BY COLLEEN HOOVER ‧
Published: October 18, 2022
The sequel to It Ends with Us (2016) shows the aftermath of domestic violence through the eyes
of a single mother.
Lily Bloom is still running a flower shop; her abusive ex-husband, Ryle Kincaid, is still a
surgeon. But now they’re co-parenting a daughter, Emerson, who’s almost a year old. Lily won’t
send Emerson to her father’s house overnight until she’s old enough to talk—“So she can tell me
if something happens”—but she doesn’t want to fight for full custody lest it become an
expensive legal drama or, worse, a physical fight. When Lily runs into Atlas Corrigan, a
childhood friend who also came from an abusive family, she hopes their friendship can blossom
into love. (For new readers, their history unfolds in heartfelt diary entries that Lily addresses
to Finding Nemo star Ellen DeGeneres as she considers how Atlas was a calming presence
during her turbulent childhood.) Atlas, who is single and running a restaurant, feels the same
way. But even though she’s divorced, Lily isn’t exactly free. Behind Ryle’s veneer of civility are
his jealousy and resentment. Lily has to plan her dates carefully to avoid a confrontation.
Meanwhile, Atlas’ mother returns with shocking news. In between, Lily and Atlas steal away for
romantic moments that are even sweeter for their authenticity as Lily struggles with child care,
breastfeeding, and running a business while trying to find time for herself.Through palpable
tension balanced with glimmers of hope, Hoover beautifully captures the heartbreak and joy of
starting over. Source: Amazon