t Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover is a powerful continuation of It Ends With Us, offering fans a second look into the life of Lily Bloom as she steps into a new chapter filled with both promise and challenges. This book provides more than just a romance story; it’s a tale of healing, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace second chances. For readers who fell in love with the emotionally raw journey in It Ends With Us, this sequel brings long-awaited closure and a fresh perspective on love and forgiveness.

Plot Overview

The novel picks up after the events of It Ends With Us, focusing on Lily’s life as she co-parents her daughter with her ex-husband, Ryle, who has a history of abuse. Lily’s story now includes the reappearance of her first love, Atlas, and this reunion brings hope and stability amidst her struggles with Ryle. This balance between co-parenting and exploring new love challenges Lily to find strength and stability for herself and her child.

Main Themes

1. Healing and Moving Forward The primary focus of It Starts With Us is Lily’s journey to heal from her traumatic relationship with Ryle. Colleen Hoover portrays Lily’s struggles in a nuanced way, showing how recovery from such experiences isn’t easy. Readers get a front-row seat to her slow but steady progress as she learns to trust herself, set boundaries, and redefine her life around what makes her truly happy.


2. Second Chances in Love The love between Lily and Atlas feels like a second chance, but it’s not without its own challenges. Their relationship reflects the idea that love can be a balm, but it cannot heal trauma alone. Lily and Atlas’s romance grows gradually, allowing both characters to develop emotionally and truly understand what a healthy relationship requires. It’s a story of love built on respect, trust, and mutual understanding.


3. Co-Parenting and Resilience The book dives into the complexities of co-parenting with an ex-partner who has hurt you in the past. Lily’s interactions with Ryle reveal the delicate balance between protecting her own well-being and providing a stable environment for her daughter. This theme emphasizes the strength required to set boundaries while still ensuring her child’s needs come first.


4. Forgiveness and Self-Love Forgiving oneself and others is a recurring message throughout It Starts With Us. Lily’s journey isn’t just about letting go of her past with Ryle but also about forgiving herself for any perceived mistakes. Her story inspires readers to embrace self-love and recognize that forgiveness is sometimes about finding inner peace rather than reconciling with others.

Character Growth and Development

Lily’s character arc from It Ends With Us to It Starts With Us is deeply inspiring. In the sequel, she becomes more aware of her own needs and boundaries, learning how to build a life that doesn’t center around trauma but around growth and joy. Atlas, meanwhile, remains a source of kindness and steadiness, embodying the qualities Lily has always yearned for in a partner.

Ryle’s character, though not as prominent in this book, serves as a reminder of how abusers can remain part of a person’s life, especially when they share a child. The author handles this dynamic sensitively, portraying both the impact of Ryle’s presence and Lily’s bravery in maintaining boundaries.

Why Readers Connect with It Starts With Us

Colleen Hoover has a unique ability to create stories that resonate emotionally with readers. Her writing in It Starts With Us is raw, relatable, and real, making it easy for readers to connect with Lily’s struggles and victories. Hoover’s characters are complex, and their journeys reflect real-world issues, such as trauma recovery, co-parenting, and self-acceptance.

The book has received widespread praise for providing closure to Lily’s story, showing that healing and happiness are possible after enduring hardships. For many readers, it serves as a hopeful message that life can move forward, bringing new, positive experiences—even after heartbreak.

Final Thoughts

It Starts With Us isn’t just a romance novel—it’s an empowering narrative about healing, resilience, and choosing happiness. It’s a beautiful conclusion to Lily Bloom’s story, showing that sometimes, the greatest act of love is the one we show ourselves. Whether you’re a fan of romance, personal growth stories, or simply a Colleen Hoover enthusiast, It Starts With Us is a compelling read that will leave you reflecting on love, life, and the power of second chances.

---