Book Review Reminders of Him

Introduction

When I first subscribed to The Globe and Mail, Canada’s major newspaper, I noticed Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover on the bestseller list. It immediately caught my attention. Hoover’s name appeared again and again, with several books dominating the charts.

When I finally picked up Reminders of Him, I expected a mystery or thriller because of the cover. Instead, I found a touching and serious romance story. Colleen Hoover knows her readers well. She writes about emotions and struggles that many women can relate to.

I wasn’t disappointed at all. In fact, I understood why she’s so popular. Her books feel real, full of love, pain, and forgiveness. Just like Ugly Love, another favorite of mine, this story explores grief and healing in a way that feels honest and deeply moving.

Synopsis – What It’s About

In Reminders of Him, Colleen Hoover tells the story of Kenna Rowan, a young mother who made a tragic mistake that sent her to prison for five years. When she returns to her hometown, her only dream is to reunite with her four-year-old daughter, Diem.

But coming home isn’t easy. Everyone in Diem’s life believes Kenna doesn’t deserve a second chance. They see her only through her past mistakes.

The only person who shows her kindness is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner who was once the best friend of Kenna’s late boyfriend. At first, he doesn’t trust her either. But as he watches her fight for her daughter, his feelings begin to change.

Step by step, Kenna proves that she’s more than her past. Her journey becomes a story of forgiveness, hope, and the strength to start again.

Key Characters and Conflict of Reminders of Him

Kenna Rowan is the heart of this story. After five years in prison, she returns home to rebuild her life and see her daughter. The pain of rejection and guilt makes every moment hard, but she never gives up.

Ledger Ward, the bar owner, plays a big role in her struggle. He’s torn between loyalty to his late friend and compassion for Kenna. His relationship with her grows slowly, showing how love can heal even the deepest wounds.

The main conflict centers on forgiveness. Can Kenna prove that she deserves to be part of her daughter’s life? Can the town see her as more than a criminal? These questions keep readers hooked until the end.

Readers who loved Verity will recognize Hoover’s talent for exploring guilt, secrets, and redemption—but in a softer, more emotional way here.

Plot and Emotional Depth of Reminders of Him

This book blends romance, family, and grief beautifully. The emotions are strong and real. I don’t usually cry over books, but this one had me tearing up by the final chapters.

The story shows how people face pain and come back stronger. It’s about learning to forgive others and yourself. One of the most powerful scenes is when Grace walks into Kenna’s apartment. That moment feels raw and human, full of pain and healing.

Colleen Hoover knows how to make readers feel. She writes about love, forgiveness, and second chances with warmth and depth. Reminders of Him is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you close it.

Story and Themes of Reminders of Him

Reminders of Him is a moving story about family, forgiveness, and second chances. Hoover writes with empathy, pulling you into a world where every choice matters.

The pain of separation—especially when Kenna can’t even see her daughter—feels real. The alternating chapters between Kenna and Ledger make the emotions stronger. You see her pain and his doubt.

The letters Kenna writes to Scottie, her late boyfriend, reveal her deepest regrets and hopes. They show that healing doesn’t come easily but is always possible.

Themes of love, loss, and redemption run through the entire story. Even the lighter romantic moments bring relief and balance to the heavy emotions. The ending feels both heartbreaking and hopeful, leaving you with warmth and reflection.

Setting

The story takes place in a small town where everyone knows everyone. It’s the perfect setting for a story about forgiveness because gossip and judgment spread fast.

The local bar, Diem’s home, and the quiet streets make the story feel close and personal. Each place holds emotion—hope, pain, and the wish for a new beginning.

If you enjoy novels about strength and second chances, Reminders of Him will remind you of The Giver of Stars. Both stories show how love and compassion can rebuild broken lives.

Narrative Style

The novel uses two points of view—Kenna’s and Ledger’s. This makes it easy to understand both sides of the story. You feel her pain and his confusion at the same time.

The letters to Scottie add another emotional layer. They fill in the missing parts of Kenna’s past and show how she deals with guilt. This style helps readers connect with her, making the story more personal and touching.

The alternating voices and letters create suspense and empathy, making it hard to put the book down.

Spoiler Section / Key Moment

One of the most emotional scenes is when Grace enters Kenna’s apartment. It’s a short but powerful moment. You can feel both the pain and forgiveness between them.

It reminded me of Words We Never Say, another story about forgiveness and love. Hoover handles this moment with care, showing that forgiveness heals both sides—the one who gives it and the one who receives it.

By the end, Reminders of Him feels like more than just a romance. It’s about what it means to move forward after tragedy. Every letter, every tear, and every choice adds to a story that feels painfully real yet full of hope.

Final Thoughts

Reading Reminders of Him reminded me why Colleen Hoover has such a devoted audience. She writes stories that touch the heart and reflect real human emotions.

Her books show the power of forgiveness and the beauty of second chances. As a reader, I admire how she turns everyday pain into something meaningful.

I believe Hoover’s writing will continue to shape modern romance for years to come. I’ll definitely keep reading her work because she captures what it truly means to love, lose, and start again.