Book Summary

It Starts with Us is the highly anticipated sequel to Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel It Ends with Us. Published on October 18, 2022, this romance novel continues the story of Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan, picking up where the first book left off. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Lily and Atlas, providing readers with a deeper understanding of their emotions and experiences.

In this sequel, Lily is adjusting to life as a single mother to her daughter, Emerson, while navigating co-parenting with her ex-husband, Ryle Kincaid. Her unexpected reunion with Atlas reignites their past connection, leading to a rekindled romance. The story explores themes of healing, second chances, and the complexities of relationships, offering a more hopeful and romantic continuation compared to the intense emotions of the first book. 

About the Author

Colleen Hoover is an American author born on December 11, 1979, in Sulphur Springs, Texas. She writes primarily in the romance and young adult fiction genres. Hoover gained significant popularity through self-publishing, with many of her works being picked up by major publishers. As of October 2022, she has sold approximately 20 million books and was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2023. 

Her novel It Ends with Us was inspired by her personal experiences with domestic violence and aims to raise awareness about the issue. The book's success was propelled by the BookTok community on TikTok, leading to widespread recognition and a film adaptation released in August 2024. Following the success of It Ends with Us, Hoover wrote It Starts with Us as a "thank you" to her fans, providing closure and a more uplifting perspective on Lily and Atlas's journey.