Book reviews by
Shalini

Book Review Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

“Reminders of Him” is a heartbreaking yet hopeful story by New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover. The novel tells the story of Kenna Rowan, a troubled young mother of a four year old daughter who yearns to rebuild her life after serving in prison for a tragic mistake.

As Kenna struggles to regain custody of her daughter and rebuild the burned bridges in her small town, she finds an unexpected ally in Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links, perhaps the only person, to Kenna’s daughter and past. After her 5 year prison sentence, Ledger is slowly becoming a close friend. They form a close connection despite the pressure of her past.

In this book review, we’ll explore the themes and characters of “Reminders of Him,” as well as Hoover’s writing style and the emotional impact of the novel.

Prison

The Book’s Characters and Themes

Young woman Kenna Rowan is the main character of “Reminders of Him,” and the novel is primarily focused on her journey of redemption and self-forgiveness. Ward is slowly becoming an important part of Kenna’s life, as he offers her a second chance at finding happiness and reconnecting with her past. Kenna’s daughter is determined to shut Kenna out no matter what, and Kenna’s character is shaped by her fight to regain custody and prove to her daughter that she’s not a bad person.

The themes of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances are prominent throughout the novel, as Kenna finds it difficult to absolve herself of the mistakes of her past and create a better future out of hope. The bridges Kenna burned, however, are proving impossible to rebuild.

Hoover explores the pressure surrounding Kenna as an ex-con, and the difficulties of overcoming a tragic accident that has left her with a reputation in her small town. Showing how much impact one mistake can have on one’s life.

Bar owner Ledger and young mother Kenna

Side Characters

Grace and Patrick Landry are a married couple who live in a small town with their son, Scotty. Grace is a loving and caring mother who is devoted to her family, while Patrick works long hours to provide for them. Despite their busy schedules, they always make time for each other and for Scotty.

Scott’s parents are a close-knit family who enjoys spending time together, whether it’s playing board games or going for walks in the park. Scotty is a sweet and curious boy who loves exploring the world around him. He is a bright child with a vivid imagination, and his parents encourage him to pursue his interests and dreams. The Landry family is a testament to the power of love and the importance of family, and they are a joy to be around.

Despite the pressure surrounding them, Kenna and Ledger form a connection despite the odds, and the romance grows throughout the novel.

Writing Style of Colleen Hoover and Emotional Impact

Hoover’s writing style is captivating, with dialogue that feels authentic and diary entries that add depth to Kenna’s character. The novel is told from both Kenna and Ledger’s perspectives, which provides insight into all the characters and their motivations. The first few chapters of the book are a bit abrupt, but the story quickly picks up as the painful truths of Kenna’s past are revealed.

The emotional impact of “Reminders of Him” is strong, and readers will be drawn into the story from the very first page. The tearjerker romance between Kenna and Ledger is heartwarming, and the struggles and triumphs of Kenna’s journey are both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Despite the tragic mistake that has defined Kenna’s life, Hoover manages to infuse the novel with hope and a message of redemption.

About Colleen Hoover

About Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover is a bestselling author known for her emotionally charged and thought-provoking novels. She was born in Sulphur Springs, Texas, in 1979, and later moved to Texas to attend college. After working as a social worker and a teacher, she self-published her debut novel, “Slammed,” in 2012.

The book quickly became a bestseller, and Hoover has since written many other successful novels, including “Hopeless,” “Ugly Love,” and “It Ends With Us.”

She has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance in 2014 and 2015. Hoover’s writing is known for its powerful emotional impact and ability to tackle difficult and complex themes, making her one of the most beloved authors of her generation.

Shalini (1)

Personal Opinion

In my opinion, the book is a captivating masterpiece that has the power to leave a lasting impact on its readers. The author’s writing style is exceptional, and the characters are so well-developed that they feel like real people. The story is engaging, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The book might not be for everyone though since it is full of steamy sex scenes which not all readers appreciate. I don’t mind them and I love the captivating dialogue between Kenna and Ledger and how the two form a connection. They become not only lovers but also best friends and together try and find happiness.

Furthermore, I enjoyed that prison was part of the story. It helped me to form an idea about what life is like after spending five years in prison. It seems that in this case, the true sentence only starts after the release from prison.

The themes of love, loss, and redemption are explored in a profound way that makes you think about your own life and relationships. You can really feel how Colleen Hoover’s troubled young mother yearns to find happiness. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally satisfying read.

Conclusion

Overall, “Reminders of Him” is a well-written and emotionally engaging novel that is worth reading. I enjoyed the entire book. It is yet another great Colleen Hoover book. The story of Kenna Rowan and Ledger Ward is a beautiful example of second chances and the power of forgiveness, and the small-town setting adds a sense of community to the narrative.

While some readers may find Kenna’s past to be a bit heavy-handed, the story is ultimately a hopeful one that will leave readers with a smile on their faces and a sense of hope for the future.

Colleen Hoover’s Books

  1. Slammed (2012)
  2. Point of Retreat (2012)
  3. Hopeless (2012)
  4. This Girl (2013)
  5. Losing Hope (2013)
  6. Maybe Someday (2014)
  7. Ugly Love (2014)
  8. Confess (2015)
  9. November 9 (2015)
  10. It Ends with Us (2016)
  11. Without Merit (2017)
  12. All Your Perfects (2018)
  13. Verity (2018)
  14. Regretting You (2019)
  15. Heart Bones (2020)
  16. Layla (2020)
  17. Asa (2021)
  18. No Heartbreaks Allowed (2022) [Novella]
Shalini Laghari
Shalini (1)
My name is Shalini and I love reading a lot. On this blog I review most of the books I have read. Hope you enjoy.
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