Let There Be Havens: An Invitation to Gentle Hospitality

by Liz Bell Young

Discover the gentle lifestyle and deep satisfaction of practicing hospitality with what you have.

We all need people, places and experiences that bring us home, feed our hope, rock us to sleep, then wish us well in the morning when we go back into the world and find others who need what we were just given. We long for these warm welcomes―and the ability to offer them to others without pretension or stress.

In this exquisite tapestry of stories, beautiful photography, and both practical and creative resources, writer and designer Liz Bell Young gives us a new vision for hospitality--one where we can both create space and give space at the same time. In Let There Be Havens , she shows us how anyone and any space can be part of this gentle and hospitable way of life.

Threading her life experiences in Italy, California, and Ohio--including camping events in fields and hosting friends in a van parked on the driveway―Young reveals the secrets of cultivating havens right where we are. She’ll inspire you Page by page, this powerful manifesto will give what you need to build meaningful moments, draw people in, and offer more beauty to the world―piece by piece, life by life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christian

208 pages, Hardcover

Published August 6, 2024

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz Bell Young offers readers a refreshing take on modern day hospitality and our human need for sanctuary. This inspiring narrative of heartfelt experiences, how-to’s and recipes encourages the reader to be purposeful in creating these havens of peace and contentment for themselves and those around them. Young makes each chapter feel like a conversation with an encouraging friend. Her storytelling style of writing will pull at your heartstrings and embolden you to look for ways to intentionally care for others. I devoured this book cover- to -cover but many of these chapters can be reviewed singularly for fresh motivation or inspiration. While I do not think it was the author’s intent to publish a work to be explored by a book discussion club, I do feel that reading this book with friends or a ministry group will spark some amazing discussions and inspire a call to action.

*I received an advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

[Janelle Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond beautiful from start to finish! My heart swelled with gratitude thinking about people who have held me & have been a haven for me. It also left me more inspired to be someone who creates beauty & welcome spaces for others. Also, to love in a way that allow others to feel their worth & value. I appreciated that she pointed out that while we can be a haven for others, we weren’t designed to be their savior. Jesus, was and is the one & only perfect Savior. Our role simply is to use what we have been given with open hands & open heart to share with others what has been given to us, even if all we have to give is a smile to beam at them and a hug when it’s needed. This was heartfelt and tenderly written. I plan to keep it nearby & look back at it often.

[Kristi Witmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book, both literarily, and photographically.

[Ryanne WItt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wrecked me in the best way.
It is beautiful and practical but also speaks to the soul. I want to buy it for everyone I know.

[Keri Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stunning photos and layout are as rich and beautiful as Liz Young's writing. The narrative thread that weaves through this sumptuous book is honest and real: a long and winding journey through various homes where Liz and her family lived, and welcomed others.

Along the way, Liz offers advice and gentle invitations to practice hospitality in simple ways: through recipes, checklists, even honest reflections on her own struggles.

This book, with its magazine like format, would make an excellent gift. But it goes much deeper than just a pretty picture book, inviting readers to welcome others in simple yet profound ways.
I highly recommend this book.

[Megan Alms Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books you blast through in one day, then immediately make plans to work back through, this time armed with a journal and sticky notes.

Or maybe that was just me? I like to think not.

Liz and her team of creatives have compiled a stunning collection of bits and bobs in the form of prose, poetry, photography, art, and design. It can’t help but inspire you to action and creativity.

Not to chant “MORE,” as my dear Taylor would say, but I find myself eagerly awaiting every new scrap of Liz’s work.

[Kayla Hollatz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so much more than a pretty coffee table book. Liz inspires her readers to embody gentle hospitality wherever life takes them, not just within the four walls of their homes. With stories of volunteering, grocery store encounters, early childhood, and the process of building her family's home—paired with thoughtful prompts and beautiful lifestyle photography—Let There Be Havens is a heartwarming read you'll want to return to again and again, just like an old friend.

[Kim Botto · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fast paced world Liz' words and images force us to sit and slow down and provide inspiration to create more moments of being in fully present. It's a beautiful book to read and journal and write in (yes Luz encourages the reader to write in the beautiful pages) over and over. This is a book I'll go back to many times. Thank you Liz.

[Leah Stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly beautiful book about making space for gentle hospitality in your everyday life.

“Liz, when you daydream out loud with someone….when someone gives you the space to daydream….thats hospitality, isn’t it?”

That quote perfectly describes who my best friend is to me. She gives me that space everyday and I’m thankful for it every single day.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt like a giant hug.

[Krissy Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend. Great gift to give. So lovely. Chocked full of great ideas. Buy this beautiful book!

[Kelsey Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

honestly, probably the best book i’ve ever read.

[Linnea Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Let There Be Havens was like taking a deep, relaxed breath of warm spring air and exhaling calmly.

[Ashley Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect coffee table book.

I’ve been reading a passage here and there for about a year.

It’s a lovely reminder to both create and accept community around you.