This was a different type of book and I liked the exploration of grief. I feel like everyone can relate to Covid 19 grief and it was nice to hear someone else’s words.

Southern Lights by Liz Arncliffe is a deeply emotional exploration of grief and healing. The story centres on Sloane, whose journey to rebuild her life after losing her wife is portrayed with honesty and tenderness. Divided into distinct parts, the book highlights Sloane’s gradual steps forward—sometimes paired with setbacks—capturing the complexities of processing loss.

The budding relationship between Sloane and Ava is beautifully developed, blending moments of confusion, guilt, and hope. Their connection feels authentic as both women help each other confront past regrets and open themselves to new happiness. Arncliffe skillfully balances these heavy themes with humour and warmth, making the emotional journey both impactful and uplifting.

The secondary characters, especially Ava’s daughter Grace, provide much-needed lightness to the story. Grace’s charm, along with the presence of well-drawn side characters, adds depth to this heartfelt narrative. Southern Lights is a touching debut, offering a sensitive portrayal of grief, love, and rediscovering joy in life.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

This book was emotional and evocative and made me cry multiple times.

Southern Lights tells the story of Sloane Sullivan, an American woman who lost her wife during the COVID-19 pandemic. She moves to Australia hoping to find healing in a change of scenery. While in Australia, she develops a physical and emotional connection with Ava, a single mom. Sloane struggles to determine if moving forward with Ava would mean leaving her former wife behind.

The book contains vivid descriptions of pain, loss, and guilt about whether moving forward means forgetting those we’ve lost. It is also very situated in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the political situation in the U.S. If you are looking to from an escapist romance novel, this book isn’t for you.

I have read other romance novels which feature grief as a subplot or backstory, but here the grief was central and constant. In my mind, all romance novels need a happily ever after. This book has a happily ever after in the most technical sense (Sloane and Ava end up together), but I was still left feeling sad. Given all that, I don’t think I would categorize this book as a traditional romance novel which is what I expected when I decided to read it.
The book also has a slower pace and felt quite long at times.

In the acknowledgment, the author Liz Arncliffe shares that the inspiration for this book came from a time when she had COVID and wasn’t sure if she would survive. She asked herself “what do I want for my wife if I go?” and it feels like this book is her answer to that question. It seems like this inspiration for this book came from a place of pain and fear, and that comes through in the story.
If you’ve read this book, I’d like to know your perspective on it.

ARC Book Review: Southern Lights by Liz Arncliffe
- emotional & sad
- set in Australia
- grief & loss
- love interest is a single mom

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

Southern Lights by Liz Arncliffe is a heartwarming, found-family, opposites-attract romance that beautifully balances healing, humor, and the messy, unpredictable journey of love. With two flawed yet compelling women at its center, this book is a touching exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and finding home in unexpected places—both geographically and emotionally.

At first glance, Sloane Sullivan and Ava James couldn’t be more different. Sloane is a closed-off, grief-stricken teacher fleeing to Australia in search of color after the loss of her wife. She’s a woman who’s forgotten how to feel, and everything in her life is cloaked in a deep shade of gray. Ava, on the other hand, is a prickly, emotionally guarded actress who’s spent her life avoiding long-term commitments—whether in her career or relationships. She prefers things short and sweet, unwilling to risk failure or vulnerability again. But life throws them a curveball when Sloane ends up staying in Ava’s mother’s guest house for a whole year—just days after a steamy encounter between them.

The book kicks off with tension and awkwardness, but Arncliffe skillfully turns this into the foundation for a tentative friendship—and ultimately, a romance that blooms with depth and meaning. Sloane and Ava’s growing connection feels organic, filled with moments of vulnerability and shared pain. The slow-burn aspect of their relationship works well here, as both women are hesitant to let go of their ghosts. Their chemistry is palpable, but it’s the emotional development that steals the show. Watching these two women slowly open up, let down their walls, and take steps toward healing is incredibly rewarding.

One of the novel’s standout elements is its portrayal of found family. Ava’s cheeky daughter adds charm and levity, bringing moments of light to what is often an emotionally heavy story. The way Sloane integrates into their small but fiercely protective family is touching, and it adds another layer of warmth to the romance. Sloane isn’t just falling for Ava—she’s finding a new home and a new sense of belonging that she thought was lost forever. Ava’s mother, with her grounded wisdom and unwavering support, also contributes to this sense of family that forms around Sloane.

Arncliffe doesn’t shy away from the deeper themes of grief and fear of failure. Sloane’s journey toward making peace with her past, and Ava’s struggle with emotional commitment, feel authentic and raw. Both characters are allowed the space to grow in a way that feels realistic. Their struggles aren’t magically solved overnight; instead, we see them work through their issues slowly, with plenty of missteps along the way.

That being said, there are a few moments where the pacing falters. Some sections, especially in the middle, slow down as the characters wrestle with their internal conflicts. While this adds depth to their emotional journey, it can sometimes feel like the romance is taking a backseat to introspection. Still, the emotional payoff in the end more than makes up for it.

In the end, Southern Lights is a deeply moving story about two women finding love, healing, and hope in the unlikeliest of places. It’s a beautiful reminder that, even when we’ve closed ourselves off from the world, love can still break through. For anyone who enjoys slow-burn romances with emotional depth, strong character development, and the power of found family, this book is a must-read.

The main character of the book Sloane, try to start a new life in Australia after she lost her wife. An accidentaly meeting in Australia starts a new experiences for her.

Ava is an actress with bad experinces in her life. An unexpected meeting open a new view on some things and maybe a start of the relationship.

I like this book, it is a story about new beginnigs and new friends. It shows that every day could be a last one. This is a slow burning romance and my first book from the author.

Okay hands down this book is now one of my favorites ever! This was the first book i read from Liz Arncliff but for sure not my last. The book is so well written with so many feelings. Closed of teacher Sloane lost her wife, ever since she feels numb and she got a trauma where she only sees shades of gray. To get away and heal she desides to travel to Australia and work as a teacher there fore a year. Thanks to some contacts oft he exchange program she can move into a guesthouse. She realized soon is the guesthouse oft he hot woman she had a one night stand with in Sydney.
Ava is an actress, not wildly famous but known enought, she loves more of a simple life away from glitter and glamour with her cute daughter.

They both meet again and after some trouble start a friendship and so much more. We follow along their path of healing their past of discovering a life after what happend tot hem. A life together.

This story is so beautifully written, so many feels, i felt right transported into the story. Grief and guilt are two very strong feelings that are difficult to overcome and we see how both oft he main ladies work trough it.

I really couldnt put away the book and read it in just one night.

Southern Lights by Liz Arncliffe is a beautiful story of two women who find their way to each other, learning how to move on from the ghosts of the past.

There was no longer color in the world seen in Sloane’s eyes. After her wife’s death, everything changed and she was struggling to cope with the aftermath. Trying to escape from the pain that haunts her, she goes to Australia. There, she meets Ava, a reclusive artist and her daughter Grace, the family of the woman who was renting out her guest house to her. Despite the colorless world she saw, Sloane could not keep Ava out of her mind. And the cheeky four-year-old had also wormed into her heart. However, could this relationship work out when Sloane herself still feels Julia’s ghost with her? Can she give Ava what she deserves when everything she sees is gray silence?

This book is one of the best books I have read this year. The attraction between Ava and Sloane is instant and undeniable. However, Sloane is torn between loyalty and love for her dead wife and the love she has for Ava. As the two inch forward, Sloane’s gray world shatters into a world of color, but the shards of gray remain. And now it is Sloane’s decision and choice what to do from now. It is her fight. The book is no simple ‘My heart is broken but you mended it’ trope. It delves deeply into the grief and guilt of someone who has lost someone. Instead of using the view of an observer, the author describes Sloane's mind in detail, conveying her emotions to the reader so that the readers can see her world of grey and silence.

And the second question. What if you were not the one coping, but your significant other? What would you want for them? It wasn’t a dangerous time as it was in the book, but I remember my ex-girlfriend and me talking about this subject (not that the relationship ended well though). What would we do if the other was dead? My answer was simple. ‘Live on and be happy. Think of me as someone who gave you happiness. If you have to erase me to be happy, that would be fine. One day when you realize that the pain is no more, then just remember that you were happy.’ Death is a friend that could be closer than one thinks. With both viewpoints of how one would cope after losing someone, and what the one who left would want for the one who was left behind, Liz Arncliffe creates a perfect piece that shows the beauty of grief and healing. Absolutely 5 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

Sloane moved to Australia for change as she copes with grief. She meets Ava who is dealing with her own issues. This book was full of emotions. The author did a great job highlighting grief (a very difficult topic). Thank you NetGalley and YLVA publishing for the ARC.

Typically I enjoy these types of books. I was about 25% done and I realized that I do not care about these characters, nor do I care about the story.
The story may have gotten better if I had hung in there, but I don't have the time to do that anymore.

This book tells the story of two people finding love through their journeys with grief and guilt. A light and spicy read, "Southern Lights" was a treat!

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

This was book with a lot of deep emotions and sometimes difficult to read. Following how American Sloane so deep in grief over her dead wife is relocating to Australia to try to see some colour in life again. She meets the actor Ava that also have a lot of baggage to get over. Together they work towards a new different way to continue living a happy life.

I really liked the book even if I had some pain in my heart at times getting through it. Sloane and Ava so right for each other and Ava's daughter Grace adorable and so key to making their love story HEA.

I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley.

Lovely emotional read about grieving after the death of a love one. My first thought is that everyone is different and therefore the grieve is different. Sloane Sullivan, American, school teacher decides to travel to a country that her deceased wife wanted to visit and take a position for a year as a teacher. While on the Australian Gold Coast, she meets a wonderful group of people. In particular, she meets Ava James, mother to Grace, actress and dealing with her own issues. Ava's mother Ellen, Charlie the dog, colleague Mo and her wife Leota are fantastic secondary characters that I wanted more of. I enjoyed the story flow as I rode along the heart wrenching rollercoaster with Sloane.

This is a story about Sloane Sullivan who is an American who leaves the US to spend a year in Australia. Sloane has lost her wife and is grieving her death. Ava James is a B actress with a five year old daughter and a mom that she lives with on a horse farm on the Australian Gold Coast. Ava has taken on small acting rolls after a bad experience back in early acting days.

This book is mostly told from Sloane’s POV but we also get to see Ava’s thoughts and emotions. The story is filled with angst and lots of feelings. It also has a lot to say on the meaning of life. I liked the philosophical ideas that Sloane and Ava thought and talked about.

The supporting characters were wonderful. Little tassletop stole the show. My favorite line of hers was “I’m not a porkchop”. And the dog Charlie was another wonderful addition to the story.

I enjoyed this one very much and recommend it to all my book friends.

Thanks to Ylva Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This was a really lovely read, I sort of expected a run-of-the-mill romance and that Sloan's grief was going to be more of a plot device than a significant plot point. However, the heart of this book was loving after loss, how we move forward while still honouring those we've lost and I think Arncliffe did a really good job of that. I did find it a little bit long and slow, part of that slowness made sense since it's not like you get over losing your wife in five seconds but I think the front half just dragged quite a bit. It wasn't until Ava found out about Julia that the story felt like it was really getting started and that happened fairly deep into the book (at the 43% mark). But by the end I did really enjoy it (and even shed a few tears!)

I also don't usually like books set in Australia but I actually didn't mind it in this case, it worked quite well.

Thank you to Netgally and Ylva Publishing for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

The biggest problem I had with this book is also the biggest problem the main characters had. One year seems way too soon to move on after the death of your wife. I couldn't imagine losing a partner and moving on that quickly, so I felt a bit conflicted about the way this book started. However, it becomes so clear throughout the duration of the book that it is in no way easy for Sloane to fall for Ava so soon after her wife's passing either. This book heavily details her grief and both characters' struggles to build a new life around it. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Sloane and Ava and Grace, they all fit together very well. I felt terrible for Sloane losing Julia, but I was glad that she was going through the process of moving on and becoming happy again. Overall, a sweet and emotional read, 4/5 stars.

Southern Lights is an exceptional love story about loss, being lost, guilt and needing forgiveness to love again, yet being afraid to forget about that which had been lost.

Sloane Sullivan tragically lost her wife Julia to Covid, and her whole world went dark. Everything became gray. No light. No color. She couldn’t stay where she was, surrounded in grief, so she escaped to Australia, new surroundings and hope to find light and color again.

She found possible hope with Ava James, a local actress who had her own issues of being a flaky person, something that she’d been burdened with since her 20’s. They had a strong attraction and feelings for each other but the biggest hurdle belonged to Sloane.

That huge issue revolved around her deceased wife, feeling her constant presence and not being able to let go and move on. Her connection to her was so strong that she felt she would be betraying her if she allowed herself to move forward.

I won’t expound on any more of this other than to say this was a very thought provoking story. It was very emotional and almost too dramatic at times. There were many wonderful moments and lots of wonderful Australian slang to learn. There were places highlighted that made me want to visit, such as Vivid Sydney, the festival of light and color at the Sydney Opera House.

The story was enriched by some wonderful side characters. Sloane’s teaching partner, Mo and her wife played an important role, as did Ava’s precocious 5 year old, Grace. Charlie was the adorable family dog. Ava’s mum, Ellen provided guidance to both of our mains.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Arncliff dive head first in the grief theme. Grief is the main character here and it was written with so much delicacy and emotions. Arncliff took time to make Sloane take every step toward healing, with steps forward and steps back. I truly felt for her and understood her. The book being devides in different parts cleverly marked milestones in Sloane's journey. The Grace women really were attaching and made me feel like an anchor in all that whirlwind of feelings. Sloanes's journey toward healing, and the growth of her relationship with Ava were perfect to me. I just wished I saw more of her "previous" life with her sister and step family. Ava's story from the past was less powerful but she had some work to do on her own too. This is a wonderdul debut novel and probably the best book about grief I have read.

I was blown away by the writing and imagery in this debut novel from Liz Arncliffe. Sloane Sullivan has lost her beloved wife to Covid during the pandemic and needs to get away to heal and find color again. She comes to Australia to teach high school on a year long contract. At the start of the story she has a one night fling before flying on to her new job. Ava James is a successful working actress. She works on a series a few months at a time and then returns to the horse property owned by her mother where she lives with her precocious daughter Grace who is five. She is startled to see her fling is now living on the cottage on the property.

I love how the two decide to forget their beginning and work on being friends. It is hard to watch as Sloane pushes herself running, biking and swimming trying to get her body to feel again. The guilt of surviving has her pushing her limits. It is Grace who befriends her with the innocence of a child. And she draws Sloane into their family circle. The imagery in words is wonderful. The way Sloane describes the color of Ava's and her mini me daughter's eyes is beautiful. Analogies of home, colors, stones, kites had me slowing my reading so that I enjoyed every word.

But is Sloane ready to move on from her past? Ava likewise has some issues of her own. I love how they talk about the obstacles that block a HEA. And Grace’s phone call near the end broke my heart. The story covers grief in a realistic and loving way. I will look forward to whatever the author writes next.

An incredibly beautiful story of grief and loss but also a story of hope and light and most definitely love. Exceptional love in all the ways it can filter in and set your heart ablaze one more time.

I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Sloane Sullivan’s life is depleted of all color. She has been living in a fog of grief since her wife Julia died. A fog that turns everything around her in hues of black and white. A year after Julia’s death, Sloane packs her bags and leaves for a year of teaching in Australia. Hoping a year away will bring back some color in her life. On her first morning in Sydney she meets a woman who propositions her. Sloane indulges but the grief pummels her right into the depth of shame. When she finally arrives at her rented cottage on the Gold Coast, she meets her landlady’s daughter Ava. It’s the woman from her one-morning-stand in Sydney. Alluring as Ava is, Sloane’s battered heart can’t do anything else than struggle with her grief for Julia. As the weeks go by, Sloane is enfolded into the daily lives of Ava and her little family. She has to work her way through the pain of loss and heartbreak but the new small and adult humans in her life make her feel like maybe there is hope.

Ava James is a small time actress. When not working she and her 4 year old daughter Grace are living with her mom Ellen at their ranch in the Gold Coast. The cabin on the property hasn’t been rented out for a long time. Now her mom invited an American teacher to come and stay for a year, as a favor to an old colleague. The American arrives and Ava can’t believe it’s the same woman she spent a morning with between the sheets in Sydney. The woman that fled before Ava woke up. Ava is dealing with her own baggage. Having made mistakes in her twenties that not only ruined her career but also her relationship with a woman who had her whole heart. Shame is holding a death grip on her life, forcing her to make choices so she can keep living a small life instead of enjoying it fully. Sloane is turning out to be a blessing for her family. The charming woman becomes fast friends with Grace and Ava can’t keep ignoring her growing feelings for Sloane.

This story. This story wrangled my heart, stomped on it, cradled it with love and nurtured it back to a steady beat again. It made me cry and laugh and look for hope and color and light. Grief is an unimaginable dark place. For Sloane it means that she literally lost the color in her sight. It is heartbreaking to see her struggle with her love for Julia and the guilt she feels for trying to get back to living life.

The James’ women that live on the ranch are so important in Sloane’s journey. Little Grace instantly falls for Sloane and brings little bright spots back into her life with her exuberance and hilarious costumes. Charlie the dog even becomes a source of warm friendship. Mom Ellen is a steady force in the background giving solid advice to both her daughter and Sloane. And then there is Ava. Beautiful, caring Ava. Somehow by opening her heart to Sloane, even unwillingly at first, Sloane stands no chance against falling for her. The grief that accompanied her to Australia somehow gets even bigger but also different. Ava turns out to be the catalyst to the color returning to Sloane’s life.

The writing in this book is gorgeous. Arncliffe’s use of metaphors to explain feelings, emotions and even color are so well thought out and bring so much feeling into this story. I love the use of a good metaphor to explain myself in daily life but this has been an ultimate lesson in using beautiful comparisons to help illustrate the intricacies of life and living.

I might have to sit with this story for a while before reading something else. Liz Arncliffe really left me reeling, in a very good way. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to read Sloane’s journey. As you’ve probably guessed, this is no light entertainment book. It is a story to cherish and hold close to your heart.