Mia Ross - Finding His Way Home

Repairing His Heart

Prodigal son Scott Barrett is back home in Barrett’s Mill—with plans to atone for his past mistakes and restore his future. But the quiet Virginia village feels like a different place since his return. The old cottage and chapel are crying out for repair—much like Scott himself. Luckily, sensitive artist Jenna Reed offers to help. Jenna sees Scott without judgment—though she reveals little about her own troubled past. As they work together to renovate the chapel, Scott begins to earn her trust, and soon he’s envisioning life with the beautiful Jenna. Can the love of a good woman finally make him whole?

Barrett’s Mill: In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a family legacy leads to love

“You’re way too easy to talk to.”

“Yeah, I get that a lot. It must be the overalls.”

The sound of his own laughter surprised him. Scott marveled at how quickly she’d found a way to make him want to laugh again. “Must be. Well, that, and you ask a lotta questions.”

“Creative people are curious by nature,” Jenna informed him. “It comes with the territory when you hang out with me.”

Translation: This is who I am—take it or leave it. He admired her sassy attitude more than he could say. “Thanks for the warning. Ready for a refill?”

“Actually, what I’d really like is to see the chapel.” She tilted her head. “Do you have time to show it to me?”

He couldn’t think of anything he’d like half as much as spending some more time with the perky artist. “It’s in pretty rough shape, so I’m afraid there’s not much to see.”

“Sometimes things aren’t as bad as they seem on first glance.” Meeting his eyes with her direct, unflinching gaze, she smiled. “I prefer to see for myself and make up my own mind.”

He sensed she was referring to more than decrepit old buildings.

MIA ROSS loves great stories. She enjoys reading about fascinating people, long-ago times and exotic places. But only for a little while, because her reality is pretty sweet. Married to her college sweetheart, she’s the proud mom of two amazing kids, whose schedules keep her hopping. Busy as she is, she can’t imagine trading her life for anyone else’s—and she has a pretty good imagination. You can visit her online at miaross.com.

Visit the Author Profile page at www.millsandboon.co.ukfor more titles

Finding His Way Home

Mia Ross

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

—Hebrews 11:1

For brave souls everywhere making the most of their second chances.

Acknowledgments

To the very talented folks who help me make my books everything they can be: Elaine Spencer, Melissa Endlich and the dedicated staff at Love Inspired.

More thanks to the gang at Seekerville ( seekerville.net). It’s a great place to hang out with readers—and writers!

I’ve been blessed with a wonderful network of supportive and encouraging family and friends. You inspire me every day!

Table of Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Repairing His Heart Prodigal son Scott Barrett is back home in Barrett’s Mill—with plans to atone for his past mistakes and restore his future. But the quiet Virginia village feels like a different place since his return. The old cottage and chapel are crying out for repair—much like Scott himself. Luckily, sensitive artist Jenna Reed offers to help. Jenna sees Scott without judgment—though she reveals little about her own troubled past. As they work together to renovate the chapel, Scott begins to earn her trust, and soon he’s envisioning life with the beautiful Jenna. Can the love of a good woman finally make him whole? Barrett’s Mill: In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a family legacy leads to love

Introduction “You’re way too easy to talk to.” “Yeah, I get that a lot. It must be the overalls.” The sound of his own laughter surprised him. Scott marveled at how quickly she’d found a way to make him want to laugh again. “Must be. Well, that, and you ask a lotta questions.” “Creative people are curious by nature,” Jenna informed him. “It comes with the territory when you hang out with me.” Translation: This is who I am—take it or leave it. He admired her sassy attitude more than he could say. “Thanks for the warning. Ready for a refill?” “Actually, what I’d really like is to see the chapel.” She tilted her head. “Do you have time to show it to me?” He couldn’t think of anything he’d like half as much as spending some more time with the perky artist. “It’s in pretty rough shape, so I’m afraid there’s not much to see.” “Sometimes things aren’t as bad as they seem on first glance.” Meeting his eyes with her direct, unflinching gaze, she smiled. “I prefer to see for myself and make up my own mind.” He sensed she was referring to more than decrepit old buildings.

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About the Author MIA ROSS loves great stories. She enjoys reading about fascinating people, long-ago times and exotic places. But only for a little while, because her reality is pretty sweet. Married to her college sweetheart, she’s the proud mom of two amazing kids, whose schedules keep her hopping. Busy as she is, she can’t imagine trading her life for anyone else’s—and she has a pretty good imagination. You can visit her online at miaross.com . Visit the Author Profile page at www.millsandboon.co.uk for more titles

Title Page Finding His Way Home Mia Ross www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. —Hebrews 11:1

Dedication For brave souls everywhere making the most of their second chances.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments To the very talented folks who help me make my books everything they can be: Elaine Spencer, Melissa Endlich and the dedicated staff at Love Inspired. More thanks to the gang at Seekerville ( seekerville.net ). It’s a great place to hang out with readers—and writers! I’ve been blessed with a wonderful network of supportive and encouraging family and friends. You inspire me every day!

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

W illiam Henry Barrett. Cherished on earth and in heaven .

Hands folded in front of him, Scott Barrett stared down at the granite headstone that marked his grandfather’s resting place in the Barrett’s Mill Cemetery. Solid and straightforward, in Scott’s mind the stone and its message couldn’t have summed up Granddad any better. A kind, hardworking man all his life, Will had given everything he had to his family and the sleepy Virginia town that bore their name.

And now he was gone.

Out of necessity, over the years Scott had learned to mask his emotions behind a cool facade that gave nothing away. But now, facing up to the consequences of bad choices he’d made long ago, a wave of remorse threatened to overwhelm him. If only he’d taken the high road, he lamented silently, he would’ve been able to get here in time to say goodbye.