Absolutely stunning. That's what this was. I knew it could hit me hard because Aubrey's past is one I'm all too familiar with, and I'll admit I was worried it'd be too much for me. But, as it turns out, I didn't need to worry. 

The story starts with Aubrey escaping his abusive boyfriend, leaving everything behind and starting over with practically nothing, the stars leading him south. He ends up in a small town, where he meets Patrick, a lighthouse keeper who lost his lover a few years earlier. Two very sensitive subjects, yes, but they were handled so very beautifully. So tactful and gentle. And despite it dealing with past abuse and heavy grief, this story was also unbearably romantic. It honestly made me want to move to southern Australia and become a lighthouse keeper who studies the ocean and the stars. 

Aubrey and Patrick's story will stay with me for a long time and it was honestly the perfect book to start the year with. Highly recommend this one!