NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In this refreshing and inspiring memoir, Lauren Akins, the wife of country music star Thomas Rhett, shows what it’s really like to be “the perfect couple” fans imagine, and reveals what it actually takes to live in love, stay in love, and grow together.NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY PARADE When country music star Thomas Rhett won the ACM Award for Single of … star Thomas Rhett won the ACM Award for Single of the Year with “Die a Happy Man,” his wife, Lauren Akins, was overjoyed. Her childhood best friend and now husband was being anointed the hottest new star in country music—for a song he had written about her. He was living his dream. Lauren was elated, but she was also wrestling with some big questions, not the least of which was, How can I live my own life of purpose?
Lauren Akins never wanted to be in the spotlight, but as Thomas Rhett made his relationship with Lauren the subject of many of his hit songs, she was tossed into the role of one of America’s sweethearts. Revered by fans for her down-to-earth ease and charm, her commitment to humanitarian work, and the pure love she exudes for her family, Lauren has never shared her side of their story—full as it’s been with deep love, painful loss, tremendous joy, and a struggle to stay grounded in faith along the way—until now.
In Live in Love, Lauren shares details about her childhood friendship with Thomas Rhett, explaining how they reconnected as young adults. She offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of being married to her best friend, who just happens to be a music star, and the struggle to find her own footing in the frenzy of her husband’s fame. And in heart-wrenching detail, she opens up about her life-changing experiences doing mission work in Haiti, and then in Uganda, where she met the precious baby who would become their first daughter. From sharing the romance of their handwritten wedding vows to the challenges they faced as they adjusted to the reality of becoming first-time parents, Live in Love takes an intimate look at one couple’s life—and opens a window into all of our journeys on the path to self-discovery.
Live in Love is a deeply personal memoir that offers inspiring guidance for anyone looking to keep romance alive, balance children and marriage, express true faith, and live a life of purpose.
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I have no words!!! As a book blog, you get a lot of books thrown your way. This book is one that I had to read on release day. I had waited MONTHS for this book. When I downloaded on my kindle at midnight, I put every book aside to read it! I am so glad that I. This has to rank in the top 3 books that I have EVERY read. With all of the books out there, it truly takes a special book to take you out of your world, grab your heart, and take you onto an adventure.
When you think of Lauren Akins, I am sure that you think of Thomas Rhett. Don’t get me wrong, I do too. But I also LOVE Lauren! She is her own person. She’s real about life. She continues to share her world with us on her social media. That said, I would LOVE to be part of her CREW and friends. They seem like amazing people of God and a whole lot of fun!!!
This book really had nothing to do with Thomas Rhett and his story. If that was what you were looking for, then keep on reading what you are reading…. This book is completely Lauren’s story. Her life is one that completely touched my heart. She is so raw and real with Live In Love. She talks about her life and journey with God. It has not. been the easiest ride at all, but God had a plan for her. I really think that this book was also part of God’s plan. It inspired me and challenged my own walk with God. Of course we all are down in our world, but God has a way of using our lessons to challenge us with our walk with him.
My 14 year old daughter also read Live In Love. She is such a Thomas Rhett fan (I mean, there are worst people to be fans of.). Her twin has special needs. Her twin was granted a wish from Wishes and More. My other kiddo sometimes lives in the shadow of her twin (special needs). She really wants a wish of her own. Her wish is to meet Thomas Rhett and his family. Given covid, it has not been something that I have been able to help her wish come true… (I am one of those moms that is just stubborn enough to do whatever I can to make their wishes come true if at all possible.) But, this book really took her on an adventure as well. She was challenged by God as well. There were so many moments that we talked about. But I think that the thing that she really took away was how TR and Lauren were so intentional on saving themselves for marriage. She told my husband and I that she was inspired to save herself for “God’s boy”. That is what we have always call our twins future husbands (if that is what God’s plan is). We have always taught them to save themselves for marriage, but you know, it doesn’t matter if mom and dad tell you… So when Lauren Akins says that is what her and TR did, well, well, I could not be happier. SHE IS LISTENING!!! And God really challenged with this book as well.
Thank you Lauren for your truth, your challenges, God’s love and all the feels that I got with this book. And, if you need any other people to add to your CREW and your prayer chain, let me know. Prayer is an amazing thing! Look at how prayer changed your life with you and your family!!
“Live in Love” is the story of Lauren Akins during her youth and then Lauren Akins and Thomas Rhett. This book was a fast read for me. The way it is written reads like you are reading Lauren Akin’s journal. It is very personable and refreshing. Throughout the book, she is very honest about things and just tells it like it is. In these times, it is so nice to know there are good honest people out there especially ones who love the Lord and want to do what they feel is His work for them. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an inspirational story.
Live in Love was such an uplifting read.
Lauren Akins shares her life story, but also by the end of the book she has you inspired to be looking for ways to be a positive light in your corner of the world.
I enjoyed reading this book!
***Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary arc of this book. All views and opinions expressed are my own.***
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review. The title was perfect because the book was love and living in love. From the time she was a child to today. That love, she carries with her and she spread it around where ever she goes. She was so proud and happy for her husband but she asked what about my dream. I had to ask that question too. Her husband always included her in his life and career, and that love comes through in his songs. She has so much to offer and she had dreams. We find out in the book how it all went. This book is refreshing, hopeful, uplifting, and inspiring. Thank you for writing your story.
Live in Love is Lauren Akins’s memoir. Lauren Akins is Thomas Rhett’s wife. Thomas Rhett is a country singer. The book goes from Lauren’s childhood with many stories about her family and friends. It talks about how she met Thomas Rhett as a child, and their families became close. The book discusses the first time they dated in high school and their breakup. It discusses their relationships with other people and getting back together. After graduating college and getting married, Lauren has to figure out what her purpose in life is and how to be more than just Thomas Rhett’s wife. Then, Live in Love goes through the adoption process of adopting Lauren and Thomas Rhett’s oldest daughter Willa Gray and how marriage counseling saved their marriage. Lauren is very religious and turns to God throughout the book.
I really enjoyed this book and have been looking forward to reading it since I first heard about it. I am a huge Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins fan. After hearing Thomas Rhett’s story about how they were supposed to marry different people and Lauren’s dad told her either you tell her how you feel or I will, I was a fan of Lauren and their family. The book was very honest and provided more of a story behind Thomas Rhett’s songs. It talks about Lauren and Thomas Rhett’s relationship ship problems and how they went to counseling to have the loving marriage they have today. I thought they always had the perfect marriage, but Lauren discusses how bad things got after becoming a mom of two and basically doing everything alone.
My favorite parts of the book were hearing the story of how Lauren and Thomas Rhett got together. Hearing the whole adoption story about Willa Gray’s adoption was another one of my favorite parts. I enjoyed reading about Willa Gray’s life in an orphanage and how hard her parents fought to bring her home. Lauren talks a lot about struggles to find her purpose and how difficult it was at times to see Thomas Rhett living his dreams while she was just living them with him after giving up on her dreams. Then you read about Lauren’s mission work, meeting Willa Gray and finding her purpose.
I recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of Lauren Akins and/or Thomas Rhett. Anyone that is a fan of Thomas Rhett’s music and wants to hear the other side of the songs he writes about his wife and family will love this book. Anyone that is interested in learning about a celebrity couple will love this book. I think anyone feeling lost and struggling to find their purpose will find hope in this book. Anyone that isn’t religious and doesn’t want to read about how praying and God got someone through difficult times will probably not like this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for Living in Love in exchange for an honest review.