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Meet Me at the Ruins
Your next travel read or Book Club pick, this compelling story about belonging will resonate long after you've finished. Perfect for fans of Normal People, One Day, and Thunder in My Heart.
It's 2003, and Margo is reeling from a bad breakup. She’s looking forward to a drama-free semester abroad at the University of Edinburgh, in Scotland. When she meets Ren, her beautiful and mysterious downstairs neighbor, her plans to keep things uncomplicated suddenly vanish. Struggling with the pace of her courses, and unsure of how to nurture her new friendships, Margo's brain works overtime to make sense of her environment. She longs for Ren, but she's unwilling to pine away while he figures out his complicated feelings. Constantly trying to rise above her anxious nature, Margo throws herself into the social – and sensual – opportunities that studying abroad offers. She discovers that her happiness is made up of small but significant moments. She revels in cappuccinos with fluffy foam, long runs past ancient stone buildings, museums with friends, and surprising, spicy encounters. Despite the low rumble of an existential crisis nipping at her feet, Margo is determined to find her place in the world.
All formats include a Reader's Guide, which is also available on the author’s website.
It's 2003, and Margo is reeling from a bad breakup. She’s looking forward to a drama-free semester abroad at the University of Edinburgh, in Scotland. When she meets Ren, her beautiful and mysterious downstairs neighbor, her plans to keep things uncomplicated suddenly vanish. Struggling with the pace of her courses, and unsure of how to nurture her new friendships, Margo's brain works overtime to make sense of her environment. She longs for Ren, but she's unwilling to pine away while he figures out his complicated feelings. Constantly trying to rise above her anxious nature, Margo throws herself into the social – and sensual – opportunities that studying abroad offers. She discovers that her happiness is made up of small but significant moments. She revels in cappuccinos with fluffy foam, long runs past ancient stone buildings, museums with friends, and surprising, spicy encounters. Despite the low rumble of an existential crisis nipping at her feet, Margo is determined to find her place in the world.
All formats include a Reader's Guide, which is also available on the author’s website.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2025
4 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Luna Westish
1 book7 followersLuna Westish is a wanderer, always looking up at buildings and searching for their next coffee. In another life, they write about sustainability, business, motherhood, and their ex-cult experiences. Their study abroad trip and later visits to Scotland are a constant source of fond memories and inspiration.
Join their newsletter (book recommendations, sneak peeks of what they’re working on, and more!) and read their blog at www.lunawestish.com. Also check out the Book Club tab on their site for bulk discounts, author visits, and more!
Join their newsletter (book recommendations, sneak peeks of what they’re working on, and more!) and read their blog at www.lunawestish.com. Also check out the Book Club tab on their site for bulk discounts, author visits, and more!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 2, 2025
This book was a discovery - and a really good one at that. It’s a slice-of-life book. I did not know what to expect from it and just went in blind.
At first, I struggled a bit through the first few chapters because I am not used to this genre or writing style. But once I got into the story and understood the point of the book, it became so interesting.
The story is about exploring life. You know that feeling when you are confused about what you want to do, who you want to be, and you realize your life is not where you would want it to be ? That is where the book begins, with a confused and lost Margo. She grows day by day, learning who she is, what she wants, what really matters to her, and the kind of person she wants to become.
I was thrown into a sea of Margo’s thoughts, which was both intriguing and liberating. Because some of the thoughts she had where similar to thoughts I had at some point in my life, which felt very validating.
In the end, I went on an exploration of life, love, friendship, university, Scotland and even archery (yes archery 😁!).
It was a really good book that I totally recommend.
At first, I struggled a bit through the first few chapters because I am not used to this genre or writing style. But once I got into the story and understood the point of the book, it became so interesting.
The story is about exploring life. You know that feeling when you are confused about what you want to do, who you want to be, and you realize your life is not where you would want it to be ? That is where the book begins, with a confused and lost Margo. She grows day by day, learning who she is, what she wants, what really matters to her, and the kind of person she wants to become.
I was thrown into a sea of Margo’s thoughts, which was both intriguing and liberating. Because some of the thoughts she had where similar to thoughts I had at some point in my life, which felt very validating.
In the end, I went on an exploration of life, love, friendship, university, Scotland and even archery (yes archery 😁!).
It was a really good book that I totally recommend.
August 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: Meet Me at the Ruins by Luna Westish
Meet Me at the Ruins is one of those rare books that feels like it’s speaking directly to your younger self. On the surface, it’s a story about studying abroad in Scotland — but underneath, it’s about the messy, beautiful, and sometimes painful process of growing up, finding yourself, and learning what it means to love.
At first, Margo seems like an ordinary girl starting fresh in a new place. But as the story unfolds, so do her layers. What impressed me most was how authentically her journey is written — not just emotionally and spiritually, but sexually as well. Margo’s exploration of her desires and preferences is raw and honest, showing what it means to discover not only what you like, but how much deeper intimacy becomes when there’s connection. It’s refreshing to see this handled with both spice and depth.
The friendships and side characters felt real — some fleeting, some formative — reflecting how relationships in young adulthood can shift and evolve. The pacing was engaging (I finished it in less than 24 hours), and the themes of grief, family expectation, self-discovery, and love all struck a chord. If I had one small wish, it would be for a touch more humor, because love and laughter together are unbeatable.
The ending, though? Absolutely fabulous — both satisfying and memorable.
This book will resonate with readers who’ve ever asked themselves “what if?” What if I’d chosen differently, said yes instead of no, or taken the leap? It’s a story for the YA and NA audience, but also for women who want to revisit the pivotal moments that shaped them.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 — heartfelt, relatable, and beautifully written.
Meet Me at the Ruins is one of those rare books that feels like it’s speaking directly to your younger self. On the surface, it’s a story about studying abroad in Scotland — but underneath, it’s about the messy, beautiful, and sometimes painful process of growing up, finding yourself, and learning what it means to love.
At first, Margo seems like an ordinary girl starting fresh in a new place. But as the story unfolds, so do her layers. What impressed me most was how authentically her journey is written — not just emotionally and spiritually, but sexually as well. Margo’s exploration of her desires and preferences is raw and honest, showing what it means to discover not only what you like, but how much deeper intimacy becomes when there’s connection. It’s refreshing to see this handled with both spice and depth.
The friendships and side characters felt real — some fleeting, some formative — reflecting how relationships in young adulthood can shift and evolve. The pacing was engaging (I finished it in less than 24 hours), and the themes of grief, family expectation, self-discovery, and love all struck a chord. If I had one small wish, it would be for a touch more humor, because love and laughter together are unbeatable.
The ending, though? Absolutely fabulous — both satisfying and memorable.
This book will resonate with readers who’ve ever asked themselves “what if?” What if I’d chosen differently, said yes instead of no, or taken the leap? It’s a story for the YA and NA audience, but also for women who want to revisit the pivotal moments that shaped them.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 — heartfelt, relatable, and beautifully written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2025
I'm not sure how I feel about the FMC, Margo. At times, she seemed self-absorbed and she was obsessively boy-crazy. Every interaction with the opposite sex was a potential hook-up/relationship. She spent a lot of time not listening to the other person she was having conversations with and that drove me crazy. She quite literally was on separate though tangents in the middle of conversations with people and that put me off a little. I guess the book was about finding yourself and being comfortable being in your skin and enjoying life's blessings. Those parts I appreciated, where Margo took the time to recognize and revel in what was giving her joy. I was put off by how much she was "in love" with one character but then ended up easily out of love with them.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I thought that it ended a bit abruptly, without any closure with some of the other characters in the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I thought that it ended a bit abruptly, without any closure with some of the other characters in the book.
June 19, 2025
A relatable and sexy coming-into-your-SELF story.
This story made me relate to neurodiversity in a very real and beautiful way. I dove deep into the ins and outs of her reveries and felt empathic of her struggle, connecting to a point where I felt Margo as a friend. I enjoyed the intimate portrayal of what can happen when you follow your instincts to try something new and how Margo navigates a new chapter in a foreign country, dealing with classes, friends, love interests, sex and the future. A must read!
This story made me relate to neurodiversity in a very real and beautiful way. I dove deep into the ins and outs of her reveries and felt empathic of her struggle, connecting to a point where I felt Margo as a friend. I enjoyed the intimate portrayal of what can happen when you follow your instincts to try something new and how Margo navigates a new chapter in a foreign country, dealing with classes, friends, love interests, sex and the future. A must read!
June 19, 2025
I loved this book and recommend it to anyone! As someone who struggles with anxiety, avoidance and internal dialogue- the main character really resonated with me.
Watching her push herself out of her comfort zone, re-evaluate past relationships and interactions - I felt it on my bones.
I won’t give away spoilers - but I will tell you the ending was a lovely surprise I wasn’t expecting!
Watching her push herself out of her comfort zone, re-evaluate past relationships and interactions - I felt it on my bones.
I won’t give away spoilers - but I will tell you the ending was a lovely surprise I wasn’t expecting!
July 6, 2025
It took me a little bit to get into this book however after a few chapters it was pretty good. I enjoyed the stories of friendship and taking time for yourself. I felt like I related to the main character a little. I also enjoyed the little bit of spice sinkled in.
December 26, 2025
Dipping into someone's life day by day for a half year span is sometimes all you need for a bit of a refreshing read. I found Margo to be a frustrating main character as her world view and way she looks at people can feel quite reductive at times. This feels intentional though - we are following her through a topsy turvy time in life (undergrad in another country). Her sometimes narcissistic tendency to evaluate and interact with absolutely everyone she meets either someone that can provide something to her or as a potential conquest whether they've expressed any interest or not is most likely something Margo is going to grow out of. I really enjoyed that this book just let itself breathe - there was no rush most of the time for a good portion. I think I would've liked this style to be applied to the end which honestly was the only part that felt like it was racing to a finish line. Overall, a cosy read with characters that felt quite lived in with an ultimately rushed but satisfying finish.
June 19, 2025
Does anyone NOT fall in love while studying abroad? If not with another person, then with a place, a taste, a glimpse of something new? Margo dives in, plays the field, challenges herself, and is transformed by her experience in unforeseen ways. This charming story by new author Luna Westish was heartwarming and fun to read, with unexpected twists and turns!
August 20, 2025
The way Margo dealt with heartbreak felt so honest. I’ve been through a tough breakup, and reading her story gave me a sense of comfort. It doesn’t sugarcoat the pain, but it also shows how healing and new beginnings are possible. I found myself nodding and sometimes tearing up because it felt so close to my own story.
August 20, 2025
The setting absolutely transported me. I’ve never been to Edinburgh, but through these pages I felt like I was running past old stone buildings, sipping coffee in cozy cafés, and getting lost in the city. The atmosphere is so rich and vivid that it makes you want to pack a bag and go.
August 14, 2025
A simple, heartfelt story about finding yourself in a new place, I liked it a lot.
June 19, 2025
I received an ARC of Meet Me At The Ruins and was very intrigued by the description of the story. I love coming of age novels and appreciate when characters set out to “find themselves,” especially with an exciting backdrop like Edinburgh. The novel reads like a diary of sorts; a day-to-day chronicling of the good, the bad, and the awkward moments in Margo’s study-abroad experience. I appreciated how Westish wrote Margo’s complicated and messy inner-dialogue in such a relatable way - those of us with anxiety definitely see ourselves in Margo. This is a quiet novel, one in which I expected more to happen than did. I wanted more in-depth character development rather than a summary of each day. Also, I wish that some of the experiences Margo has were more fleshed-out, rather than described as an overview. Lastly, the book wraps up abruptly, though the ending was cozy and happy. Westish’s talent for nuanced characters is clear and I see great potential for this author’s future novels.
June 19, 2025
I enjoyed the book. I read a lot of rom and rom/com and found this book to be an interesting and realistic perspective on a young person’s journey while studying abroad, pre-social media and figuring out romance and other relationships with friends and family. Read as an ARC on kindle.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews