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We All Live Here
The #1 New York Times bestselling author, whose books so many love, brings us a fresh, contemporary story of a woman and her unruly blended family
“Nobody writes women the way Jojo Moyes does.” —Jodi Picoult
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.
“Nobody writes women the way Jojo Moyes does.” —Jodi Picoult
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.
450 pages, Hardcover
First published February 11, 2025
8678 people are currently reading
179867 people want to read
About the author
Jojo Moyes
119 books66.8k followersJojo Moyes is a British novelist.
Moyes studied at Royal Holloway, University of London. She won a bursary financed by The Independent newspaper to study journalism at City University and subsequently worked for The Independent for 10 years. In 2001 she became a full time novelist.
Moyes' novel Foreign Fruit won the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) Romantic Novel of the Year in 2004.
She is married to journalist Charles Arthur and has three children.
Moyes studied at Royal Holloway, University of London. She won a bursary financed by The Independent newspaper to study journalism at City University and subsequently worked for The Independent for 10 years. In 2001 she became a full time novelist.
Moyes' novel Foreign Fruit won the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) Romantic Novel of the Year in 2004.
She is married to journalist Charles Arthur and has three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,978 reviews
February 10, 2025
This is Jojo Moyes at her best. It had great character development, where you started to fall in love with all the interesting family members. It’s a story of how we all make mistakes, but with time we learn and grow. I wanted to move in with them as well, get to know them and bask in the warmth of their love.
February 18, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up.
In general, this book hovers around a 3 star most of the time. However, I thought the last 25% of the story really elevated the book out of that 3-star range. Moyes really knows how to write a character driven story!
Lila is a writer and single mom to two girls. Her mom recently passed away, her stepfather is living with them, and then her wayward father shows up. In the chaos that is her life, Lila needs to come up with a new book idea and her friends are encouraging her to get back into the dating world.
I admit that much of my problem with this book had to do with not liking Lila for a great deal of it. I could see the writing on the wall about a few things, especially her love life. The part of this book that really shines, though, is the realistic portrayal of the family situations--the good, the bad, and the ugly. It shows how real life doesn't always have a straightforward path, there are mistakes, forgiveness, missteps and refocusing. People are never all good or all bad, it is the choices we make when dealing with heartaches and disappointment in life that make us learn and grow.
If you're looking for a heartfelt family drama with some romantic spice thrown in, Moyes is always a great choice.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
In general, this book hovers around a 3 star most of the time. However, I thought the last 25% of the story really elevated the book out of that 3-star range. Moyes really knows how to write a character driven story!
Lila is a writer and single mom to two girls. Her mom recently passed away, her stepfather is living with them, and then her wayward father shows up. In the chaos that is her life, Lila needs to come up with a new book idea and her friends are encouraging her to get back into the dating world.
I admit that much of my problem with this book had to do with not liking Lila for a great deal of it. I could see the writing on the wall about a few things, especially her love life. The part of this book that really shines, though, is the realistic portrayal of the family situations--the good, the bad, and the ugly. It shows how real life doesn't always have a straightforward path, there are mistakes, forgiveness, missteps and refocusing. People are never all good or all bad, it is the choices we make when dealing with heartaches and disappointment in life that make us learn and grow.
If you're looking for a heartfelt family drama with some romantic spice thrown in, Moyes is always a great choice.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
February 20, 2025
2.5 stars, rounded down - MEH!! I thought this would be an "easy, breezy" read - like book candy. Sadly, this story just didn’t connect with me - just way too slow & terribly wordy, and also way too predictable as well. I skimmed & skipped most of the middle third and it didn’t even seem to matter when I slogged through the last 10 percent. I didn’t even like the doggo 🐶 - ALL the characters were just so annoying & unlikeable. Guess I will be removing this author from my “auto” list now, that’s at least two duds in a row for me, sigh… it's been a long time since "Me before You".
May 16, 2025
“It’s not a traditional family, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a family.”
What a beautiful book 😭. This was absolutely wonderful! Truly a gem! There’s just something about these kinds of stories. They’re technically simple in the way they’re written, just about the everyday lives of ordinary people, yet they somehow manage to grab hold of you and leave you in awe of the whole experience.
With stories like this, you already know love and forgiveness are going to be major themes. I found myself feeling real compassion for almost everyone in it, even when I wanted to smack them upside the head! I read this knowing that someone out there would see themselves in these characters. And I loved the humor sprinkled in. It actually had me laughing out loud a few times.
I also really appreciated that we got both the daughter’s and the mom’s POVs. It was so nice getting to see the story unfold from different angles. It made everything feel that much more raw and human. It kept me engaged the whole way through and never bored.
So glad I picked this one up!
What a beautiful book 😭. This was absolutely wonderful! Truly a gem! There’s just something about these kinds of stories. They’re technically simple in the way they’re written, just about the everyday lives of ordinary people, yet they somehow manage to grab hold of you and leave you in awe of the whole experience.
With stories like this, you already know love and forgiveness are going to be major themes. I found myself feeling real compassion for almost everyone in it, even when I wanted to smack them upside the head! I read this knowing that someone out there would see themselves in these characters. And I loved the humor sprinkled in. It actually had me laughing out loud a few times.
I also really appreciated that we got both the daughter’s and the mom’s POVs. It was so nice getting to see the story unfold from different angles. It made everything feel that much more raw and human. It kept me engaged the whole way through and never bored.
So glad I picked this one up!
March 21, 2025
3.5 - 3.75 Stars
This was my second Jojo Moyes books, and much like my first read by her, I really enjoyed her writing. She is very talented and writes great characters. The pages fly. But again, like the other book I’ve read by her (and rated similarly) this just didn’t hit enough to be a true 4/5 star.
I still really enjoyed it though.
I loved Bill, Gene, and Jensen. And the play scene was specifically memorable. I also liked Celie’s character arc. I think I wanted more from Lila’s. Not that her’s wasn’t decent. Something just felt missing for me.
Favorite quote: “Because it’s only hurt people who hurt people.”
This was my second Jojo Moyes books, and much like my first read by her, I really enjoyed her writing. She is very talented and writes great characters. The pages fly. But again, like the other book I’ve read by her (and rated similarly) this just didn’t hit enough to be a true 4/5 star.
I still really enjoyed it though.
I loved Bill, Gene, and Jensen. And the play scene was specifically memorable. I also liked Celie’s character arc. I think I wanted more from Lila’s. Not that her’s wasn’t decent. Something just felt missing for me.
Favorite quote: “Because it’s only hurt people who hurt people.”
May 2, 2025
I honestly loved this book—not just for its wildly dysfunctional family dynamics, but also for the humorously heartwarming, surprisingly tender moments that gently tugged at my heartstrings! 💛 Sure, there’s plenty of drama, resentment, grief, heartbreak, and sadness swirling through the story. But just like real life, there are also laugh-out-loud moments tucked inside the chaos—unexpected flashes of humor that make you savor the delicious complexity of great storytelling.
Every single character here is messy, flawed, and carrying their own burdens. Nobody wears the perfect hero’s cape—and that’s exactly what makes them so wonderfully real. (And let’s be honest, the most infuriating side character crown easily goes to Philippa Graham!) Yet, somehow, you find yourself empathizing even with the most imperfect ones—even the cheating husband and his new, much-younger partner.
For me, though, Gene absolutely stole the show. The so-called "bad dad" who ditched his family for a shot at acting glory somehow carries a rogue’s irresistible charm that makes it impossible to stay mad at him for long. I adored the way he clumsily—yet endearingly—tried to patch up the past, especially through his hilarious and unexpectedly touching interactions with his granddaughters. 🥹✨
The heart of the story revolves around Lila Kennedy, who has far too much on her plate: her long-time husband leaves her for a woman half his age, fathering a baby with her, and then has the audacity to demand cutting her alimony—right when Lila is grieving the sudden loss of her mother, Francesca. And if that weren’t enough? Francesca’s posthumously published book—ironically about maintaining a good marriage—hits the bestseller lists, branding Lila’s family as the ultimate hypocrites.
Meanwhile, Lila’s teenage daughter Celie is battling her own high school nightmares, from being bullied by former friends to skipping classes for weed-smoking park sessions. Little Violet struggles quietly to adjust to the family's crumbling normal. And Lila’s stepfather, Bill, who was supposed to stay "temporarily," is slowly—but surely—moving himself (and every quirky possession, including a nude portrait of Francesca) into their home.
As if things weren’t chaotic enough, Bill hires a charming landscaper named Jensen, whose warm presence in their garden—and maybe in Lila’s heart—stirs up feelings she didn’t expect. 🌸 And just when she’s clinging to any shred of sanity, Lila’s estranged father Gene reappears out of nowhere, igniting a hilarious turf war between the two aging men. Caught between grief, deadlines (her agent is begging her to write a racy "widow's awakening" novel), and maybe—just maybe—the possibility of new romance with a handsome widowed architect at school, Lila faces the ultimate question: Can she rediscover joy when life feels like one endless pile of disasters?
Let me tell you: there is SO much drama packed in this book! I found myself yelling at Lila at times, frustrated by her choices—but somehow, my heart never stopped rooting for her. 💖 Among all the chaos, there’s so much beauty in the unexpected ways life brings happiness back to you, and those heart-melting moments truly made my heart sing. 🎶
This was hands-down one of the most enjoyable reading experiences I’ve had lately! As a longtime fan of the author, I can wholeheartedly recommend diving into this gem of a story—you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll want to hug these chaotic characters tight. Don’t miss it!
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Every single character here is messy, flawed, and carrying their own burdens. Nobody wears the perfect hero’s cape—and that’s exactly what makes them so wonderfully real. (And let’s be honest, the most infuriating side character crown easily goes to Philippa Graham!) Yet, somehow, you find yourself empathizing even with the most imperfect ones—even the cheating husband and his new, much-younger partner.
For me, though, Gene absolutely stole the show. The so-called "bad dad" who ditched his family for a shot at acting glory somehow carries a rogue’s irresistible charm that makes it impossible to stay mad at him for long. I adored the way he clumsily—yet endearingly—tried to patch up the past, especially through his hilarious and unexpectedly touching interactions with his granddaughters. 🥹✨
The heart of the story revolves around Lila Kennedy, who has far too much on her plate: her long-time husband leaves her for a woman half his age, fathering a baby with her, and then has the audacity to demand cutting her alimony—right when Lila is grieving the sudden loss of her mother, Francesca. And if that weren’t enough? Francesca’s posthumously published book—ironically about maintaining a good marriage—hits the bestseller lists, branding Lila’s family as the ultimate hypocrites.
Meanwhile, Lila’s teenage daughter Celie is battling her own high school nightmares, from being bullied by former friends to skipping classes for weed-smoking park sessions. Little Violet struggles quietly to adjust to the family's crumbling normal. And Lila’s stepfather, Bill, who was supposed to stay "temporarily," is slowly—but surely—moving himself (and every quirky possession, including a nude portrait of Francesca) into their home.
As if things weren’t chaotic enough, Bill hires a charming landscaper named Jensen, whose warm presence in their garden—and maybe in Lila’s heart—stirs up feelings she didn’t expect. 🌸 And just when she’s clinging to any shred of sanity, Lila’s estranged father Gene reappears out of nowhere, igniting a hilarious turf war between the two aging men. Caught between grief, deadlines (her agent is begging her to write a racy "widow's awakening" novel), and maybe—just maybe—the possibility of new romance with a handsome widowed architect at school, Lila faces the ultimate question: Can she rediscover joy when life feels like one endless pile of disasters?
Let me tell you: there is SO much drama packed in this book! I found myself yelling at Lila at times, frustrated by her choices—but somehow, my heart never stopped rooting for her. 💖 Among all the chaos, there’s so much beauty in the unexpected ways life brings happiness back to you, and those heart-melting moments truly made my heart sing. 🎶
This was hands-down one of the most enjoyable reading experiences I’ve had lately! As a longtime fan of the author, I can wholeheartedly recommend diving into this gem of a story—you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll want to hug these chaotic characters tight. Don’t miss it!
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February 2, 2025
Positively lovely, without a huge plot, but I enjoyed it! Family dramas are fun.
September 22, 2024
Best character development in a long time!
So many great characters! Loved how my feelings shifted throughout the book for characters.
Jensen constantly made me smile ...
"Have you been on many non-dates?" he (Jensen) says. "Because you may want to work on your opening."
Lila has two daughters, one in high school and one in elementary. Two very different fathers (well ... one is a step father). And her husband (that she was just bragging about in her last book) just left her for one of the "school mums". There is a lot of "blended family" going on in this book. And I just loved it. 464 pages and I really wouldn't have wanted it to be any shorter. Guessing that this may be my favorite non-historical fiction novel of 2025 (as the release date is Feb 11, 2025).
Just perfect!
Many many thanks to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for approving my request to read the advance read copy of We All Live Here in exchange for an honest review. I will be highly recommending this book (a lot!).
So many great characters! Loved how my feelings shifted throughout the book for characters.
Jensen constantly made me smile ...
"Have you been on many non-dates?" he (Jensen) says. "Because you may want to work on your opening."
Lila has two daughters, one in high school and one in elementary. Two very different fathers (well ... one is a step father). And her husband (that she was just bragging about in her last book) just left her for one of the "school mums". There is a lot of "blended family" going on in this book. And I just loved it. 464 pages and I really wouldn't have wanted it to be any shorter. Guessing that this may be my favorite non-historical fiction novel of 2025 (as the release date is Feb 11, 2025).
Just perfect!
Many many thanks to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for approving my request to read the advance read copy of We All Live Here in exchange for an honest review. I will be highly recommending this book (a lot!).
April 5, 2025
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin - Viking, and Jojo Moyes for an ARC of this book!**
Lila Kennedy hasn't had much of a spring in her step lately...and the wear and tear on her bruised and battered heart is starting to show. After all, her husband left her for a younger woman, the moms at her daughters' school make her feel alone, AND she feels said daughters slipping away from her too. Even her plumbing problems at home are getting out of control, and to make matters worse, her stepfather has sidled his way into her home as a roommate without really asking...and his quirky habits are just the icing on this Disaster Cake. Lila is at her wits' end, feeling adrift in this new life she didn't ask to live, but at least her PAST is in the past, right?
This is, of course, where she is absolutely WRONG. Her biological dad cut and run on the family many years ago to pursue a career in Hollywood, and although it has taken her a lot of time and tears, Lila figures he is out of her life for good. When he shows up on her doorstep, however, Lila knows this is uncharted territory...should she really give her father a chance? And in the meantime, Lila's career demands that she write about happy marriages and what makes them last...but how can she do THAT with any level of sincerity in the wake of her painful and unexpected divorce? And when she decides to pursue a couple of new romantic connections...and to 'borrow' from her real life experiences JUST a little bit...will her impulsive behavior come back to bite her? Or could her willingness to open her heart to family and even a potential new partner be the tonic she needs to soothe her weary soul?
Okay, I'll admit it: I'm one of those readers who found Moyes through Me Before You and subsequently decided, based on THAT book alone, that she would be an auto-read author for me for all eternity. (Well, at least until she stopped writing I suppose!) There's certainly a strong chance that the title that cemented her as a leader in the world of contemporary, character-driven romantic fiction will continue to stand the test of time, drawing in new readers both from the written words and the stunning film adaptation of the same name that captured our hearts (and if you're like me, made you cry like none other!)
But despite this past crowning achievement and Moyes' overall consistent ability over the years to write easily accessible characters, relatable situations, and realistic dialogue, this book sort of reminded me of a double pan balance scale, where my feelings kept dipping up and down as metaphorical coins were added, alternating between the pans of 'enjoyment' and 'boredom'...and after some reflection, I think I've figured out why.
For starters, Lila was a very frustrating character for me to get behind fully. As sorry as I felt for her at times, her lack of agency was more than a bit disheartening, especially for a woman of her age. She has two practically grown daughters, and yet still seems beholden to their whims rather than asserting herself as the head of household now that her husband has sort of 'moved on' with a new family. Lila spend a lot of the narrative feeling like more of a pushover than I would have liked and this is part of what holds her back as a character in general. When her romantic options began to pop up, this frustration only multiplied - the red flags were EVERYWHERE, and Moyes made them pretty obvious to the reader from the jump (not to mention what the better options were) and YET we had to watch her stumble over and over again. When the opening chapters put so much emphasis on how a broken toilet or stalled plumbing seemed to be the breaking point for Lila...I KNEW that wasn't a good sign: just open up YouTube and OWN it, girl!
The dynamics between Lila and her biological father were interesting, and yet, I felt like even this complicated relationship was forced to take a backseat for much of the book, just because there was SO many other plot threads going on. I also think this is a book that would have benefited from only having ONE narrator: Lila. We are treated to a few random chapters from Celie (one of Lila's daughters) throughout, but with no real rhyme, reason, or rationale behind it...and unfortunately, this extra bit of time and perspective wasn't really ENOUGH to make me incredibly invested in Celie's plot either: it felt more like filler, and filler with no discernible 'stakes' for her character either. I think Lila's journey alone was PLENTY to keep us busy and we either needed to hear a LOT more from Celie...or nothing at all. Even having Lila's father or one of her beaus as a narrator would have been more interesting, because at least we are more invested in the outcome of these relationships and there was more possibility more at stake there, rather than the unconditional love between this mom and daughter.
But as usual, Moyes managed to tip those double balance scales to the side of enjoyment with a truly beautiful denouement, complete with an act of selfless love reminiscent of Me Before You (minus the tragic and tearful bits!) All of the plot threads converged at this point, making even the book's somewhat excessive 400+ pages seem worth it...and it was THIS careful and meticulous plotting that bumped up my rating and solidified this read as a concrete addition to the Moyes' oeuvre. It was only then that I felt a pang thinking about these characters and how I'd miss them, and how this book has only intensified my need to go on a convertible ride with the top down, middle of summer, with the PERFECT song vibrating through the steering wheel...( and after you read this one, I PROMISE you'll feel the same! ) 🚗
And though I know this book's title technically refers to the home that Lila & Co share, I think it also points to a deeper truth: because we all live HERE, on one Earth...no matter where we go, we are ALWAYS in some way, already home. 🌍 🏠
4 stars, rounded up from 3.5
Lila Kennedy hasn't had much of a spring in her step lately...and the wear and tear on her bruised and battered heart is starting to show. After all, her husband left her for a younger woman, the moms at her daughters' school make her feel alone, AND she feels said daughters slipping away from her too. Even her plumbing problems at home are getting out of control, and to make matters worse, her stepfather has sidled his way into her home as a roommate without really asking...and his quirky habits are just the icing on this Disaster Cake. Lila is at her wits' end, feeling adrift in this new life she didn't ask to live, but at least her PAST is in the past, right?
This is, of course, where she is absolutely WRONG. Her biological dad cut and run on the family many years ago to pursue a career in Hollywood, and although it has taken her a lot of time and tears, Lila figures he is out of her life for good. When he shows up on her doorstep, however, Lila knows this is uncharted territory...should she really give her father a chance? And in the meantime, Lila's career demands that she write about happy marriages and what makes them last...but how can she do THAT with any level of sincerity in the wake of her painful and unexpected divorce? And when she decides to pursue a couple of new romantic connections...and to 'borrow' from her real life experiences JUST a little bit...will her impulsive behavior come back to bite her? Or could her willingness to open her heart to family and even a potential new partner be the tonic she needs to soothe her weary soul?
Okay, I'll admit it: I'm one of those readers who found Moyes through Me Before You and subsequently decided, based on THAT book alone, that she would be an auto-read author for me for all eternity. (Well, at least until she stopped writing I suppose!) There's certainly a strong chance that the title that cemented her as a leader in the world of contemporary, character-driven romantic fiction will continue to stand the test of time, drawing in new readers both from the written words and the stunning film adaptation of the same name that captured our hearts (and if you're like me, made you cry like none other!)
But despite this past crowning achievement and Moyes' overall consistent ability over the years to write easily accessible characters, relatable situations, and realistic dialogue, this book sort of reminded me of a double pan balance scale, where my feelings kept dipping up and down as metaphorical coins were added, alternating between the pans of 'enjoyment' and 'boredom'...and after some reflection, I think I've figured out why.
For starters, Lila was a very frustrating character for me to get behind fully. As sorry as I felt for her at times, her lack of agency was more than a bit disheartening, especially for a woman of her age. She has two practically grown daughters, and yet still seems beholden to their whims rather than asserting herself as the head of household now that her husband has sort of 'moved on' with a new family. Lila spend a lot of the narrative feeling like more of a pushover than I would have liked and this is part of what holds her back as a character in general. When her romantic options began to pop up, this frustration only multiplied - the red flags were EVERYWHERE, and Moyes made them pretty obvious to the reader from the jump (not to mention what the better options were) and YET we had to watch her stumble over and over again. When the opening chapters put so much emphasis on how a broken toilet or stalled plumbing seemed to be the breaking point for Lila...I KNEW that wasn't a good sign: just open up YouTube and OWN it, girl!
The dynamics between Lila and her biological father were interesting, and yet, I felt like even this complicated relationship was forced to take a backseat for much of the book, just because there was SO many other plot threads going on. I also think this is a book that would have benefited from only having ONE narrator: Lila. We are treated to a few random chapters from Celie (one of Lila's daughters) throughout, but with no real rhyme, reason, or rationale behind it...and unfortunately, this extra bit of time and perspective wasn't really ENOUGH to make me incredibly invested in Celie's plot either: it felt more like filler, and filler with no discernible 'stakes' for her character either. I think Lila's journey alone was PLENTY to keep us busy and we either needed to hear a LOT more from Celie...or nothing at all. Even having Lila's father or one of her beaus as a narrator would have been more interesting, because at least we are more invested in the outcome of these relationships and there was more possibility more at stake there, rather than the unconditional love between this mom and daughter.
But as usual, Moyes managed to tip those double balance scales to the side of enjoyment with a truly beautiful denouement, complete with an act of selfless love reminiscent of Me Before You (minus the tragic and tearful bits!) All of the plot threads converged at this point, making even the book's somewhat excessive 400+ pages seem worth it...and it was THIS careful and meticulous plotting that bumped up my rating and solidified this read as a concrete addition to the Moyes' oeuvre. It was only then that I felt a pang thinking about these characters and how I'd miss them, and how this book has only intensified my need to go on a convertible ride with the top down, middle of summer, with the PERFECT song vibrating through the steering wheel...( and after you read this one, I PROMISE you'll feel the same! ) 🚗
And though I know this book's title technically refers to the home that Lila & Co share, I think it also points to a deeper truth: because we all live HERE, on one Earth...no matter where we go, we are ALWAYS in some way, already home. 🌍 🏠
4 stars, rounded up from 3.5
March 28, 2025
i liked this, but didn’t love. prob could round up to 3.5!
i think if i didn’t listen to this on audio i wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much. the narrator was British and fun to follow—she made parts very funny and the novel needed some comedic relief.
i am such a fan of her writing, but struggled to connect with any characters on an emotional level. i’m likely not the target demo for this—it follows a divorced mom going through it. heavy on the family drama and dynamics which i enjoyed. but far too long and semi boring… and one big piece of it is a bit predictable.
i also still don’t really understand part of the resolution between her two fathers… why did the one lie? to spare the others feelings so he could move on? seems unresolved for me and thrown in there for random conflict just cuz.
overall had strong themes on forgiveness and the importance of family 🩵
good enough to stick with it but overall will be a bit memorable. i miss her emo romance!!!!!
i think if i didn’t listen to this on audio i wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much. the narrator was British and fun to follow—she made parts very funny and the novel needed some comedic relief.
i am such a fan of her writing, but struggled to connect with any characters on an emotional level. i’m likely not the target demo for this—it follows a divorced mom going through it. heavy on the family drama and dynamics which i enjoyed. but far too long and semi boring… and one big piece of it is a bit predictable.
i also still don’t really understand part of the resolution between her two fathers… why did the one lie? to spare the others feelings so he could move on? seems unresolved for me and thrown in there for random conflict just cuz.
overall had strong themes on forgiveness and the importance of family 🩵
good enough to stick with it but overall will be a bit memorable. i miss her emo romance!!!!!
April 8, 2025
3,5 Comparând-o cu alte cărți ale autoarei, aceasta este departe de ce poate Jojo Moyes, dar totuși dincolo de stilul lejer, hazliu și ușor haotic, cartea e o lectură plăcută, relaxantă și ușor tragic-comică. Cu personaje unul mai trăznit decât altul și un câine ușor turbat poți face o familiei care să reușească să funcționeze.
March 5, 2025
In this simple straight forward contemporary fiction family drama this celebrated author once again pulls on our heartstrings. She makes us laugh and makes us cry but demonstrates that even the most complicated situations can all be resolved with patience, determination, forgiveness, and love.
Life can be messy. For Lila Kennedy that's an understatement. Her life is in shambles.
She has an ex-husband with a new wife, and a baby on the way, that Lila has to see at school pickup every day. An angst-ridden teenage daughter she catches with drugs, an eight-year-old daughter who sings nasty rap lyrics, and a dog that is hated by the neighbors. Her widowed stepfather has moved into her home that needs more expensive repairs than a house on Fixer Uppers. Her agent is pressuring her for the next installment on a new book that she is supposed to be writing. And her birth father who is an actor that is recognized everywhere for being a sci-fi icon (think Star Trek), shows up on her doorstep needing a place to stay.
Lila doesn't always make the right choices, but then, who does? If nothing else, this story will have you thinking that maybe your own problems really aren't that bad. Jojo Moyes fans are in for a treat with this book.
Life can be messy. For Lila Kennedy that's an understatement. Her life is in shambles.
She has an ex-husband with a new wife, and a baby on the way, that Lila has to see at school pickup every day. An angst-ridden teenage daughter she catches with drugs, an eight-year-old daughter who sings nasty rap lyrics, and a dog that is hated by the neighbors. Her widowed stepfather has moved into her home that needs more expensive repairs than a house on Fixer Uppers. Her agent is pressuring her for the next installment on a new book that she is supposed to be writing. And her birth father who is an actor that is recognized everywhere for being a sci-fi icon (think Star Trek), shows up on her doorstep needing a place to stay.
Lila doesn't always make the right choices, but then, who does? If nothing else, this story will have you thinking that maybe your own problems really aren't that bad. Jojo Moyes fans are in for a treat with this book.
February 11, 2025
Lila is 42 years old. Her marriage ended. Her mom died. And she now lives with her two daughters (eight and sixteen), her lentil-cooking step-dad and her constantly barking dog in a house that needs a lot of work and money. And then her real dad is suddenly back in her life too after 35 years of almost no contact. And obviously he needs a place to crash for a while. And she's also way behind on her book deadline. Yay. Life is going super great for Lila.
Oh, and there are also two guys suddenly in her life. Is she ready for something new?
I really loved this book. I'm not the biggest Women's Fiction fan, but this was so much more. It was sad and sweet and hopeful and crazy and funny. We get romance and grief and letting go and moving on and ... I just loved reading it. I would so love to see this on TV one day.
WE ALL LIVE HERE was such a beautiful + funny + moving + sad + sweet + crazy family, love and life story. Run to your nearest book dealer for your own copy - it will be sold out asap!
If you can't click the buy-links from your phone
- click ► HERE!
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March 14, 2025
While I typically enjoy Jojo Moyes, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It’s engaging, but it treads familiar ground—a struggling, divorced author and mom juggling family chaos and career uncertainty.
Lila is trying to keep life together post-divorce, raising her daughters, Celie and Violet, while sharing a home with her stepfather, Bill, who moved in after her mother passed away. The irony? She built her career on a bestselling book about her "perfect" marriage—one that has since crumbled. Now, she’s under pressure from her publisher to rebrand as a fun, sexy single mom, but inspiration is nowhere to be found.
Enter her long-estranged father, Gene, a charming yet self-absorbed actor. His sudden reappearance stirs up plenty of tension, particularly with Bill, who harbors deep resentment toward him. As Lila struggles with writer’s block, family drama, and personal insecurities, nothing seems to be going as planned.
I had a hard time fully rooting for Lila. While character growth is essential, she often comes across as self-absorbed—neglecting her kids, belittling the kindhearted gardener, and using people's personal stories as writing material without much thought. She also fails to appreciate either of her father figures. Gene, for all his flaws, at least has some heartwarming moments with her daughters, and Bill, despite his quirks (and questionable health-conscious cooking), is endearingly steadfast.
Honestly, I would have loved more from Gene, Bill, and Celie’s perspectives. Their dynamics were more compelling than Lila’s romantic woes, which felt repetitive. While the story is easy to read, it doesn’t break new ground. Lila’s fixation on needing a man overshadowed the strong family bonds already present in her life, which was frustrating.
Overall, this is a quick, readable novel, but not one that will stay with me.
Lila is trying to keep life together post-divorce, raising her daughters, Celie and Violet, while sharing a home with her stepfather, Bill, who moved in after her mother passed away. The irony? She built her career on a bestselling book about her "perfect" marriage—one that has since crumbled. Now, she’s under pressure from her publisher to rebrand as a fun, sexy single mom, but inspiration is nowhere to be found.
Enter her long-estranged father, Gene, a charming yet self-absorbed actor. His sudden reappearance stirs up plenty of tension, particularly with Bill, who harbors deep resentment toward him. As Lila struggles with writer’s block, family drama, and personal insecurities, nothing seems to be going as planned.
I had a hard time fully rooting for Lila. While character growth is essential, she often comes across as self-absorbed—neglecting her kids, belittling the kindhearted gardener, and using people's personal stories as writing material without much thought. She also fails to appreciate either of her father figures. Gene, for all his flaws, at least has some heartwarming moments with her daughters, and Bill, despite his quirks (and questionable health-conscious cooking), is endearingly steadfast.
Honestly, I would have loved more from Gene, Bill, and Celie’s perspectives. Their dynamics were more compelling than Lila’s romantic woes, which felt repetitive. While the story is easy to read, it doesn’t break new ground. Lila’s fixation on needing a man overshadowed the strong family bonds already present in her life, which was frustrating.
Overall, this is a quick, readable novel, but not one that will stay with me.
March 19, 2025
We All Live Here by JoJo Moyes Is a novel about modern day family that focus’ on Lila Kennedy, a woman learning the challenges of a broken marriage, two rebellious daughters, a home that is falling down, and a stepfather who has intruded into her home. Her estranged father, who took off over 3 decades ago suddenly comes back into her life. All of this makes Lila rethink her ideas of love and family.
This story can be summed up as adults making big mistakes, finding forgiveness and learning to move on. I think we can all relate to that.
This story can be summed up as adults making big mistakes, finding forgiveness and learning to move on. I think we can all relate to that.
April 14, 2025
3.5 stars
We All Live Here is Jojo Moyes newest release that follows a 42-year-old divorced single mom who is navigating life, dating, and her dads (step and absent bio) both moving in with her. Lila frustrated me throughout so much of this book. It had a slow/rough start for me, but by the end, I did end up loving it a lot and came around to the main character. Honestly, the last hour of the audiobook was the strongest. I loved the ending, and both of the grandpas/dads were a hoot in their own ways.
We All Live Here is Jojo Moyes newest release that follows a 42-year-old divorced single mom who is navigating life, dating, and her dads (step and absent bio) both moving in with her. Lila frustrated me throughout so much of this book. It had a slow/rough start for me, but by the end, I did end up loving it a lot and came around to the main character. Honestly, the last hour of the audiobook was the strongest. I loved the ending, and both of the grandpas/dads were a hoot in their own ways.
Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Jenna Coleman
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 12h 38m
February 8, 2025
We All Live Here is a character-driven mix of family drama, women’s fiction, and romance. Full of humorous and heartfelt moments, the book speaks on the power of forgiveness, grief and found family.
Initially it took me a bit to get interested in the story. The book has a slow start and I had a hard time connecting to the characters but once it picked up, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it.
I also felt that this one was a bit too long and overwritten at times but overall I think a lot of readers will enjoy this one.
I listened to the audiobook, which I highly recommend. The audiobook is read by Jenna Coleman who did a fantastic job.
We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes will be available on February 11. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted audiobook!
Initially it took me a bit to get interested in the story. The book has a slow start and I had a hard time connecting to the characters but once it picked up, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it.
I also felt that this one was a bit too long and overwritten at times but overall I think a lot of readers will enjoy this one.
I listened to the audiobook, which I highly recommend. The audiobook is read by Jenna Coleman who did a fantastic job.
We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes will be available on February 11. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted audiobook!
February 18, 2025
Absolutely brilliant!
It took me a few chapters to get into this novel but then I couldn’t put it down! I read it in two sittings (one of I’d had the time).
The characters, the story, the laughs and the lessons are just wonderful.
Make time to read this book (and if this is not a movie within a couple of years, I’ll eat my shoes).
It took me a few chapters to get into this novel but then I couldn’t put it down! I read it in two sittings (one of I’d had the time).
The characters, the story, the laughs and the lessons are just wonderful.
Make time to read this book (and if this is not a movie within a couple of years, I’ll eat my shoes).
May 5, 2025
This was such a beautiful story. It explores the dynamics of aging, caring for your parents, and navigating a divorce.
There are periods of your life in which all that is really required is to keep putting one foot in front of the other
Lila is managing her career, two girls, a stepfather who unexpectedly moved in, and an ex-husband who is having a baby with his mistress. Lila can't believe it; he said he didn't want more children with her.
To make matters more complicated, Lila's father shows up—someone she hasn't seen for most of her life—and the resentment only builds.
Sometimes she feels exhausted by all the feelings going on in her family all the time
This was such a relatable story with characters that were really fleshed out. Overall, I loved the story.
We All Live Here is a humorous and heartfelt story; the characters are so realistic--maybe your friend or neighbor.
I didn't want it to end. It was like saying goodbye to people I cared about.
5/5 stars
There are periods of your life in which all that is really required is to keep putting one foot in front of the other
Lila is managing her career, two girls, a stepfather who unexpectedly moved in, and an ex-husband who is having a baby with his mistress. Lila can't believe it; he said he didn't want more children with her.
To make matters more complicated, Lila's father shows up—someone she hasn't seen for most of her life—and the resentment only builds.
Sometimes she feels exhausted by all the feelings going on in her family all the time
This was such a relatable story with characters that were really fleshed out. Overall, I loved the story.
We All Live Here is a humorous and heartfelt story; the characters are so realistic--maybe your friend or neighbor.
I didn't want it to end. It was like saying goodbye to people I cared about.
5/5 stars
January 1, 2025
We All Live Here is a beautiful character driven story. The characters are complex, dealing with different kinds of loss, including death, divorce, and loss of friendships.
It is such a heartwarming story as this unconventional group of family and friends come together to support each other and lift each other up.
I absolutely loved it. It was such a special story.
Thank you Viking Books for my gifted copy
It is such a heartwarming story as this unconventional group of family and friends come together to support each other and lift each other up.
I absolutely loved it. It was such a special story.
Thank you Viking Books for my gifted copy
January 15, 2025
I've read a few of these authors' books.Lia an author,Dan her husband has left her for a younger woman leaving her with two children,how will she cope.her mother dies.why did her father turn up after 35 years.a good read.all about family relationships.
March 31, 2025
Goodness, gracious I loved this book. There’s nothing I adore more than a big, messy, loud, flawed family, and watching them learn to love one another.
May 18, 2025
Absolutely loved this novel. The multi dimensional complexities of Lila’s life are incredible and credible. Moyes took me on a frantic but engaging ride, as I fell in love with all of the characters, their personalities, their perspectives and their experiences. Moyes develops such strong, complex and profound characters, that in some way they share the protagonist’s role along the way. Unknowingly they teach each other about love, family and support. They show up for each other. I so enjoyed the manner in which she presents a different type of family that revolves around about a single mother. She’s not flawless for sure, but she is also strong and brave, and very capable of regaining herself as she rebuilds her life as a woman, and the value of her quirky family. I love Celine and Violet. They are such credible and adorable characters in their own right. I didn’t want the novel to end.
February 22, 2025
“There are periods of your life in which all that is really required is to keep putting one foot in front of the other.”
We All Live Here follows single mother, Lila, as she navigates her constantly shifting life. As expected from JoJo Moyes, this book has strong character development featuring some very colorful characters throughout a range of ages. The story is mainly narrated by Lila, but we do have a few random chapters narrated by Celie, her teenaged daughter.
We All Live Here is a touching story but also amusing! Jojo Moyes has a way of reminding us that we have no control over what life throws at us!
We All Live Here follows single mother, Lila, as she navigates her constantly shifting life. As expected from JoJo Moyes, this book has strong character development featuring some very colorful characters throughout a range of ages. The story is mainly narrated by Lila, but we do have a few random chapters narrated by Celie, her teenaged daughter.
We All Live Here is a touching story but also amusing! Jojo Moyes has a way of reminding us that we have no control over what life throws at us!
July 17, 2025
I went into this one with high hopes, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. It started a bit slowly and sometimes felt longer than it needed to be; it was okay, life is messy, we get it. The plot wasn’t super strong or tightly developed, but the characters were quirky and engaging enough to keep me turning the pages. I appreciated the humor and heart throughout. Not a favorite, but still a decent read with some entertaining moments.
3.3 ⭐️
3.3 ⭐️
February 20, 2025
3.5 Stars ⭐️
Drawn out and pretty boring. I also think the heroine and the author missed mark on connecting her to her daughters more. I did like the grandfathers very much.
Drawn out and pretty boring. I also think the heroine and the author missed mark on connecting her to her daughters more. I did like the grandfathers very much.
Read
February 12, 2025DNF @ 42% - 2/12/25
February 3, 2025
This was a really engaging family drama with plenty of high and lows for the MC, Lila and her family. All of the characters were pretty likable and relatable in some manner and I loved following along with their lives so much! The narrator was lovely and portrayed Lila so perfectly.
March 19, 2025
Filled with loveable and quirky characters, another heart-felt book by Jojo Moyes, one of my favorite authors.
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