This was perfect. Or, at least, it felt perfect to me. I don’t even know what to write.

This novel pulled my heartstrings and made me giddy and felt like a balm for the soul. I can’t think of why exactly it stood out. I mean, sure, the writing was beautiful, the characters full, the connections tangible. I just think some stories, some authors, are able to pull you in and hold a piece of your heart—or your mind.
It’s one of those good books that did what it set out to do. It just worked for me.

Cleo and Mack almost made me believe in fate and soulmates. I like how their relationship developed: from reluctant lodge-mates to being unexpectedly, but undeniably in love with each other. I really appreciate how Josie Silver showed the complexity of relationships, even those seemingly wrapped in story magic.

I appreciate even more how she wrote their ending—or their beginning, I guess.

I love that Mack didn’t ask Cleo to move to Boston for him, understanding that Salvation Island was now her primary home. I love that Cleo didn’t even consider leaving her newfound home for him, no matter how much she loved him. They both understood the need for them to be in different places sometimes. Mack needed to be there for his sons. Cleo needed to be there for herself.

I love that they got to have the life they both wanted. I love that, though they worked towards a solution together, they didn’t sacrifice—they didn’t settle. In Dolores’ words, their relationship between continents is “terribly modern”. And thank fuck for that. I’m not going to lie and say I don’t immensely enjoy more ‘traditional’ romances, but sometimes I have enough of another couple marrying and having babies and seeing their happily ever after in the epilogue. Sometimes, I wish more authors would allow their couples to end like Mack and Cleo. Still incredibly romance novel worthy, but on their own terms—outside of convention. Sometimes, I terribly miss unconventional relationships in my romance novels. 
So, maybe most of all, I’m grateful this story provided me with one to turn back to whenever I need it.