💔 Book Review: Regretting You by Colleen Hoover
A poignant exploration of grief, betrayal, and the fragile bond between mother and daughter.
Colleen Hoover’s Regretting You is a deeply emotional contemporary novel that blends family drama with romance, all wrapped in her signature style of heartfelt storytelling. With over 760,000 ratings and a 4.11 average on Goodreads, it’s clear this book has struck a chord with readers around the world.
📖 Plot Overview
Morgan Grant and her 16-year-old daughter Clara are opposites in every way. Morgan, who gave up her dreams to raise Clara after a teenage pregnancy, wants her daughter to avoid the same mistakes. Clara, on the other hand, finds her mother rigid and predictable.
Their already strained relationship is shattered when a tragic accident involving Morgan’s husband (and Clara’s father) reveals devastating secrets. As Morgan and Clara struggle to cope with grief and betrayal, they each turn to unexpected sources of comfort—Morgan to her late husband’s best friend, and Clara to a boy she’s been forbidden to see.
💬 Themes Explored
- Mother-Daughter Dynamics: The emotional tension between Morgan and Clara is raw and realistic, capturing the push-pull of love and resentment.
- Grief & Healing: Hoover portrays the many layers of grief—shock, anger, confusion—with sensitivity and depth.
- Secrets & Forgiveness: The novel asks whether some truths are better left buried, and whether forgiveness can truly mend broken trust.
✨ What Readers Love
- Dual POVs that offer insight into both Morgan and Clara’s perspectives
- A slow-burn romance that feels earned and tender
- Hoover’s emotionally charged writing style that keeps pages turning
- A balance of teen angst and adult heartbreak
⚠️ Critiques
Some readers felt the pacing lagged in the middle, and that Clara’s teenage voice occasionally veered into melodrama. But most agree the emotional payoff is worth it.
🏁 Final Verdict
Regretting You is a compelling read for fans of character-driven stories that explore the complexities of family, love, and loss. It’s not just about romance—it’s about rebuilding after everything falls apart.
