It Starts with Us Book Review : A Journey of Love, Healing, and Second Chances
Colleen Hoover’s It Starts with Us is a powerful and deeply emotional sequel to It Ends with Us, offering readers a heartfelt journey of love, healing, and self-discovery. While the first book explored the complexities of toxic relationships and personal strength, It Starts with Us shifts the focus to new beginnings, second chances, and breaking free from the past.
This book brings back Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan, two souls whose love story was interrupted by circumstances beyond their control. Now, they have a chance to rewrite their story—but not without challenges. Hoover beautifully portrays the importance of self-worth, healthy love, and the courage to choose happiness.
If you’ve ever believed in love that deserves a second chance, healing from past wounds, and the power of moving forward, this book is an inspiring and emotional must-read.
1. Love Should Never Be Painful—It Should Be Safe and Supportive
The book contrasts toxic love (Lily’s past with Ryle) with healthy love (her connection with Atlas).
✅ Toxic love is filled with control, fear, and emotional exhaustion.
✅ Healthy love is built on trust, respect, and emotional safety.
✅ We all deserve love that nurtures, not destroys.
Lily’s journey reminds us that real love should never come at the cost of self-respect.
2. Healing Takes Time, but It’s Always Possible
Lily has endured emotional and physical abuse, yet she continues to grow, heal, and redefine her future.
✅ Leaving a painful past is not easy, but it’s necessary.
✅ Healing is a personal journey—it happens step by step.
✅ Surrounding yourself with supportive people makes all the difference.
The book teaches that choosing peace over pain is the bravest decision we can make.
3. Second Chances Are Worth Fighting For
Atlas and Lily’s love story is proof that timing isn’t always right—but real love finds its way.
✅ If love is meant to be, it will return stronger and healthier.
✅ Past wounds don’t define the future—new beginnings do.
✅ Sometimes, life gives us a second chance, and we must embrace it fearlessly.
Their relationship is a beautiful reminder that true love waits, heals, and grows stronger with time.
4. Choosing Yourself Is Not Selfish—It’s Necessary
Lily struggles with co-parenting, setting boundaries with her abusive ex, and prioritizing her happiness.
✅ Setting boundaries is an act of self-respect.
✅ You can’t pour from an empty cup—prioritizing yourself allows you to love others better.
✅ Walking away from toxic situations is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The book emphasizes that choosing yourself doesn’t mean abandoning others—it means ensuring your own well-being first.
5. Not All Love Stories Are Fairy Tales, but They Can Be Beautiful
Love isn’t perfect, and It Starts with Us shows that relationships come with hardships, doubts, and baggage.
✅ A perfect relationship doesn’t exist, but a healthy one does.
✅ Love requires communication, patience, and emotional maturity.
✅ The right person will stand by your side through every challenge.
Lily and Atlas prove that love isn’t about perfection—it’s about choosing each other every day, despite imperfections.
6. Strength Comes from Within
Lily’s journey is not just about love—it’s about inner strength, resilience, and the power to rewrite your own story.
✅ She refuses to let past pain define her future.
✅ She prioritizes her happiness and her daughter’s well-being.
✅ She proves that every woman has the strength to walk away from what doesn’t serve her.
Her story is a reminder that strength isn’t about enduring pain—it’s about choosing a life that brings peace and joy.
Why You Should Read It Starts with Us
✔ If you loved It Ends with Us, this book gives the closure and healing you need.
✔ It’s an emotional rollercoaster that feels real, raw, and relatable.
✔ It teaches valuable lessons about love, healing, and self-worth.
✔ It proves that everyone deserves a love that feels safe, comforting, and true.
Final Thoughts
It Starts with Us is more than just a romance—it’s a story about healing, resilience, and making choices that honor your happiness. Colleen Hoover delivers a heartwarming, deeply emotional narrative that reminds us:
🔥 You are not defined by your past.
🔥 You deserve love that nurtures, not destroys.
🔥 Your story is still being written—make sure it’s one of strength and happiness.
