Southern Lights

I usually avoid stories with heavy subjects as grief, illness, etc. I decided to read this story. Oh, so glad I did. Yes, it is a poignant, emotional, wrenching story of true love, of grief, of coming to terms with walls we build to keep the world away. The writing is excellent, I cannot believe this is a debut novel, it is that good. This is the story of a woman, Sloane, who loses her wife to Covid. She's young, but her world screeches to a halt and she's drowning in grief. She decides to move to the Gold Coast in Australia for a year, just to change scenery and keep herself from self-harm. She meets an Australian actress with a young child. From here, it is a rollercoaster of emotions. Sloane is faced with the decision to love again or live in her grief and sorrow. It's so well written, the story flows. I was anguished sometimes but it is all well worth it. The story is amazing. I will look out for more from this author. Southern Lights is a gem.

Sometimes when I finish reading a book, I feel like I don’t know what to think because the story leaves me speechless. Well, this is the case for Southern Lights. Grief is such a painful and delicate theme, but Liz Arncliffe explored it beautifully. It is not the only emotion found in this book. Sloane’s and Ana’s stories demonstrate how pain, guilt, and self-hatred can be familiar and how it’s easier and comforting to hold onto them for some of us. Every aspect of these feelings is addressed in an almost poetic way, rendering the experience of reading Southern Lights special. As for the characters, I’m in awe of how Sloane expressed herself. Her journey is as fantastic as it is hard and sad to witness. While my first impression of Ava was fairly neutral, the second was not. She was rude and a bit entitled despite the seemingly good reasons she had for being wary of strangers. She didn’t act her age, and I’m glad her mother called her out. However, she becomes likable very quickly once we learn more about her story. Another element I absolutely love is the relationship between Grace and Sloane. There is nothing cuter and more adorable than books with the single-parent trope where the child and the love interest build a strong relationship, and we really get to see it. I also enjoyed how Ellen, Mo, and her wife helped our characters in their journey. Southern Lights is a memorable read that got me weeping at 2 am. I will take great pleasure in reading it again.

This book is spectacularly written. It reminds me of when you’re wandering somewhere without intent and stumble upon something rare and precious. I lost my mother almost five years ago and the grief is still so palpable today. To pen a romance amid blinding grief is an art which aptly describes the book; a work of art. The universality of love threads its way through a vibrant setting, beautifully human characters, and writing so lush and rich, it steals its way off the page and burrows into your heart. I’d simply like to thank the author Liz Arncliffe for sharing something so deeply inspiring.

Ava James was one of those actresses who moved to HollyWood hoping to make her a household name. She unfortunately didn’t ‘make it’, but while there she did have a short relationship with another young woman. For some reason Ava blamed herself for the breakup. Now, years later she’s back in Australia, with her young daughter, Grace, living with her mom. Over the years she has made a name for herself in her home country. Along the way she’d got married and divorced. Now she shared custody with her ex. Paul. Ava would like to have someone in her life but it’s a big chance to take, especially with Grace. Sloane Sullivan, might have survived COVID, her wife Julia didn’t. They had a good marriage, loved each other, with many family and friends but then Julia never made it home. Like many she died alone and Sloane wasn’t sure she’d be able to go on. So when she got the chance to swap teachers for a year she took the chance and here she was, living in the cottage on the farm where Ava’s Mother Ellen, welcomed her with open arms. That is the set up for one of the most interesting, fun reads, with main character you can’t help but like. Supporting cast just adds another layer of fun. Wonderful read. Very, very enjoyable read. ARC via NetGalley/ YLVA

Wow, just wow. This is my first time reading this author and I dare say it won't be my last. What an incredible story of loss, hope, acceptance and love. Both Sloane and Ava are struggling with their own personal demons..... Sloane with loss and grief and Ava with shame and self doubt. This story is so well written. Every time I thought I knew where the plot was headed, I was pleasantly surprised and happy to be wrong. This is definitely worth the read!!!!