Solving Us Summary, Characters and Themes

Solving Us by Susan Renee is a heartfelt romance that explores love, personal healing, and the struggles of overcoming past trauma. The story centers around Olivia, a young woman still reeling from the emotional scars of a past accident, and Finn, a charming CEO who seems to offer her a fresh start both professionally and personally.

As they navigate their complex relationship, Olivia must confront her insecurities, trust issues, and fears, while Finn struggles with his own painful history. Together, they work through their emotional baggage and learn to support each other, finding strength in their connection.

Summary

Olivia’s life has been marked by the lasting effects of a traumatic event that left her emotionally and physically scarred. Despite her best friend Abby’s unwavering support, Olivia struggles with feelings of insecurity, particularly regarding her body image and the fear of being judged by others, especially in romantic relationships.

Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Finn, a charismatic and athletic man, during one of her photography outings. Their initial meeting sparks a connection, with Finn showing a clear interest in her.

While Olivia is flattered by his attention, she remains skeptical, unsure of his true intentions.

Finn, however, is genuinely attracted to Olivia, and as their relationship progresses, he opens up about his past, revealing that he has not been on a date for three years. Their first date, a whale-watching cruise, is filled with awkward moments but also tenderness.

During the date, Finn surprises Olivia by buying her an expensive camera lens. While she initially feels uncomfortable with the gesture, she begins to soften towards him.

However, Olivia’s insecurities cause her to misinterpret Finn’s actions, thinking that he is only interested in her for her professional skills, leading her to abruptly leave the date in distress. She regrets her actions but struggles with her vulnerability.

The next day, Finn, feeling guilty about the misunderstanding, reaches out to Olivia and explains his true intentions. He apologizes and reassures her that his feelings for her are not linked to her work or his business interests.

As they walk together, Finn expresses his admiration for Olivia as a person and not just as an employee. Olivia begins to open up about her past, realizing that Finn’s attentiveness is sincere and not a strategy.

Over time, their bond deepens, and Olivia begins to see Finn as more than just a potential employer but as a man who genuinely cares about her.

Though Olivia’s emotional scars from her past accident still haunt her, she starts to believe in Finn’s affection. He reassures her that she is beautiful inside and out, encouraging her not to let her past define her.

Their relationship progresses as they share more personal experiences, and Finn invites Olivia to tour his company, The Kellan Agency. He expresses his desire to build a meaningful relationship with her, making Olivia feel valued both personally and professionally.

As Olivia grows more comfortable in her new role at The Kellan Agency, she faces challenges with her coworker, Karen, who is jealous of Olivia’s success and her relationship with Finn. Karen’s undermining behavior creates tension at work, making Olivia question her place in the company.

Despite these challenges, Olivia thrives professionally, gaining confidence in her skills and excelling in her role.

Throughout their relationship, Finn’s past plays a significant role in shaping his actions. He has not fully healed from the loss of his sister, Sydney, whose suicide still deeply affects him.

Olivia learns about Finn’s grief from a colleague, which helps her understand his protective nature towards her. Her empathy for Finn’s pain strengthens their connection, and they continue to support one another.

Their relationship takes a step forward when they spend a weekend together at Finn’s family home. Though their relationship is still private, Finn’s family eventually becomes aware of their romantic involvement.

Despite initial awkwardness, Finn’s family embraces Olivia, and Finn’s love for her becomes more evident. At this point, Finn confesses his feelings for Olivia, admitting that he loves her.

Olivia, still grappling with her own insecurities and fears, is taken aback but begins to accept her own feelings for him.

As their relationship progresses, Olivia is forced to confront her fears and trust Finn completely. She starts to embrace her vulnerabilities and allows herself to love Finn without reservation.

Finn, on the other hand, continues to support Olivia’s career aspirations, pushing her to succeed while also nurturing their personal connection. Olivia’s work on the Boston Harbor Cruise Line campaign becomes a pivotal moment in her career, and she gains confidence in her ability to succeed on her own terms.

Despite the emotional hurdles, including her struggles with the scars from her accident and the challenges at work, Olivia learns to navigate her fears and embrace her imperfections. Her bond with Finn deepens as they spend more time together, share intimate moments, and face the obstacles that life throws their way.

Olivia realizes that she is not defined by her past or her scars but by the love and strength she has cultivated in herself and in her relationship with Finn.

The story concludes with Olivia and Finn navigating the complexities of their relationship with a renewed sense of mutual respect and understanding. Olivia has made significant strides in accepting her imperfections and learning to love herself, while Finn proves to be a steady source of support and love.

As they look towards the future, Olivia feels hopeful about her personal and professional life, knowing that she has Finn by her side to support her every step of the way. Their relationship is a testament to the power of love, healing, and self-acceptance.

Characters

Olivia

Olivia is the emotional heart of Solving Us, a young woman dealing with deep-seated trauma from an accident in her past. This event left her with scars, both physical and emotional, leading to her struggles with body image and feelings of inadequacy.

Despite her best friend Abby’s efforts to lift her spirits, Olivia finds it hard to believe she is worthy of love, especially in a romantic context. Her insecurities cloud her perception of her relationship with Finn, and she often misinterprets his actions, fearing that his kindness may be driven by ulterior motives.

However, through her journey with Finn, Olivia gradually learns to overcome her fears and insecurities. Her past is a constant shadow, especially her scars, but her relationship with Finn allows her to begin healing, both emotionally and physically.

She evolves from a woman paralyzed by her fears into someone who embraces love and self-acceptance, learning that her imperfections do not define her worth. Olivia’s personal growth is central to the narrative, showcasing her strength as she learns to trust herself and the people around her, especially Finn.

Finn

Finn Kellan, the charismatic CEO of the Kellan Agency, presents himself as confident and composed, yet he carries the heavy burden of grief from his past. The suicide of his sister, Sydney, continues to affect him deeply, influencing his protective nature toward Olivia.

He sees in her not just a romantic interest but a kindred spirit, someone who understands the weight of trauma. His attraction to Olivia is genuine, and he makes every effort to assure her that his feelings for her are not based on superficial reasons but are deeply rooted in admiration for who she is as a person.

Finn’s relationship with Olivia allows him to confront his own emotional walls and the grief from his sister’s death. Despite his own vulnerabilities, Finn is determined to support Olivia, encouraging her to heal from her past and become the person she is meant to be.

His actions reflect a deep sense of care and respect for her boundaries, but his drive to protect her and fix everything sometimes leads to misunderstandings. Over time, Finn learns that love is not about control or fixing the other person but about understanding, compromise, and acceptance.

His journey is about confronting his own past while building a future with Olivia.

Abby

Abby plays the role of Olivia’s supportive best friend in Solving Us, always there to provide encouragement and advice. While Abby is not the central figure in the narrative, her presence is vital to Olivia’s emotional journey.

She serves as a sounding board for Olivia, offering practical and emotional support, especially when Olivia grapples with her self-esteem issues and doubts about Finn’s intentions. Abby’s relationship with Olivia is a reminder of the importance of friendship, especially during difficult times.

Her light-hearted nature contrasts with Olivia’s more serious and introspective character, providing a balance to the story. Although Abby is not involved in the romantic drama directly, her steady friendship with Olivia helps to ground the protagonist, reminding her that she is not alone in her struggles.

Abby also acts as a conduit for Olivia to understand the value of true, supportive relationships, reinforcing the theme of trust and emotional healing.

Karen

Karen, Finn’s mother, represents a major emotional obstacle for Olivia throughout Solving Us. Initially, Olivia hopes to gain Karen’s approval, but she quickly realizes that Karen’s actions are anything but supportive.

Karen sabotages Olivia’s career and personal life, attempting to manipulate and control situations to suit her own needs. Her jealousy and bitterness toward Olivia, especially due to the budding romance with Finn, create tension and strain in Olivia and Finn’s relationship.

Despite Karen’s overt hostility, Olivia continues to face her with grace, though Karen’s actions leave lasting scars on Olivia’s confidence. Karen’s complex nature is revealed slowly throughout the narrative, with her actions ultimately causing Finn to confront his own family dynamics and the role they play in his emotional well-being.

She is a symbol of toxic manipulation, and her actions push Olivia to find strength within herself, especially when Finn uncovers the truth about her sabotage. Karen’s eventual exposure and the reconciliation that follows is a pivotal moment in the story, as it represents the breaking of chains that have bound Olivia emotionally, allowing her to move forward in her relationship with Finn.

Mrs. Grace Hoover

Mrs. Grace Hoover is Finn’s trusted assistant at the Kellan Agency and serves as a guiding figure for Olivia as she begins her new job.

Grace offers Olivia a sense of comfort and reassurance within the professional environment, showing a genuine interest in her well-being. Unlike Karen, Grace’s interactions with Olivia are nurturing, providing her with a sense of belonging and support as she navigates her role at the company.

Her kindness contrasts with the manipulative behavior of Karen, highlighting the differing dynamics in Finn’s life.

Mrs. Hoover’s role may be minor, but she contributes to Olivia’s sense of comfort within the Kellan Agency, offering wisdom and encouragement, helping Olivia feel like she can succeed professionally. Grace’s presence reinforces the theme of finding positive, supportive relationships in contrast to toxic ones, and she acts as a reminder that Olivia has allies in her journey of healing and personal growth.

Max

Max is the dog that Olivia was deeply attached to before the traumatic accident that shaped much of her emotional journey. Though Max’s physical presence is no longer a part of Olivia’s life, his memory remains a central figure in Olivia’s healing process.

Max’s death and Olivia’s subsequent inability to form new attachments to dogs reflect her deep emotional scars. His loss represents Olivia’s struggle to move on from the trauma and grief she experienced, and it affects her relationship with Finn, who owns a therapy dog named Toby.

In a pivotal moment of growth, Finn gently encourages Olivia to meet Toby, helping her begin the process of healing. Max’s role in the narrative is less about his actions and more about the emotional weight he represents in Olivia’s life.

Through the bond she shared with him, Olivia learns about love, loss, and the possibility of healing.

Themes

Emotional Healing

In Solving Us, emotional healing is a central theme, explored through Olivia’s journey of overcoming deep-rooted scars from her traumatic past. Her experience of physical and emotional pain after a life-changing accident defines much of her sense of self-worth and causes her to build walls around herself.

She is initially resistant to forming emotional connections, particularly in romantic relationships, fearing rejection due to her perceived flaws, which are largely physical. The story emphasizes the gradual process of healing as Olivia begins to trust again, both in herself and in others.

A key moment in this transformation is her evolving relationship with Finn, whose patience and understanding help her navigate her emotional turmoil. Through their interactions, Olivia learns to accept her imperfections and come to terms with the trauma she has been hiding.

The significance of emotional healing extends beyond just Olivia’s character, also influencing Finn’s actions. He, too, is dealing with unresolved grief from his sister’s suicide, and his journey toward emotional openness mirrors Olivia’s.

Their ability to heal together, by confronting their pasts and opening up to each other, highlights the power of mutual support in overcoming emotional wounds.

Insecurity and Self-Acceptance

Another important theme in Solving Us is the struggle with insecurity and the journey toward self-acceptance. Olivia’s trauma from her past accident leaves her feeling constantly judged by her physical appearance, which she views as flawed due to the scars she carries.

This constant battle with self-esteem is compounded by the pressures of societal beauty standards, which exacerbate her feelings of inadequacy. However, as she spends time with Finn and becomes more vulnerable with him, Olivia slowly learns that true love and acceptance are not based on external appearances but on emotional connection and personal growth.

Her fears of being judged diminish as Finn consistently reassures her of her worth, showing her that beauty is not merely skin-deep. Throughout the narrative, Olivia’s journey is a powerful exploration of how love and support from others can help an individual accept themselves and transcend insecurities.

Finn’s unconditional affection acts as a catalyst for Olivia’s self-discovery, encouraging her to embrace both her physical and emotional scars as part of her unique story.

Love and Vulnerability

Solving Us intricately portrays love as a force that requires vulnerability, patience, and mutual trust. The connection between Olivia and Finn evolves as they navigate the complexities of their emotional baggage, allowing their relationship to deepen over time.

Initially, Olivia is reluctant to be open with Finn, fearing that revealing her vulnerabilities will lead to rejection. Her trauma and insecurities make it difficult for her to let her guard down, even when she begins to develop genuine feelings for him.

Finn, on the other hand, has his own emotional challenges, especially related to the loss of his sister. However, it is through their willingness to be vulnerable with each other—sharing their past pain, insecurities, and fears—that they are able to build a strong and meaningful relationship.

The narrative emphasizes that true love is not about perfection or the absence of flaws, but about accepting each other’s imperfections and finding strength in vulnerability. Olivia’s and Finn’s willingness to embrace their emotional openness and to support one another in moments of weakness exemplifies the deep, transformative power of love.

The Impact of Family and Relationships

Family dynamics and the influence of relationships on personal growth are significant themes in Solving Us. Throughout the story, both Olivia and Finn grapple with the complexities of their respective families.

Olivia’s past is marked by emotional neglect and bullying, which heavily influenced her feelings of self-worth. Finn’s relationship with his mother, Karen, is fraught with tension, as she subtly sabotages his relationship with Olivia and his career.

The toxic influence of family members creates a backdrop of emotional conflict that both Olivia and Finn must navigate. Finn’s realization of his mother’s manipulations and his eventual confrontation with her marks a turning point in his character’s development, as he comes to terms with his own family’s impact on his life.

Similarly, Olivia’s retreat to her childhood home offers her an opportunity to reconnect with her parents and find support in the aftermath of her struggles. Their relationship becomes a reminder for her of the importance of familial bonds and the strength that can come from leaning on loved ones.

Ultimately, the story suggests that while families can shape individuals in profound ways, the choice to break free from toxic patterns and foster healthy, supportive relationships is vital to personal healing and growth.

Trust and Communication

Trust and communication are critical components of both Olivia and Finn’s relationship in Solving Us. Initially, Olivia struggles to trust Finn, particularly due to her insecurities and the fear that his interest in her may not be entirely genuine.

She often misinterprets his actions, assuming that he might be more interested in her work or her potential as an employee rather than in her as a person. This distrust is a direct result of her previous experiences with people who have hurt or manipulated her.

However, as the story unfolds, Olivia begins to learn that trust is built through clear, open communication and consistent actions. Finn’s willingness to listen, apologize, and share his own vulnerabilities gradually builds Olivia’s confidence in him.

The story emphasizes how effective communication—both verbal and non-verbal—is essential in nurturing a healthy, trusting relationship. As Finn and Olivia learn to communicate their feelings, fears, and desires honestly, they develop a stronger bond.

The challenges they face, both individually and together, further demonstrate that trust is not always easy to earn, but with effort and patience, it is the foundation on which their love grows. Through their evolving relationship, the narrative highlights the importance of transparency and mutual understanding in overcoming misunderstandings and emotional barriers.

Professional Growth and Ambition

While the emotional aspects of the story are central, Solving Us also explores the theme of professional growth and ambition. Olivia’s journey at The Kellan Agency represents her attempts to rebuild her confidence and pursue a career that aligns with her passions.

Despite her initial insecurities about her place in the company, she finds fulfillment in her work, especially as she navigates high-profile projects and collaborates with a supportive team. However, her professional growth is not without its challenges, particularly when her coworker, Karen, undermines her efforts and sabotages her work.

This professional tension highlights the importance of resilience and standing up for oneself in the workplace. Throughout the story, Olivia’s ability to assert herself and her growing self-confidence reflect her journey of personal and professional development.

Finn’s support plays a crucial role in this process, as he encourages Olivia to pursue her career aspirations and find success on her own terms. The theme of professional ambition also ties into the broader narrative of self-discovery, as Olivia learns to balance her career with her personal relationships, finding that success is not just measured by external achievements but by personal growth and fulfillment.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

At the heart of Solving Us is the theme of forgiveness and the importance of reconciliation in healing both individuals and relationships. Throughout the narrative, both Olivia and Finn are faced with situations where they must confront past mistakes and misunderstandings.

Olivia’s initial withdrawal from Finn, due to her fears and insecurities, is a barrier that they must both work to overcome. Additionally, Finn’s strained relationship with his mother, Karen, and the misunderstandings surrounding his feelings for Olivia create further emotional distance between the couple.

However, as the story progresses, both characters come to realize that healing can only happen through forgiveness. Finn’s willingness to confront the truth about his mother’s manipulations and Olivia’s ability to forgive him for past misunderstandings are key turning points in their relationship.

The narrative shows that forgiveness is not just about letting go of resentment, but about understanding each other’s flaws, taking responsibility for one’s actions, and making amends. Through forgiveness, both Olivia and Finn are able to rebuild their trust and create a stronger, more resilient bond, ultimately leading to a hopeful and loving future together.