Riley Redgate’s latest YA romance, “Come Home to My Heart,” delivers a profound exploration of first love set against the backdrop of small-town South Carolina. This poignant novel captures the complexity of growing up queer in a conservative environment, weaving together themes of faith, family, and identity with remarkable sensitivity.
A Tale of Two Girls, Two Worlds
The story alternates between Gloria Forman and Xia Harper, two seniors at Fisherton High School who inhabit completely different social spheres. Gloria, despite being secretly gay, projects an image of the perfect Christian daughter—Math Team captain, Winter Dance Committee chair, and member of Young Christians. Her carefully maintained facade masks a devastating reality: after her parents discovered evidence of her sexuality, they kicked her out, leaving her to survive in secret under the school’s auditorium stage.
Xia Harper, on the other hand, has deliberately positioned herself as the school outcast. Openly hostile, academically brilliant but socially isolated, she uses her reputation as a deterrent to keep people at arm’s length. Her greatest fear is being outed in a town where acceptance seems impossible.
The Beauty of Character Development
Redgate masterfully develops both characters through their dual perspectives. Gloria’s chapters reveal the exhausting burden of maintaining multiple secrets—her sexuality, her homelessness, and her desperate hope that her parents will take her back. The author doesn’t shy away from depicting the physical and emotional toll of her situation, from sleeping on a concrete floor to stealing food when her limited funds run out.
Xia’s narrative provides a fascinating counterpoint. Her character arc moves from deliberate alienation to gradual vulnerability as she discovers someone who truly sees her. The evolution feels organic rather than forced, with Redgate allowing both girls to maintain their essential characteristics while growing into their relationship.
The Art of Tension and Pacing
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its pacing. Redgate doesn’t rush the relationship between Gloria and Xia, instead building it through small moments: shared car rides, conversations in Xia’s bookstore workplace, and stolen minutes in a custodian’s closet during the Winter Dance. The slow burn creates authentic tension that keeps readers invested.
Structural Excellence
The book’s structure—Part One: Autumn and Part Two: Winter—effectively mirrors the emotional journey of both protagonists. The seasonal changes parallel their relationship’s evolution, adding symbolic depth to the narrative.
Key narrative strengths include:
- Dual perspectives that never feel redundant
- Realistic dialogue that captures teenage voice without resorting to caricature
- Seamless integration of LGBTQ+ themes with universal coming-of-age experiences
- Thoughtful handling of religious conflict and family dynamics
Where Faith Meets Identity
Redgate deserves particular praise for her nuanced portrayal of Gloria’s religious struggle. Rather than presenting faith as inherently opposed to LGBTQ+ identity, the novel explores how Gloria reconciles her love for Xia with her deeply held beliefs. Her journey to discover progressive Christian perspectives online feels genuine and offers hope to readers facing similar conflicts.
The author avoids heavy-handed messaging, instead allowing Gloria to work through her theological questions organically. This approach creates space for readers of various backgrounds to connect with her journey.
Supporting Characters Who Support the Story
The supporting cast enriches rather than distracts from the main narrative. Lawrence (Mr. Avery), the bookstore owner who becomes Gloria’s unexpected guardian, emerges as a particularly well-drawn character. His quiet kindness and his own experiences as a gay man provide gentle mentorship without overshadowing the protagonists’ agency.
Ellis Marsden, Gloria’s former best friend, represents the painful reality of conditional acceptance. Her reaction when Gloria comes out feels heartbreakingly authentic, capturing the complexity of relationships strained by deeply ingrained prejudices.
The Weight of Social Commentary
While primarily a romance, the novel doesn’t shy away from addressing systemic issues:
Youth Homelessness
The book’s unflinching portrayal of Gloria’s homelessness serves as powerful social commentary. Redgate includes statistics in her author’s note, emphasizing that 28% of LGBTQ+ youth experience homelessness—with that figure rising higher for trans youth. The depiction feels research-backed and compassionate, never exploitative.
Religious Trauma
The exploration of how religious environments can cause lasting psychological harm, particularly to LGBTQ+ youth, adds depth beyond typical YA romance fare. Gloria’s internal conflicts and her search for affirming religious perspectives create a realistic portrait of faith-based identity struggles.
Minor Areas for Growth
While “Come Home to My Heart” excels in many areas, a few aspects could have been strengthened:
- Resolution Timing: The transition from Gloria’s homelessness to living with Lawrence feels somewhat rapid, though this may be intentional to avoid dwelling too long on traumatic circumstances.
- Parent Dynamics: While Gloria’s parents are well-developed, Xia’s family relationships, though important to the climax, could have used more development throughout the narrative.
- Secondary Romance Elements: Some readers might wish for more physical intimacy between the leads, though the restraint serves the characters’ emotional journey effectively.
Literary Craftsmanship
Redgate’s prose strikes an admirable balance between accessible YA writing and literary sophistication. Her descriptions create vivid settings—from the cramped orchestra pit where Gloria hides to the cozy warmth of Lawrence’s home—without overwhelming the narrative flow.
The author demonstrates particular skill in capturing:
- Internal monologue that feels authentic to each character
- The subtle progression of first love
- The complex emotions surrounding family rejection
- The small details that make fictional places feel real
Comparison to Previous Works
For readers familiar with Redgate’s previous novels including “Seven Ways We Lie” and “Alone Out Here,” this book represents both a continuation of her themes and an evolution in her storytelling. The author consistently explores identity, belonging, and the challenges of adolescence, but “Come Home to My Heart” shows increased maturity in handling intersectional issues.
Who Should Read This Book
This novel will particularly resonate with:
- LGBTQ+ teens navigating conservative environments
- Readers interested in faith-based identity exploration
- Anyone who enjoyed books like “Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas or “King and the Dragonflies” by Kacen Callender
- Those seeking authentic representation of youth homelessness
- Fans of slow-burn romance with substantial character development
The Final Verdict
“Come Home to My Heart” is a good read through its compassionate storytelling, well-developed characters, and unflinching examination of difficult topics. While it could have pushed certain elements further, the novel succeeds in creating an emotionally resonant story that balances hope with honest portrayals of hardship.
Redgate has crafted a book that speaks directly to young people facing impossible choices between family, faith, and authenticity. The ending offers hope without minimizing the real struggles LGBTQ+ youth face, making this a valuable addition to both personal libraries and classroom discussions.
Why This Story Matters
In a literary landscape often polarized around LGBTQ+ issues, “Come Home to My Heart” offers nuanced perspectives that can bridge understanding. By centering the experiences of two complex young women, Redgate creates space for empathy and recognition—qualities desperately needed in conversations about identity and acceptance.
This isn’t just a romance novel; it’s a meditation on what home means when your family of origin can’t provide it, and how love can bloom even in the most challenging circumstances. For that reason alone, it deserves a place among the essential reads in contemporary YA literature.
