Thorne pens a heartwarming contemporary romance with By Heart and Compass. Genealogist Lacey Whitman has researched the history of Privateer Julius Bertrand with meticulous care. It leads her to buy the Goss House. When she makes an unexpected discovery, she enlists the help of Julius's descendant, Max, to find the old privateer's treasure. The story opens with Lacey Whitman returning to her teenage home, Newton, GA and buying the old Goss House. Lacey's friend, Jeanine, is happy to see her again. Jeanine hopes to help Lacey be more social. Lacey, however, wants to unlock the secrets of Goss House since it was previously owned by Privateer Julius Bertrand's descendant. It doesn't take long for her to discover an old diary by Julius's wife, Kate, and uncut diamonds. The diary gives the location where Julius's boat, the Specter sank. Lacey seeks out Julius's descendant, Max, in the Caribbean. Max doesn't give his trust easily, but agrees to look for the old ship. Can Lacey convince Max of her trustworthiness and her love?

The plot is tight and laced with some unexpected surprises that will keep the reader on their toes. Thorne's passion for genealogy and the sea shines through in her characters. The descriptions never linger. Thorne uses a good economy of words to paint a rich, vivid setting. Lacey and Max are complex characters. Lacey was a "goober" in high school, but is now a success in her profession. She's driven and passionate and believes wholeheartedly in everything she undertakes. Max is haunted by demons that make him play it safe. It's not easy for him to trust, but Lacey's tenacity and steadfastness threaten to make fissures in his rock-hard wall. The story is sensual for CRR readers with Lacey and Max sharing several tender touches and heated kisses. By Heart and Compass is a story steeped in pirate myth and full of adventure.