Riverbend Friends Books #5-#8 (paperback), RBFBk5-8

Riverbend Friends is an authentic, Christian book series for teen girls about the surprises and struggles that come with finding where you belong. For Ages 12-16

Life in the Middle is the fifth book in a series that travels alongside four friends as they deal with teen life in Riverbend, Indiana. The novel inspires girls and young women to deepen their relationships with God as they face real-life issues and solve their problems in God-honoring ways.

Tessa feels as if every part of her life is falling to pieces. She finds out that her mom and dad are officially getting divorced. Then, Alex, her boyfriend, starts working at a camp where she barely gets to see him. Now Tessa’s dad wants her to watch her half-brother every week, and he also has some news that makes her feel sick. On top of that, her mom is wanting to move out of the house she has lived in since the time she was born.

No one seems to understand what Tessa is going through, what she is thinking and feeling, and she’s not sure anyone will ever understand. With everything changing, no one seems to care what she thinks. Will there ever be a group of people she can trust to be there for her and love her unconditionally? (978-1-64607-088-6)

Heart of Belonging is the sixth book in a series that travels alongside four friends as they deal with teen life in Riverbend, Indiana. The novel inspires young women to deepen their relationships with God as they face real-life issues and solve their problems in God-honoring ways.

Shay desperately wants to feel loved and wanted—to be part of a real family. She thought that finally meeting her real father, a famous horse trainer, might change her life for the better. And it did. Sort of. She’s more inspired to work with horses now, for sure, but a “normal” family—like her friends talk about—doesn’t seem like it’s in her future. Living with her aunt and working with horses every day doesn’t seem to give her the love and acceptance that she longs for.

So Shay finds looks herself looking for acceptance elsewhere—on the internet, looking at stuff she doesn’t think she can ever tell anyone about. She’s ashamed of where this takes her, and she suspects her friends, especially Izzy, would reject her if they found out.

Can Shay begin to recognize the blessings she already has—that God’s true love, the acceptance of her friends, and the kindness of her aunt might just be enough? (978-1-64607-089-3)

Running on Empty is the seventh book in a series that travels alongside four friends as they deal with teen life in Riverbend, Indiana. The novel inspires young women to deepen their relationships with God as they face real-life issues and solve their problems in God-honoring ways. 

Who is the real Isabella Valadez? Izzy has been spending the summer trying to find that out. She’s tried all sorts of hobbies, games, and sports—even golf. She still loves art and showing off her baking creations, but is there something unexpected there?

Speaking of something unexpected, she’s been growing closer to her cute neighbor, Cody. Could that friendship morph into something more? Maybe, but she’s starting to question everything. School is starting up again, and it’s time to choose where she’ll invest her energy, and who she’ll be doing it with. It seems everyone that she’s close to has something dark lurking beneath the surface. Daniel, Shay, and now Cody?

When everyone has a smartphone, access to inappropriate or hurtful content can affect mental health and damage relationships. Gossip and misinformation spreads quickly in the age of technology, can anyone be trusted?(978-1-64607-090-9)

In My Own Way is the eighth book in a series that travels alongside four friends as they deal with teen life in Riverbend, Indiana. This novel inspires young women to deepen their relationships with God as they face real-life issues and solve their problems in God-honoring ways. Age: 

“There is a certain expectation for how characters look, don’t you agree? Why do casting directors start with headshots?”

Amelia Bryan has heard it before. Of course. Doesn’t the pretty girl always win?

But there may yet be some surprises in store for Amelia. The summer is behind her . . . just a bad dream she’s trying hard to forget. She has the kindness of her friends, the guidance of God. And then there is that sweet note from the nice boy she met at theater camp.

Chin up, Amelia. You can do this. Your way.

Today’s girls can relate to Amelia’s struggles with appearance and identity. Amelia frequently compares herself to others at school and in her community and feels like she doesn’t quite measure up to the perfect standard that is expected of her. The Riverbend Friends series addresses these topics from a healthy Christian perspective and helps parents have important conversations about tough topics with their teens.(978-1-64607-091-6)