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Making adult friends is hard — but it doesn’t have to be lonely.

In this Galentine’s Day special, I’m joined by my friend Jules from Friday Night Readers to talk about how we met as adults, how to build meaningful female friendships, and the six books that celebrate the complicated, beautiful, soul-shaping power of friendship.

We share how sliding into DMs, podcast interviews, book communities, and even fitness classes can turn into real-life connection. If you’re craving community, feeling isolated, or just want book recommendations centered on female friendships (from literary fiction to cozy mysteries), this episode is for you.

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | | Audio ✅

Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett — Buy on Amazon | Memoir | Audio ✅

Love & Saffron by Kim Fay — Buy on Amazon | Historical Fiction | Audio ✅

Too Blessed to Stress by Alli Hoff Kosik — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Fiction | Audio ✅

Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet by Emma Mills — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Mystery | Audio ✅

Murder by Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom Courage — Buy on Amazon | Cozy Mystery | Audio Audible Exclusive

[00:00] Why Galentine’s Day matters

[02:00] How Laura and Jules became friends as adults

[06:00] Loneliness vs. being alone

[08:30] My Brilliant Friend & complex literary friendships

[15:30] Truth and Beauty & unconditional friendship

[19:00] Millennial mystery nostalgia (2008 tabloid era!)

[23:00] Love & Saffron & long-distance friendships

[26:00] Golden Girls cozy mystery vibes

[30:00] Real-life ideas to build adult friendships

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