It Starts with Us: Special Collector's Edition: A Novel (2) (It Ends with Us) Hardcover – November 26, 2024

It Starts with Us was a beautifully written and heartwarming sequel to It Ends with Us. This was one of my most anticipated reads and it did not disappoint. Atlas and Lily deserved their happy ending and getting to read that was absolutely everything I wanted and more.Again this book picks up immediately after the ending of It Ends with Us, so I would highly recommend just reading that book first. I also suggest checking the content and trigger warnings before reading.It is dual POVs of Atlas and Lily and has a second chance romance and the found family trope.The premise of this book was definitely a lot lighter than the first book, as it focused more on accepting and fighting for love and family. The writing was amazing and just easy to read; I also loved the short chapters.The discussions regarding abuse, finding support and being a survivor was so powerful as well. While, there were some difficult and heartbreaking moments throughout the story, those moments were beautifully written and carefully handled.One of the most important parts of this book for me was that the author did not try or even insinuate a redemption for Ryle (Lily’s abusive ex-husband). He definitely did not deserve forgiveness and what he kept putting Lily through was heartbreaking, but I do understand how difficult that situation can be when a child is involved. So I just loved how strong and brave Lily was to stand up and do what was best for her daughter and herself.The romance between Atlas and Lily was incredible. I actually liked how they took their time and didn’t immediately jump into a relationship. All the history, banter, chemistry and spice between them was amazing. They both deserved their happily ever after especially with everything they went through, so being able to read that was so heartwarming.Atlas was honestly the most lovable, patient, understanding and considerate hero I have ever read. His letters and love for Lily was just everything anyone could hope for. He’s definitely the reason I loved this book as much as I did.All the side characters in this book were incredible. I loved the support and friendship Lilly had with Allysa (Ryle’s sister) and her husband, Marshall. Atlas bond with Theo (his friend’s teenage kid) and his half brother, Josh was amazing as well.There was no third act conflict or drama at the end, which I absolutely appreciated. Both Atlas’ and Lily fought enough for their happiness, so it was just nice to see them in love and with their family.Overall, just an absolutely beautiful and heartfelt read.

This book was so beautifully written! It left me in tears several times. I love that Atlas never lost hope and stayed true to his love for lily!

‘It Starts With Us' is the sequel book for Colleen Hoover's best-selling novel “It Ends With Us’. This book begins immediately after It ends with us when lily was dragged through a divorce and domestic abuse from her partner Riley. “It Ends With Us" is a must-read before moving on to "It Starts With Us’. ‘It Starts With Us’ is a more uplifting read than it ends with us. Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan have a second chance at their childhood love but not without many struggles and situations they have to tread carefully. To me, this novel, unlike many I have read, didn't feel like it was drugged and unnecessary. The plot lines transitioned very seamlessly throughout the two books not leaving unanswered questions between one and the other. Though it is the sequel, it ends with us. It has its very own unique plot and doesn’t feel repetitive. Taking you through many new character paths and revealing more about each character. The portrayal by Colleen Hoover of a divorced family dynamic and co-parenting situations is very accurate in the sense I have gone through this with my own family. Lily is trying to pursue this relationship with Atlas but still trying to respect her ex-husband Ryle. In time as the book progresses Lily Bloom realizes she deserves the love that Atlas gives her. Once she realizes she deserves this love Atlas and Lily work to rekindle the love they felt for each other as kids. There are different repercussions to this love forming again. The love that is portrayed through the two characters is genuine and child-like in a way making it easy to fall in love with it. Though this book travels through a lot of people's instances of love there are always instances of hatred. Throughout the book, there are instances where it is hard to tell who is right and who is wrong, or what is right and what is wrong. She never makes the antagonist truly the antagonist; she makes them ready to feel empathy towards them because it may not be their fault it’s happening. They may just be stuck in a cycle. “It starts with us giving us more of the background of Atlas Corrigan's life than we got in. It ends with us where it was mainly only Lily's point of view.‘It Ends With Us’ takes you through the emotional roller coaster of domestic abuse happening and there being someone in that situation that has the resources to break out. “It Starts With Us’ is a story of rekindling love and hope for recovery from her earlier abuse. This book is proving that not every love is unconditional. They can be toxic and unhealthy, but there are those once-in-a-lifetime loves like Atlas and Lilys. Relationships are flawed and nothing comes easy. “It Starts With Us” is a beautiful and comforting read. The novel gently sorts through the aftermath of complications in “It Ends With Us”. This sequel demonstrates the sense that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. There is a chance to have happiness even in fearful situations.``It starts with us” successfully brings forth lilies and atlases story at their second chance at true love. (This is for an English class )

I so enjoyed both books. I love the story, the humor, all the characters! You are a great writer Colleen Hoover. I can’t wait to read more of your stories.

I don't know if this is the end of their story but I sure hope It's not. Even if you didn't read It Ends With Us, but I suggest you do, there is enough back story so you know what happened and why. This is a beautiful love story with plenty of its own speed bumps while taking it slow. There are surprise characters and surprise scenarios. Just like real life, just keep swimming! Great job. Thank you.