Reminders of Him: A Novel Paperback – January 18, 2022

This book had me feeling so many different ways. I loved every page, every chapter, and so happy for the ending. So well written and full of feelings that you felt deep in your heart!

Wow! Just wow. I wasn’t sure how to write this review or where to start this review. This book was so much and its hard to put it all into words.I finished this book in a day and a half. I just couldn’t put it down, I just had to know what was going to happen.This is one of the saddest book I've read. Kenna's story just broke me heart. This book really made me cry.Kenna made one mistake and it has impacted her whole life, and let be honest even before her mistake she didn’t have the best life.She was finally able to have a moment of happiness and its ripped away from her in the harshest of ways possible.I couldn’t believe how unfair her life has been and I just wanted her to get a win just one.Ledger was a bit of a jerk in the beginning which was understandable given the situation.But he was a caring and considerate to the people he cares about and extremely protective.“I don’t like that the one person I dislike the most in this world reminds me of the person I love the most.”After some time he realizes that maybe he didn’t know the whole story and he was led to believe something that wasn’t true. And maliciously but because that was what it seemed like.Ledger starts to see a side of Kenna that he didn’t realize existed and he sees the sadness in her, even though he doesn’t want to he finds himself being protective of her.Kenna does everything she can to try to redeem herself, but it seems like its always out of her reach.Everyone judges her and doesn’t know a thing about what she's been through the hurt, the pain, the utter despair and the depression she felt. It just broke my heart.“So, you decide right now, right here. Are you gonna live in your sadness or are you gonna die in it?”Colleen Hoover really took me on a rollercoaster ride in this book. You feel the hurt of all the character and their pain.“Please don’t,” I whisper. “It hurts enough already.”What was really amazing too was while we were in the present in the story we got to understand the past and the relationship between Scotty and Kenna. And how much they felt for each other.This was beautifully written I literally could put the book down all day I just had to know how things would end for Kenna, Ledger and the rest of the characters.“Maybe it doesn’t matter whether something is a coincidence or a sign. Maybe the best way to cope with the loss of the people we love is to find them in as many places and things as we possibly can. And in the off chance that the people we lose are still somehow able to hear us, maybe we should never stop talking to them.”It takes Kenna a really long time but she does find a way to forgive herself for the mistake she's made. And for her to find some sort of happiness. I enjoyed this part some much and was so happy for her.“Now that I’ve forgiven myself, the reminders of him only make me smile.”Ledger and Kenna are so good together, I love that Ms. Hoover took the time to let the characters really get to know each other and it wasn’t rushed. They peeled back every layer and got to the heart of everything. Which bound them together even more.Colleen Hoover weaves a story of love, loss and forgiveness that will have you crying and wishing that you could give Kenna a hug. I wanted so much for things to go right for her for. And for someone to give her a chance.This is an amazing story, that will bring all your emotions to the forefront and make you cry.

Colleen Hoover is known for her emotionally charged narratives, and Reminders of Him is no exception. This novel takes readers on a journey of grief, redemption, and the complexities of forgiveness as we follow Kenna Rowan’s attempt to rebuild her life after serving a prison sentence. With deeply flawed yet compelling characters, a bittersweet love story, and themes that cut to the core of human emotions, Reminders of Him delivers an intense reading experience that lingers long after the last page.Kenna Rowan has spent five years in prison for a tragic mistake—an accident that took the life of her boyfriend, Scotty. Upon her release, she returns to the town where it all happened, hoping to reunite with her daughter, Diem, who has been raised by Scotty’s parents. However, the town, still haunted by the past, refuses to welcome her back. The only person who shows her any kindness is Ledger Ward, Scotty’s best friend and now a guardian to Diem. As Kenna struggles to prove that she is more than the mistakes of her past, she forms an unexpected bond with Ledger. But with so much pain, resentment, and unhealed wounds surrounding her, the question remains: Can she ever be forgiven? And more importantly, does she even deserve it?Kenna is a deeply flawed yet deeply human protagonist. Her past mistakes define the way others perceive her, but as the story unfolds, readers see her raw vulnerability, guilt, and unwavering love for Diem. Hoover masterfully portrays Kenna’s internal struggles—her self-loathing, her desperation to make amends, and her battle between accepting judgment and fighting for a second chance. She is not a perfect heroine, but that’s what makes her so compelling. Ledger is perhaps the most layered character in the book. As Scotty’s best friend and Diem’s guardian, he carries an immense burden. His anger toward Kenna is justified, yet his gradual understanding of her situation adds depth to his character. While he starts off as a protective and somewhat hostile figure, his eventual softening and moral dilemma about what is truly best for Diem make his arc one of the most compelling in the novel. Scotty’s parents serve as the novel’s primary antagonists—not because they are cruel, but because their grief blinds them to the possibility of redemption. Their love for Diem is undeniable, but their refusal to see Kenna as anything other than the woman who took their son’s life adds tension and heartbreak to the story. Meanwhile, Diem, though young, symbolizes innocence and hope, making her presence in the novel all the more significant.Colleen Hoover’s writing style is known for its deeply emotional and immersive quality. She employs a first-person dual POV, allowing readers to experience both Kenna and Ledger’s internal struggles. This perspective shift helps readers understand the pain and hesitation on both sides, making the story feel more balanced and layered. Hoover’s prose is simple yet powerful, using raw, unfiltered emotions to convey grief, guilt, and love. The letters Kenna writes to Scotty are particularly heartbreaking, serving as a window into her regret and allowing readers to connect with her on a deeper level. Unlike some of Hoover’s more dramatic and fast-paced novels, Reminders of Him takes a slower, more introspective approach, making every moment feel heavy with emotion.At the heart of the novel is the idea that people can change and that past mistakes do not define a person’s entire existence. Kenna Rowan made a terrible mistake, one that cost Scotty his life and took her away from her daughter for five years. Society and Scotty’s parents have judged her as irredeemable, yet she returns to her hometown hoping for a second chance to be a mother to Diem. This theme forces the reader to question: Can someone who has made a terrible mistake ever truly be forgiven? Is redemption earned, or is it something others must allow? Example from the book:Kenna writes letters to Scotty, filled with guilt and regret. These letters serve as a form of self-reflection, showing her internal journey toward redemption.One of the most painful themes in the novel is the idea that love alone may not be enough to make someone a good parent. Kenna loves her daughter, but she has missed five years of her life. The question that lingers throughout the book is: Does she deserve to be in Diem’s life? Scotty’s parents have raised Diem, providing her with love and stability. They see Kenna as a danger to that stability, regardless of whether she has changed. This theme is particularly heartbreaking because there is no clear answer—Kenna is Diem’s mother, but does that mean she should be allowed to be part of her life again? Although Reminders of Him is not purely a romance, the love story between Kenna and Ledger plays a crucial role in the narrative. Their relationship is not just about attraction—it is about two people who have been broken by the same loss finding a way to heal together. Love in this novel is not about erasing pain, but about learning to live with it. Ledger does not magically fix Kenna’s life, and Kenna does not make Ledger forget about Scotty. Instead, their relationship is a testament to how love, even in the most painful circumstances, can be a source of healing.Reminders of Him is an emotionally powerful novel that tackles grief, redemption, and the complexities of forgiveness with unflinching honesty. Colleen Hoover delivers a raw, gut-wrenching story that challenges readers to empathize with flawed characters and reflect on the nature of second chances. While the book leans heavily on emotions and introspection, its depth, strong themes, and well-developed characters make it a compelling and memorable read.My final rating for this: 4.25 ⭐

Far from just another live story, Kenna and Ledgers journey from enemies to lovers was overwhelmingly beautiful. The forgiveness and healing in these pages was written so perfectly. I love the heavy presence of the side characters, as well as the realistic internal conflict in the characters. The plot was amazing, and the I wouldn't change it no matter how emotional I felt reading it.

Wow—she's done it again! Another unforgettable novel from Colleen Hoover that made me feel every emotion possible. Her writing is so immersive and raw that I felt like I was right there with the characters, experiencing their highs and lows right alongside them. I still can’t believe it took me this long to discover her books, but I’m so incredibly thankful I finally did. Each story leaves a mark, and this one was no exception. Heartfelt, powerful, and beautifully written.

It was uplifting and sad and loving all at the same time. Kenna’s life is so sad. I wanted something good to happen to her. Thank God for Ledger. That man was the best thing to happen to her since Scotty. I don’t want to spoil anything because this story is really good and you should go into it the way I did. And bawl your eyes out.

Beautiful book! I would highly recommend! A story of working through grief and arriving to forgiveness. It’s not easy, but it’s important.

I loved this book. Although at times it was a little cheesy, I grew to love all of the characters and had such empathy for each of them. I found myself laughing and crying and needing to step away at times. It really helped me see things from a different perspective.