Finding What You Need in a World Telling You What You Want

Reading Love Lives Here: Finding What You Need in a World Telling You What You Want, was like sitting down next to a best friend while she is sharing heartfelt lessons God has taken her through. There are so many nuggets of gold in each chapter that touched my heart that make me want to add to our family's experience. I laughed, and cried and nodded my way through this entire delightful book. I wasn't ready for it to end. One grateful reader.

Reading this book was like having the privilege of sitting down for coffee with an older and wiser wife, mother, and godly woman. Maria's stories and insights were laced with grace and wisdom, and I walked away with many nuggets of truth as well as the confidence and inspiration to dig deeper into what things are important to our family and to cultivate those things.

I received a copy from the publisher. This is my honest review.

I began reading “Love Does” and saw that Maria had a book as well! Based on the title, Inknew right away I needed to read it. (Even though I was only half way through Love Does) it was available at the library, so I picked it up. Without finishing Love Does, I began reading Love Lives Here. It started a little slow for me & I wasn’t sure Inwould like it. But once I finished the first chapter, I was in.
I LOVED reading this at the same time as Love Does. I would read a story in Love Does, told from Bob’s perspective, then read the same story told by Maria and just laugh out loud at the difference in how they saw the same event.
I ended up finishing Love Lives Here first and was so sad it ended. She opened up her heart and life so beautifully. I appreciate her writing this book!!

Maria’s book is jam-packed with encouraging stories that challenge me to be the kind of neighbor I wish I had - in a way that doesn't need to be loud or glamorous. At one point she writes “You can’t love your neighbors if you don’t know them” and “Inviting people into our lives doesn’t start with worry and stress. It starts with a desire for connection. Hospitality is always a matter of the heart; it’s not the condition of our homes.” Perfect encouragement for this introvert! You’ll start reading this book to learn from Maria and leave it feeling like you’ve just made a wonderful new friend. (I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)

Maria makes some decent points. She tells many stories (one or two of which will leave you asking, “Really? Are you sure you didn’t make that up?). Actually, it’s more a collection of only vaguely related stories than an effort to present a well-developed idea or set of ideas. Perhaps my biggest reservation about the book is that it’s “over-metaphored.” Metaphors are important; I use them frequently to illustrate. However, it seems to me that Maria has difficulty saying much of anything without a few. If you love the copious use of metaphor, perhaps you’ll enjoy this book.

But in the end, it’s rather lightweight. I’m not trying to be uncharitable, and while you may disagree, I think it’s safe to say that if Maria’s last name wasn’t Goff, this book wouldn’t have seen the light of day.

I realize I never wrote an actual review for this wonderful book after recommending again to a friend so I'm jumping on to bring it back up in my list of must read books. After falling in love with Bob Goff I was so excited to read a book by his wife to see just what magic would jump on her pages.

Although I equally love both writers - I also love the difference in their styles. Maria's gentle soul shows through as she opens up to her readers and discusses second chances but also not just settling for second rate. Her open heart and transparent nature show through in her words and I encourage everyone to read this book!

Review I was curious about Sweet Maria after reading and watching her man, Bob, wondering what she would be like to have joined her life to such a passionate, energetic, goofy guy. Well, it seems to me after finishing her book, that she shares the joy and humor, but brings to the party wisdom that frames the depth and meaning of her life, and her readers will be encouraged and inspired by her insights.
I don't know much about reviewing books, but this is what I would want to know:

What is this book about? Maria, a work in progress, who has continually found her way to who she is, through varied experiences. Although much of her life is unlike mine, I related to her story because of the way she presents it.

What is she like? Vulnerable, authentic and wise. She delivers wisdom born of her varied experiences that affirms and encourages in the way a trusted friend does. She describes her "Board of directors" as people she has trusted to guide her throughout her life, and her voice in this book reflects someone I would want on my "board".

Hearing her perspective on some of the antics her husband Bob shared in his book (Love Does) was interesting and fun. I think I appreciated her book more because I have already read Love Does, and wonder if readers who haven't would like it as much.

I am unsure whether men would like the book as much, since I'm not one. Someone else will have to write about that!

I received a copy of this book from he publisher; this review is my honest personal opinion

Sweet Maria's book is not only inspiring, but full of stories that encourage you to drop the life you're living for the one you've always wanted to live. Or maybe it's to drop the life you're living for the better version you've been waiting to find. One thing sweet Maria does well is weave into her life and her stories the story of Jesus. If you're unsure of your faith, don't let that steer you away. She talks about Jesus in such a kind way. She, in fact, is kind. Her writings will encourage you to walk in what is good and right and far different than what our culture expects of us. What she says will help you pinpoint areas of life where you need something new and different from what the world calls for. What I know is that this book is for you— the broken, happy, wonderer, confused, hurt, confident, scared. It's not about self-help. It's about the way Jesus weaves Himself into sweet Maria's story and that He too can do the same in yours, if you let Him. Pick it up and find that "love doesn’t need a building, and it never has—it just needs us." In fact, love lives HERE, right where you are.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (or the first four chapters) from the publisher. This is my honest review.

Author and speaker Bob Goff calls his wife Sweet Maria. In this, her first book, it is obvious where the nickname came from. Maria Goff oozes sweetness in every chapter. But, the book itself felt a little to me like eating cotton candy--super sweet and tasty, but lacking some substance. I also felt like her stories were too brief and surface level to connect with me as a reader.

Those critiques aside, I could see this book being very encouraging to new Christians, those struggling to find a calling for their life, and quiet introverts (which I am not!), among others. I loaned my copy to my mother-in-law who returned it with glowing words of praise.

I received an advance reader copy of this book.

I am reading Love Lives Here by Maria Goff. Normally I finish the entire book before I sit down to write a review, however, I have never read a book quite like this.

Each chapter is a collection of sweet stories about building a solid foundation, growing roots that embed down deep, the kind that hurt when you pull them out. Each chapter doesn’t segue into the next like one would think they should, instead they build upon one another; each chapter celebrates a family unit, the things we live through that make us uniquely knit. How we come together, how we find our first footings as a woman, a mom, as a dad, as parents together – trying to make a life – and within each chapter is a God truth; who He says we are, how He loves us, sees us, wants to watch us grow…

My favorite chapter, is The Lodge, the very first chapter. The opening sentence, “We’ve changed a lot since the night the Lodge burned down.” Transparent, sharing within the pages of the chapter the details of what was such a difficult time for their family. She wrote, “Certainly God uses everything in our lives; nothing is wasted.” Nothing is wasted, God uses everything… A reminder I needed, those specific words. Further along in the chapter, she talks about the remains of the lodge, she says, “Nothing remains of the Lodge. The intensity of the fire even destroyed the foundations. That takes a lot of heat. But you know what? I am kind of glad it did. If there were even one old charred beam still standing after the fire, I’d be tempted to use it to rebuild.” Reading those words, she knows loss and she knows the basic, human desire is to put it all back together again… we all survive our own fires. Sometimes we rebuild, sometimes there’s nothing left to rebuild, so we press on. She concludes that page with this, “…sometimes God wants us to rebuild our lives from scratch.” The chapter ends in a way I couldn’t have seen coming and I won’t spoil it for you – I can promise, it doesn’t disappoint.

Not every chapter is as intense as that one but each one draws closer to Maria’s heart, to love her family well, to love her friends well, to build a life and home founded on love – to love like Jesus.

The subtitle for this book, Finding What You Need In A World Telling You What You Want… This book is meant to be read slow. Taking time to let it sink in and weave into the longing places, it has mine… woven into my longing places, places I didn’t know I had.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review which I have given here.

Puhmela Kinser At first glance I thought the title looked like another feel good read. But immediately after reading the rest of the title "Finding What You Need in a World Telling You What You Want" I was immediately drawn to see what the book had to offer. It is a refreshing book, easy to read, and one that left me with a renewed desire to build relationships based on love and grace. I received a copy from the publisher. This is my honest review.

Love Lives Here is a beautifully comforting book for a heart that needs reassuring. As a new mom, this book has helped me understand the importance of being present in my home and loving my family. Maria is everything her husband Bob has said and more - I hope we get another book from Maria someday, but until then I will read this again and again!!

Thank you Maria for sharing your life, heart, and learning along the road of life you have traveled so far. Thank you for bringing validation to the role of wife, mother and neighbor. You inspire others to rise above what they were given and to create the life they want- A life that is richly abundant with SO many blessings!!!

Sweet Maria Goff, as her husband, Bob, calls her, has written a beautiful book about loving people well in fellowship God and His plan for one's life. Using vignettes from her own life story, Goff shares spiritual truths that she has learned over the years. By the time I finished reading the book, I found myself wishing that I could be one of her close friends or neighbors because she clearly creates an environment of love and acceptance and radiates it to those around her. The only reason I don't give this five stars is that some anecdotes seem to be left up in the air without resolution or an answer; that is minor, though, in the overall message of the book. This is an easy yet thought-provoking read, and I'm sure I'll find myself pondering over some of the concepts discussed in this book over the coming weeks and months.

Sweet Maria Goof has given us the most precious, most sacred look inside her heart with this, her first book. She has opened her heart and home to us in a way that quietly invites you to sit with her and soak in her gentle words and wise teachings. I just wish I could visit with her and study more in depth her ways of hospitality and gentle peacemaking. That would be a treasure.

And while her husband Bob is lively and excited, Sweet Maria is so tender and calm. The two go together perfectly and yes, their books look perfect on the shelf side by side.

I love the Goffs, how they celebrate light, love, and joy in every part of their lives. Unfortunately, this book felt more like a memoir than a book to help guide me to live boldly in love. It was a good read, and I passed it on, but won't recommend it immediately.

This book from Maria Goff is full of beautiful reminders for us all. You will read page after page of touching and heartfelt stories that give us examples of how God loves us and how we can love each other. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with a desire to refocus on what is truly important in life.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion.

Maria Goff has written a book full of sensible wisdom and shared her relatable life stories. I finished this book with ways to better love and care for my family. Here is one of my favorites-

We all don't need to do big things, but we can do equally important small things... We do it in our friendships, in our marriages, and we do it every time we find confidence in being who God made us to be.

I received an advance copy in return for my review.

'Love Loves Here' gives encouraging inspiration and insight into the family life of Bob and Maria Goff. On reading the book I almost felt that I had been invited into their home, sat down with my feet up and spent a few hours listening to how God had changed every tragedy, disappointment and mishap in their lives completely around and brought glory to His name.
Through every single situation that Maria has gone through, God has revealed His purpose to her in a gentle, calming manner. Despite her personality being so different from that of Bob's, God has treated her so individually and taught her through all the difficulty that He is in control and has a purpose in all things.
Reading the book has helped me to appreciate my own family life story. How, if we look hard enough, we can see God is every season of our lives. Whether things go as we planned or in a totally opposite direction, we know that all things work together for our good and we don't need to stray much further than our own doorstep to realise that love truly does live right where we are.
I received a copy from the publisher. This is my honest review.

I received a copy in advance (from the publisher) in return for my review.

If you enjoyed Bob Goff's "Love Does", you will enjoy this book. It is written in a similar format, with a personal story in the beginning of each chapter followed by the lesson learned from each story. The stories are enjoyable. I found that they were not as extreme or "out there" as some of the ones found in "Love Does", which makes it, in a sense, much more relatable for the reader (though I must admit that I did miss some of the crazy adventures found in the stories of "Love Does"). Nevertheless, it was a beautiful read with beautiful lessons drawn from the personal anecdotes.

The only drawback was that I would caution readers NOT to read this book as a continuation "Love Does". Maria Goff is very different from her husband in her stories, personalities, and reflections, and so I would not pick up this book expecting "Love Does" part two. Read this book for what it is and see it as a lovely contrast to the eccentricity of her husband's personality (as portrayed in his own book).

There are so many things to love about this book. She weaves lessons we need in the stories of her friends and family. She draws you in and you want to be her friend, her neighbor and her family.
I especially love the relationship she has with her kids and the rituals they have as a family. From "running away" and writing letters after 9/11.
She gives woman permission to be the best wives and mothers and not feel like they have to be more. Do what you are passionate about not what society thinks you should be passionate about.
I haven't read Bob Goff's book Love Does yet but it's next on my list so I can learn more about them and the lessons they have for us. I hope she continues to write more books for us.
I highly recommend this book.

Love Lives Here

I have heard Sweet Maria's husband, Bob, speak many times. I love him. The stories he tells about his family always fascinated me. I can honestly say though, that I often thought "I wonder what Maria thought of that."

As a mom, who is often the one home keeping the fires burning and plates spinning, this book "Love Lives Here" spoke directly to my mommy heart. I have often felt inadequate to others with big jobs or mission fields. Maria speaks from the heart and hold your hand as she tells you it is all okay and good. Love truly does live in her.

I received this book on a day when I needed a friend and a hug. This book did that for me. I read it cover to cover in one day. Instead of spending my day angry because of situations, I learned that even during life's "fires" I can choose to love and have joy.

Thank you Sweet Maria for being you and for sharing your wisdom and words in this beautiful book. I laughed. I cried. I loved.

These are emotional, often divisive times we live in. I'm one to seek wisdom but also people who are anchored and grounded in who they are and what creates a common language as created people.

Enter Love Lives Here. Truly loves Bob Goffs book and was a little worried this would be too saccharine or unrelatable...it was neither.

Maria shares her own journey, cutting her own path through poor choices and darkness. Out it, she walks into a world on which she meets Bob.

They are such a dichotomy that is fun to picture and I love how she is open about the challenges and joys of navigating such different personalities in one marriage.

She never apologies for who she is - which I love as too many women apologize for the very qualities they make them beautiful.

Ultimately she authentic and imperfect words make me reflect on my own life and challenge me to be a better and more intentional version of myself, particularly as a wife and mom.

I absolutely LOVE this book!! At first I thought it was going to be like some of the other christian author books that gloss over things and give basic things we all now already. Then it really got deep and really hit a nerve with me. I realized that it's all about the right now and I loving people. All we need to is love each other just like Jesus loved everyone. Love will our whole heart with our own intentions and things will work out. It is so easy to compare ourselves to other but we just need to keep our head down and focus on our own stuff. There is no ticker at the end of the day to see how we did so just live in the moment.

I highly suggest this book to anyone who is struggling in their faith. This book has changed who I am as a person and my daily interactions with people. I can not recommend this book enough.

I knew I would like this book from the introduction when Goff says, "When I hesitated, I reminded myself that it's in the sinking where we find our rescue. Like Peter, it's getting beneath the surface that lets us realize our absolute need for a savior." She continues throughout the book, using examples from her own life to gently share with the reader the wisdom that she has gained over the years. It's not advice because, as she says in the book, she doesn't like giving advice. Goff writes about things so many struggle with - trust, dreams for the future, comparison, and more, and she provides a welcome voice of truth, always pointing the reader back to Jesus. Through her sweet and gentle style, Maria Goff encourages the reader to be who God created them to be, not who He created someone else to be. Great, timely lessons. Highly recommend. I received an advanced copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

DISCLAIMER: I received this book from B&H Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. Want to be a B&H/LifeWay blogger too? Apply at bhbloggers.com.

This book had so many beautiful facets to it. The center focus throughout all of it was this: We can only love others well when we love Jesus first. In this book, Maria tells a lot of stories about her life, parenting, and how Jesus turns even the most dreary situations into something beautiful. I loved how candid Maria was in her storytelling even when it was very hard. She is so relatable in everything that she says, and you will walk away after reading this book with a changed heart and mind. Serving others through hospitality or other ministries is how we love others the way that Jesus does as His love flows through us. This book is a worthwhile read!

This book by the beautiful "Sweet Maria Goff" is a breath of fresh air for weary souls. Anyone who is a fan of the Goff's (who isn't?!) will absolutely love this glimpse into the better half of Bob. Maria gives many snapshots into her life by way of transparency, vulnerability, bravery and love to show us that she had to go beneath the surface of her life to find the reflections of Jesus shining through instead of the yuck she was seeing. She shares in a way for you to see her heart, both the good and not so good. Packed with honesty, a warm genuineness and needed wisdom. This is a book to glean wisdom from within a marriage that their personalities are night and day. Maria honestly acknowledges the differences in how they view life and shows how you can move ahead through acceptance and love, each confident in how God fit them.

Maria shares her vulnerability in walking through trials and tragedies and gives us courage to keep our eyes and hearts focused on Jesus and the Father. Their love for us gives us strength to hold on, hang in, and trust our creator that when is said "it is good", that included each of us as He designed us. The world is not a true reflection of who we are, He is. Maria walks us down a path of seeking and looking beneath the surface to see whose we are and all that entails. She does so with comfort, grace, and hand-holding as we trust in the next step. Love Lives Here is a reminder in this instant, skim-the-surface, focus on self alone world that looking up allows us to refresh our perspective as a reminder to what truly matters.

I received an Advanced Copy from B&H Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Maria Goff takes us on a beautiful journey of faith through stories of her childhood, friendships, life and marriage to husband, Bob Goff. Her personal stories share glimses of God's faithfullness and love, hope and grace.

It's refreshing to read a book that is authentic. Maria Goff doesn't hide behind a "perfect" marriage or a "perfect" family, but shows us how God is real in all of the beauty and the ashes.

Her invitation is to come, rest in the love of God. "Places of rest are holy, they're sacred, and they're race. Stop writing bad checks with your life you can't cover without some rest. Find your place and go there - often."

"Love Lives Here" is a wonderful reminder that God's ever present love in intertwined within our own stories.

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher, but this is my honest review.*

Several weeks ago I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and over the past several weeks it has been quite a blessing to me. In this book Maria Goff opens up and shares experiences from her life, and the lessons the has learned from them.

These past couple months have been a season of doubt, turmoil, and feelings of not being enough for me. This book reminded me where I find my identity as a Christian. It reminded me that I am enough. It reminded me that my identity is not in my accomplishments. And it refocused my life on love, not my disappointments or accomplishments.

No matter where you are in life-- on top of the world, in the dumps, just chugging along-- this book will speak to you, and remind you what's truly important. I highly recommend it.

Maria Goff has written a book full of sensible wisdom and shared her relatable life stories. I finished this book with ways to better love and care for my family. Here is one of my favorites-

We all don't need to do big things, but we can do equally important small things... We do it in our friendships, in our marriages, and we do it every time we find confidence in being who God made us to be.

I received an advance copy in return for my review.

Like everyone. Maria Goff inspires me to love the people in my life more intentionally and more deeply. I so admire her. I too, have read and loved the book by her husband, Bob, "Love Does" but felt a bit overwhelmed by his over the top actions, like I don't think I could replicate some of those ideas in real life. Maria's book makes me see how I can implement love in my everyday life. I can love me kids and husband more deeply, people at work, my neighbors. It's not hard, it just needs to be intentional. I am beginning to comfortable and embrace my life purpose in the today of my life. I'm listening to this book many times, I wish Maria lived across the street!!! :)

It can be tempting to believe that "love demonstrated" comes in packages of grandeur or big events but, through this book, I have learned I can love my neighbor by crossing the street. I can love my children well by being present in their lives. Simply put: Love lives in the here and now of every day.

In each chapter, I was welcomed by beautiful yet simple personal stories followed by a life lesson learned from that encounter of loss or gain.

By reading this book, you will find the resolve to live a life well-loved in good times and especially during difficult times.
In the words of Maria:
"We often find our safest and most beautiful places where the lava once flowed."

I received an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Just finished reading this book- it is amazing! Maria uses simple but profound stories and examples to both challenge and encourage her readers to bravely and boldly live out their faith. She shares that the secret to joy and contentment is to walk the unique life God has planned for you and your family. I have already started going back through, re-reading, studying, and praying about exactly how we can apply this to our family. Cannot wait to put this book into practice!

I honestly just picked up this book "just because." I am glad that I did just because I learned much from it. I have never met Maria, nor do know how she talks. But by reading through her words I can hear her speak softly but powerfully. It is a good read especially if you want to grow where you're really planted. Her family stories inspire me to love and care for mine even more. I definitely recommend this book.

I want to start this review with a statement that I believe will help those who've struggled to read more than a few chapters. Maria is not her husband, she is her own person. Most of us were intrigued by her book because we have read her husband's book, Love Does. But as I read Love Lives Here I realized that she is a hero to her family - the environment she creates within her home, and the intentionality that she delivers to her neighbors are priceless. Most of the time it's not about the grand adventures or the amount of risk we are willing to take, it's about knowing who you are and creating an environment where others feel safe; Maria has done just that.

Love Lives Here has moved my heart like few books have ever managed to do. Maria Goff, wife of best-selling author and adventurer, Bob Goff, shows herself as the softly courageous side of the Goff couple. Her life story and the lessons learned and shared are real and so relatable. This book not only inspires, but transforms the reader. I want more love to be evident in my life. I want to be able to say of my home and my family, Love lives HERE too. I highly suggest this one. I intend to read through again and again, perhaps as an annual New Year repositioning of the heart.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review. And this book was honestly amazing!