Reminders of Him: A Novel

Throughout my career in Social Services and 12 Step programs, I have had the privilege of navigating scenarios, wherein I have witnessed mothers and mostly fathers struggling while jumping through hoops to reconnect with their childrenKenna's story is particularly noteworthy, as she was not an addict or an unreliable individual, but rather a young woman who made a mistake with tragic consequences. She and her fiancé were engaging in intimate activities in his truck by the lake while consuming too much beer.Eventually, Kenna, the less intoxicated person takes the wheel and a tragic accident results in the death of her fiance. The scenario could have easily gone the other way.Kenna is grief stricken, full of self loathing and vilified. She loses her freedom and the child that conceived in the truck by the lake.Upon her release from prison, Kenna returns home determined to rebuild her life and connect with her child, but she is met with cruel judgment, ostracization, and obstacles that make it nearly impossible to move forward.Ledger, a friend of her child's father, initially struggles with conflicting emotions but ultimately sees beyond the negative labels and advocates for Kenna, recognizing her potential for growth and redemption.

I loved this book! I truly connected to the character, Kenna, as a mom without a husband or dad for my child. But strength of mind & determination gave us an awesome future. I can hardly wait to read the next book in Colleen Hoovers series.Thank you for an enjoyable read.

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 ⭐

This is hands-down my favorite Colleen Hoover book to date. From the first page, I was hooked—and emotionally wrecked. The story had me on edge almost the entire time, second-guessing every moment and wondering how on earth it could possibly wrap up in a satisfying way. I kept watching the pages dwindle and thinking, “There’s no way she can fix this!”But of course, Colleen Hoover pulled it off. She made me stress, she made me ache, and in the end, she made it all worth it. The storyline felt incredibly unique—raw, emotional, and complex in all the right ways. What really stood out was how conflicted I felt about the characters. I was constantly flipping between understanding them, questioning their choices, and rooting for them anyway. That kind of emotional tug-of-war isn’t easy to pull off, but Hoover nails it.This is one of those books I know I’ll come back to again. It left a mark. If you’re looking for something that’ll hit you right in the feels and keep you turning pages in a panic (in the best way possible), I can’t recommend Reminders of Him highly enough.

One of my favorite Colleen Hoover books! I can’t wait for the movie. Had me feeling all the emotions and even made me cry. I don’t usually cry. This is a must read and I don’t want to give away anything, so just read it.

This is a book about forgiveness. It makes you think about whether you would have the capacity to forgive what feels like an unforgivable act. I wanted to HATE Kenna, and I did in the beginning. The Dear Scotty letters slowly made me see her as a human who made a terrible mistake. It made me see her as a woman who lost everything - her partner, her freedom, her child - and only wanted a chance to atone for the worst moment of ALL of their lives. And I LOVED Lady Diana. She added much needed levity to the story.