Have you ever seen the hashtag #LoveLivesHere on social media? I didn’t know it was actually a book till Amazon sent me a bunch of book recommendations in July. I usually ignore the emails. (Are you going to give me a book discount, Amazon ??) but this time, I took a look and I was curious enough to buy the book. I’m glad I did. Because it answered the question: in a world filled with celebrities and influencers, a world driven by materialism and comparison, how do you differentiate what you really need from what “they” say you want? How do you know that “Love Lives Here” in your life and home?

The bad news is that this book doesn’t tell you, “Hey, this is what you need. This is how to get Love to live in your home.” The good news is that it’s great that it doesn’t tell you. Instead, Maria (Sweet Maria, according to her husband Bob Goff) invites you to reflect with her on her life experiences and the lessons she’s drawn from them. It was like sitting face to face with a beloved aunt, wise, kind and all so sensible.  I didn’t want the book to end.

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In every chapter, I could draw parallels with my life and apply the lessons she shared. Don’t we all need to trust God more? Don’t we all need to face the past pain in our lives and recognise that it can become the foundation of something beautiful if we let Him build? Shouldn’t we only be the selves God has created us to be and not copies of someone else? Don’t we want to say (and mean it with all of our soul) “Love Lives Here”?

She shared an experience that I found particularly interesting, especially in this age of #ParentingThroughSocialMedia. “Comparison came knocking at my door again… It didn’t take long for me to compare myself to the other families who were dropping their kids off at the baseball field every weekend. I heard them (the other parents) talk about the big game and how the season was going for them, and I wondered if I was dropping the ball…by not signing my kids up for the team.” She ended up signing her kids for the team and later regretted it. Her message was simple. Go be your family, not someone else’s. Find the thing that interests you, that lights you up, that works for all of you, that makes you the most loving, hopeful version of yourself. And do lots of it. 

What Did I Like About The Book?

Everything. It was well written, her personality really comes through. The message was timely and relevant. This is the book I didn’t know I needed to read till I read it. 

What Didn’t I Like?

Honestly, nothing. I can’t recommend the book enough. I only wished I didn’t have to end it. If you don’t read any other book this year, read this one. You won’t regret it. It might even help you love your family and your life more. Isn’t that worth 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️?