The novel concludes with Atlas taking on the responsibility of caring for his brother Josh, while his relationship with Lily deepens. Six months later, Atlas asks Lily to move in with him, and the story ends a year and a half later with Atlas preparing his wedding vows to Lily, symbolizing their journey from a complicated past to a hopeful future together.

Themes

• Navigating complex relationships after divorce

• Second chances at love and personal growth

• Overcoming past trauma and abuse

• Balancing parental responsibilities with new relationships

• Dealing with jealousy and possessive behavior

• The importance of family bonds and forgiveness

• Personal safety and setting boundaries in relationships

Setting

Set in the present day, It Starts with Us unfolds primarily in Boston, Massachusetts. The urban landscape serves as a backdrop for the characters' intertwining lives, with key scenes taking place in familiar city settings like streets, apartments, and local businesses.

The story's timeline picks up almost immediately after the epilogue of its predecessor, It Ends with Us, with Lily's daughter Emerson now approaching her first birthday. This contemporary setting allows the author to explore modern relationship dynamics, co-parenting challenges, and the complexities of rekindling a past romance in the digital age.

While much of the action occurs in Boston, the novel also touches on Atlas's past and his family ties, suggesting a broader geographical scope that extends beyond the city limits. The juxtaposition of bustling urban life with the characters' personal struggles creates a vivid and relatable environment for the unfolding drama.

Characters

• Lily Bloom: The main protagonist and narrator. Lily is a florist and single mother trying to navigate co-parenting with her ex-husband while rekindling a romance with her first love. She is strong-willed and determined to create a better life for herself and her daughter. Lily's past experiences with domestic abuse shape her cautious approach to relationships and parenting.

• Atlas Corrigan: Lily's first love and the other main narrator of the story. Atlas is a successful restaurant owner who reconnects with Lily after years apart. He is kind, patient, and protective, with a complex past that includes homelessness and a difficult family situation. Atlas's love for Lily is steadfast, and he becomes a supportive presence in her life.

• Ryle Kincaid: Lily's ex-husband and the father of her daughter. Ryle is a neurosurgeon with a history of violent behavior, which led to the end of his marriage with Lily. He struggles with anger management and jealousy, particularly regarding Lily's relationship with Atlas. Ryle's character represents the ongoing challenges Lily faces in co-parenting and moving on from her past.

• Emerson: Lily and Ryle's infant daughter. Though too young to speak, Emerson plays a crucial role in the story as the focus of Lily and Ryle's co-parenting efforts and a source of tension between them.

• Josh: Atlas's younger half-brother. Josh is a troubled pre-teen who Atlas takes under his wing, adding complexity to Atlas's life and his relationship with Lily.

• Allysa: Ryle's sister and Lily's best friend. She provides support to Lily while navigating the complicated dynamics between her friend and her brother.

• Marshall: Allysa's husband. He plays a supportive role in the story, often present during important family discussions.

• Theo: Atlas's friend who encourages him to pursue a relationship with Lily. He serves as a confidant and source of advice for Atlas.

• Sutton: Atlas's estranged mother. Her reappearance in Atlas's life brings complications and revelations about his family history.

Quick facts

• It is the sequel to Hoover's 2016 bestseller It Ends with Us

• The book was published on October 18, 2022 by Atria Books

• It became Simon & Schuster's most pre-ordered book of all time

• Hoover wrote the novel as a “thank you” to fans of the first book

• It sold 800,000 copies on its release day alone, including pre-orders

• The novel debuted at #1 on The New York Times fiction bestseller list

• It was the third best-selling novel of 2022 according to Publishers Weekly

• The story alternates between the perspectives of Lily and Atlas

• It reveals more about Atlas's backstory and family history

• WHSmith named it their Book of the Year for 2022

About the Author

Colleen Hoover is a bestselling American author who has taken the literary world by storm. Born in 1979 in Sulphur Springs, Texas, Hoover began her career as a social worker before self-publishing her debut novel, Slammed, in 2012. This decision would prove to be a turning point, as her books quickly gained popularity, propelling her to the forefront of contemporary fiction.

Hoover's writing spans multiple genres, including romance, young adult fiction, and thrillers. Her ability to craft emotionally resonant stories has earned her a dedicated fanbase and numerous accolades. Perhaps her most renowned work, It Ends with Us, published in 2016, tackles the sensitive topic of domestic violence and has sold over a million copies worldwide.

In recent years, Hoover's popularity has surged, thanks in part to the BookTok community on TikTok. As of October 2022, she has sold approximately 20 million books, with several titles simultaneously occupying top spots on bestseller lists. Her success has led to film adaptations, including a movie version of It Ends with Us released in 2024.

Hoover is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She founded The Bookworm Box, a non-profit book subscription service and bookstore in her hometown. In 2023, Time magazine recognized her influence by naming her one of the 100 most influential people in the world, cementing her status as a literary powerhouse.