Home to the Heart Country
She came to claim an inheritance, but will she be strong enough to claim her future?
Beth dreams of putting down roots and finding a place to belong, and with a steady job in Townsville, she's on her way to achieving that dream. But when the cute little cottage she's rented for the past four years is put on the market, the stability she's always craved is threatened.
News of a life-changing inheritance takes her across the country to a small town in Western Australia, where she discovers that the rundown old house her aunt left her might just be her saving grace. With plans to sell it so she can buy her beloved cottage, she hires Noah, a farmer-slash-wannabe-renovator, to help fix it up. But thanks to her self-preserving tendencies, she's otherwise determined to keep her distance from everyone in town.
Despite her best efforts, Beth starts to form meaningful connections, and in Noah, she discovers a man who sees beyond her awkward shyness to the woman she is on the inside. Then, just as she finally feels at home in Karlup, she uncovers a shocking family truth that unravels her sense of identity and forces her to re-evaluate her biggest dreams and deepest desires.
A heartfelt small-town romance exploring themes of belonging, social anxiety and neurodivergence. Perfect for readers of Rachael Johns and Mandy Magro.
'Not only a wonderful love story but a moving story of discovery ... Libby Iriks's debut is refreshing and romantic.' Penelope Janu, author of The Summerfield Saddler
NAMED ONE OF
TOMORROW'S BIGGEST BOOKS FOR 2025
—APPLE BOOKS
2025 FINALIST
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—ROMANCE WRITERS OF NEW ZEALAND
READR REVIEWS
"Absolutely got swept away in this gorgeous debut!"
—Anna Loder
"An emotional roller coaster! A brilliant debut!"
—Helen Sibbritt
"It made me cry but in the best way. I've never felt more seen by a book."
—M. (Goodreads Reviewer)
"I loved the way this story unfolded! Lots of twists and turns."
—Leeanne G.
"A beautifully written narrative!"
—Laura
"This story will make readers feel heard."
—Becca
"A lovely immersion into small-town Australian country life."
—Laura Black Reads
"A page turner! A fine debut novel!"
—Kathryn
"The diverse representation adds depth and authenticity to the story."
—Bec S.
"An absolute delight!"
—Sharyn S.
"Fabulous, unique and compelling."
—Janene M. | Reads on the Road
"A brilliant debut that I read in one sitting."
—Karren S. | Karren's Reading Nook



