It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover: A Journey of Love, Healing, and Second Chances
Colleen Hoover is the maestro of contemporary romances. Her ability to craft emotionally charged narratives that resonate with readers has earned her a dedicated following. Now, with “It Starts with Us,” the sequel to her bestselling novel “It Ends with Us,” Hoover proves once again why she’s a master of her craft.
Context: Where We Left Off
“It Starts with Us” begins where the epilogue of its predecessor ended, thrusting readers back into the lives of Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan. For those who haven’t read the first book (which I highly recommend before diving into this one), Lily is a single mother who has recently divorced her abusive husband, Ryle. Atlas, her first love from her teenage years, has re-entered her life, bringing with him the promise of a love that was interrupted years ago.
The novel alternates between Lily and Atlas’s perspectives, a narrative choice that allows us to experience their rekindled relationship from both sides. This dual narration is one of the book’s strengths, offering insights into both characters’ thoughts, fears, and hopes.
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Atlas Corrigan: From Homeless Teen to Successful Restaurateur
One of the most compelling aspects of “It Starts with Us” is the deep dive into Atlas’s backstory. In the first book, we knew him primarily through Lily’s memories and their brief encounters. Here, we get to see his journey in full - from a homeless teenager to a successful restaurant owner.
Hoover doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of Atlas’s past. His struggles with homelessness, his determination to build a better life for himself, and the emotional scars he carries are all laid bare. This exploration adds layers to a character that many readers already adored, making him even more sympathetic and admirable.
Lily Bloom: Balancing Motherhood, Career, and New Love
Lily’s character development is equally compelling. We see her navigating the challenges of single motherhood, managing her flower shop business, and cautiously opening her heart to love again. Hoover brilliantly captures the conflicting emotions Lily experiences - the excitement of reconnecting with Atlas, the lingering trauma from her abusive marriage, and the constant worry about how her choices will affect her daughter.
One of the most poignant aspects of Lily’s journey is her struggle with co-parenting. The scenes where she interacts with her ex-husband Ryle are tense and fraught with complex emotions. Hoover handles these moments with sensitivity, never villainizing Ryle entirely while also not excusing his past behavior.
Tackling Tough Topics with Grace
“It Starts with Us” continues to address themes of domestic abuse, healing, and the long-lasting impact of trauma. Hoover’s treatment of these subjects is both sensitive and realistic. She doesn’t offer easy solutions or fairy-tale endings but instead shows the messy, complicated process of healing and moving forward.
The book also touches on other important topics such as the challenges of co-parenting after an abusive relationship, the importance of support systems, and the role of therapy in healing. These elements add depth to the story and make it more than just a romance novel.
A Love Story Rooted in Timing and Growth
At its core, “It Starts with Us” is a love story. But it’s not just about the romantic love between Lily and Atlas. It’s about self-love, familial love, and the love between friends. The romance between Lily and Atlas is sweet and satisfying, built on a foundation of mutual respect, understanding, and shared history.
Hoover emphasizes the importance of timing in relationships. Lily and Atlas’s love story spans years, demonstrating how sometimes people need to grow individually before they can grow together.
Hoover’s Signature Style
Colleen Hoover’s writing style shines throughout the novel. Her prose is engaging and emotionally charged, with dialogue that feels natural and relatable. She has a knack for blending humor with serious topics, providing necessary moments of levity in an otherwise intense narrative.
The pacing of the book is well-managed, with enough tension to keep readers turning pages while also allowing for quieter moments of character development and reflection.
Not Just for Romance Fans
While “It Starts with Us” is categorized as a romance novel, its appeal extends beyond genre fans. The depth of character development, the exploration of complex family dynamics, and the thoughtful handling of serious issues make it a compelling read for anyone who enjoys mature, character-driven stories.
Final Thoughts
“It Starts with Us” is a worthy sequel that offers both closure and new beginnings. While it may not have the same shocking impact as its predecessor, it offers a deeper, more nuanced exploration of characters we’ve come to care about.
Hoover has crafted a story about healing, growth, and the power of love - not just romantic love, but love in all its forms. It’s about the families we’re born into and the families we choose. It’s about second chances and the courage it takes to grasp them.
For fans of “It Ends with Us,” this sequel provides the satisfying conclusion we’ve been waiting for. For newcomers to Hoover’s work, I’d recommend starting with the first book to fully appreciate the characters’ journeys.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars.