Colleen Hoover's 'Reminders of Him' Becomes Saddest Book Yet

The Texas author's latest novel-turned-film explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and family reunification.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:00am

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Colleen Hoover, the bestselling author from Texas, has written over 20 books that often tackle heavy themes like domestic violence, addiction, and psychological trauma. Her latest novel 'Reminders of Him,' published in 2022, was intended as a romantic comedy but ended up being 'the saddest book of all' she had written. The story follows a woman released from prison trying to reconnect with her daughter, and the film adaptation premiered worldwide on March 13, 2026.

Why it matters

Hoover's rise to fame is a unique publishing success story, as her career began without major publishers or marketing campaigns, instead building a devoted readership through positive reviews and word-of-mouth on social media. The adaptation of her books into films has also become an important source of romantic dramas for Hollywood, filling a gap in the market for adult-oriented relationship stories.

The details

In 'Reminders of Him,' the protagonist Kenna Rowan returns to her hometown after five years in prison for a tragic accident that killed her boyfriend Scotty. She tries to reconnect with her daughter Diem, who is being raised by Scotty's parents, while developing a complicated relationship with Ledger Ward, Scotty's best friend. The narrative includes Kenna's letters to the deceased Scotty, revealing her guilt, emotions, and desire to reunite with her child.

  • The novel 'Reminders of Him' was published in English in 2022.
  • The film adaptation premiered on March 9, 2026 in Los Angeles and was released worldwide on March 13, 2026.

The players

Colleen Hoover

An American author who has written over 20 books, many of which have been adapted into films. She is known for tackling heavy themes in her romantic stories and has become the bestselling fiction author in the United States.

Kenna Rowan

The protagonist of 'Reminders of Him,' a young woman who returns to her hometown after five years in prison and tries to reconnect with her daughter.

Ledger Ward

The bar owner and best friend of Kenna's deceased boyfriend, Scotty, who becomes the only person willing to help Kenna reconnect with her daughter.

Scotty

Kenna's boyfriend who died in a tragic accident, leaving their daughter Diem to be raised by his parents.

Diem

Kenna and Scotty's daughter, who was born while Kenna was incarcerated and is being raised by Scotty's parents.

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What they’re saying

“Life is a very cruel thing and chooses for itself whom to destroy. You're given any kind of shitty circumstances, and society declares that you too can achieve the American Dream. It just forgets to add that dreams almost never come true.”

— Kenna Rowan

“When I write, I always envision my books as a movie.”

— Colleen Hoover, Author

What’s next

The film adaptation of 'Reminders of Him' is expected to boost book sales as Hoover's other novel-to-film projects have done in the past.

The takeaway

Colleen Hoover's ability to craft emotionally resonant stories that seamlessly translate to the screen has made her one of the most sought-after authors in Hollywood, filling a gap for adult-oriented romantic dramas that has been underserved in recent years.