It starts with us Paperback – International Edition, October 15, 2022

I've read a few reviews about this book not having a plot, or being completely unnecessary in its existence. But, being a product of an abusive household, and experiencing an abusive romantic relationship myself, this sequel brought such an inexplicable peace to my life. There were such poignant quotes that explained the ups and downs of abuse and its aftermath so perfectly, that I will take them with me forever.Thankfully, I'm at the point where I have found my own "Considerate Atlas" that brings me joy and cooks me delicious food. I could relate to Lily as a wife, girlfriend, and mom. To me, the plot read easily. And, despite it not being a heart stopping thriller, kept me hooked and engaged so that I finished this in 2 days. I understand this book might not be for everyone, but if any of what I have written connects with you, I'd give it a try.

‘It Starts With Us' is the sequel book for Colleen Hoover's best-selling novel “It Ends With Us’. This book begins immediately after It ends with us when lily was dragged through a divorce and domestic abuse from her partner Riley. “It Ends With Us" is a must-read before moving on to "It Starts With Us’. ‘It Starts With Us’ is a more uplifting read than it ends with us. Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan have a second chance at their childhood love but not without many struggles and situations they have to tread carefully. To me, this novel, unlike many I have read, didn't feel like it was drugged and unnecessary. The plot lines transitioned very seamlessly throughout the two books not leaving unanswered questions between one and the other. Though it is the sequel, it ends with us. It has its very own unique plot and doesn’t feel repetitive. Taking you through many new character paths and revealing more about each character. The portrayal by Colleen Hoover of a divorced family dynamic and co-parenting situations is very accurate in the sense I have gone through this with my own family. Lily is trying to pursue this relationship with Atlas but still trying to respect her ex-husband Ryle. In time as the book progresses Lily Bloom realizes she deserves the love that Atlas gives her. Once she realizes she deserves this love Atlas and Lily work to rekindle the love they felt for each other as kids. There are different repercussions to this love forming again. The love that is portrayed through the two characters is genuine and child-like in a way making it easy to fall in love with it. Though this book travels through a lot of people's instances of love there are always instances of hatred. Throughout the book, there are instances where it is hard to tell who is right and who is wrong, or what is right and what is wrong. She never makes the antagonist truly the antagonist; she makes them ready to feel empathy towards them because it may not be their fault it’s happening. They may just be stuck in a cycle. “It starts with us giving us more of the background of Atlas Corrigan's life than we got in. It ends with us where it was mainly only Lily's point of view.‘It Ends With Us’ takes you through the emotional roller coaster of domestic abuse happening and there being someone in that situation that has the resources to break out. “It Starts With Us’ is a story of rekindling love and hope for recovery from her earlier abuse. This book is proving that not every love is unconditional. They can be toxic and unhealthy, but there are those once-in-a-lifetime loves like Atlas and Lilys. Relationships are flawed and nothing comes easy. “It Starts With Us” is a beautiful and comforting read. The novel gently sorts through the aftermath of complications in “It Ends With Us”. This sequel demonstrates the sense that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. There is a chance to have happiness even in fearful situations.``It starts with us” successfully brings forth lilies and atlases story at their second chance at true love. (This is for an English class )

The true sign of a good book is that it ALWAYS leaves the readers wanting more and that’s why we have It Starts With Us because at the end of It Ends With Us everyone wanted more. I really loved that this picked up exactly where It Ends With Us left off. The progression throughout the whole book was great and I really loved getting Atlas’ POV on things, this is his story.For me this book was everything because it shows the reality that even long after a person gets out of a domestic violence situation it’s not over, it takes a lot of mental healing, physical and emotional also. Especially when you’re still faced with the fact that your abuser is the father of your child and you have to learn how to co parent with them but still protect your child in the process. It’s a constant battle, but eventually you realize you can be happy again and Lily finally realizes that with Atlas patiently waiting for her the whole time and showing her that she deserves love. (Considerate Atlas will always win in my book and the spot in my heart for him will always be there.)The book had an introduction of new characters, Theo and Josh. I loved getting to know about them more and I swear I’d read a novella of Theo alone, the kid is freaking funny. I love that Atlas is able to give Josh the foundation of a family he has been longing for, for so long. Add, Emerson in the mix she, Atlas, Lily and Josh are a perfect blend of family.Would I like more? Of course, because Colleen has a way of writing that immerses us into these characters lives to the point you’re praying for their safety, wishing nothing but happiness (except you Ryle Kincaid) and wondering what the heck they’re up to long after the book is over. I truly couldn’t think of a better way to end the novel, not everyone has agreed on this and that’s okay. However, my heart is happy and content that Lily and Atlas got a second chance at love and are living a life where they are both happy. Thank you Colleen for this book it is everything and then some.

Like my review to the first book- I couldn’t get enough!!! For someone who never enjoyed reading these two books completely changed my POV on reading. I’ve since purchased another one of Colleen’s books and I cannot wait to start that tomorrow! I loved that this book went back and forth between Lily and Atlas. I hope there is another book after this one showing if Ryle has changed at all, and watching how the “new” family morphs together!!! I read both ‘It ends with us & It starts with us’ in less than a week. That is something I have NEVER done let alone done with two books. These books went into so much detail that I could not only picture every little detail but I felt like I was on the emotional rollercoaster with the characters. 10/10 stars!

I think this serves more as a novella than a sequel.It was nice to get a view of what exactly happens after It Ends with Us, to get to know Atlas more in-depth and to see the repercussions Lily's decision had on her relationships with everyone.I really liked the plot surrounding Atlas (keeping it vague to avoid spoiling anyone), and though it was expected and pained me for Lily, the plot surrounding Ryle as well.Overall, I liked this, but I wouldn't give it 5 stars, because it didn't feel like it could stand on its own. It's 100% reliant on the first book, and while I get that it's what a sequel should do, it really felt like an epilogue novella rather than a novel.I do think it's because it's said twice in the book that Colleen never intended to write a sequel and did so for the fans. The story, though engaging and profound by the themes it covers, lacks any real material like It Ends with Us had or even Reminders of Him, that make you so invested you're fully engrossed in the story and <i> feel </i> what the characters do.That being said, I'm really happy to have given these characters a proper goodbye and to see them navigate life post-It Ends with Us.I do recommend going into this with not many expectations, as I fear you could be disappointed. I'm glad I took this as a nice gift from the author, because it felt exactly like that.So, thank you to Colleen Hoover for giving us this book. It doesn't top It Ends with Us, doesn't even remotely rival it, but it was a sweet conclusion to Lily and Atlas' story.

“I can draw a seedling with two tiny branches. Yours and mine. We’ll be on our own brand-new, tiny family tree—one that starts with us.”J’ai adoré Lily, elle m’a tellement touché. Malgré tout ce qu’elle a vécu, elle reste toujours aussi aimante et forte. J’ai aimé voir sa reconstruction. On la retrouve plus déterminée que jamais à briser ce cycle malsain de violence et de reprendre son avenir en main.Pour Atlas, dans ce roman on va en apprendre plus sur son passé et notamment son enfance difficile. On découvre un Atlas adulte toujours si attentionné, adorable, gentil et protecteur. Mais aussi plus fort.L’histoire entre Lily et Atlas est pleine de douceur, ils réapprennent à se connaître et s’épaulent l’un et l’autre face au tumulte de la vie.It start with us est le happy ending dont la plupart d'entre nous avait besoin.

Good page quality

The novels are very interesting and the best. It was delivered perfectly with good packing by the seller.

I read this after enjoying It Ends With Us but I found it a bit too predictable. I enjoyed it but it contained too many cliches - hence 4*, not 5.