“The Heart Guides You Home” by Caroline Scott Collins

Marc and Lucy meet when love and relationships are the last things on their minds. They both find themselves at the crossroads of their lives and aren’t sure about which direction to choose. Something significant happens that disrupts the routine, and they are forced to rearrange everything they are used to.

By a peculiar twist of fate, it is grief that brings these two people together. After Marc’s aunt passes away, he finds himself an heir to a hefty inheritance. He arrives to see the property and discovers that real estate is not the only thing his aunt has left him. It turns out that she was a benefactress of sorts to a young woman who is now certain that she must vacate the premises she shared with Joan. During their very first meeting, Marc demonstrates one of his most prominent qualities: kindness. He cannot allow beautiful Lucy, who obviously meant a lot to his aunt, to be left homeless. So, they make an arrangement to be roommates until both have some clarity about their futures.

I really liked Marc and could relate to his struggles. He is an introvert who enjoys nature and creative pursuits. It isn’t easy to deal with emotional hardships – not long before learning about his aunt’s passing, he lost his parents – while material obligations are pressing on you. It might seem that he is incredibly lucky to have inherited business and property, but for someone like him, it means responsibility first and only then opportunities to change his future.

Lucy has problems of a different nature. With family close by, living in the same village actually, she has only herself to count on. With Joan’s passing, she has been left alone, and someone from her past, who can bring harm to her, has renewed their threats. Lucy doesn’t want to leave Little Beliton, the place where, despite a rough start, she has managed to build a decent and somewhat satisfying life for herself. But it looks like she doesn’t have another choice.

Burdened by seemingly countless and sometimes unsolvable questions, Marc and Lucy still cannot escape feeling the mutual attraction. They proceed with caution, neither of them willing to hurt the other or get hurt themselves.  

“The Heart Guides You Home” by Caroline Scott Collins is like a cosy blanket that envelops you in warmth, letting the hope that everything will be alright blossom inside. It is a real treat for those who appreciate a small town setting, with a versatile cast of side characters, some of whom are likeable, others despicable, while some open up from a totally unexpected side.