Following release from prison, ex-convict struggles to make fresh start in ‘Reminders of Him’
March 21, 2025
By Gabriella Cerreta
Staff Writer
“Reminders of Him” by Colleen Hoover is a gripping and emotional text that explores guilt, loss, love and redemption.
The novel follows 26-year-old Kenna Rowan, who is trying to restart her life in her hometown near Denver. At the start of the book, Kenna has just been released from prison after serving a five-year sentence for killing her boyfriend, Scott Landry, in a car crash while intoxicated.
Early in her prison sentence, Kenna gave birth to her and Scott’s daughter, Diem. Diem was immediately taken from Kenna and given to Scott’s parents, Patrick and Grace, to raise.
After being released from prison, Kenna tries to forge a relationship with Diem but faces rejection from Scott’s parents, who refuse to let her near their four-year-old granddaughter. Kenna works hard to earn the Landrys’ trust, showing unwavering love for her daughter.
She also connects with Ledger Ward, Scott’s best friend. Ledger becomes a father figure to Diem and forms a romantic connection with Kenna. However, the tension between them intensifies as Ledger struggles to balance his longing to be with Kenna and his commitment to honoring Scott’s memory.
What begins as a rocky transition gradually becomes a beautiful example of personal growth.
Readers will be hooked into the storyline because of the tension Hoover creates, especially between Kenna and the Landry family. It is difficult to determine who is right since Kenna proves to be a responsible mother. Still, the Landry family understandably holds deep resentment for her role in their son’s death.
“Reminders of Him” tackles mature topics, including abandonment, parental grief and finding peace after a life-changing mistake. While it is intended for a more mature audience, teenage readers who enjoy a modern romance with emotional depth will find it engaging.
The novel also highlights the complexity of second chances, primarily through the heartwarming development of Kenna’s relationship with Diem. What begins as a rocky transition gradually becomes a beautiful example of personal growth.
In her 26th novel, Hoover continues to showcase her remarkable ability to create unforgettable characters with fascinating backstories. Kenna is among these intriguing protagonists. Her complex and riveting emotional journey will linger in readers’ minds long after they finish the book.
