We All Live Here by JoJo Moyes Narrator: Jenna Coleman
Published by Penguin Audio on February 11, 2025
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Length: 12 hours, 38 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
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.
The first book I ever read by Jojo Moyes left me a snot-sobbing mess. Now, whenever I pick up one of her novels, I am just a little fearful that I’m going to be put through the emotional wringer. So when my sister suggested I read We All Live Here, I’d prepared myself for anything. I am happy to report We All Live Here was a heartwarming story about a struggling single mom that eventually finds exactly what she deserves. (Spoiler alert: it is a happy ending.)
Humiliated author, Lila Kennedy is facing her new reality; she’s over forty, single, and persona-non-grata at her kids’ school.  Her life and career are on the edge of ruin and her biggest failure is out there, in print, for everyone to read. Trying to reconstruct a new normal for herself, her kids, and her grieving stepfather has left her feeling empty with a severe case of writer’s block. But just when it seems like things have hit rock bottom, a ghost from the past walks through her door and she’s sure things will go from bad to worse.
Family and relationships are really the focus of this novel. There is much emphasis on how Lila has to navigate her ex-husband and her kids as a single mom, but equally so are how the other people in the house interact with each other. While there was an element of romance, it wasn’t central to the story and I found the other relationships in the house to be more interesting. I laughed at the feuding antics of Bill (Lila’s stepdad) and Gene (Lila’s biological father), but was moved by how they learned to depend on and support each other. I love the multi-generational aspect of We All Live Here, especially watching Bill, Lila, and the kids interact. Including the messiness of everyday life made the story relatable and closer to what families look like in the real world.
Jojo Moyes is a master at creating well-developed, true-to-life characters. The book is told in alternating viewpoints (although Lila’s voice is by far the strongest), and the format allows one to really get in the head of the character speaking.   Each character arc is well-planned and fully realized; and while it took a little time to fully unwrap each one, I think the story was richer and more relatable as a result. There are many layers to Lila; as she comes to term with her new situation, she is also dealing with grief and abandonment issues from her past. The author did a wonderful job portraying profound emotions without letting them overwhelm the story.
We All Live Here is a feel-good story about managing familial relationships and the importance of creating and maintaining connections in a time of upheaval. I wanted to keep reading about this family, and wish the story didn’t have to end. I do not claim that absolutely no tears were shed, because there were a few moments that really resonated with me. I experienced a full spectrum of emotions, although, thankfully, I was not reduced to a snot-sobbing mess; and finished with a smile on my face.
Narration:
I enjoyed Jenna Coleman‘s performance. Her voice has a very pleasant tone that makes listening a pleasure. I think her narration of Gene, an American, made him sound a little like a 1940’s film star, but that could fit the character. (I expected more of a Captain Kirk than a Humphrey Bogart.) Overall I thought she managed the wide cast of characters very well. I think I would have enjoyed reading this book in print just as much as I did listening.
Listen to a clip:Â HERE
| Rating Breakdown | |
|---|---|
| Plot |
|
| Writing |
|
| Characters |
|
| Dialogue |
|
| Narration (Audio) |
|
| Overall: | |
I've developed a preference for audiobooks over the last few years, which allow me to complete chores, run carpool, or work on my many building and craft projects while 'reading.
My all time favorite selections include Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, Karen Marie Moning's Fever series, and all of Robin Hobb's books set in the Farseer world. Â Honorable mentions to Elle Kennedy, Penny Reid, Meljean Brook, Ann Aguirre, Krista and Becca Ritchie, Jeaniene Frost, and Kristen Callihan.
Friend me at Goodreads.
- 🎧 We All Live Here by JoJo Moyes @jojomoyes.bsky.social #JennaColeman @penguinaudio.bsky.social #LoveAudiobooks #JIAM @4saintjude - June 6, 2025
- 🎧 The Time Traveler’s Guide to Restoration Britain by Ian Mortimer @ianmortimer.bsky.social #RogerClark @tantoraudio.bsky.social #LoveAudiobooks @4saintjude - May 2, 2025
- 🎧 Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver @brynneweaver.bsky.social@ms-brentmoor.bsky.social #EricNolan #LoveAudiobooks @4saintjude - April 4, 2025
Lovely review:)). I know what you mean about Moyes’ writing. She’s got the ability to be very funny and absolutely heartbreaking – but she’s always very good. When I’m feeling up to it – I’ll give this one a go.
Thank you for sharing your review! It’s been a while since I last read Jojo’s books. Me Before You and its sequel left me a snotty mess, so I’m expecting this would also leave me bawling my eyes out. Haha.
Love the cover on this one! I’ve wanted to read something by this author. Sounds like this one was really good, especially if it had you not wanting it to end! Great review!
I know what you mean about being a bit fearful of what you might find in one of her books. This one is on my list.
Loved some other books by this author. I should check this out