Where the Light Gets In by Lucy Dillon

It was Betty, defiant to the end, who sent Lorna back to Longhampton. If Lorna’s learned one thing from Betty it’s that courage is something you paint on like red lipstick, even when you’re panicking inside. And right now, with the keys to the town’s gallery in her hand, Lorna feels about as courageous as Betty’s anxious little dachshund, trembling beside her.

Lorna’s come home to Longhampton to fulfil a long-held dream, but she knows, deep down, there are ghosts she needs to lay to rest first. This is where her tight-knit family shattered into silent pieces. It’s where her unspoken fears about herself took root and where her own secret, complicated love began. It’s not exactly a fresh start.

But as Lorna – and the little dog – tentatively open their cracked hearts to old friends and new ones, facing hard truths and fresh promises, something surprisingly beautiful begins to grow around the gallery, something so inspirational even Lorna couldn’t have predicted the light it lets into her world . . .

I am always drawn to novels by Lucy Dillon as they always have such heart-warming storylines and a dog that will capture my heart too! Lucy’s most recent release Where the Light Gets In has the most stunning delicate cover and the synopsis sounded promising too.

Lorna has had her fair share of difficulties in the past and these have shaped the woman she is today but she has one last fight in her and her determination to succeed in the world of Art sees her buying the Art Gallery in the old town she grew up in. Lorna needs to drastically turn the local business around and the best way she can do that is to get the local artist Mrs Rothery on board but she has a reputation of being a rather prickly character so it will not be an easy task.

I really enjoyed Where the Light Gets In there are two very poignant chapters in this book that was crafted so tenderly that I soon found I had a lump in my throat. I have always enjoyed the arrivals of our furry friends in Lucy’s novels and we are treated to two little beauties in Rudy and Bernard who are loyal and loveable friends if somewhat troublesome at times.

Lorna is such a selfless and caring character who is instantly likeable, she is so quick to forget her own needs and wants and put others needs before her own. She opens her heart and her home to those in need whether that be for family and friends she has known for years or those dear little ladies who she has only known so briefly with no ulterior motive.

I really enjoyed getting to know Joyce, she was a very firm and wilful woman who I think inside was crying out to have someone close to her but found it so much easier to put up a prickly barrier.

I do love the romance that was weaved into this storyline but I am so pleased that is didn’t dictate the whole plot as I loved watching Lorna’s journey with her plans for her new business and her unlikely friendship with Joyce.

This really was a pleasant gentle read that tugged at the heart strings.

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