It Starts with Us – Colleen Hoover (2022)

It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover, published in 2022, is the sequel to the bestselling It Ends with Us. Continuing Lily Bloom’s story, the novel explores her journey as she navigates co-parenting with her ex-husband, Ryle, and rekindles a romance with her first love, Atlas Corrigan. This emotionally charged continuation delves into themes of love, healing, and resilience, providing fans with a much-anticipated closure to Lily’s complex and inspiring narrative.

Plot Summary

After divorcing Ryle, Lily Bloom devotes herself to her floral shop and her daughter, Emerson. Lily’s days are a balance of work, motherhood, and an effort to maintain boundaries with Ryle, whose temper and possessiveness still linger despite the separation. Though their interactions are civil for Emerson’s sake, Lily remains wary, protecting her daughter and herself from his volatile nature.

Lily’s life shifts unexpectedly when she crosses paths with Atlas Corrigan, her first love, who is now a successful restaurateur. The chance meeting reawakens feelings long buried under the weight of her turbulent past. Atlas, kind and steady, reminds her of the hope and safety she once knew, sparking a sense of possibility she had almost forgotten. Their brief exchange leaves them both yearning for more, though Lily hesitates, knowing that rekindling a relationship with Atlas could provoke Ryle’s jealousy and disrupt the fragile peace she has built.

Atlas, too, finds his thoughts consumed by Lily. His life has been shaped by perseverance, his restaurants thriving despite the scars of his troubled childhood. Yet his encounter with Lily stirs memories of the deep connection they once shared. Determined not to lose her again, Atlas reaches out, offering Lily not only his heart but also his unwavering support as she navigates her complex circumstances.

As Lily begins to explore a renewed relationship with Atlas, she is haunted by the ever-present shadow of Ryle. Their co-parenting arrangement forces frequent interactions, and Ryle’s inability to let go becomes evident in his intrusive behavior. When he discovers Atlas’s presence in Lily’s life, his jealousy boils over, threatening the tenuous boundaries Lily has worked so hard to establish.

Meanwhile, Atlas faces challenges of his own. He discovers that his estranged mother has abandoned his half-brother, Josh, a teenager grappling with feelings of rejection and anger. Atlas takes Josh into his care, offering him stability and understanding. The dynamic between them grows as they navigate their shared history of parental neglect, forging a bond that mirrors the compassion Atlas once extended to Lily during her darkest moments.

Lily’s relationship with Atlas deepens as they find solace and strength in each other. Their interactions are a refuge from the turbulence of their respective lives, a reminder that love can be gentle and healing. Yet Lily remains cautious, fearing the consequences of fully embracing their connection. She grapples with the question of how to balance her desire for happiness with the need to shield Emerson from any potential fallout.

Ryle’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic as he senses Lily slipping further from his grasp. His attempts to control the situation escalate, culminating in a confrontation that forces Lily to confront the realities of their co-parenting arrangement. With the support of her mother and friends, Lily reaffirms her commitment to protecting herself and her daughter, asserting her independence in the face of Ryle’s manipulations.

Amid these challenges, Lily finds moments of joy and clarity. Atlas’s unwavering presence and his willingness to integrate Emerson into his life offer her a glimpse of what a future free from fear could look like. Atlas, too, finds healing through his connection with Lily and the growing bond with Josh, who begins to flourish under his care.

As Lily and Atlas navigate the obstacles in their path, they are reminded of the resilience that has carried them through their individual struggles. Their love is not without its challenges, but it is grounded in mutual respect and a shared understanding of the pain and triumphs that have shaped them.

The story culminates in a moment of quiet affirmation, as Lily and Atlas stand together, ready to embrace the life they have fought so hard to build. It is not a fairy tale ending, but one rooted in the strength and courage that defines their journey. They find peace not in the absence of challenges but in their ability to face them together, secure in the knowledge that they are stronger for having chosen each other.

Main Characters

• Lily Bloom: A resilient single mother and florist, Lily balances raising her daughter, Emerson, and running her business while grappling with her past trauma and the complications of rebuilding her life. Her journey is one of reclaiming joy and finding love without compromising her safety or boundaries.

• Atlas Corrigan: A compassionate and driven chef, Atlas is Lily’s first love. His kindness and patience are central to the story as he helps Lily rediscover her worth. Atlas’s own struggles with family and abandonment add depth to his character.

• Ryle Kincaid: Lily’s ex-husband and father of her child, Ryle is a successful neurosurgeon with a volatile temper. Despite their divorce, his presence looms large in Lily’s life, often creating tension and challenges.

• Emerson “Emmy” Bloom: Lily and Ryle’s young daughter, who represents hope and a brighter future for Lily. Her presence motivates Lily to make decisions that ensure a stable and loving environment.

• Theo: Atlas’s witty and precocious teenage friend. His observations often provide comic relief and wisdom, showcasing the positive impact of Atlas’s mentorship.

Theme

• Healing from Abuse: The novel explores Lily’s journey of healing after an abusive marriage. It emphasizes the strength required to set boundaries and move forward while co-parenting.

• Second Chances at Love: Lily and Atlas’s rekindled romance is a testament to the power of timing and the importance of mutual respect and understanding in a healthy relationship.

• The Complexity of Co-Parenting: Lily and Ryle’s interactions highlight the challenges of co-parenting with an abusive ex, underscoring the need for balance, communication, and boundaries.

• Overcoming Trauma: Both Lily and Atlas confront their past traumas, illustrating the resilience it takes to reclaim their narratives and build fulfilling lives.

• Family and Belonging: The story examines what defines family—whether biological or chosen—and the importance of creating supportive, nurturing relationships.

Writing Style and Tone

Colleen Hoover’s writing is emotional, intimate, and conversational, pulling readers into Lily’s world with a compelling first-person narrative. The alternating perspectives of Lily and Atlas provide a multifaceted view of their thoughts and struggles, deepening the reader’s connection to their journey.

Hoover’s prose is straightforward yet lyrical, punctuated by moments of humor and warmth that balance the heavier themes of trauma and healing. The tone oscillates between reflective and hopeful, mirroring Lily’s evolving mindset as she navigates her relationships. The use of letters and flashbacks enriches the narrative, offering insight into Lily and Atlas’s past while grounding their present choices.