Colleen Hoover’s backlist titles have made her a New York Times bestselling author, dominating bookstore shelves. Despite initial concerns about the portrayal of domestic abuse in It Ends with Us, the book has received outstanding ratings and has garnered a large fan base eagerly anticipating the sequel. This emotional read has left many readers conflicted, but ultimately captivated.
Love and Other Words
Love & Other Words is a novel by Christina Lauren that portrays a second chance romance between Macy Sorensen and Elliot Petropoulos. The two were childhood friends who spent their weekends together and shared a love for books and words. As they grew older, their friendship turned into a teenage romance that ended abruptly due to an unexplained event.
The book is narrated through a split timeline that follows Macy’s life as an adult, working on her pediatrics residency and engaged to someone else, and her teenage romance with Elliot. When Macy unexpectedly runs into Elliot at a coffee shop, the chemistry between them reignites, and they must confront their past and present feelings.
The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the power of words. The split timeline format allows the reader to understand the characters’ past and present emotions and motivations. Overall, Love & Other Words is a captivating read for those who enjoy second chance romance with a unique twist.
Lease on Love
Sadie’s unexpected turn of events led her to find the perfect place to grow her flower business. Jack’s Brooklyn brownstone offered her a spare bedroom at an excellent price, which allowed Sadie to turn her former-side business into a full-time gig.
Despite their polar opposite personalities, the two were able to coexist in one house. The cheap rent allowed Sadie to focus on her business, and Jack was able to cope with the unexpected death of his parents by escaping into movies and video games alone.
Their unique living situation did come with its challenges, however. Sadie’s misadventures with a dating app and a roommate app led to some humorous mishaps. But in the end, their differences brought them closer together, and they were able to find a lease on love in the most unexpected way.
Key Points:
- Sadie’s inability to get a promotion led her to find a new place to live.
- Jack offered Sadie a spare bedroom in his Brooklyn brownstone at an excellent price.
- The cheap rent allowed Sadie to grow her flower business into a full-time gig.
- Despite their differences, Sadie and Jack were able to coexist in one house and find love in the most unexpected way.
Born a Crime
Trevor Noah’s memoir, Born a Crime, gives readers a unique perspective on the challenges of growing up during apartheid in South Africa. Born to an unmarried Black mother and white father, Trevor’s very existence was a crime under the apartheid regime. His mother kept him hidden from the outside world to avoid separation from him due to the segregation laws.
As the era of white rule came to an end in the early 1990s, Trevor’s family still faced many challenges. One of the most difficult for him was understanding why his mother stayed with an abusive partner. Trevor’s memoir explores this and other relatable and shocking stories with his signature humor.
Born a Crime provides readers with an important perspective on the effects of apartheid on individuals and families. It also highlights the complexities of abusive relationships and why victims may struggle to leave. The audiobook, read by Trevor himself, is highly recommended for an even more personal experience.
The Great Alone
Leni, the protagonist in The Great Alone, grows up in an abusive home, much like Lily. She struggles to understand her mother’s decision to stay with her father, who returns from Vietnam as a changed man after being held as a POW. Seeking a fresh start, Leni’s father impulsively decides to move his family to Alaska to live off the grid.
Leni, hopeful for a better future, embraces the move. However, the harsh reality of her father’s behavior and an Alaskan winter without proper preparation soon sets in. Leni and her mother are left to fend for themselves, and they quickly realize that they are the only ones who can save themselves.
The Great Alone explores themes of survival, resilience, and the impact of trauma on individuals and families. The novel depicts the harsh realities of living in the Alaskan wilderness and the emotional toll it takes on Leni and her family. Through Leni’s story, the novel highlights the strength and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Lucky
Lucky is the protagonist of this family drama with a suspenseful twist. She grew up with a father who was involved in grifting, leading to a life of instability and constant travel. As she gets older, Lucky desires a more traditional family and dreams of attending college. She believes that a wealthy boyfriend could offer her a path to normalcy, but she soon discovers that he may be even more damaging than her father.
In an unexpected turn of events, Lucky discovers a winning lottery ticket that could finally lead her to independence. However, there is one major problem – her face has been plastered all over the news as the feds search for her in connection with a significant financial crime.
One True Loves
In One True Loves, Emma finds herself in a difficult situation when her first husband, Jesse, who was presumed dead, returns after she has fallen in love with Sam. Emma must make the difficult decision of choosing between her past love and her current love.
This theme of choosing between two loves is also present in It Ends With Us when Atlas returns and threatens Lily’s relationship with Ryle. Both novels explore the complexity and heartache that comes with having to make such a difficult decision.
The Good Sister
“The Good Sister” is a novel by Sally Hepworth that features the story of twin sisters, Fern and Rose. The book has a suspenseful tone and alternating narration between the two sisters. Fern, a 28-year-old, thrives on routine and avoids crowds and noise due to past tragedies. Rose, on the other hand, has always been Fern’s caretaker and support system.
When Fern discovers that Rose cannot have a baby, she decides to get pregnant and give Rose her baby as a way of paying her back. However, what seems like a straightforward plan ends up revealing layers of dark secrets along the way.
What You Wish For
In Katherine Center’s What You Wish For, readers are taken on an emotional journey as they follow the story of Samantha, a school librarian, and Duncan, the new school principal. Although they have a history of working together at another school, they are now very different people. Samantha is a free-spirited woman who loves her job and enjoys life, while Duncan is a strict rule follower who is unwilling to stray from the policies.
As the story unfolds, readers are introduced to the bittersweet struggles of real-life, and the two main characters are revealed to be dealing with traumatic pasts. Despite the challenges they face, the story is ultimately uplifting and will leave readers feeling inspired.
The plot of the story centers around Duncan taking over as the new principal at Samantha’s school. She is shocked to discover that the fun-loving guy she remembers has turned into a completely different person – one she’s afraid will ruin everything she loves about her loving and welcoming school community. As things spiral out of control, Sam and Duncan are forced to get real with one another and reveal the traumas from their pasts in order to save the school and themselves.
The novel is a perfect blend of humor and emotion, with readers alternating between laughing out loud and reaching for the tissues. The characters are well-developed, and the writing is engaging, making it a book that is hard to put down. Overall, What You Wish For is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a heartwarming story with relatable characters and a message of hope.
Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies is a novel by Liane Moriarty that tells the story of three women who are involved in a shocking situation. The characters in the book are Madeline, Celeste, and Jane. Madeline is a woman who has a sharp sense of humor and a strong personality.
Celeste is a beautiful woman who appears to have a perfect life, but her life comes at a price. Jane is a single mother who is new to town and has a mysterious past. Despite their differences, the three women find themselves involved in the same shocking situation.
The People We Keep
The novel People We Keep tells the story of April, a sixteen-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a songwriter. Despite her difficult upbringing, she is determined to make a better life for herself. April’s mother abandoned her at a young age and her father has left her to fend for herself in a motorless motorhome that he won playing poker. She works at a diner to make ends meet.
Throughout her journey, April meets people with hard stories who become the perfect inspiration for her songs. Through her lyrics, readers get a glimpse into April’s inner thoughts and emotions. The novel emphasizes the idea that family doesn’t have to be defined by blood relations. People you meet along the way can become your family as well.
While the book has received high reviews, some readers find it slow-paced and struggle to connect with April’s character in the first half. However, for those who enjoy character-driven plots, People We Keep may be a great pick.
Here are some key takeaways from the novel:
- April is a resilient young woman who is determined to make a better life for herself.
- The novel explores the idea of family and how it can be defined by the people we meet along the way.
- April’s journey is filled with difficult experiences, but she uses them as inspiration for her music.
- The book may not be suitable for readers who prefer fast-paced plots over character development.
Ugly Love
In Ugly Love, Colleen Hoover tells the story of Tate Collins and Miles Archer, two individuals who have nothing in common except for their mutual attraction. Miles is an airline pilot who is not interested in finding love, while Tate is a busy medical student who has no time for love. They agree to a simple arrangement where they will only enjoy each other’s company without any expectations for the future. However, as they spend more time together, they start to break their own rules and promises, which leads to unexpected consequences.
The book is not for the faint of heart as it contains steamy details that may not be suitable for all readers. However, for those who enjoy romance novels, Ugly Love is a must-read. The story is engaging and keeps the reader hooked until the very end.
Hoover’s writing style is clear and easy to follow, making the book a quick and enjoyable read. The characters are well-developed and relatable, which adds to the overall appeal of the story.
Small Great Things
Small Great Things is a novel written by Jodi Picoult that tells the story of Ruth Jefferson, an experienced labor and delivery nurse who is reassigned from a newborn patient after the parents, who are white supremacists, request that she not touch their child due to her being African American. The hospital complies with the request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. The book explores the question of whether Ruth should obey the orders of her superiors based on the parent’s mandate or intervene.
The story is told from three alternating points of view: Ruth, the nurse; Kennedy, her attorney; and Turk, the newborn’s white supremacist father. The book has been described as a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments that are disturbing and painful to read at times, but ultimately worth it. Readers have compared it to Picoult’s other novel, It Ends With Us, for its ability to provide a similar emotional rollercoaster ride.
Small Great Things is a thought-provoking novel that tackles issues of race, privilege, and justice. Through its three alternating perspectives, the book offers a nuanced and complex exploration of the characters’ motivations and experiences. Despite its difficult subject matter, the book has been praised for its ability to engage readers and keep them invested in the story.
The Flatshare
In the novel “The Flatshare” by Beth O’Leary, the main characters Leon and Tif form an unconventional living arrangement. Leon, a night-shift worker, needs extra cash to help a family member and decides to rent out his one-bedroom apartment. The catch is that he only has one bed. To solve this problem, Leon places an ad for someone to sleep in his bed while he’s at work. Newly single Tif responds to the ad and moves in.
Despite their unusual living situation, Leon and Tif never actually meet in person due to their opposite work schedules. They communicate primarily through post-it notes, which leads to some humorous exchanges. However, the novel also tackles serious issues such as Tif’s struggle to rebuild her life after leaving an emotionally abusive relationship.
The Serpent King
The Serpent King is a novel that explores the lives of three teenage friends living in a small town in rural Tennessee. The story revolves around Dill, Travis, and Lydia, who are all trying to survive their dysfunctional families and the challenges of high school.
Dill’s father is a Pentecostal minister who has become infamous for his extreme beliefs and a major scandal. Travis, on the other hand, has to deal with an abusive father and finds solace in a book series called Bloodfall. Lydia is a free spirit who dreams of leaving her small town and becoming a fashion blogger in New York.
The novel explores themes of courage, friendship, and small-town life. It portrays the struggles of the three friends as they try to navigate the end of high school and their uncertain futures. The Serpent King is a heart-wrenching story that will leave readers with a box of tissues handy.
Safe Haven
In the novel Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks, Katie arrives in a small town in North Carolina with a lot of secrets. Despite her efforts to remain aloof, she finds herself falling for widowed father Alex. As their relationship deepens, Katie struggles with the fear of her past secrets being revealed. She finds support in her new friend Jo, who encourages her to choose between running away or opening herself up to love.
The novel offers a unique blend of suspense and romance, making it a favorite among readers. Safe Haven is a heartwarming tale of love, redemption, and second chances. The book’s themes of trust, forgiveness, and acceptance are sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
The Other Son
Alice has been unhappily married for 50 years, enduring her husband Ken’s violent outbursts. She always put up with it because she believed she was prioritizing her children’s needs over her own. However, now that their two sons are grown up, Alice is beginning to question if she made the right decision.
One of her sons, Tim, is a successful banker living nearby with his wife and children. On the other hand, the other son, Matt, has been bouncing around from job to job and is currently traveling abroad. Alice is unable to keep track of his whereabouts.
In the novel, “The Other Son,” the story is told in three parts. The first part depicts Alice’s marriage over the past 50 years. The second part is told from Tim’s point of view, as he and his wife pursue their dreams. Finally, we meet Matt, “the other son,” whose story helps to put all the pieces together.
The book deals with challenging issues, including domestic violence, but the author does not rely on graphic descriptions of violence. Additionally, there are plenty of humorous moments throughout the book.
For those interested in reading more about abusive relationships, the author, Nick Alexander, also wrote “You Then, Me Now.” This novel follows Becky’s journey as she searches for answers about the father she never knew. Her mother, Laura, has never been willing to talk about him.
When Laura books a trip to Santorini, Greece, Becky decides to join her. However, the trip reveals more than Becky expected, as she discovers her mother’s history with the island. “You Then, Me Now” is written from both mother and daughter’s points of view, with Becky’s chapters set in present-day and Laura’s chapters transporting us back to her early 20s.
Wish You Were Here
In Wish You Were Here by Renee Carlino, readers follow Charlotte, a woman who feels lost and unfulfilled in her life. After a chance encounter with a painter named Adam, the two share an unforgettable night together. However, when Adam gives Charlotte the cold shoulder the next morning, she is left hurt and confused.
Despite the setback, Charlotte can’t stop thinking about Adam and decides to find out why he pushed her away. As she delves deeper into his past, she discovers secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Will Charlotte and Adam be able to overcome their differences and rewrite their love story, or has the ending already been written?
With its emotional depth and engaging plot, Wish You Were Here is a novel that readers won’t be able to put down. The story explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, making it a perfect read for those who enjoyed It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover.
In Five Years
In Five Years is a novel that takes readers on an unexpected emotional journey. The story follows Dannie Kohan, a successful Manhattan attorney who wakes up one morning to find herself in a different apartment, with a different ring on her finger, and next to a different man. It’s still December 15, but it’s now 2025, five years later. After an intense and shocking hour, Dannie wakes up again back in 2020.
Despite her initial belief that it was all just a dream, the memory of this experience resurfaces when Dannie meets the man from her dream four and a half years later. The novel explores the themes of fate, love, and the unpredictability of life.
The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane
The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane is a novel by Kelly Harms that explores the lives of two women named Janine Brown in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The story centers around the struggles of these women as they desperately seek a fresh start in their lives. One Janine is dealing with the heartbreak of a loss, while the other is trying to escape an abusive relationship.
When a home and garden TV network announces that Janine Brown from Cedar Falls has won a dream home in Maine, both Janines assume they are the winner. However, when they arrive in Maine, they discover the mix-up, and neither is ready to return to their prior reality.
Throughout the novel, the two Janines’ stories are compelling and emotional, as they try to find the best way forward in their lives. The wise and witty Aunt Midge provides a lighter break to keep things from being too heavy, keeping readers laughing while the younger Janines sort through past hurts.