Reviews with content warning for Medical trauma - Reminders of Him

The story follows Kenna who, just released from 5 years in prison, is looking to forge a connection with the daughter she never got to hold. (She was born whilst Kenna was incarcerated).

This was my first Colleen Hoover and I truly had no idea what to expect. People always rave about her books and I was worried that her work wouldn’t live up to the hype that surrounded it, so I was actively avoiding them in order to not be disappointed.

However, an Instagram book club that I am a part of chose this book as their February pick, so I thought, it’s now or never!

And boy oh boy, I was not prepared.

Whilst I initially felt that the connection between Kenna and Ledger was bit too fast moving/on the cusp of ‘insta-lovey’ for me. The development of their relationship after that initial connection and the world building throughout this novel, more than made up for that.

The way Colleen Hoover explores forgiveness in this book is phenomenal. From watching Kenna trying and failing to forgive herself, to the paternal grandparents of her daughter who feel that their forgiveness would be a betrayal.

Alongside this, the exploration of the grey areas in human behaviour is what makes this story and it’s characters feel so authentic. It’s also makes this book an incredibly emotional and somewhat difficult (but in a good way) to read. At least it was for me.

I found myself pausing after paragraphs in which Kenna analyses her circumstances or crumbles under the pressure of her heartbreak, simply because the writing was so emotive and the character’s so enthralling that I felt what she felt.

It was simultaneously exhausting and brilliant.

The pacing felt natural. Not rushing to any solutions, but taking the time to explore each character’s emotional journey working through their monumental trauma.

People always say that Colleen Hoover makes them cry and I am happy to say that I too am one of those people.

Please read this book.

However, do check for CWs on Storygraph as it does deal with some very heavy topics.

I’ve included two quotes below. One which I thought was beautifully written and had a phenomenal message. The other, is a spoiler free quote that made me cry. If you’ve read the book you’ll understand why.

“...moments like these remind me that happiness isn’t some permanent thing we’re all trying to achieve in life, it’s merely a thing that shows up every now and then, sometimes in tiny doses that are just substantial enough to keep us going.”

“Wish me luck Scotty.”

Content Warnings

mallory10100's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful relaxing sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

oh my god this was amazing

Content Warnings

amykuc's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was my third Colleen Hoover novel. I did not want to like this book. I am not a fan of romance. Yet as the author described the relationships and the growth of these characters, I became more and more involved.

Content Warnings

literarygaby's review against another edition

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emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

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