Heart Sisters: Be the Friend You Want to Have

by Natalie Chambers Snapp

Heart Sisters is for women who want to both be and have better friends and want a helpful guide to take them through the process. Author Natalie Chambers Snapp uses her own and others' stories of successes and failures to illustrate what she has learned about girlfriend relationships. Healthy boundaries, honesty, tact, sharing, and agape love all play a part in being and maintaining a circle of close confidants. She also deals with the inevitable challenges that face many relationships including how to handle conflict; life changes like a new baby, move or divorce; and when it is right to "break-up" with your friend. Discussion questions, space to journal, photos, and quick interviews of healthy female friendships are included within each chapter.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Friendship, Relationships, Self Help, Christianity, Faith

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2014

About the author

Natalie Chambers Snapp is first and foremost a follower of Jesus, then wife to Jason, and mom to one spunky daughter and two spirited sons with a crazy amount of energy. Choosing to follow Jesus at 27, Natalie is passionate about sharing the grace, mercy, and truth of God’s love. She lives in the Midwest with her crew and tries to keep it simple by writing about the faith found in the everyday mundane. The outpourings of her heart can be found at www.nataliesnapp.com in the fleeting moments between being a wife and mother. She is also a contributing writer for The Mothers of Boys Society, the Whatever Girls Ministry and Group Publishing.

Reviews

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read a review where someone had reviewed a book that I loved, yet for some reason I had focused more on the negative, most likely in an attempt to make sure no one believed I agreed with certain things. This reviewer focused on the positive things, and simply said, "Take the meat, and leave the bones." I like that, and I'll say the same for this book. I'm not picking on publishers, but Abingdon Press IS one of the least conservative Christian publishers there are. No. I didn't agree with everything in here, but there's some awesome advice, so I'm still going to recommend it.

My "word" for this year is "socialize". My idea of socializing probably isn't the same as yours, but even so I haven't done as well with this challenge as I would have liked so far. I have severe social anxiety, plus I'm shy AND introverted. That's a pretty painful mix to deal with. I'm not going to be running up to anyone with a hug and shouts of joy anytime soon(a wave and a smile is much more realistic), but I'd like to get myself "out there" a bit more often. From that word, though, I've added several "relationship" books to my reading list, and this was one of them. I'm not so great at the friendship thing, but it seems like a given that learning how to a better friend and learning what to do in situations will help with the socializing thing. ;)

Snapp covers friendship from many different angles. What we should do and what we shouldn't each get their own chapters. She covers friendship within the digital world, in the office world, and even briefly touches on friendships with men. Before Jonathan and I started dating, I just felt more comfortable with male friendships, and had several of them. After we dated, and especially married, I started being super careful with the male world(which was my choice, not something I was forced or even asked to do). I no longer have male friends, and even in the cyber world, I try to keep high guards in place. It's too easy for things to happen, and I believe putting up those guards are important. I appreciated her including men in the book! She also talks about teaching daughters to be good friends, forgiveness, comparison, pride, and much more. She tackles a great deal in here, and again, there's some awesome advice. I can easily recommend it to Christian ladies, no matter where you are in the friendship journey!

Just to leave you with a quote, I liked this section. I let Satan into my mind too often!

On Satan's tactic of meddling in our thoughts:

"Yet when I say good night to my family and lie down in my bed, I can pass the point of no return if I allow Satan entry into my thoughts as I'm reviewing the day. Suddenly my family's tough day becomes about me failing as a mother. I'm not doing the best job with raising them, so they're arguing, telling lies, and misbehaving. I beat myself up over imperfect parenting moments and soon become convinced they might be better off being raised by a pack of wolves than a poor excuse of a mother like me.

Do you see how he operates? He doesn't even have to work very hard at this either. He gets the ball rolling then sits back and grins as we disappear into a downward spiral of lies. We make it so easy for Satan to convince us of the truth in the lies, but we make it hard to identify when he's at work. Since he is the great deceiver, it's often much later in the game when we recognize what's going on. " (page 78)


*I was provided a review copy, in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Teri Lynne Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

With honesty and grace, Natalie invites us all to invest in the hearts and lives of the women around us. Natalie doesn’t pretend this will be easy but she does promise God will honor our desire to love others. Digging into all those things that can keep us isolated, Natalie uses the truth of God’s Word to encourage us to let go of the pride and insecurity and unforgiveness that can build walls between us.

If I could give this book to every woman I know, I would. The world tells us women can’t be good friends, pushes us away from authenticity, and uses words like “mean girls” and “frenemies” to create a lack of trust. But women can be true friends. We can love one other well and work through the conflicts and become examples of the ministry of reconciliation and of walking alongside each other.

So who should read this book?

the woman who longs for a friend she can trust with her heart
the woman who wonders if investing in friendships is worth the effort
the woman who desires to be a true friend to those in her life

Heart Sisters is answer you’ve been seeking! Rich in encouragement, steeped in the Word of God, and full of wisdom and grace, Heart Sisters will open your heart to the beauty of having true heart sisters!

[Jami Bennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read this book. It is so moving, so convicting, so encouraging–all at the same time! How is that?! It’s easy–friendship is all of those things at different times, if we’re honest. And honesty is what this book is all about.

Natalie, the author, gets down to the nitty gritty when it comes to the honest truth about the good and bad of friendships. She very strongly suggests that in order to maintain a good friendship, that we ladies need to “get right with God.”

http://www.jamiswords.com/heart-siste...

[Nicki Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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*My Thoughts*

I wasn't sure.

It seems like I think that a LOT whenever I decide to take the plunge into the deep end (non-fiction) side of the reviewing pool. Thankfully, Natalie was on hand with a life preserver if needed with that pretty, inviting cover but the extra security was unneeded. I loved Heart Sisters!! Why?

If you know me, you know one thing. If it tells you anything, my aunt calls me "Miss Social Butterfly". She says I'm always flitting around chatting to one person or the next, never afraid to talk to the new girl on the sidelines. Which is probably true. Except for one thing: I'm human. I'm social NOW because 3 years ago I was the new girl on the sidelines. Unfortunately, that doesn't make me "the perfect conversationalist" nor does it make me the best friend a person could have. But I have learned along the way. Lately I'd been struggling with "friend confidence" or lack there of. I wasn't sure of myself, if I was "normal" or a "good friend". I prayed about it. Two hours later, I received the email for this tour.

Natalie's writing is superb, don't get me wrong, but it's not just that. It's a God thing. I don't know her personally, but I don't see her rolling out of bed saying: "I'm going to write a book about being a Godly friend". I'm pretty sure He put the thought on her heart. In fact I almost know it. Why? You can see it through her writing. Sure, her cover is great. The "Heart" of the book, excuse the pun, is Natalie's heart throughout the book.
Fabulous discussion questions, photos, journal space, interviews, all great. The real awesomeness comes in Natalie sharing her thoughts, Biblical truths, and valuable information every girl wants to know. Is this book going to solve every social problem you have? NO. That's not what God wants and it's not what Natalie wants. It will help you and guide you, however, and that's the true beauty in this book.

Jump into the deep end. You just might decide to learn how to use the diving board.

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*My overall thoughts*

Heart Sisters by Natalie Chambers Sapp is an awesome book of thoughts about being a Godly friend. Natalie's heart is seen in every page as well as discussion guides, journal pages, photos, and interviews to complete the read. Every woman needs a copy of this book.

__________________________________________________
*My Rating*

I give Heart Sisters by Natalie Chambers Snapp...



5 stars!!

http://bookreviewsforchristians.blogs...

*I received this book from Litfuse and the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you have one of those friends who will always stand by you - who you just know will be a friend all your life because you have gone through the ups and downs together? Someone who will challenge you, tell you the truth in love, and be the first one to offer help when you need it? Natalie Chambers Snapp calls this kinds of friends “heart sisters” in her book by the same name. I think most people are lucky to have one or two of those kinds of friends in their lifetime, but you can greatly increase your chance of having a “heart sister” if you learn how to be one first. Snapp’s book is perfect for just that. Heart Sisters isn’t so much about making friends as it is about recognizing the really good ones when you have them, and learning to be one yourself. Snap covers all the characteristics of a “heart sister”, things heart sisters do and don’t do. She talks about walking through conflict with heart sisters. She talks about forgiveness, and she talks about how to train our daughters to be good friends as well. Snapp’s heart for changing the culture of female friendships to be a culture of encouragement was very clear throughout this book, and I appreciated so much of her advice! I especially appreciated everything she had to say about conflict and forgiveness, which were major themes throughout the book. I think she focused on these so much because in order to be a good heart sister, you need to know how to deal with difficult or hurtful situations when they arise - and if you handle them poorly you can lose any chance you had at forming that close friendship that might have been possible. I appreciated a lot of her advice on conflict resolution between friends, because though I’ve had to walk through it like so many women, I am not sure I have ever really read a book or article about it, and Snapp offers sound biblical wisdom on these subjects, and several others. If you are looking for advice on how to form friendships, Heart Sisters is probably not quite the book you are looking for - but if you would like to deepen the friendships that you already have, this is the perfect book to read! Note: I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for a review. This is my honest opinion.

[Create With Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever experienced conflict in the midst of a friendship that you value - if you want to improve the quality of your female relationships - if you want to learn how to be a better friend to others - than Heart Sisters by Natalie Chambers Snapp is a book that you simply must read!

Heart Sisters is a newly released book from Abingdon Press that I wish was written long ago as the wisdom that Natalie imparts in this book could have saved a lot of heartache - and perhaps a friendship or two!

In Heart Sisters - a biblically based book - Natalie shares her own stories as well as the stories of others to illustrate what works and what doesn't in relationships with women. She tackles all of the topics you would hope to read about - the value of girlfriends, how to get right with God and others, how to be honest and tactful in our relationships, how to handle conflict, and how to forgive when the need arises.

She also tackles a few timely topics that might surprise you, such as friendship etiquette in a digital world - how to raise daughters who will be good friends - and how to be a "heart sister" in the workplace or when we are involved in ministry.

Heart Sisters is perfect to read alone and then to share with a friend or study group - there are questions at the end of each chapter that would lead to insightful discussions.

Heart Sisters is a heartfelt book that illustrates why we need girlfriends in our life and shows us that the foundation for a lasting friendship begins with us.

I highly recommend this book to you.

To read this review in its entirety, visit Create With Joy.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching, truth-filled, non-fiction release!

Oh my goodness. This book has blessed me tremendously. So much that, I'll be purchasing a copy or two to share with my friends! Natalie is honest- oops, I'm sorry, candid ;-)- and explains friendships in a caring way. The whole reading experience leaves you feel like you're sitting at a coffee shop, talking with her.

Are there points you want to duck your head in shame? Yeah... We've all made mistakes in our relationships with other people. But as Natalie says, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Rom. 8:1 Emphasis, mine.) Furthermore, Natalie walks you through a poor "Heart Sister" relationship and then an ideal "Heart Sister" relationship. She handles so many topics, from forgiveness to training your daughter to be a great friend to others. She does this so well and she really helped me out.

So, ladies, what are you doing still reading my review?? GO BUY Heart Sisters right now and then make it a priority to read it. Take your time because there's a lot of truth to sink in. Read it all the way to the end and then (if you don't want to read it a second time) find someone to lend/give your copy to. This is the kind of book that needs passed on. I am so thankful I signed up for this one!

I received an ebook copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for a review of my honest opinions, which I have done. Thanks!!

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is also posted on Book by Book.

Natalie Chambers Snapp’s Heart Sisters: Be the Friend You Want to Have excellently addresses issues so often seen in female relationships and offers solutions in a straightforward and helpful manner. Though she makes no attempts to make the process of develop solid, heartfelt relationships seem quick and easy, Natalie writes with insight and encouragement that shows the process to be wholly worthwhile and approachable. In a society where cattiness and pettiness are the accepted norm among females, Heart Sisters challenges its readers to a much-needed evaluation of themselves and relationships. The information she supplies in this book is beneficial and important for women of all ages, and I would certainly recommend Heart Sisters to women looking to strengthen and improve the way they relate with other women.

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of Heart Sisters and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Ginny Hannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. Every woman needs this. I read it thinking I was going to get a few tips on how to be a better friend. What I found was more than tips. It was a book that challenged me in ways I never expected. I have always struggled with friendships, especially when they get deep. Yet, I yearn for friendships that go to that deeper, heart level. Natalie shares incredible ways for us to do just that. I love that she goes beyond just the "little tips" and digs in to the more difficult topics for relationships like how our relationship with God can affect our relationships, how to handle conflict in relationships, and the importance of humility. I really feel confident that I have the major tools I need to go to the next level with my current friends and with new friends that come along. Thank you, Natalie, for writing this book and sharing the wisdom that God has given you!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Snapp has done an excellent job of giving women information to make authentic friendships. Women are relational and we seek friends. Expecting one's husband to fulfill all the relational needs, Snapp says, is setting him up for failure. She looks at pitfalls, conflict, forgiveness, attributes of a good friend, what one does and does not do, etc. She also makes it clear that one has to be right with God first before one can be right in human relationships. There are discussion questions so this would be good for a trusted small group.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1IgwbDg.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Litfuse for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[JoJo Sutis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making friends comes really easy for some people and not so easy for others. In Natalie’s new book, she shares everything you need to know about making, keeping and being an awesome friend. She shares from her own heart and experiences, digs into the Word of God for fabulous examples of what to and not to do. I especially loved the profiles of Biblical women! What sort of friend are you? What sort of friends do you make?
Also really helpful were the “Do’s and Dont’s” of friendships. Two chapters dedicated to helping you recognize and be the kind of friend that sticks.
I recommend this book to anyone who desires to be and have lasting friends.

[Laura Hix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now for my honest review of this book since I was given a copy of this book in exchange!Natalie Chambers SnappHeart Sisters: Be the Friend You Want to Have
I am in love with this book having many acquaintances and very few friends, this book has been a real eye opener to me.
there are many reasons why I choose not to have very close friends, however being hurt, of course is the main reason. I mean really hurt. Can we say skeered??? I am terrified of having a close female friend,
The pain I have suffered is monumental, so much that I have had to seek peace. Has it worked? Oh no, not at all. I’m a very jealous, scared, sad human being. Have I asked for forgiveness for what I contributed? Of course, have I given my forgiveness? I honestly thought I had.
Heart Sisters has made me realize that I have no more given my forgiveness than the man in the moon. I am a wimp. A God-Fearing, non forgiving wimp.
So I have been in prayer about these things and I know that my role is to seek out and forgive. However, at the place in my heart now, I can’t. Some of the women, I have not forgiven, some I have just not asked, and some, I just didn’t think I needed too.
So I ask from my readers, to please pray for me. Pray that I God can give me the courage to truly forgive in my heart. I mean truly forgive in my heart. Then I need to go to these people. Please ask God for that also.
I have been completely and utter stunned about my response to this because I was truly sure that I was over this and had done the right thing.
There are so many things that this book has given me the tools to be able to forgive. I pray that it’s sun because I know that God will be happy with me when it’s done.
Obviously you can tell that I liked the book. Well, other than the stepping on the toes, and the slapping in the face, and the 2×4 up to the head :) Thank you Natalie!
The book has great resources, including discussion questions, pictures, interviews, room to journal and so much more.
This little book is packed with so many resources.
First, I cannot thank God enough for giving me the friends I have,
Second, I can’t thank Natalie enough for writing this book
Third, I cannot thank my friends that I have enough for putting up with me, warts and all. Thanks for being there through everything and giving me the support that you do.
God is good and I promise you that this book will give you the resources you need, if you have a relationship that needs mended, or even if you don’t.
Once we humble ourselves to the Lord, humbling ourselves to others becomes a bit easier. humility is the key that unlocks hearts”. – Natalie Chambers Snapp
this book is amazing and I strongly suggest you either go buy it, enter this contest, or ask me to borrow it!! I will send it to anyone on their kindle!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have some wonderful friends, not only are they friends but they are the sisters I never have and I’m happy to call them friends and blessed to call them Sisters. I love my friends but sometimes I feel as if I’m the one who is failing as a friend – I drop the ball on calling them back, or texting them back, or even getting together with them. Enter the book, Heart Sisters by Natalie Chambers Snapp, I think we can all relate – and we go through seasons – the friends that we had in high school may not be our friends once we get married and begin a family, or maybe they are, we want to have friends – meaningful relationships because, if you’re married, you can attest to the fact your husband cannot be a girlfriend. Natalie touches on this in the first chapter about do we really need girlfriends, and I can relate, there were times I’d rely on my husband to be my girlfriend AND husband – one of those was a role he could and was not able to fill, rightly so.

While some of this book spoke to me, some of the issues discussed were are currently discussing in my Sunday School as well so it was nice to relate it to all of life, some of what is in this book is good not only for friends but also for interacting with others. I’m so grateful that Natalie addresses the issue with men and women being close friends – especially if those men and women are married – this leads to dangerous ground, if not a physical affair then an emotional one. I think the one thing that should have been added is that heart sisters can correct their friends children, briefly mentioned is that heart sisters will love their friends children simply because they are their friend’s, however one thing that as my heart sisters and I agree on is that if one of our children is doing wrong and we aren’t there to deal with it then we can correct that child. That is what heart sisters do, we aren’t there just for each other but we also support the training that they are giving their children, and the friends are okay with it.

This is definitely a good book to read that will inspire you not only to be a great friend or at least a better friend but also to make sure that those you’re surrounding yourself with are worth the time and effort of building a lasting friendship with. Filled with Scripture to back up her writing, this is especially great for the Christian woman who wants more than what the world says is friendship. With places to write your thoughts as well as discussion questions – it can be used during quiet time or in a group setting with other women who want to learn about being a heart sister. I also enjoyed hearing Natalie’s personal journey of her mistakes and her successes of being a friend and also the lessons learned from those who she thought were friends and turned out to not be.

**I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.

[Rachel Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Be The Friend You Want To Have" on the cover of the book really caught my eye.

I have a hard time making friends and also making the time to do things with girlfriends. I work outside the home; so in the evenings and weekends I like to spend time with my 2 boys playing, doing chores, and staying at home. I also have my blogging and church responsibilities to do, and because my husband works nights, our only times together are Saturday and Sunday. Which obviously doesn't leave me much time to go out with girls at work or church. I also struggle with a little mommy guilt with doing things during the week for myself since I'm not around my boys during the day. But with all that being said, I completely agree with the author that it's important to seek out good women friendships and I need to do a better job with making the time.

She points out in chapter 1 that "when we expect our husbands, or any man for that matter, to fulfill all our relational needs, we are placing an enormous amount of pressure upon his shoulders. If we keep expecting him to fulfill the role of girlfriend, husband and in some cases, God, we are setting that man up for failure. It's just not realistic nor is it fair to expect him to be able to meet every one of those needs." I personally have got to work on this more in my marriage. I expect my husband to want to listen to my day, frustrations, feelings, all the time; and then I'm sorely disappointed every time he's not listening or doesn't remember what I've said.

I love that at the end of each chapter, Natalie has included thought provoking questions that you can discuss out loud or use for journaling.

I especially liked the forgiveness chapter (chapter 5) and Blurred Lines/Boundaries chapter (Chapter 6). I felt like those chapter really helped me the most. Because I'm a health and fitness blogger and advocate; I completely agree with "Take care of ourselves" on page 93. It's talking about eating the right foods, exercising and spend time with those who encourage and love you for who you are.

She even has a chapter about friendship etiquette in a digital world. She shares, "Before you speak, T.H.I.N.K. Is is TRUE? If it HELPFUL? Is it INSPIRING? Is it NECESSARY? Is it KIND? These same criteria should be met when posting to social media." She then lists the pros and cons of using technology to connect with others and gives some good advice for setting technology rules.

I found this book very thought provoking and well written. She uses personal examples and bible scriptures through out the book which I really liked.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Sisters: Be the Friend You Want to Have

About the Book:

Heart Sisters is for women who want to both be and have better friends and want a helpful guide to take them through the process. Author Natalie Chambers Snapp uses her own and others' stories of successes and failures to illustrate what she has learned about girlfriend relationships. Healthy boundaries, honesty, tact, sharing, and agape love all play a part in being and maintaining a circle of close confidants. She also deals with the inevitable challenges that face many relationships including how to handle conflict; life changes like a new baby, move or divorce; and when it is right to "break-up" with your friend. Discussion questions, space to journal, photos, and quick interviews of healthy female friendships are included within each chapter.



My Review:

Friendship when you are a child are very touch and go yet very simple, but after you become an adult they can really get complicated. The author shows you how to have healthy relationships with others in the way of friendship and how God should come first even in our friendships. As an adult I have found that it is extremely difficult to make friends. As an adult I have found that I want a real true friendship that will last years and I have yet to find a friend like that.


I myself rely on my husband because he is my very best friend. He accepts me the way I am and so I have chosen not to pursue friendships. For those of you that value you friendships such as that, this book is a real go to guide that help you navigate the waters in God honored friendships. In the book there is lots of space to journal your thoughts, discussion questions as well if you would like to make this a group study.


The author takes something that is scary to some of us and shows us how to do it God's way!


**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a definite must read for women and women ministry leaders (in my opinion!). There is so much great information in this book on friendship between women and the things we can do to really make our friendships more meaningful and less stressful.

I really loved how Natalie is so open with her heart and so candid in sharing her stories. She gets to the heart of so many things and gives us so much direction is being a good friend, finding a good friend, and more.

It was so helpful to me when she shared the diagram of Jesus' friendships. The inner, outer and middle friends. This clarified the different friendships we each can have in our life. She even goes into our real-life friendships and our online friendships. It's amazing how the internet has given us the ability to have friends around the world that speak the same heart language we do. I love that she goes into this kind of friendship.

Some of the other things she shares with us are boundaries, taking care of ourselves, and what to do if we have a conflict with a friend. Everything is from a Biblical point of view, which I really like.

This book would be so good for women ministry leaders. As I well know, we can go into the women's ministry thinking all is going to be smooth and perfect, but we are all human and have human frailties. This can be a shock when conflict arises in the ministry. She shares how to handle things in ministry and I really liked this. This would also be a great book for church or small group studies.

This book is one of the best I've read on friendship. I learned so much and was so blessed by this entire book. You really will be blessed by this book, too. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group

[Mazzou B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heart Sisters, a new book by Natalie Chambers Snapp, gives advice to women on how to develop encouraging and beneficial friendships with other women.
Natalie writes with clarity and understanding because, after all...she is a woman! Although not a psychologist, Natalie has insight from her past which she draws on as she shares valuable lessons for other women.

I expected much of this book since I have for years struggled with understanding friendships. However this book did not fulfill my personal needs; I do believe a psychologist would be able to address the questions which have arisen in my mind better than just another woman who has gone through life just as I have. I really enjoy Gary Chapman's books, as well as Jennifer Chapman's insight. Of course I agree with any reader who will tell me that is not a valid reason for disliking Heart Sisters since the author herself confesses that she is not the top leader in such topics. I was entirely open to learning from her book but came away with less than I expected to glean from the chapters.
That said, I am sure that this book will still help most readers. I just have had more opportunities to discuss relationships and such with family and friends and we've kind of gotten the information presented in the book on our own. Of course the BIBLE helps. ;)

As a last note, I also looked up the author and found that I personally don't agree with certain opinions and stances she takes on current issues.

[Christine Zibas · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are plenty of books about male-female relationships. The topic of female friendships, however, is less well covered, and so important. That's why having a new book on the topic was exciting. However, those looking for advice and examples on how to improve their friendships with other women probably need to look elsewhere. Most of this book is consumed with advice on connecting to God, rather than friends.

It's not until more than half way through the book that first-time Author Natalie Chambers Snapp finally gets to the topic she is supposed to be writing about. Then, she spends more time doling out advice about what "not" to do, rather than what can help improve friendships. She's more about boundaries and devoting oneself to family than illustrating how to integrate women's lives and friendships successfully.

She provides too few examples of women and their successes and failures in friendship than she does, say, quoting Bible verses or providing information on how the individual is supposed to correctly connect with God. As this is primarily a book about making friends and continuing those relationships successfully, she has shortchanged her readers.

Chambers Snapp has a nice, conversational writing style, but it isn't put to full use here.

[Crystal Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Heart Sisters" is a book that every woman needs to read. As women we are wired for relationships, but there are times when we seem to lose that need as we dive into being wives and mothers.

In this book Natalie reminds us that having good, solid relationships with other women are needed and that it's okay to schedule that time with a heart friend. Natalie also offers helpful tips to know when a friendship isn't healthy, and ways that you could take steps to heal it, or to walk away. This really is a great book!

Each chapter has some discussion questions for you to think about, and there are also spaces to write your thoughts. I also wanted to add that I very rarely EVER give a book 5 stars...even if I really love it, because I feel like if I give every book a 5 star my readers won't think my reviews are true to life and authentic


*Disclaimer*
I received this book free from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our friendships mold and shape us. They are often our lifeline when we are at the end of our rope. But they can also wound us deeply and scare us the most. We can become the friend that we want to have, so that we can get the friends we want. The book focuses on being the best kind of friend you can be with God's help so that when those wonderful friendships start, you are a wonderful friend.

Each chapter begins with a quote about friendship. The chapters touch on subjects that surround friendships. The author really gets into the heart of the matter by talking about forgiveness, unselfishness, and conflict resolution. Each chapter ends with discussion questions. This would be a great book for a women's small group or personal study. The author wrote clearly and authentically. The book was informative without being dry. I enjoyed reading it and felt like I gained a lot of insight into my relationships and friendships.

I received this book free of charge from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts:

I felt that Heart Sisters had a unique perspective to offer. We often forget about our girlfriends and how those relationships can change and fall apart. There are ways to save them and keep them strong much like in a marriage. Natalie Chambers Snapp shares some great ideas and techniques for keeping those friendships going strong.

Personally, I don't have many close female friends. But the ones that I do have are very strong and have been for years. Some women are not meant to be friends forever but rather for a season to help one or the other through a rough spot. Others are there for us through the long haul. They support us through bad breakups, marriage, children, and so much more.

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thought and opinions are my own.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natalie Snapp’s exploration of what it means to be not just a friend, but a heart sister, is a breath of fresh air for the culture of women today. In a culture that normalizes comparison, gossip, backbiting, and belittling, Heart Sisters offers an alternative view of how female friendships can be the blessing and the lifeline that God designed them to be. While the topic of how to find and make such friends is touched on, the main emphasis is on how to BE such a friend and take your current friendships to a richer, more God-honoring level. God has used this book to encourage and challenge me in my friendships!

[Sharon Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an only child I can relate to Natalie Snapp's longing for a sister-friend, but also like Natalie I am blessed to have many sisters of the heart that I can depend on in good times and bad.

Natalie's book, Heart Sisters, is inspirational and educational at the same time. She includes Scriptures that support her topic perfectly, and personal stories of friendship that give credibility to the book as well. This is a fast read and would be a perfect book for book clubs to explore, and Natalie supplies great study questions at the end of each segment that give the reader the chance to delve more deeply.

I highly recommend this book.

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natalie knows the pain of burned friendships. She also knows the joy of risking and discovering deep friendships. There is nothing like the richness that comes into life when you are known and loved anyway. This book is a great way to develop that in your life or intentionally study to add it in. Each chapter has discussion questions to make it easy to study on your own or in a group.

This book reads like a quick chat over coffee or iced tea with a friend who's learned a few things along the journey of this life.

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've ever struggled with friendships, surface level or deep, this is a must read. Snapp has written a thought provoking book on how to be a healthy friend, what healthy relationships look like and what they do not look like. This would be a great read in a small group or women's ministry.

[Lanissa]

Great friendship advice

I enjoyed this book. I happen to have lost several friends over the years,and have been hesitant to try making new ones for fear of being hurt again,etc. Heart Sisters was full of great advice for "getting back out there".

[Janka H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

About the relationship any woman needs - the friendship with other woman. Or women.

This is a nice, simple book penned by warm-hearted authoress. And as all the nice and warm things, there are pros and cons for me.
Pros: the authoress is very humble and encouraging woman. I also love that she promotes to have more "best friends" than just one - to have more of persons close to your heart is very enriching and it enables you to be more selfless ("less of me, more of them"). There are some opinions and stances I agree wholeheartedly (namely boundaries and the importance of the self-care).
But I have realized that I need the book going deeper to be suitable for my needs, I lack the "professional" stance of an expert (psychologist or coach maybe) - the book is based on the personal experience of the authoress and her friends, so it lacks certain variety and general approach.
The book also reads as an etiquette book of polite manners sometimes.

Read this as one of the sources of your journey to be a better friend/person.

[Lila S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book because my small group at church was going through it. It took me forever to finish it, but I’m so glad I did. To be honest…the title, the photo on the cover, and the unknown author made me the value of this book. The DVD study we went through didn’t coincide with the chapters of the book, but the videos and chapters were such great conversations starters for us to get vulnerable with each other and share what was ok our hearts. I finished this book way late so I mostly read the last few chapters on my own. This book is really good. I thought I was a good girlfriend, but this book challenged me to become closer to God, love my family and friends better, and just overall become a better version of myself. Now that I’m finished I can picture the few friends of my mine that I can honestly place into my “heart sister” category and I’m so grateful! Hopefully, I can learn to become better heart sisters to them too! Highly recommend if you want to challenge yourself especially in your friendships.

[Surrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was firmly decent. I thought that certain parts of the book had solid information, but going into it I really thought that it would focus more on practical information and how to be a good friend yourself rather than the different kinds of friends you could find yourself with. I wouldn’t say I found any groundbreaking new ideas within this book, but it was a quick and light read.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think every woman could benefit from reading this book. We have all been hurt by another female. This book helps cope, helps guide, helps see hope, helps encourage a better tomorrow. Not so women can rule the world, but so women can support, encourage and love one another toward success.