Live in Love

Growing Together Through Life's Changes

By: Lauren Akins, Mark Dagostino

Narrated by: Lauren Akins, Thomas Rhett

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 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.

Critic reviews

­“Akins’ first book is an intimate glimpse into her relationship, her work in Uganda, and balancing motherhood and adoption.”—Parade

LOVED this book!!

Thank you, Lauren, for being so honest, bold, encouraging, open, and loving! As a believer, this book was so encouraging and displayed His love over and over. Thank you!

Couldn’t stop listening

Very inspiring and sweet story of love!! Buy this book!! I promise, You will love it!!

Tugs at your heart strings!!!

I couldn't put it down! It's a beautiful, raw and real love story. I love the way it explains how much work a marriage is, and just because you are famous doesn't mean you live in a perfect easy world. TR and Lauren you are REAL marriage goals not just the social media marriage goals.

The sweetest love story

This was without a doubt Notebook material. I am a divorced, survivor of Domestic Assault, yet still a hopeless romantic. Your book gives me hope that good, Christian people still exist. That people who want to do good and be the change they want to see are still out there. I sobbed when I listened to your excitement telling us that Willa Gray was coming home. I felt as though I was standing in that airport with you soaking in that moment. Thank you for filling my cup with this book.

Amazing!!!

I fell more in love with their family after reading this!! Made me think more about my life and about God. I was so sad when it ended! I hope she writes another one 😍