Summary reviewed by:
Terrence Timmons
Terrence Timmons
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Bachelor of Arts (BA), University Of California, Santa Barbara 2019
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Click here to find out how the story of Atlas and Lily continues! It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover is a heartfelt sequel to the wildly popular It Ends with Us. The story picks up right where the first book left off, diving back into the lives of Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan in the vibrant city of Boston. After the emotional whirlwind that defined their past, Lily is finally ready to explore what a future with Atlas could look like, but life is far from simple.
Lily is juggling her responsibilities as a single mother to her daughter, Emerson, while still maintaining a cordial relationship with her ex-husband, Ryle, who remains a looming presence in her life. As she navigates co-parenting with a man who once shattered her heart, the tension between old wounds and new beginnings intensifies.
Atlas, ever the patient and devoted figure, has waited years for the right moment to rekindle their love. However, their reunion is far from a fairytale. Old scars, misunderstandings, and the relentless pull of their past threaten to undo the fragile connection they are trying to rebuild. Through Lily’s struggles with forgiveness and Atlas's quest for redemption, Hoover weaves a story of love that demands honesty, courage, and, above all, a commitment to healing.
It Starts with Us is a poignant exploration of second chances, showing that love is not always easy, but it’s worth fighting for when it’s real. Whether you're returning to these characters or discovering them for the first time, this book offers a compelling mix of romance, resilience, and raw emotion. Perfect for fans of contemporary romance who crave stories with depth and heart.
Fiction
Romance
Contemporary Fiction
Women's Fiction
Mystery
Historical Fiction
Lily Bloom: A resilient and compassionate woman, Lily is a single mother dedicated to providing a safe, loving environment for her daughter, Emerson. Her strength is shown when she navigates co-parenting with her abusive ex-husband, Ryle, while pursuing a second chance at love with Atlas. Lily values honesty and growth, demonstrated when she sets boundaries with Ryle to protect herself and her child.
Atlas Corrigan: A patient, kind-hearted man with a troubled past, Atlas has always been Lily’s safe haven. His unwavering love for Lily is evident when he waits years for the right moment to re-enter her life. Atlas values loyalty and support, as shown in his commitment to standing by Lily as they navigate their complicated relationship.
Ryle Kincaid: A successful neurosurgeon struggling with his darker impulses, Ryle is Lily’s ex-husband and the father of her daughter, Emerson. Despite his love for his daughter, Ryle’s inability to control his temper leads to his estrangement from Lily. Ryle values control and success, but his abusive behavior shows his deep flaws, particularly when he reacts violently to Lily’s decisions.
Emerson “Emmy” Bloom: Lily and Ryle’s young daughter, Emerson represents innocence and the future. Though too young to understand the complexities of her parents’ relationship, her presence is the catalyst for many of Lily’s decisions. Lily’s protective instincts and desire to create a loving home for Emmy are central to the story.
Healing and Forgiveness: The novel delves into the painful process of healing from past trauma. Lily’s journey to forgive herself and others, especially Ryle, highlights the difficulty and necessity of moving on from toxic relationships. This theme is central to her ability to embrace a future with Atlas.
Second Chances at Love: Atlas and Lily’s rekindled relationship exemplifies the theme of second chances. Despite their complicated pasts, they are given the opportunity to rebuild their love on a stronger foundation, showing that true love can endure and flourish even after hardship.
The Impact of Abuse: The story explores the long-lasting effects of emotional and physical abuse. Ryle’s actions have a profound impact on Lily, shaping her decisions and relationships. The theme underscores the importance of breaking the cycle of abuse for the sake of future generations, as seen in Lily’s determination to protect her daughter, Emmy.
Parenthood and Responsibility: Lily’s role as a mother is a driving force in the novel. The theme of parenthood is explored through her efforts to provide a stable, nurturing environment for Emmy, balancing her own needs and desires with the responsibilities of raising a child.
It Starts with Us picks up immediately after the events of It Ends with Us, focusing on Lily Bloom’s life as she navigates single motherhood and a complicated relationship with her ex-husband, Ryle Kincaid. Following their divorce, Lily is determined to maintain a cordial relationship with Ryle for the sake of their daughter, Emerson, but her heart still aches for Atlas Corrigan, her first love.
As Lily and Atlas tentatively explore their rekindled romance, they face significant obstacles, including Ryle’s unpredictable behavior and his lingering feelings for Lily. Atlas, ever patient, understands the complexity of Lily’s situation and supports her as she sets firm boundaries with Ryle. The tension between the three of them escalates as Ryle struggles to accept Lily’s new relationship, leading to several confrontations that bring past wounds to the surface.
Throughout the novel, Lily is forced to confront her feelings for both men. She realizes that in order to move forward with Atlas, she must heal from the trauma inflicted by Ryle. This involves difficult conversations and emotional breakthroughs, particularly when she confronts Ryle about his behavior and its impact on their daughter.
Atlas, too, has his own past to deal with, including unresolved issues with his estranged mother. However, his love for Lily drives him to seek closure and create a better life, one that includes Lily and Emerson. His actions demonstrate his commitment to being a stable, loving partner and father figure.
The novel reaches a turning point when Lily decides to fully embrace her future with Atlas. She makes the tough decision to distance herself from Ryle emotionally, focusing on co-parenting with him without letting his presence dominate her life. This choice allows her to open up to the possibility of a happy, healthy relationship with Atlas, free from the shadows of her past.
In the end, Lily and Atlas find a way to be together, despite the challenges. They create a blended family, where Atlas steps into a fatherly role for Emmy, and Lily feels safe and loved in a way she never has before. The story concludes with a sense of hope and optimism, as Lily and Atlas look forward to a future built on trust, love, and mutual respect. This ending provides a satisfying resolution to the emotional journey that began in It Ends with Us, leaving readers with a sense of closure and fulfillment.
Our summary of It Starts with Us focuses on giving you a clear, accurate understanding of the book, prioritizing what matters most. We emphasize Quality and Integrity, ensuring every detail is correct and consistent with the author’s original intentions. By Synthesizing Content, we distill the story into its essential themes, like healing, second chances, and the impact of abuse, making it easy to grasp the core of the book quickly. Finally, User-Focused Content & Experience guides our approach, helping you connect with the characters and their journeys in a meaningful and relatable way.
Date Published: October 18, 2022
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