Monday, February 10, 2025

Book Review and Giveaway: We All Live Here

Lila Kennedy has a lot on her plate. A broken marriage, two wayward daughters, a house that is falling apart, and an elderly stepfather who seems to have quietly moved in. Her career is in freefall and her love life is . . . complicated. So when her real dad—a man she has barely seen since he ran off to Hollywood thirty-five years ago—suddenly appears on her doorstep, it feels like the final straw. But it turns out even the family you thought you could never forgive might have something to teach you: about love, and what it actually means to be family. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

Allyson Bales:

This novel was a longer one of Jojo Moyes's but it kept my attention the entire time and might just be one of my favorites of hers! 

I don’t think anyone does better character development. I found myself so invested in every single character in this story, well except for one and when you read this you’ll know who I’m talking about. I loved that you get primarily Lila’s point of view but also some other chapters sprinkled in from other characters' POV too. This is less plot and more character led but I absolutely loved that. 

Lila has two children and is coping with divorce. She got the family home and before she knows it both her fathers move in for a bit and I just LOVED this whole dynamic. I really enjoy family dramas but this one wasn’t so much a drama as a mix of drama and comedy, so dramedy? There’s school pick up drama, past issues arise, and Lila is also trying to write her next book. All of this really keeps you turning the pages! 

I loved the themes explored, mainly what it’s like finding yourself after you thought your life was going to end up one way and now it’s completely different and also the power and strength in a blended family. This story ended just the way I’d hoped and I can’t wait for you to read it! 

Definitely for fans of realistic and vulnerable leading ladies that have no idea how special they really are. Think Kate Winslet in The Holiday

Melissa Amster:

We All Live Here is charming and heartwarming in every way possible. Lila is a single mother who is trying to get everything right in her life, but constantly hitting walls. The story is told mainly from her perspective, but we also get glimpses into what her teenage daughter Celie is going through. 

While the book is long, it is also engaging the entire time and I thought about it even when I wasn't reading. It had a Maddie Dawson feel for me. I saw some things coming before they happened, but there were also a lot of surprise moments and unexpected situations that kept the story fresh and interesting. I definitely laughed from various parts, as well as some of the dialogue. 

This is a genuine story and I am excited for it to be out in the world so that everyone has a chance to experience it!

Side note: I'm so glad to be reviewing this with Allyson, since we initially met because of Someone Else's Shoes in early 2023, which led to her joining the CLC team!

(Trigger warnings at the bottom of this post.)

Movie casting suggestions:
Jensen: Ed Speleers
Gabriel: Theo James
Penelope: Jenny Agutter

Thanks to Viking for the book in exchange for an honest review. They have one copy for a lucky reader!

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here

Giveaway ends February 16th at midnight EST.

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Listen to this book on Speechify!


TW: Death of mother/grandmother (off page), medical situation, parental abandonment, infidelity, mean girl behavior

11 comments:

traveler said...

Whenever I am with my grandsons they give me great pleasure and enjoyment as well as amusing and entertaining company. Laughing and joking is fun and makes the day special.

Emily Cheang said...

I always try to start my day with a grateful heart and some laughter. Often time I would make fun of myself and share some laughter with others. On last Christmas day, I fell and scraped my nose and a little of my cheek because I fell face down on the ground even though I tried to brace the fall. As a result, there is a small scar that looks a bit red on the tip of my nose. Hence, my nose looks kinda like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", and hence, Merry Christmas to me all year round :))!

diannekc said...

I got together with a group of friends this weekend and we had a good time and there were lots of laughs.

Lisa D said...

My doctor told me that my blood glucose levels were good so I jokingly told him that I was going to celebrate with some sweet treats. We both laughed a lot, then he warned me not to do that and told me that I should continue being sensible!

Carla S. said...

Reminiscing with a high school friend about the old days gave us a lot of laughs.

Kate said...

My dog makes me laugh all day long. He's a bit nutty but it's the best part about him!

Deborah Wellenstein said...

My husband always makes me laugh. He's such a joy!

Mary C said...

Listening to my niece's jokes

Mary Preston said...

My son's birthday party was fun.

Nancy P said...

Pierre Poilievre 'punching down' in a video of him eating an apple while challenging a reporter. Astonishingly gutsy.

Elle said...

I don't even remember what we got talking about, but my sister made me laugh so hard the other night I had tears rolling down my cheeks!