Review: Reminders Of Him by Colleen Hoover
Looks Like Books contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclaimer to learn more.
If you’re curious about Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover, you’re not alone – it’s one of her most talked-about novels in recent years. This story blends heartbreak, redemption, and second chances as it follows a young mother determined to rebuild her life and reconnect with her daughter. Like many CoHo books, it’s both emotional and complicated, offering readers a look at forgiveness from multiple angles. In this review, I’ll share my own synopsis, what I liked and disliked, and whether I think this book deserves a spot on your reading list.
Key Takeaways: Reminders Of Him by Colleen Hoover

What It’s About
In Reminders of Him, Colleen Hoover introduces us to Kenna Rowan, a young mother whose life has been defined by one tragic mistake. After serving five years in prison, Kenna returns to her hometown, desperate to reunite with her four-year-old daughter, Diem. But rebuilding bridges is harder than she imagined—everyone in Diem’s life sees Kenna as unworthy of a second chance.
The only crack in the wall is Ledger Ward, a protective local bar owner and former best friend of Kenna’s late boyfriend. Ledger doesn’t trust her, yet he’s also the one person who might understand her determination. As Kenna slowly fights her way back into her daughter’s world, she must prove that she’s more than her past and find a way to turn grief and regret into hope and healing.
My Review Rating – 3.5 out of 5 stars.
A touching story of redemption and second chances, but with uneven pacing and a romance that didn’t fully land for me.
Review Of Reminders Of Him by Colleen Hoover
This is the fourth Colleen Hoover book I’ve read in the past little while, and coming off of not only It Ends With Us, and It Starts With Us, but also Verity – well, I wasn’t sure if she could write another winner (for me)!
What I Liked About Reminders Of Him
The Setting
The small-town backdrop works well, creating a tight-knit community where forgiveness feels both impossible and inevitable. The bar, Diem’s home, and the town itself provide emotional anchors.
The Characters
- Kenna: Her perseverance stood out. She isn’t portrayed as flawless, but her quiet determination to prove herself felt authentic.
- Ledger: Protective, gruff, and conflicted—he added tension and balance to Kenna’s softer perspective.
- Diem: Though young, she’s the emotional center of the story.
I also appreciated how Hoover contrasted two perspectives of motherhood—Kenna’s longing to reconnect and Grace’s (Scotty’s mother) fierce protectiveness.
The Plot & Storylines
The strongest element here is the theme of forgiveness. The story shows how one irreversible mistake doesn’t necessarily define someone’s worth forever. I also liked that Kenna respected boundaries rather than charging in, which made her growth more believable.
What I Disliked About Reminders Of Him
- The beginning felt slow and predictable, with some character interactions that didn’t quite ring true.
- The romance between Kenna and Ledger lacked depth in places and moved too quickly to feel earned.
- Emotional connection to the characters sometimes stayed on the surface rather than pulling me all the way in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
Do you need to read other Colleen Hoover books before this one?
No. Reminders of Him is a standalone novel.
Is this book more romance or family drama?
While there’s a romantic subplot, the heart of the story is Kenna’s journey to reunite with her daughter.
How does it compare with It Ends With Us or Verity?
Reminders of Him is softer and more family-centered, while It Ends With Us is more intense and Verity veers into psychological thriller territory.
Reminders Of Him by Colleen Hoover – Conclusion
If you’re looking for a heartfelt redemption story with strong themes of forgiveness and motherhood, Reminders of Him is worth picking up. While it doesn’t pack the same intensity as some of Hoover’s other novels, it delivers emotional moments and an exploration of second chances.
For me, it was a 3.5-star read – moving in places, but not fully immersive. Still, if you’re a CoHo fan, it’s one to check off your list.
If you haven’t yet read any CoHo books, well, you need to start somewhere, and Reminders of Him would be a great start if you want something with a little romance. If you’re looking for a thriller, don’t miss Verity!
📚 Did You Know?
The name Ledger Ward has sparked countless baby-name discussions in book groups – proof of CoHo’s pop culture reach.