In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I sit down with Bailey T. Hurley, friendship coach and author of Together Is a Beautiful Place. We explore the beauty and challenge of building and maintaining godly friendships as Christian women. Bailey shares her insights on navigating friendship breakups, healing from past hurts, and how to foster deep, Christ-centered relationships even in the midst of busy seasons like motherhood. Whether you're looking to cultivate new friendships or strengthen existing ones, Bailey offers practical wisdom to help you live out godly friendships in a meaningful way.

Episode Highlights:

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Books Mentioned in this Episode:

-⁠The Company We Keep: In Search of Biblical Friendship⁠ by Jonathan Holmes

-The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming by Sally and Sarah Clarkson

-Girls' Club: Cultivating Lasting Friendship in a Lonely World by Sally, Sarah & Joy Clarkson

*Disclaimer: We Should Get Together by Kat Vellos and Friendfluence by Carlin Flora are not Christian books. While they offer valuable insights on the topic of friendships, there may be ideas or language in these works that do not fully align with the values and beliefs upheld by Lia Ross Reads. As always, we encourage readers to approach these resources with discernment and hold them up to the truth of Scripture.

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In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, Lia Ross sits down with Jonathan Holmes, Founder and Executive Director of Fieldstone Counseling, to discuss how parents can help their children build a Christ-centered identity. Drawing from his experience in biblical counseling and insights from his new book, Grounded in Grace, Jonathan offers practical guidance on navigating the pressures teens face today.

Even if you don’t have children, this episode is still relevant, as Jonathan addresses the extremes of mental health within Christian culture and the importance of a balanced, biblical approach.

Connect with Jonathan: Follow Jonathan on Instagram: @akjonathanholmes

Order your copy of Jonathan’ Holmes’ new book Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ

Amazon

New Growth Press 

*affiliate links

Books Mentioned in this Episode:

-The Company We Keep: In Search of Biblical Friendship by Jonathan Holmes

-Parenting with Hope: Raising Teens for Christ in a Secular Age by Melissa Kruger 

-Holiness by Grace: Delighting in the Joy That Is Our Strength by Bryan Chapell

-Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change, Helping People in Need of Change by Paul David Tripp 

-Confessions by St. Augustine 

-Together Is a Beautiful Place: Finding, Keeping, and Loving Our Friends by Bailey T. Hurley

Looking for virtual biblical counseling?

Check out Fieldstone Counseling: https://fieldstonecounseling.org

Welcome to Bookish Talks with Lia! 🎙️ I'm your host, Lia Ross Reads. This is the very first episode of a podcast that's been in the works for over a year, and I’m thrilled (and a little nervous) to finally be here with you.

In this episode, I’m taking you on a journey through my personal story—how I came to know Christ, how my bookstagram community Lia Ross Reads began, and the heart behind starting this podcast.

Thanks for joining me on this adventure—don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and stay tuned for more! 

Disclaimer: This is our first episode, so thanks for bearing with us as we iron out the sound quality and other details. We appreciate your patience and support as we get started!

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