We All Live Here: A Novel

I really enjoyed this book. Loved the writing style too. Really enforces the idea that we all mistakes. A lovely book.

This isn't my favorite JoJo Moyes book, but it was a sweet character driven story about a very nonconventional family. Lila is a recently divorced mom with 2 daughters. She just finished writing a bestseller about marriages when her husband, Dan, left her for another single mom at the kids' school. There are several male characters in the story. They all have different roles but best if you discover them on your own. I loved Bill & Jensen, Gene redeems himself at the end (and was quite endearing), and Gabriel was obvious to figure out. It was an enjoyable but (mostly)predictable read.

We All Live Here was a fun surprise for me. This isn’t my usual type of read—I tend to gravitate toward heavier, more emotional stories—but if you’re in the mood for a light, funny, rom-com style book, this one fits perfectly. It’s quick, easy, and genuinely enjoyable without asking too much of you. It’s definitely lighter than other Jojo Moyes books I’ve read, but that’s part of its charm. A feel-good, palate-cleansing read that made me smile and reminded me that not every book has to be deep to be worth it.

I loved this book and all its characters. The crazy mixed-up family with two kids, two granddads, and a gardener. Everyone is having problems, but it all works out in the end. Lila Kennedy is recently divorced and her ex is now having a baby with his mistress, Marja, whose child, Hugo goes to the same school as her daughter, Violet, so she sees her often at after-school pick up. When her long-lost father, Gene, returns to England and expects to stay with Lila and her family things get complicated. Her step-dad, Bill, is currently living with her and her daughters since the death of her mother, and Bill hates Gene for what he did in abandoning his wife, Francesca, and his daughter. The teenaged daughter is also being bullied and feels only and friendless. Things are just so complicated. A handsome single father suddenly shows an interest in Lila and he seems just the things Lila needs to spice up her life. She is currently writing a book, a post divorce memoir and her editor wants her to add some sexy scenes.

We All Live Here is a slow burn in the best way—a heartfelt, layered family story full of challenging dynamics and emotional conflict. I especially loved (and laughed out loud at) the tense, hilarious moments between the stepfather and biological father. My first Jojo Moyes book—and definitely not my last!

Favorite Quote:
"This is life at this age, a million goodbyes, and you never know which are the final ones. You just absorb them like little shocks, trusting with each one that you'll be able to keep moving forward."
-Jojo Moyes