Book Review: All Things Lovely by Jenn Johnson

If you enjoy the Netflix® show The Home Edit with Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin or Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo then you’re going to LOVE Jenn Johnson’s new book, All Things Lovely: Inspiring Health and Wholeness in Your Home, Heart, & Community.

From clear containers in the kitchen to cleaning out your closet, Johnson offers practical tips and advice for bringing order to chaos. And maybe when you see how the author has her spice drawer organized, it will inspire you to do something similar in your own kitchen.

Something to note: There are A LOT of full-page photos of the author doing everything from public speaking to leading worship to scrolling on her phone. I think her fans will love the intimate look at Jenn in all the places!

Bottom line: Jenn Johnson is beautiful. Her family is beautiful. Her kitchen is beautiful. And so is the great room (below). And each child’s bedroom. And the home office. And the porch. And the patio. And the front yard (acres!). And… well, you get the idea. The book is filled with more than 200 large photos highlighting an abundance of really nice things and a lot of food!

🤳🏻📸 TRIGGER WARNING:
If you avoid social media because you struggle with “Instagram envy,” All Things Lovely might trigger a similar reaction. Poring over page after page of perfectly staged, professional photos showcasing the author’s public persona and private home life might generate feelings of inadequacy or jealousy. Skimming the book felt a lot like scrolling through an Instagram feed.

Now please don’t get me wrong. I enjoy peeking into the lifestyles of the rich and famous. I just have to remember to be grateful for what I have and not feel bad about what I don’t. #firstworldproblems

And listen. It’s clear that the author’s intent was not to make her readers feel bad about themselves. Her intent is to paint a picture of how to steward God’s blessings in your life and listen to His voice every day.

More Than Just Home Organization

All Things Lovely is about so much more than home organization, though. Thank God!

It’s divided into four sections: home, heart, health, and hospitality. Each section filled with photos, memoirs, family recipes, and deep spiritual insights that drive home the overarching theme of the book which is only vaguely hinted at in the subtitle.

All Things Lovely is filled with real-life lessons on how to stay sensitive to the Spirit’s guidance in every single area of your life.

"All Things Lovely" by Jenn Johnson is less about pretty things (although it's jam-packed with them!) and more about cultivating a close relationship with God so you can listen and hear His voice. Click To Tweet

Ahhh, now we’re getting somewhere. This book less about pretty things (although it’s jam-packed with them) and more about cultivating a close relationship with God so you can listen and hear His voice. AND it’s not written from the perspective of someone who’s achieved perfection. It’s written by a woman who is transparent about her own struggles (past, present, and future) and her utter reliance on the Holy Spirit’s direction in her life.

All Things Lovely
by Jenn Johnson

Johnson shares authentically about the challenges of being a wife, mom of five, worship leader (she and her husband founded Bethel Music), speaker, song writer, chief cook, and bottle washer—and getting lost in the process of trying to balance it all. She offers tips for seeking discernment about everything from whom to follow (or unfollow) on social media to letting go of control in relationships and so much more.

All Things Lovely is a coffee-table book that is the perfect gift for any Bethel Music fan. For me, it’s more of a nightstand book—a book to read at night before I doze off to sleep. A constant reminder that God is speaking. All we need to do is listen for that still, small voice, and then follow the guidance.

If you are interested in purchasing this book, please consider using my Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2U4Opn9.

But don’t skip the book because of the photos! There’s so much great advice, you’ll want to at least listen to what she has to say. Here’s a link so you can download a free copy of the audiobook. Just sign-up for a trial of Audible Plus at Audible.com or you can purchase it on the same site.

Thanks!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”