It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover is a poignant and heartfelt sequel to the bestselling It Ends with Us. As the second installment in the series, this novel picks up right where the first left off, continuing the journey of Lily Bloom as she navigates love, family, and healing from past trauma.
The story centers around Lily’s budding relationship with Atlas Corrigan, her first love, as they reconnect after years apart. As Lily attempts to build a future with Atlas, she is faced with the complexities of co-parenting her daughter with her ex-husband, Ryle. Ryle’s lingering presence creates tension, as he struggles to let go of Lily, grappling with his feelings of regret and loss. Hoover delicately portrays the emotional challenges that arise from abusive relationships, not only for the person who suffered but also for those around them.
Character Development: Hoover’s character work in It Starts with Us is both a strength and a highlight. Lily remains a resilient and relatable protagonist, balancing her desire for happiness with the practical challenges of being a single mother. Her inner conflict between love and responsibility is portrayed with authenticity. Atlas, on the other hand, is a beacon of stability and compassion. Readers get to see more of his background, which provides a fuller understanding of why he means so much to Lily.
Ryle’s character remains complex. Hoover doesn’t sugarcoat his behavior, but she explores his internal struggles, offering a realistic depiction of a flawed person trying to better himself.
Themes: The novel addresses themes of healing, forgiveness, and personal growth. At its core, it is a story about new beginnings and the strength it takes to pursue happiness after heartbreak. Colleen Hoover expertly balances moments of lightness with the more difficult aspects of love and healing. While It Ends with Us focused more on breaking the cycle of abuse, It Starts with Us is about finding hope and reclaiming love in its purest form.
Writing Style: Colleen Hoover’s writing is fluid and engaging. She uses alternating perspectives between Lily and Atlas, allowing readers to experience their emotions firsthand. The dual narration provides depth to both characters and helps maintain the emotional weight of the story. Hoover’s style remains accessible and captivating, making the book an easy yet emotionally charged read.
Conclusion: It Starts with Us is a satisfying conclusion to Lily and Atlas’s story. Fans of It Ends with Us will find solace in this heartfelt sequel as it brings closure and peace to the characters they’ve come to love. The novel touches on the importance of second chances and the courage it takes to break free from the past.
Colleen Hoover delivers a story that is equal parts hopeful and emotionally moving, making It Starts with Us a must-read for fans of contemporary romance with depth.
