Hey Lovely Readers! 📚✨

I’m beyond excited to share my thoughts on “It Starts With Us” by the incredible Colleen Hoover! 🎉 This sequel to “It Ends With Us” dives even deeper into the lives of Lily and Atlas, offering a touching and hopeful continuation of their story. Let’s get into the heart of this beautiful book!

A Heartfelt Journey

Picking up right where “It Ends With Us” left off, “It Starts With Us” is like catching up with old friends and seeing where life has taken them. Lily Bloom is back, stronger and more determined than ever, juggling her role as a single mom and her rekindled connection with Atlas Corrigan. Hoover crafts a tale that’s both heartwarming and challenging, exploring themes of love, healing, and new beginnings.

Favorite Quote: “Sometimes you have to let go of the person you used to be, to become the person you’re meant to be.”

This line really hit home for me, encapsulating the essence of Lily’s journey as she navigates her past and future.

Characters We Love

• Lily Bloom: She’s a fighter, a survivor, and now a loving mother. Lily’s growth from the first book is incredible. She’s working through the trauma of her past with Ryle and trying to find a balance between co-parenting and moving on with her life. Lily’s resilience and vulnerability are beautifully portrayed.
• Atlas Corrigan: The sweet, steadfast Atlas returns as a beacon of hope and stability in Lily’s life. He’s not just her old love but a source of unwavering support and understanding. His patience and dedication to Lily and her daughter, Emerson, are truly heartwarming.
• Ryle Kincaid: While Ryle’s presence is still a challenging part of Lily’s life, Hoover delves into his complexities, showing his struggles as he tries to be a good father to Emerson despite his past actions. It’s a delicate balance, and Hoover handles it with sensitivity.

Memorable Moment: When Atlas says to Lily, “No matter how long it takes, I’ll be here. Waiting for the moment you’re ready to start over.” It’s a testament to the enduring love and patience that defines Atlas’s character.

Themes That Resonate

The book delves into the complexities of starting over and finding love after trauma. It beautifully illustrates the process of healing and the strength it takes to embrace new beginnings. The title itself, “It Starts With Us,” is a powerful reminder that every journey of change and growth begins with us making the choice to move forward.

Insightful Line: “We can’t control the things life throws at us. But we can control how we handle them.” This is a central theme that resonates throughout the book, encouraging readers to find strength and agency in their responses to life’s challenges.

The Pros and Cons

What I Loved:

• Character Development: Seeing Lily and Atlas evolve and grow was deeply satisfying.
• Emotional Depth: The book handles sensitive themes with grace and provides a hopeful outlook.
• Strong Message: It’s an inspiring story of resilience, love, and the courage to start anew.

A Few Drawbacks:

• Ryle’s Complexity: While necessary for the story, Ryle’s presence can be frustrating as he navigates his role in Lily’s life.
• Pacing: Some parts of the book felt slower compared to the intense drama of “It Ends With Us,” but this also allowed for deeper character exploration.

Final Thoughts

“It Starts With Us” is a beautiful continuation of Lily and Atlas’s story, filled with hope, love, and the courage to build a new life. Colleen Hoover has once again crafted a narrative that touches the heart and soul, leaving readers with a sense of closure and new beginnings. If you loved “It Ends With Us,” this sequel is a must-read.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 (4.5/5)

Thanks for joining me on this journey through “It Starts With Us.” Have you read it? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below or share your favorite moments. Let’s keep the conversation going! 📖💬