Finding Perfect by Colleen Hoover, published in 2019, is a novella that bridges two of her earlier novels, Finding Cinderella and All Your Perfects. This poignant short story revisits beloved characters Daniel, Six, Graham, and Quinn, tying together their narratives in a heartwarming exploration of love, loss, and closure.
Plot Summary
Daniel Wesley, with his trademark charm and humor, finds himself adrift during Thanksgiving break. His college life has been a mix of banter with friends and awkward moments with his girlfriend, Six Jacobs. Their once passionate connection now feels burdened by a shared, unspoken pain—a closed chapter from their past that neither knows how to address. Six seems to withdraw more each day, leaving Daniel restless and desperate for a way to ease the ache he sees in her eyes.
Their shared secret binds them in ways words can’t always explain. Years ago, Six became pregnant after an impulsive encounter in a maintenance closet, not realizing Daniel was the father. By the time the truth surfaced, the baby had been placed for adoption. It was a closed adoption, and though both tried to move forward, the weight of that decision lingers. Daniel sees Six breaking under the strain, and it terrifies him that he may lose her—not because she doesn’t love him, but because the grief might consume her.
Over dinner with his family, Daniel is restless. His sister Hannah teases him at first, but when he opens up, her supportive nature shines through. She encourages him to act, to be the persistent force Six needs, even if it seems hopeless. With this newfound determination, Daniel spends hours researching adoption agencies and calling anyone who might help, hoping to find a thread to follow.
Finally, he contacts Ava Roberts, a teacher from Six’s time abroad who facilitated the adoption. She is hesitant but moved by Daniel’s plea. Though bound by legal constraints, Ava agrees to try reaching out to the adoptive family. Daniel clings to the smallest spark of hope, though he doesn’t tell Six, fearing disappointment if nothing comes of it.
The days crawl by until Daniel receives an unexpected call. Graham Wells, the adoptive father, reaches out. Graham’s tone is cautious, his words carefully chosen. He reveals that his wife, Quinn, is the one who needs to decide whether to open the door to any form of communication. Graham listens to Daniel’s heartfelt reasons for reaching out, his desperation to ease Six’s suffering, and agrees to speak with Quinn.
The waiting feels endless, but Daniel’s resolve strengthens when he sees the impact of his actions. He becomes more attuned to Six’s emotions, supporting her with quiet gestures and patience. For her part, Six senses a shift in Daniel but doesn’t press him, grateful for his steadiness in a storm she hasn’t fully articulated.
A few days later, an email arrives from Quinn Wells. It begins with a hesitant but heartfelt introduction, acknowledging the complex emotions surrounding their connection. Quinn recounts her struggles with infertility, her and Graham’s initial reluctance to hope, and the moment their son entered their lives. Her words are tender and sincere, expressing gratitude to Six for her bravery and selflessness.
Quinn assures Daniel and Six that their son, now named Ethan, is thriving in a home filled with love. She shares glimpses of his personality—his curiosity, his laughter, his love for animals—painting a vivid picture of the life he’s leading. The email concludes with an invitation for continued correspondence, offering the reassurance Daniel and Six have longed for.
When Daniel shows Six the email, her initial reaction is disbelief. But as she reads, tears fall freely. The grief she’s carried for years begins to lift, replaced by a bittersweet peace. For the first time in months, Daniel sees her smile, not the forced kind she’s perfected but one born from relief and gratitude. They both feel the weight of what they’ve gained—not just closure, but a connection that stretches beyond biology or circumstance.
Ethan remains a part of their lives through letters and updates, a distant but cherished presence. While they may never meet him face-to-face, knowing he is safe and loved brings a quiet solace. It allows them to look forward, together, without the shadows of what might have been. Daniel and Six, strengthened by their shared journey, find themselves more connected than ever, ready to embrace whatever comes next.
Main Characters
- Daniel Wesley: Charismatic and funny, Daniel struggles to find balance between his carefree demeanor and the heavy emotional weight of his past. His love for Six is unwavering, driving him to take meaningful actions to support her.
- Six Jacobs: Fiercely independent yet vulnerable, Six wrestles with the pain of having given up her child for adoption. Her quiet resilience and love for Daniel define her emotional journey.
- Graham Wells: A devoted husband from All Your Perfects, Graham embodies sensitivity and strength. He plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between Daniel, Six, and their adopted son.
- Quinn Wells: As Graham’s wife, Quinn is a complex character shaped by her struggles with infertility. Her compassion and understanding bring depth to the story’s resolution.
Theme
- Love and Sacrifice: The story highlights the lengths to which individuals go to ensure the happiness of those they love, whether it’s Six’s selfless decision or Daniel’s determined efforts to mend their past.
- Healing and Forgiveness: Finding Perfect emphasizes the importance of confronting unresolved pain and finding peace through understanding and closure.
- Family and Belonging: Both biological and chosen family bonds are central, showcasing how relationships shape identity and provide solace.
- Closure and Redemption: The novella underscores the transformative power of seeking answers and the redemptive joy that comes with emotional resolution.
Writing Style and Tone
Colleen Hoover’s writing in Finding Perfect is emotive and conversational, drawing readers into the characters’ inner worlds with vivid detail and relatable dialogue. Her use of alternating perspectives deepens the emotional resonance, enabling readers to empathize with multiple viewpoints.
The tone oscillates between lighthearted banter and profound introspection. Hoover’s gift for humor balances the weight of the characters’ struggles, ensuring the story is both heartfelt and engaging. Her prose is direct yet poetic, often punctuated by poignant moments that linger long after reading.
Quotes
Finding Perfect – Colleen Hoover (2019) Quotes
“True love exists and the people in this house are proof of that.”
“Becoming a mother isn’t about securing your own happiness. It’s about taking the chance of being terrified and even devastated for the sake of a child.”
“You reminded me of myself, and what that felt like. The agony that comes along with not being able to take the pain away from the person you love more than yourself.”
“Being so close but still so fucking far away.”
“when Six sees anyone else cry, it makes her cry.”
“when I walked into the room, he lifted his hands and said, “Mama.” It wasn’t his first word, and it wasn’t even the first time he said Mama, but it was the first time he applied the term specifically to me. I didn’t know how hard it would hit me. How much it would mean to me.”
“Not an irrational fear of losing our son to you, but a substantial fear that you might go a lifetime not knowing this beautiful human you brought into the world.”
“We’re about to meet our son in a matter of seconds and you’re seriously going to sit here and make me wait while you have a full-on conversation about tacos?”
“If you weren’t completely terrified right now, I would be convinced that we aren’t the right parents for this child, because becoming a parent should be the most terrifying thing to ever happen to a person.”
“Bite me,” Holder says as he resumes counting my money for the third time.”
“Holder demands to be the banker because he doesn’t trust me, and he counts everyone’s money three times.”
“You didn’t give him up, Six. I hate that phrase. You gave him a life. And you gave his new parents a life. The last thing you did was give up. You stood up.”
“I know this is the worst day of your life. But thanks to you, it just became the best day of two other people’s lives.”
“I’m not doing this because I don’t love you. I’m doing it because I do.”
“I know this is the worst day of your life. But thanks to you, it just became the best day of two other people's lives.”
“I'm not doing this because I don't love you. I am doing this because I do.”
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