Home to the Heart Country: the perfect heartwarming romance debut for 2025's Christmas, about belonging and neurodivergence, from a fresh new voice

by Libby Iriks

A heartfelt small-town romance exploring themes of belonging, social anxiety and neurodivergence from a delightful new Australian voice. Perfect for fans of Rachael Johns and Mandy Magro.

She's in town to claim an inheritance, but gets much more than she bargained for ...

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. Soon, she's forced to choose between the only home she's ever known and the chance to finally feel as if she belongs. And to make matters worse, she uncovers a shocking family truth that could ruin everything ...

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Audible Audio

Published November 25, 2025

About the author

Libby Iriks fell in love with story as an eight-year-old when her teacher read Charlotte’s Web to the class. She developed a fondness for the romance genre soon after, and in 2018, combined her passions when she became the Commissioning Editor of Romance for a boutique publishing house in the UK. Since receiving her autism diagnosis at the ripe old age of 42, she has come to understand that story and romance are her ‘special interests’. She is currently studying her Master of Creative Writing at Edith Cowan University and, in her free time, coaches romance authors who write stories with heart. Her debut novel, Home to the Heart Country, will be published in December 2025 by HQ Fiction, a division of HarperCollins Australia.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Townsville, Australia. Bethany Sullivan is content working for a building company and living in her cute rented cottage. When her mum Rosie was alive they never stayed in one place for long, so she’s upset when she discovers her landlord it selling and then out of the blue she receives a phone call.

Karlup, Western Australia. Beth’s inherited a house in a small country town, it's rundown, she sees it has potential and Beth decides to flip it and buy her cottage in Queensland. Beth discovers watching DIY videos on YouTube doesn’t mean she has the skills to renovate, Noah Brennan is a farmer and completed a couple of renos and he offers to help.

For the first time in twenty years she's formed connections with people, including Noah and Ellie his cousin, Flo her elderly neighbour and Marge from the Boomerang Café in town. Beth has always been shy and struggled to make small talk, feels socially awkward and dislikes mixing with people. Noah sees past this, she starts to feel like Karlup could be her forever home, when she uncovers answers to the questions about her mum and the ones she wouldn’t or couldn't give.

I received a copy of Home to the Heart Country by debut author Libby Iriks from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. I read this in one sitting, a story about a neurodiverse woman not only finding her out about her family background, her identity and place, friendship and love.

We all process and experience things differently, I hate the word “normal and quirky”, if you can’t sit still, get anxious in crowds, feel lonely but think people won’t get you and this stops you from trying to make friends; I highly recommend reading this book and please read it if you don't, it will help you understand others and not be judgmental.

I didn't compare Libby Iriks to other established Australian authors and they should be worried by the newcomer, she has her own style and it's a brilliant debut and it looks at indigenous Australians and their traditions as well, and five stars from me.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what a brilliant debut book, this one is an emotional roller coaster of ups and downs and I felt every one of those emotions, happy, sad, frustration the lot as we get to know Beth Sullivan, you won’t want to put this one down when you pick it up.

Beth has lived her life roaming the country with her mother, Rosie after losing her father when she was five but she has always craved a place she belonged to put down roots to be able to make friends and now she is twenty six and after losing her mum four years ago she has a job and is renting a small cottage in Townsville but still does not have friends making them is not easy for Beth so when the cottage she has been renting is put up for sale she is losing her stability.

Then a phone call and a letter send Beth on a trip to a small town Karlup, Western Australia to claim an inheritance from a great aunt she never knew she had, things change quickly for Beth firstly meeting Ellie who runs the B & B she is staying and when she hires Ellie’s cousin Noah, farmer who really wants to be a renovator to help flip the run down house that she will own is she adheres to the stipulation in her aunt’s will that she stay in Karlup for three months, Beth does wonder why Aunt Prue put that caveat in her will, she must have had a reason.

As Beth starts to feel very welcome in Karlup and appears to be making friends for the first time in her life and she is also finding out about her family on her father’s side and this is opening up a whole new world for Beth but it is also playing havoc with her heart and her feelings, her emotions are all over the place and she is finding it vey hard to make any decisions as to what she should do, stay or sell up the renovated house and move back to Townsville.

Again wow what a story, a beautifully told one that opens up a whole new world for Beth (and many that may read this book) not only does she discover family and make friends, she discovers herself, her true identity and makes dreams for herself but they do include one very handsome farmer slash renovator, Noah, will it all become her life?

I loved this one from start to finish there are so many fabulous characters in this one that add so much to the story and I cannot highly recommend it enough this is one not to be missed, there were tears from this reader.

My thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin HQ for my copy to read and review.

[CL Booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read from a debut author. I loved the small town of Karlup and its loveable characters.

At the beginning we see Beth living in QLD but it’s a lonely existence. From growing up without any friends as her mother constantly moved them around she’s had no stability and finds it difficult to connect with people. After learning about an inheritance from a distant relative, Beth travels to WA and this is where her journey and self discovery begins.

I loved watching the growth of Beth and all the side characters had their own distinct personalities. Noah is a golden retriever and I will be adding him to my list of book boyfriends. His love, patience and understanding was just what Beth needed to give her the confidence to be herself.

Thank you HQ Australia for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Anna Loder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely got swept away in this gorgeous debut. I l don’t think I’ve read anything like it. I loved Beth, adore Noah and Ellie, really appreciated the craft group…I was just absolutely there for this finding yourself/ discovering your place in the world story. Love Home to the Heart Country and can’t wait to read whatever Libby Iriks writes next!!!!

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Beth was immediately relatable as she sat in the lunchroom at work with no one to talk to, wondering what it was about her that seemed to put people off wanting to get to know her, while at the same time shying away from letting anyone in, still hoping one person would make an effort to connect, pretending at the same time she's content on her own.

"She often sat in the lunchroom when it was full of people but still managed to feel utterly alone"

When Beth arrives in Karlup in WA from Townsville QLD, a place she feels she's finally made a life for herself, after receiving a call about an inheritance she knew nothing of, by an aunt she knew nothing of, she doesn't expect the connections she makes with the locals to flip her life on its head and make her reconsider her future as well as take look at her past and what she had been led to believe by her nomadic mother.

Libby Iriks has done a great job of bringing Beth to life with all her quirks and hangups, and her at times, self-sabotaging decisions (I know all about these). I really enjoyed spending time with Beth as she navigated her way around, finding family and making friends who really 'got' who she was and loved her for exactly those reasons. And I felt for her as she battled to believe they really wanted her to stay, as she struggled to let go of her Townsville 'dream' and make new dreams. I also sympathised with her as she uncovered things about her mother that led her to realise she was neurodivergent. I empathised with her struggle to understand her new discovery and what it might mean going forward, and her belief that with this news, she would be too much for Noah and her new friends. I've been on her journey, am still on her journey, and though part of me wanted to shake her and say "don't be silly", I knew how she felt.

The cast of characters who open their hearts and lives to Beth are wonderfully varied, and I took pleasure in getting to know them and how they embraced Beth from the get-go. I enjoyed discovering the connections to her past and Flo's connection to her unknown aunt, even as Beth struggled to come to terms with all this new information.

Noah was a great character (almost too good to be true, where can I find me a Noah?), I loved how patient he was with Beth and how he was willing to say how he felt, giving her space to work out her feelings and also being there for her, not just with the renovations to her house, but with everything. She just needed to learn to let him in.

"Karlup is a Noongar word that comes from the word 'karl' which means 'fireplace' or 'hearth' and the hearth was always considered the heart of the home. So, Karlup as a place name means 'heart country'".

Another important addition to this story was the inclusion of Aboriginal characters, especially Marge, and also a small piece of Aboriginal culture. I loved that Beth and Marge connected over their mutual connection to the land and animals around them, and each had an understanding of the other through this. The addition of the ceremony for Marge's grandchild was so meaningful for me to read about, and for Beth to experience.

The land is an important part of the story, and Noah and Beth also find connection and understanding for each other through the land.

This was an enjoyable read, and whether or not you struggle with social anxiety, being neurodivergent or just not feeling like you fit in, I recommend you give this a shot. A story of discovering your place and embracing who you are.

[Beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

There have been some incredible Aussie author debuts this year and Home to the Heart Country is another!

When we meet Beth Sullivan, she's living in Townsville and works at a building design company. Beth struggles with severe social anxiety and as a result, hasn't got any friends. Her loneliness is amplified from the loss of her mother, Rosie, four years ago, to whom she was close with.

Beth grew up living a nomadic lifestyle, not staying in one place long enough to build connection. Rosie was also closed off regarding Beth's father and his side of the family.

On the verge of losing the only proper home she's ever had, Beth receives an important letter. Apparently a great aunt that she has never heard of has left a house and a hefty insurance payout, but only if Beth spends three months in Karlup, a small town in Western Australia.

With that opportunity to purchase her little cottage, Beth makes the long trip cross country. There, she meets and becomes close friends with B&B manager, Ellie and her cousin Noah, cafe owners Marge and Tom, and her aunt's neighbour and friend, Flo.

Before long, Beth is the happiest she has ever been. For the first time in her life, she belongs somewhere, accepted and encouraged to grow. There's a promise of a forever with Noah. Questions about her parents are finally being answered. Heck, Noah is even renovating hee great aunt Pru's house to suit her.

But are these reasons enough for Beth to stay or hightail it back to the safety but loneliness of Townsville?

Libby has written a superb debut! I loved the quaintness of Karlup and the beautiful, friendly people. I adored Noah's big Golden Retriever personality and Ellie's bubbly personality. They're both good eggs, patient and understanding with Beth as she undergoes a major self development makeover.

Libby celebrates neuro diversity and First Nations culture throughout and honestly, both are a welcome addition. She normalises autism and ADHD and will make readers feel heard.

I honestly can't wait to see what Libby will come up with next!

5 🌟

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review
A newcomer has arrived in the rural romance genre and has brought her point of difference.
Neurodivergence is featured and explained in a way that allows the reader to connect to the different styles those who live with this condition.
Join Beth on her journey.
Beth has lived a life where mysterious holes in her past and her unsettled mother’s urge to uproot her has left her with the desire to settle and be accepted for who she is.
An unexpected inheritance will reward and challenge.
Beth sees the property as a means to an end and will assist in purchasing her current rental.
Aunt Pru unknowingly set up a situation that will allow her to build connections and feel the joys of love within her own capability.
Unlocking the past will answer questions, reveal secrets and test her.
Autism touches many and Libby brings an authenticity and makes it relatable .
An inspiration to readers who can see themselves in a positive and realistic light and an education to those who have limited exposure.

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debut novel from Libby Iriks is a fabulous read.
A small town romance set in rural Australia, it was right up my alley.

Her style of writing and her diverse characters make an interesting story of Beth who is neurodivergent. She suffers with social anxiety and this is a story of overcoming fears, forming relationships and friendship, connection and being accepted as you are without judgement.

I really enjoyed this unique and compelling book and look forward to reading a lot more of this exciting new author.

[Laura Black Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Australian small-town romance with a tender heart.

Beth leaves her lonely but organised life in Townsville when she inherits a cottage in Western Australia. Once she gets there, and even with her neurodiversity, Beth gains in confidence and navigates the town of Karlup with much more success than she had in Townsville. She decides to renovate her cottage and she gradually settles in, especially after meeting Noah, who is gorgeous and warm, even if he has issues of his own.

Beth also befriends Flo who lives across the road and meets her bookclub of sassy seniors. When Beth starts work in the local cafe, she befriends Marge, a local Indigenous woman and I love the learning and sharing that Marge does with Beth. All these friendships settle around Beth and help her gain confidence.

Identity is key here and much of the plot centres on Beth working out who she is. Her mother was secretive and frequently moved herself and Beth to new communities so Beth has a lot to learn about her place in the world. Beth is also struggling with social and generalised anxiety that makes all her interactions fraught with overthinking.

I enjoyed Libby’s debut romance for Harlequin and recommend it as a lovely immersion into small-town Australian country life.

Thank you Libby Iriks and Harlequin Australia for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home to the Heart Country is a rather heart warming story of a young woman finding herself after quite a journey. She has been taken from town to town by her mother Rosie, now Rosie has died and Beth is rather lost. She is lonely too, she is one of those of us who is unseen, lurking on the fringes of groups.

When she finds she has been left a home across the country of Australia by an aunt she never knew, a whole new journey opens before her.  It is here she is going to find out more about her family, and she is going to make new friends. One special friend in Noah who welcomes her into his life. 

Beth has huge trust issues and she holds back, then a step forward and then back. It's a very twisty path she takes, but she does take it and finds out so much about herself and how she does belong here  in this town. I liked the people of the town and I think most liked her friendship with Hana, an artist and who is mute. Beth and Hana communicate through paper until one day...

I liked learning about neurodivergent people and the incorporation of the local indigenous people into the story. It made the story that much richer.  To say more I think is to possibly give away the plot which I do not want to do.

The story flowed along and was a page turner. A fine debut novel.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Beth how I love how you were introduced…socialising at home with a couple of people over a drink and talking about books sounds perfect…so much better than going to a noisy pub. I was hooked from the start of this book based solely on that part. Beth is living in Townsville and gets a call about her great aunt Pru leaving her a house in her will, however the house is in country Western Australia and she has to move over there. Over in WA we meet a range of gorgeous characters like the elderly Flo, Hana who is selectively mute, Ellie who owns a B&B and Ellie’s cousin Noah. Through the book we see the importance of getting out of your comfort zone and trusting others, even though it may feel like it is impossible. We also see the importance of a few close people who you can trust and most importantly the importance of finding who you are and accepting who you are. This was a glorious book!

[marlin1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beth has suffered anxiety all her life and she has come from a very unstable home life. Since her mother died she thought she was alone in the world, so it was with great surprise she learnt she had inherited a run down house on the other side of Australia from an unknown Aunt.
Travelling to a small country town in Western Australia, she finds friends but she finds it very hard to accept their good intentions.
This was a good debut and one that explored neurodiversity in many forms. I read it but unfortunately it did just didn’t draw me in. I feel I was in the wrong age group for this book and didn’t connect with the character at all but I think that is more about me than the book.
I can see that it would certainly appeal to many.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.

[Shelagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Home To The Heart Country, the debut novel for author Libby Iriks. The characters are well developed, though it took me a while to wam to Beth, who is extremely introverted and seemed to live in more fear of connecting with others than I could imagine anybody feeling. Frankly, I thought she was being melodramatic. As Beth got to know Elle and Noah, I began to like her more, and as the story progressed I truly felt for her and all the loss she’d felt in her life. Noah and Elle are wonderful and so easy to like and cheer for. Within the story, Libby Iriks addresses social issues such as autism in its various forms, gender identity and connections to country, all of which add an extra layer to what is a lovely story of one person’s journey to finding a place and people she can truly call her home.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't been reading much lately, or on here....but had to get back into things simply for this book.

Home to the Heart Country is the story of Beth, who has never really fit in anywhere. She inherits a property from a Great-Aunt she never knew existed, which leads to her moving across the country to Karlup to claim her inheritance.

Look, I loved Beth. I am Beth. Her internal monologue, the never fitting in, the wanting to feel like you below, the always being on the outside looking in, I can relate to this in so many ways, a million times over. And so seeing Beth find her home, the place where she can be herself and fits in? It was just the thing I needed to get me back into a positive headspace and back into reading.

So yeah. Love this book. It comes with all the feels.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read an early draft of this book and I’ve been SO excited to get a finished copy in my hands.

I relate to Beth so much. As someone who is diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder and struggles daily, I’ve never felt more seen by a book.
Beth’s story of self-discovery was incredibly well written.
Noah is everything I would ever want in a partner. Their relationship is extremely relatable.

This book made me cry but in the best way. It made me cry because I see myself in it. It made me cry because I felt seen and reminded me that it’s okay to be me and it’s okay to take up space.

I am SO excited for what Libby does next ❤️

[Sharyn O'Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute delight this book was.

A lovely story of self-discovery that's different to many I've read in the past, diving deep in neurodivergence.

Beth's story would be very relatable for many of us, as she navigates life after loss, after massive change, after discovering things about her past, her mother and herself. It even gave me a few thoughts about loved ones in my life, and what journey they may be on with both diagnosed and undiagnosed autism and social anxiety. 

All the aspects of a rural romance are there too, including side characters you also grow to love.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home to the Heart Country was a heartwarming story about self-discovery, friendship, family, and finding a true sense of belonging. I really loved the neurodivergent and Indigenous representation, which added depth and authenticity to the story. There was a cast of loveable characters, and you got a sense of what it’s like to live in a small, rural town. Great debut novel.

I hope this is just the start of a series of books set in Karlup, WA.

[Cookie1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t find out that the author of this book was autistic until after I had finished it. Perhaps this is she wrote Bethany as she did. I got fed up with Bethany crying at the drop of a hat, the book should have been soggy.
I felt the storyline was beautiful and the book very descriptive.

[Lela Scarrott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down. 🩵

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home to the Heart Country is such a beautiful and refreshing debut novel. You know that I love me a good Aussie small town/rural romance and this book was no exception.

What I really enjoyed about the storyline especially was the themes - social anxiety, neurodivergence and identity/belonging - that were also explored alongside the romance element. These, teamed with vivid scene setting and an engaging narrative, meant I completely devoured the story.

The FMC, Beth, stuffers from social anxiety and a sense of belonging. The awkwardness and situations she finds herself in are actually completely relatable so you can’t help but be drawn to her character.

I enjoyed the romance aspect. Noah was the perfect match to Beth. His patience and understanding with her seemed unwavering…he was smitten from the start 💕 Pretty much the perfect book boyfriend *swoon*. There was also a beautiful connection to the landscape throughout the story that I really appreciated.

Overall this was a fabulous debut that I’d definitely recommend.