Leave and Come Back Paperback by Lavanya Lakshmi

Product Details

• Publisher: Doubleday Canada (2026-06-16)
• Language: English
• Paperback: 320 pages
• ISBN-13: 9780385700139
• Item Weight: 345.87 grams
• Dimensions: 22.86 x 15.21 x 2.13 cm

**The first edition trade paperback original of Leave and Come Back features 4-colour stenciled edges!**

Family drama meets romantic comedy when a young woman's new boyfriend accidentally shows up in the midst of a two-week-long wedding, kicking off a comedy of errors in this funny, colourful and heartwarming debut.

You're invited to the most romantic, chaotic wedding of the season

For the first time, Simran Gopal is living out her own swoon-worthy romance to rival the beloved Bollywood films of her childhood... until she receives her cousin's wedding invitation. Now, Simran finds herself returning to the family home she's been avoiding for the last seven years to take part in a two-week-long Indian wedding.

Family drama is already at a high when Leo Bridgers, Simran's new boyfriend, accidentally crashes the engagement party. To avoid full crisis mode and provoking the ire of Veena Perima, Simran's aunt and judgmental family matriarch, the cousins need to rally. Commence: Operation DDLJ.

Following the lead of their favourite Bollywood movie, they need to trick Veena into adoring Leo. In a mess of misdirection and chaotic hijinks, Leo must prove himself to be the most charming, helpful wedding guest imaginable, and he certainly can't give away that he’s ever met—let alone currently in love with—Simran.

For Simran, being back with her family also brings memories of the difficult years after her parents died. As old grievances and new secrets arise—along with nosy aunties—will Simran finally be able to have her own love story, and find the closure she’s been looking for from her past?

Charming, tender and hilarious, Leave and Come Back asks what it means to open up to love, what makes a family and how to honour the past while embracing the present.

About the Author

LAVANYA LAKSHMI was born in New Delhi and grew up in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. One of her many childhood homes was a suite on the 37th floor of a luxury hotel. She lives in Toronto, where she is a sales director for Penguin Random House Canada. Leave and Come Back is her first novel.