A troubled young mother yearns for a shot at redemption in this heartbreaking yet hopeful story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover.

After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter’s life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself.

The only person who hasn’t closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links to Kenna’s daughter. But if anyone were to discover how Ledger is slowly becoming an important part of Kenna’s life, both would risk losing the trust of everyone important to them.

The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, but as their romance grows, so does the risk. Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing. -

It was not my intention to read this book until I saw all the hype surrounding it and how emotionally damaged everyone was because of it. If there was one thing that Colleen Hoover had in the arsenal it was the desire to write an emotionally challenging story for readers. I can’t remember the last book I’ve read by her or when I read it, but I remember that it had a signature desire.

I expected nothing less when I purchased Reminders of Him. And I mentally prepared myself when they said it was one of the best books she had ever written. As I read the first page, I held my breath. And I didn’t let go until I was finished with it.

Reminders of Him might be my favorite book by Colleen Hoover. I get the allure of it. I understand why some left a puddle on the floor. I was the same way. There have been few times in my life where I almost didn't finish a book because of how emotional it was going to make me. Towards the end of this book, there was a moment when I turned off my kindle and almost walked away. I wasn’t strong enough for it. Thankfully, I did finish. And then wondered if it was too soon to read it again.

Reminders of Him is a story about motherhood, guilt, grieving, and friendship. Kenna and Ledger are both amazing characters. And writing so well. And both characters force you to see the gray areas, instead of just seeing black and white. Essentially, the entire book does.

Years ago, Kenna was involved in a terrible accident, and she dealt with the consequences. And still is dealing with them when the book begins. That accident not only impacted Kenna but others as well including Ledger. And every single reaction was human and honest. It made sense. Yes, it might have been emotional and unfair at times, but no one was overreacting, and everyone was valid.

All and all, this book is about Kenna’s journey and her growth. And because of that, I will say that I wished there were more moments with her and her daughter.

Final Analysis

Reminders of Him succeeds at creating an emotional rollercoaster and fails at providing a conclusion worthy of the journey. Still it’s a top CoHo book.

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