BOOK REVIEW
Book: Confess
Author: Colleen Hoover
Reviewed by: Sassi Nasir Ali
Confess is a contemporary romance novel by Colleen Hoover, a bestselling American author celebrated for her brilliant works of romance and young adult fiction, emotionally charged storytelling and relatable characters. Published by Atria Books on 10 March 2015, the novel spans 320 pages and has been widely praised by readers and critics alike for its unique premise, beautiful writing, and heartfelt exploration of love and loss. Since its publication, Confess has been translated into several languages and has become a favorite among fans of contemporary romance. Hoover is known for her engaging characters and emotional storytelling, and Confess is no exception.
Colleen Hoover began her writing career in 2012 with Slammed, a self-published novel that became an instant hit. She has since written several bestsellers, including It Ends with Us, Verity, and Ugly Love. Her works often explore love, trauma, and the human capacity for resilience.
In Confess, Hoover tells the story of Auburn Reed, a young woman who moves to Dallas, Texas, to rebuild her life after a painful loss in search of a fresh start. Struggling to make ends meet, she is forced to take a job at an art gallery owned by the mysterious and talented Owen Gentry. Owen creates paintings inspired by anonymous confessions left in a box outside his gallery, transforming the secrets of strangers into powerful works of art.
When Auburn and Owen meet, they are instantly drawn to each other, yet both have secrets they are keeping from each other. Auburn is hiding a tragic past and fears that revealing her truth will destroy her new life, while Owen hides a secret that could shatter their growing bond. As their relationship deepens, they must find the courage to confront their pasts and the secrets they have been keeping.
The novel beautifully explores themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and the power of art to heal. It also includes several of Owen’s paintings throughout the book which makes the book more interesting. Confess is a heartwarming and emotional novel that will leave readers feeling inspired and uplifted. For those who enjoy heartfelt romantic stories, it is a perfect read, and I strongly recommend it.