Colleen Hoover’s Characters Get a Fresh Start in Her Latest Novel
By Diana Tramontano, Consulting Editor
It Starts with Us is Colleen Hoover’s newest second-chance novel that just released this week on October 18th, six years after she published It Ends with Us. In the author's note, Hoover explains that she never wanted to write another story about these characters, thinking their storylines were over, but it was because of her readers that she realized she needed to. But I’m getting ahead of myself! For those of you who haven’t read It Ends with Us, it is a novel that centers around Lily and her new relationship that suddenly becomes complicated when someone special reemerges from her past. The book is emotional and sobering, and it sheds light on the toxicity of love that always pulls someone back.
It Starts with Us begins a new life for Lily as she settles into a co-parenting routine with her now ex-husband. Once again, Atlas returns from her past but this time, things are different. As Lily navigates having a newborn, an abusive ex, and Atlas, she finds strength in herself she didn’t know existed. This story is one of resilience, independence, love, and the importance of family. Though Lily’s life may never be what she thought it would be as a little girl, she creates a wonderful life for her daughter.
I really enjoyed this book for so many reasons. Those who haven’t read any of Colleen Hoover’s books (how can that be true) might write them off as light romances, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Hoover weaves a storyline that is both compelling and true to life in a way that no one else does. Her stories evoke emotion, reflection, and curiosity in readers. I loved this story in particular because it was a second chance for Lily and one that we can all learn from. Through Lily, Hoover demonstrates the strength women possess, the importance of love and friendship, and the meaning of true happiness.
If you have yet to read a Colleen Hoover book, you must!
Want more content? Listen to Zibby’s exclusive interview with Colleen about her last book, Reminders of Him, here!
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Diana Tramontano is a graduate of The College of William & Mary, where she competed on the Division 1 swim team, and the post-grad publishing course at Columbia University. She is a consulting editor for Zibby Mag and the associate publicist at Zibby Books. She lives in New York City. Follow her Instagram account for more book reviews and recommendations: @99livesofabookgirl
