by Emma Knight
First published 2025
Pen starts her first term at the University of Edinburgh knowing her divorced parents in Canada are concealing something important. She believes the answer lies in Scotland, where her father's old friend lives. This friend has become a celebrated author who goes by Lord Lennox. When Lord Lennox invites Pen to his ancient family estate for a weekend, she meets his captivating family and begins piecing together what her parents have been hiding. During her stay, Pen falls in love while simultaneously discovering the truth about her past. The weekend forces her into unexpected adulthood and teaches her to depend on herself for the first time. Through her experiences with Lord Lennox's family, Pen learns about the different paths women can take toward motherhood. The novel explores her sexual awakening alongside her emotional growth. As Pen navigates university life and these revelations about her family, she must decide how much she needs to understand her history before she can build her future.
Genres: fiction, romance, literary-fiction, coming-of-age, contemporary, family-drama, academic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Canada, Edinburgh, Scotland
Period: Contemporary
379 pages · Kindle Edition · Pamela Dorman Books