This is a book that can speak directly to your soul. This book addresses the topic of loneliness when it comes to friendships. Talk about a book that comes in time that you need to hear for yourself. The part of you locked away so no one can see the pain of the loneliness you feel. Seeing those friends that are getting together that you weren’t invited to. Feeling like no one likes you for you. It is all in here in this book. Raw and real.

The only thing I have against this. And that is more of a personal problem and will not affect the rating of this book. It seems like the people you find and make friends, are women who have kids. Now this may be my general perception, but I feel there is a friendship gap between women with or without kids. Not saying that you can’t make friends with women who have kids, but I tend to see a trend of that, and it is discouraging. Even in the book you see the author start to make friends but it is in the stage of life where she has kids and they find a commonality over that. I don’t want to have kids because I want friendship but it is sad that is what I see and struggle with it.

Even though that is my perception, I do feel that this book has so much information that can be applied to many different stages of life. Amy and Jess give you tips on how to let your guard down and be vulnerable, learn to stop being a people pleaser and love yourself, show how to be the one to find the women that are lonely, and learn to deal and forgive issues that arise out of conflict in friendship. With the canceled culture that we live in, it is something that I as a person could learn.

Also, the book touches on a topic that can be a hard one too. Learning to let go of the friendships that are no more. To stop grieving over the loss of a friendship that slowly fell away or was toxic. That it is not you, but part of the ever changing part of life.

There is so much packed in this book that I really cannot write a whole review on this book. This book is only 224 pages but it carries enough wisdom as a 800 page book. I encourage anyone who has this deep heart of loneliness to pick up and just meditate on it. Reread the parts that stick out to you the most and apply it. Just don’t read it, apply it and see if any of it changes in your situation. But also be encouraged if the changes don't happen right away.

If anything, even through my own struggle, I want to understand that women I come across also have problems just like me. They have flaws like me. They feel loneliness like me. They are beautiful inside and out like me. That is a mindset I can work on and take with me. Learn to love myself and love the women that come across my path.

This book is a great reminder of how true friendships require vulnerability. Not always an easy task but it is worth the effort put in.

This book is getting a ton of mentions online, and they are absolutely worth the hype.

I thought that I'll Be There (But Ill Be Wearing Sweatpants) is exactly the book that a lot of moms need in their life. It was real, it was honest, and it was 100% on point. I couldn't put it down.

Oftentimes, I find self-help books to be watered-down and overly explained. However, this book was written beautifully, and I would highly recommend it for its content and its overall writing quality.

When I read the description, I was like “WOW that seems like a book I should read, as I do love my sweatpants and friends that accept me in sweatpants!” When I started reading it, I said “Ugh this is not what I thought, I don’t need this.” When I was in the middle of the book I was like “OMG, this is a book that every woman should read!” However, the last several chapters were repetitive and dry.

For my friends on Goodreads, you may think I have it all together, but I do not! I NEED CLOSE FRIENDS TOO! And for those same friends that feel the same way, read this book. Everyone needs close friends and in this world today, we do NOT spend the time to create those friendships. The middle of this book sends that message home! The concept that hit me the hardest and made me say “YES, that just happened last week” is the people that post on social media that they got together without you! It has happened so often and made me think, why do they not like me? Maybe because I am over the top. Maybe I am too much. The point the book makes, stop beating yourself up, you are fine just as you are, and you should cultivate those friendships that appreciate you for you!

You can get that message by skimming the middle chapters, the final chapters did not add anything in my opinion. Do not expect the best writing style, as the authors are bloggers and bloggers are encouraged to use a different level of writing than authors, so just keep that in mind while you are reading.

I was lucky to receive an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and opinion. I'm a huge fan of the authors and follow them on social media. I was very excited to read this and it did not disappoint. I found this to be a very easy read, very relatable, and funny! The authors are real and at times you find yourself in their stories - it's that real!

The book for all girls young and old! Amy and Jess have a way of getting you to think about past and future friendships and what you hope to be as a friend. Truly felt like I was sitting with them both while reading. Have told every girlfriend about this book and will be buying for gifts. The perfect quick read that will leave a lasting impression on all friendships. Highly recommend!

What a wonderfully refreshing book about women and friendships. The authors reveal real stories about friendship, sisterhood and everyday life that most women will relate to.

I was really looking forward to reading this book based on the title and the synopsis. However, the first several chapters almost did me in. There was way too much information on the negative aspects of why we do not have a lot of close friendships. For me, I felt sorry for the authors because my experience is right the opposite. However, I imagine there are many women out there who will find the information shared to be very useful. There are enough 4 and 5 star reviews that I would encourage you to read the book and make your own judgment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

A useful book about welcoming friendships and the type of friendship you want. There is a religious theme throughout, but it wasn't out of place with the friendship focus, and theme of welcoming, but just a warning for readers that may not like this. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is beautiful! I love Amy Weatherly, if you need a book about friendships and finding yourself. Read this!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC!!

Like two besties giving you the pep talk you needed to hear. Encouraging, hopeful and relatable this is a comforting nudge towards going after the friendships you crave. I saw my own struggles laid out and it helped to hear them from an outsider. Love the reminders of what it takes to be a good friend and to stop trying to break into a closed circle. It’s time I made my own circle.

Thank you to NetGalley and Nelson Books for providing me a copy of I'LL BE THERE (BUT I'LL BE WEARING SWEATPANTS) to review.

This book, about friendship, was relatable and made me both happy and sad.

Navigating years of friendships while also finding new friendships are both hard. The authors did a good job giving us various scenarios and how we need to have direct, but not harsh, communication.

I didn't mind the religious aspect at all. I did have a bit of a time how on the one hand, the authors explained they've had times of loneliness and struggles. But this is where they would lose me - they would then explain how they'd text or call their girlfriends and boom, everybody was helping each other out, taking care of each other.

So, they weren't really lonely. If the book is about overcoming loneliness and having a hard time making friends, it was difficult to not think "but this is the problem, I don't have friends I can just pick up the phone and they will drop whatever they are doing and bring coffee or pizza to help me through my problems."

Then I examined my own friendships and realized I've failed in those areas where they've actually exceeded.

Yet, they also tackled hard subjects like apologizing when you need to, being more available for your friends (or less available if you are overwhelmed).

Overall, I liked the message of the book. I also liked the questions they posed about your own friendships.

I rate I'LL BE THERE (BUT I'LL BE WEARING SWEATPANTS) three out of five stars.

Generally, a book that swaps chapters between two authors doesn't flow well or balance out. Weatherly and Johnston managed to make it work, each letting their unique voice and writing style shine through but making sure the book fits together as a whole. This isn't one where you're taking notes or underlining anything... there are no major take-aways or lightbulb moments... but it is an encouraging "we get it, and it's worth it" read for women around the topic of friendship.

Too many unnecessary words and too many (unexpected) references to religion so, sadly, this book was not for me.

I got this because I am in a position as an adult, where I do want more friends and this fit that bill based on the description.

Considering that the description didn’t mention that this was a Christian book, I was a little confused but tried it regardless.

I found the writing style didn’t work well for me, reminding me strongly of Rachel Hollis. I also found the religious aspect a little too pervasive for my taste. Neither of those suit this reader. This was listed under “Parenting & Families” on NetGalley, for the record.

eARC kindly provided by Nelson Books and NetGalley. Opinions shared are my own.

Disclosure: I received an advanced copy of the book through #NetGalley. I am a member of the book launch team.

Navigating friendships that are real & authentic can be hard. Amy Weatherly & Jess Johnston take a down to earth approach, on what it truly means to be a friend.

This book is very conversational & immediately draws the reader in. I found myself laughing & crying, as I read. It was so easy to relate to their stories of triumphs & struggles, of trying to find their place & "tribe" of friends. This is definitely a must read for every woman or young woman, who is flawed & imperfect, but perfectly who she is. This book empowers every woman to realize that they are not alone, in their journey to find real & meaningful friendships. Through life's up & downs, Amy & Jess weave the reader into the pages - it's easy to relate to their truthfulness and raw emotions.

If you are looking for a good read, look no further! This book brings on a NEW sisterhood movement! So, bring your sweatpants & get a good cup of coffee, before settling in to read this engaging book! I'm sure you'll love it & find some of yourself resonating in the pages!
#ILLBeThereButIllBeWearingSweatpants
#NetGalley

If you have ever lost a friend, been hurt by a friend, wanted to be a better friend, wondered where your people are, or if there's something wrong with you- read this book! 💖 These ladies love the Lord, lead a FB page called "Sister, I am with you", and are hilariously real! This book will make you laugh, cry, and gives tangible advice to grow us in love towards others as we reconcile and maybe accept the brokenness in the world around us 💖

I've already bought more copies for my teenage nieces and friends!

Brutally honest and so surprisingly true and extremely relatable. If you have ever long to be invited only to just find yourself wishing that you hadn't been, then this is your book. If you have ever had that lingering thought in the back of your mind that you might not be enough then this is the book for you. If you are struggling with meaningful connections and questioning how "everyone else out there" has so many friends, but you don't really even feel like you have one friend, then "I'll Be There" is just for you. From the beginning to the middle to the end I shed so many tears, because I felt every single word that Jess and Amy shared. Most pages I could have written them myself. It was like they were reading my mind. Lots of tears and lots of laughs, but more than anything Jess and Amy and this book were real. My favorite quote of the entire book was "I probably shouldn't take it so personally when someone doesn't like me... I mean, I can't be everyone's chik-fil-a sauce, and neither can you." I highly recommend this book to everyone and plan to purchase several copies as gifts.

Just the book I needed to read right now.

I must admit that I struggle with adult friendships, big time. It's so much simpler when the kids are small and you can get to know other adults through their activities and school. That's not to say that finding friends is easy at any stage of adult life, but I'm finding the empty nesting stage to be
an incredibly challenging time.

This new book from bloggers Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston addresses the issue of adult friendships, insecurity, being left out, when it's time to part ways with a friend, among many other things. The tone and writing is conversational and very real, letting the reader know that they are not alone in the struggle to connect with others. There is a great deal of practical advice that had me in tears because I recognized the longing for close friendships in my life. The book challenged me to keep putting myself out there, regardless of my insecurity and feeling like it will never happen for me.

This is a valuable book for women looking to forge adult friendships

This book was such a great read! I haven’t read anything like it but when it comes to friendship they talk about it all. The good and the bad. It was so relatable and I found myself thinking back to friendships I had in the past, present and hopefully future. Amy and Jess not only capture the ins and outs of friendship well but they also show who they are and make it all relatable. I’ve got this book preordered and plan on getting more for my friends and family!