For more than a decade, Colleen Hoover has written about love, loss, and the messiness of being human,

stories that millions of readers have connected to in a deeply personal way.

After self-publishing her first novel in 2012,

she's become one of the most read authors in the world, selling 75 million books. She's had many

New York Times bestsellers and film adaptations that brought her stories to an even larger audience.

But for Colleen, the last few years have held incredible highs alongside

deeply personal challenges. In 2023, after years of publishing at a rapid pace, she stepped

away from writing. In 2024, one of her most personal books, It Ends With Us, was adapted into

a film that grossed over $350 million worldwide.

But with the success came a legal battle between the film's two main stars,

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.

And earlier this year, she shared that she'd been diagnosed with cancer,

a private battle she chose to make public.

Now with her new novel Woman Down, Collina has returned to the page, and her latest film

adaptation reminders of him is about to be released, the first written and produced by Colleen,

as Cherinen, the next chapter of her career.

In our conversation, we talk about what the last few years have taught her, how she navigates creativity and the bright glare of the career. In our conversation, we talk about what the last few years have taught her,

how she navigates creativity and the bright glare of the spotlight,

and what it means to prioritize your health when your life and everything around you is moving fast.

Plus, she teases what she's planning for the future.

I'm Jenna Bush-Hager, and this is my podcast, Open Book with Jenna.

Well, Colleen, it's been too long. I cannot believe I haven't seen you since, book Bonanza.

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