved, were the ways the author showed us Jess’ new life through her eyes, without telling us how things were changing. Her use of description is masterful, conveying more than just the aesthetics of each setting, but also Jess’ response to them. The characterisation is spot on, and the sporitual contenst felt authentic and raw, instead of idealised.
Finally, I loved that there wasn’t a neat and tidy ending with a bow around it. Rather, the reader is presented with a beginning and left to imagine for ourselves how all the threads worked out. Not in a things left hanging way. Rather in a life is messy and we don’t usually reach full destinations, kind of way.
I received a copy of The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends from the publisher via NetGalley, the opinions are my own.
While I’m not much of a non romance reader, I do love a good starting over story. Jess Becker moves to the city in order to leave her past mistakes behind and start anew. The move is entirely her choice – she’s got a new, data entry job she can do from home. But home doesn’t feel great anymore.
Then, this naturally shy, barely getting by, introvert starts making friends, even when she’s not trying. At all. Slowly, this book lets us glimpse (I’m going to mix the metaphors and I do so unapologetically), a wallflower emerging from her chrysalis. Not as a social butterly, but as something far more beuatiful. A compassionate and generous friend.
Just as a new and rich normal settles in, Jess receives some life altering news. the readers gets to watch her decide whether to lean on her new community or run away to her former life.
Among the things I loved, were the ways the author showed us Jess’ new life through her eyes, without telling us how things were changing. Her use of description is masterful, conveying more than just the aesthetics of each setting, but also Jess’ response to them. The characterisation is spot on, and the sporitual contenst felt authentic and raw, instead of idealised.
Finally, I loved that there wasn’t a neat and tidy ending with a bow around it. Rather, the reader is presented with a beginning and left to imagine for ourselves how all the threads worked out. Not in a things left hanging way. Rather in a life is messy and we don’t usually reach full destinations, kind of way.
I received a copy of The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends from the publisher via NetGalley, the opinions are my own.
October 9, 2026
If you love Nicole Deese or Amanda Cox for their beautifully written womens fiction, I think you'll find much to love in THE SISTERHOOD OF UNLIKELY FRIENDS.
Sara has a knack for writing about things you don't find elsewhere in CF. Her consistently character-driven pace and ordinary life narration makes the reader slow down and consider the many different walks of life Christians have. This book in particular emphasizes what living out our faith for the good of one another can look like. It also highlights how sometimes we have to graciously accept that we are the ones in need of others' love and service.
Jess, the main character, leaves her small hometown to start over, in pursuit of anonymity. She doesn't expect that God has bigger plans for her than to quietly fade into the background of life, and has to learn how to let people in when her life takes a scary turn. I think a lot of people will relate to Jess for many reasons, This book also features an older protagonist, not very commonly found in CF,
Personally, I found this one slower moving and while I don't mind a character driven book, I just had a hard time keeping myself focused on it. But reading a slower paced book during a busy season isn't always a great idea, so keep that in mind. :) I also really wanted more of the ending. Don't leave me hanging, Sara! I wanted to know more of what happens with Jess and her future, but I did see other reviewers who loved that aspect, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
As always, Sara wrote real truths and faith into this book. If anything, you'll finish this story with a lot to think on and ways to exercise 'one-anothering'.
*I received a copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive opinion, and all thoughts expressed are my own. My thanks again to Sara for this book!
Sara has a knack for writing about things you don't find elsewhere in CF. Her consistently character-driven pace and ordinary life narration makes the reader slow down and consider the many different walks of life Christians have. This book in particular emphasizes what living out our faith for the good of one another can look like. It also highlights how sometimes we have to graciously accept that we are the ones in need of others' love and service.
Jess, the main character, leaves her small hometown to start over, in pursuit of anonymity. She doesn't expect that God has bigger plans for her than to quietly fade into the background of life, and has to learn how to let people in when her life takes a scary turn. I think a lot of people will relate to Jess for many reasons, This book also features an older protagonist, not very commonly found in CF,
Personally, I found this one slower moving and while I don't mind a character driven book, I just had a hard time keeping myself focused on it. But reading a slower paced book during a busy season isn't always a great idea, so keep that in mind. :) I also really wanted more of the ending. Don't leave me hanging, Sara! I wanted to know more of what happens with Jess and her future, but I did see other reviewers who loved that aspect, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
As always, Sara wrote real truths and faith into this book. If anything, you'll finish this story with a lot to think on and ways to exercise 'one-anothering'.
*I received a copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive opinion, and all thoughts expressed are my own. My thanks again to Sara for this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Just finished this heartfelt novel of love, friendship and trust in Jess, Kyla and Reva.
I knew when I saw this book I had to read it because you know what you're getting with this author. She's now my auto buy author.
I loved this story from page one and it still hasn't let go of my heart. Which is why I said heartfelt.
Faithfilled themes and reconciliations are throughout the story.
I liked how Brunswold put the different characters through the toughest of subjects and showed us that there is hope at the other end and how they handled it going forward. Life isnt easy. Jesus said it wouldn't be. Its the choices that we make and how we handle them wrong or right.
What a weird name for a girl Austie but again I like weird. Her name fit her just right .
She's the most interesting character in this story for certain sure. I was really struggling to like her at first. I wanted to scream at her and not to do the things she did. I still found myself rooting for her throughout the whole story. There are people in real life going through what Austie has. Its a shame more people doesn't have compassion for others but the thing is you have to want help and follow through with it if you want to come out on the other side.
This author shows us many many things in this beautiful story of love given freely. That's right love is given freely. All you need to do is ask.
Im giving this delightful story 5 stars! Wish I could give it more. Brunswick deserves more for this outstanding novel.
This book is definitely in the right category for women's fiction
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
I knew when I saw this book I had to read it because you know what you're getting with this author. She's now my auto buy author.
I loved this story from page one and it still hasn't let go of my heart. Which is why I said heartfelt.
Faithfilled themes and reconciliations are throughout the story.
I liked how Brunswold put the different characters through the toughest of subjects and showed us that there is hope at the other end and how they handled it going forward. Life isnt easy. Jesus said it wouldn't be. Its the choices that we make and how we handle them wrong or right.
What a weird name for a girl Austie but again I like weird. Her name fit her just right .
She's the most interesting character in this story for certain sure. I was really struggling to like her at first. I wanted to scream at her and not to do the things she did. I still found myself rooting for her throughout the whole story. There are people in real life going through what Austie has. Its a shame more people doesn't have compassion for others but the thing is you have to want help and follow through with it if you want to come out on the other side.
This author shows us many many things in this beautiful story of love given freely. That's right love is given freely. All you need to do is ask.
Im giving this delightful story 5 stars! Wish I could give it more. Brunswick deserves more for this outstanding novel.
This book is definitely in the right category for women's fiction
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
True to Sara’s soul-stirring writing she once again delivers with a story that not only pulls you in from the beginning, but leaves you pondering the things that truly matter in life. I appreciated that the messy and undesirable parts of life were part of the storyline, and not everything turned out as planned because it made the coming together of community and friendship that much more beautiful. There were also beautiful threads of redemption throughout the story, which is always the cherry on top for me.
I only had one minor “problem” with the story in that I have trouble visualizing descriptions in general (self-diagnosed aphantasia here), so at times the story lagged a little for me during those descriptive portions. However, that still didn’t detract from the beautiful messages of redemption, community, friendship, faith, and hope. I finished reading it about a week ago and I still find myself pondering the importance of community and being the hands and feet of Christ unto one another.
Lastly, I did find myself wishing Austie had a POV. Her character was beautifully developed and I found myself wanting just a little more of her. So it’s not necessarily a negative mark, but just a nod to how well Sara develops her characters.
Overall, this was another profound story that will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
I only had one minor “problem” with the story in that I have trouble visualizing descriptions in general (self-diagnosed aphantasia here), so at times the story lagged a little for me during those descriptive portions. However, that still didn’t detract from the beautiful messages of redemption, community, friendship, faith, and hope. I finished reading it about a week ago and I still find myself pondering the importance of community and being the hands and feet of Christ unto one another.
Lastly, I did find myself wishing Austie had a POV. Her character was beautifully developed and I found myself wanting just a little more of her. So it’s not necessarily a negative mark, but just a nod to how well Sara develops her characters.
Overall, this was another profound story that will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends by Sara Brunsvold celebrates and shows the significance and importance of intergenerational relationships. Independent, forty-two-year-old Jess Becker moves away from home and begins a new job in Kansas City. She meets and befriends her fourteen-year-old soccer playing neighbor Kyla. Jess agrees to take Kyla to church where she unexpectantly comes in contact with a caring community that includes Reva, a wise mentor figure and Austie, a troubled young woman. Their friendship blossoms into a sisterhood of faith. When Jess receives an unexpected, devastating diagnosis, she tries to cover it up and continue to be a support for others.
I loved reading about the Sunday School classes challenge to read and memorize the one-another’s in the Bible and then more importantly practically apply these Biblical truths in everyday life.
This thought provoking, inspirational novel is the perfect selection for discussion in book groups. Check out https://sarabrunsvold.com/for-book-cl... for a link to book discussion guides for all of Sara’s novels including The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends.
Thank you NetGalley and Revell for an advance reader copy of this novel.
I loved reading about the Sunday School classes challenge to read and memorize the one-another’s in the Bible and then more importantly practically apply these Biblical truths in everyday life.
This thought provoking, inspirational novel is the perfect selection for discussion in book groups. Check out https://sarabrunsvold.com/for-book-cl... for a link to book discussion guides for all of Sara’s novels including The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends.
Thank you NetGalley and Revell for an advance reader copy of this novel.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This review by librarian Christine Barth was first published in the September 2026 issue of Library Journal.
Middle-aged and out of options, Jess Becker finally secures a good job and moves to Kansas City for a fresh start. Recovering from a whole host of bad decisions, she accidentally winds up in a Sunday School class studying Bible verses about how to treat one another. As a new Christian, Jess finds some of Jesus' commands regarding her neighbors to be radical, but as she befriends a young woman named Austie, who is recovering from addiction, and a drifting teenager named Kyla, her own faith grows.
A shocking medical diagnosis and Austie's relapse push Jess to let others into her carefully controlled life. In fact, much of the story, including Jess's tumultuous relationship with her father, remains unresolved, even at the end, mirroring the complexity of real-life relationships.
VERDICT: A powerful message of grace and hospitality to new and mature Christians alike, Brunsvold (The Atlas of Untold Stories) brings Bible application to life through fiction. Readers will recognize both themselves and their neighbors in these deeply flawed characters. Nicole Deese and Amanda Cox also hit a similar balance of realism and hope.
Middle-aged and out of options, Jess Becker finally secures a good job and moves to Kansas City for a fresh start. Recovering from a whole host of bad decisions, she accidentally winds up in a Sunday School class studying Bible verses about how to treat one another. As a new Christian, Jess finds some of Jesus' commands regarding her neighbors to be radical, but as she befriends a young woman named Austie, who is recovering from addiction, and a drifting teenager named Kyla, her own faith grows.
A shocking medical diagnosis and Austie's relapse push Jess to let others into her carefully controlled life. In fact, much of the story, including Jess's tumultuous relationship with her father, remains unresolved, even at the end, mirroring the complexity of real-life relationships.
VERDICT: A powerful message of grace and hospitality to new and mature Christians alike, Brunsvold (The Atlas of Untold Stories) brings Bible application to life through fiction. Readers will recognize both themselves and their neighbors in these deeply flawed characters. Nicole Deese and Amanda Cox also hit a similar balance of realism and hope.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Small, everyday acts created the strongest stitches between one life and another."
It's another heart-stirring, thought-provoking women's fiction by Sara Brunsvold. Her writing is so engaging and captivating. Narrated entirely in Jess' first person voice, the story transported me to 2022 Kansas as Jess navigated a new life in a new city with nothing but a new job and a new home. I loved her spunk and grit, her love for her dad, and her desire to do the hard things to keep her promises. Kyla, Austie, and Reva all represented different stages of life and maturity and I really enjoyed this sisterhood coming together despite the age and life experience differences. The regrets each character carried ran deep and their vulnerability in letting the others see their true, unfiltered selves was eye-opening. This book showed me in tangible and practical terms what it means to carry one another's burdens the way Jesus taught. Real forgiveness - the accepting and giving of it - was at the heart of this sisterhood and I loved how church life and Bible lessons translated into daily living for these four women.
I highly recommend this book that will make you rethink and reassess what Christian sisterhood means and looks like. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via Interview and Reviews and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
It's another heart-stirring, thought-provoking women's fiction by Sara Brunsvold. Her writing is so engaging and captivating. Narrated entirely in Jess' first person voice, the story transported me to 2022 Kansas as Jess navigated a new life in a new city with nothing but a new job and a new home. I loved her spunk and grit, her love for her dad, and her desire to do the hard things to keep her promises. Kyla, Austie, and Reva all represented different stages of life and maturity and I really enjoyed this sisterhood coming together despite the age and life experience differences. The regrets each character carried ran deep and their vulnerability in letting the others see their true, unfiltered selves was eye-opening. This book showed me in tangible and practical terms what it means to carry one another's burdens the way Jesus taught. Real forgiveness - the accepting and giving of it - was at the heart of this sisterhood and I loved how church life and Bible lessons translated into daily living for these four women.
I highly recommend this book that will make you rethink and reassess what Christian sisterhood means and looks like. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via Interview and Reviews and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5
This story felt like a warm blanket after an evening out in the cold.
A 42 year old fiercly independent woman is ready to start over. After some questionable choices, living back in her father's home and working at a dead end job, she finds her own place in a new town. She also has a new relationship with religion and wants to keep it going in her new place. She is ready, albeit a little nervous.
Her sparsely furnished or decorated home becomes not only a haven for her, but a gathering place for a random collection of women. A young woman, a troubled young adult, a closed off emotionally woman, a mentor, and a previously carefully avoided woman. Their differences are many, their experiences distinct, their hearts are in need. You learn about them, their why, their how, and cheer as they come together through circumstances that are not positive. Even when you may now want to need others, you can be ready to receive help as well as give it.
It is a strong Christian story full of kindness, suffering, reaching out, closing off, and trying hard to improve your life.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher for my opinion.
This story felt like a warm blanket after an evening out in the cold.
A 42 year old fiercly independent woman is ready to start over. After some questionable choices, living back in her father's home and working at a dead end job, she finds her own place in a new town. She also has a new relationship with religion and wants to keep it going in her new place. She is ready, albeit a little nervous.
Her sparsely furnished or decorated home becomes not only a haven for her, but a gathering place for a random collection of women. A young woman, a troubled young adult, a closed off emotionally woman, a mentor, and a previously carefully avoided woman. Their differences are many, their experiences distinct, their hearts are in need. You learn about them, their why, their how, and cheer as they come together through circumstances that are not positive. Even when you may now want to need others, you can be ready to receive help as well as give it.
It is a strong Christian story full of kindness, suffering, reaching out, closing off, and trying hard to improve your life.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher for my opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends by Sara Brunsvold
What is it about?
Forty-two-year-old Jess Becker is starting over in a new city with minimal possessions, but with her new faith. This is a new start, and she is determined to make right choices. A young friend asks for a ride to church, bringing Jess into a caring community. Just as new friends come into Jess’s life, a scary diagnosis comes crashing in. Now Jess must decide whether to accept the much-needed help she has been trying to give.
What did I think?
The writing style is entertaining and downright hilarious. So often in our Christian life we want a village or a group of people to walk alongside us, yet when it’s offered, it can be hard to accept. This book tells a beautiful story of conflict, community, and heartbreak. The last few pages of this book brought tears to my eyes as the beauty of people loving each other in the body of Christ is described so well- never perfectly, but a heart full of love for a friend is a beautiful thing to watch or read. This is an easy five-star! Thanks, Sara, for always writing about the beauty found in this walk with Jesus.
What is it about?
Forty-two-year-old Jess Becker is starting over in a new city with minimal possessions, but with her new faith. This is a new start, and she is determined to make right choices. A young friend asks for a ride to church, bringing Jess into a caring community. Just as new friends come into Jess’s life, a scary diagnosis comes crashing in. Now Jess must decide whether to accept the much-needed help she has been trying to give.
What did I think?
The writing style is entertaining and downright hilarious. So often in our Christian life we want a village or a group of people to walk alongside us, yet when it’s offered, it can be hard to accept. This book tells a beautiful story of conflict, community, and heartbreak. The last few pages of this book brought tears to my eyes as the beauty of people loving each other in the body of Christ is described so well- never perfectly, but a heart full of love for a friend is a beautiful thing to watch or read. This is an easy five-star! Thanks, Sara, for always writing about the beauty found in this walk with Jesus.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story was amazing and nothing that I thought it would be. This is the first story I have read by this author and she didn't disappoint. Four unlikely friends create an unexpected bond.
Jessica becker is a 40 year old women starting over in a new city. Running away from the mess in her small home town she finds freedom. As a new Christian she unexpectedly goes to a new church and finds more then God.
Reva is a church greeter who has past scars that make her who she is in Christ. Austie is a lost girl from a tough background. Kayla is Jessica's new neighbor. All find solace in their church and create an unlikely bond.
I was fascinated by how much I resignate with Jessica's character. This story has unexpected turns and make the bond and friendship so much more special. I couldn't stop reading this to see what happens next. I definitely recommend this book!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*
Jessica becker is a 40 year old women starting over in a new city. Running away from the mess in her small home town she finds freedom. As a new Christian she unexpectedly goes to a new church and finds more then God.
Reva is a church greeter who has past scars that make her who she is in Christ. Austie is a lost girl from a tough background. Kayla is Jessica's new neighbor. All find solace in their church and create an unlikely bond.
I was fascinated by how much I resignate with Jessica's character. This story has unexpected turns and make the bond and friendship so much more special. I couldn't stop reading this to see what happens next. I definitely recommend this book!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*
October 7, 2026
This book touched my heart and made me evaluate how I'm (not) "one anothering." As Christians, we're meant to live in community and bear one another's burdens. After Jess moves to KC, her plans are to attend a big church, sneak in at the last minute, and sit in the back. Who can relate? But God had other plans for Jess; when Kyla, her teenage neighbor, needs a ride to a church that a classmate invited her to, Jess is roped into driving her. Then she's roped into walking her in because Kyla's afraid to go in by herself. As soon as they enter the church, Jess is "strongly" greeted by Reva who talks her into attending the "young" adult Sunday School class. And Jess's life totally changes. I know I will be thinking about this book and "one anothering" for a long time. It's something I will be praying over, praying for courage to find my community. I highly recommend this beautifully written, heartwarming, heartbreaking book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I pick up a book by Sara Brunsvold, I know that I am in for a story that is going to make me think and stick with me long after the final pages... and this one was no exception. Right away, I found myself drawn into Jess's story. My interest only continued to grow as we meet these other intriguing characters who would form their unlikely friendships. This story was so beautifully written. There was so much that I found relatable within this book as someone who both struggles with chronic illness and accepting help. I won't say too much to avoid spoilers, but this truly was a beautiful story highlighting the importance of community, faith and friendship. If you enjoy Christian women's fiction, this is one you'll want to add to your TBR.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book is worthy of ALL the stars!
I promise you, you’ll be thinking about this one for days afterwards. Reva, Jess and Kyla have worked themselves into my thoughts and have taken up residence…and that’s okay!
Sara Brunsvold impressed upon my heart the value of community and the importance of reaching out to others. She prompted me to do a personal bible study of all the ‘one anothers’ in the New Testament and to live out the ‘one anothers’ of Scripture. I’m still thinking about her examination of what it means to be yoked together, to allow someone to see the real me, and to see my ‘brothers and sisters’ as ones sent by God to remind me that He hasn’t forgotten me.
If you enjoy sublime, vivid writing, faith-filled narratives, and huge heapings of Godly encouragement, you NEED this book. In fact, all Christians should consider this required reading.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I promise you, you’ll be thinking about this one for days afterwards. Reva, Jess and Kyla have worked themselves into my thoughts and have taken up residence…and that’s okay!
Sara Brunsvold impressed upon my heart the value of community and the importance of reaching out to others. She prompted me to do a personal bible study of all the ‘one anothers’ in the New Testament and to live out the ‘one anothers’ of Scripture. I’m still thinking about her examination of what it means to be yoked together, to allow someone to see the real me, and to see my ‘brothers and sisters’ as ones sent by God to remind me that He hasn’t forgotten me.
If you enjoy sublime, vivid writing, faith-filled narratives, and huge heapings of Godly encouragement, you NEED this book. In fact, all Christians should consider this required reading.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
My first book by this author but it won't be my last. I devoured this book in one sitting. A true heartfelt read. Friends, love, trust and so much emotion. It was a fantastic read. I highly recommend it.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
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October 8, 2026Another awesome book by this author written in first person narrative. My takeaway to remember yoke of oxen but who thinks they are the stronger.
October 9, 2026
I enjoyed this book about the importance of community. I enjoyed the faith message and the main characters.
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