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Leave and Come Back

Not yet published
Expected 16 Jun 26
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Family drama meets romantic comedy when a young woman’s new boyfriend accidentally shows up to a two-week-long family wedding, kicking off a comedy of errors in this funny, vibrant, and heartwarming debut

Youre 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, Simrans 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. Operation DDLJ.

Following the lead of their favorite 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 is 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 be able to finally have her own love story, and find the closure she’s been looking for on 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 honor the past while embracing the present.

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication June 16, 2026

5 people are currently reading
716 people want to read

About the author

Lavanya Lakshmi

1 book9 followers
Lavanya Lakshmi is a third culture kid who has lived in nine cities across India, China, the US, and Canada. One of her many childhood homes was a suite on the 37th floor of a luxury hotel. Her claimed hometown is New York City, where she lived for nine years after getting her Master’s degree from NYU. She has worked in and around book publishing her whole career and currently resides in Toronto. Leave and Come Back is her first novel.

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Mai H..
1,368 reviews816 followers
2026
November 11, 2025
Valentine's Day TBR

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books
Profile Image for Lochi's Library.
202 reviews39 followers
January 3, 2026
Thanking Lavanya for sending me a digital copy. I met Lavanya earlier this year at an influencer event in Toronto. She was kind, welcoming, and calmed my nerves. I can’t believe I’m reading this (VERY EARLY) and I can't wait to see her shine next year basking in the celebrations for her debut, it's going to be the best treat.

My Review on Substack

Do yourself a favour and add it to your tbr list. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Profile Image for carthi ♡.
248 reviews29 followers
Want to read
November 14, 2025
messy indian family dynamics + wedding season + DDLJ vibes? oh bollywood is so back in books 🙂‍↕️✨ ⋆˙⟡ — 14/11/2025: ˙⊹
Profile Image for Tammy.
726 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 30, 2025
📚Leave and Come Back
✍🏻Lavanya Lakshmi
Blurb:
Family drama meets romantic comedy when a young woman’s new boyfriend accidentally shows up to a two-week-long family wedding, kicking off a comedy of errors in this funny, vibrant, 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. Operation DDLJ.

Following the lead of their favorite 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 is 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 be able to finally have her own love story, and find the closure she’s been looking for on 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 honor the past while embracing the present.
My Thoughts:
Leave and Come Back is a grounded tale of love and loss and how familial bonds can both break and shape us. My Big Fat Greek Wedding, with the blend of humor and emotional storytelling around family, culture and the importance of acceptance. The characters are all really lovable, especially Leo, who is so sweet and supportive. From going on walks with Simran’s uncle to help him get in shape, to learning Hindi and Tamil, to attempting to make chai,Adorable romance aside, the relationships between friends and family are also fantastic. Leo and Rishi become pals almost immediately and their banter is just so fun. Simran and Kavitha are more like sisters than cousins. They go through a few rough patches and there’s some hurt on both sides stemming from Simran’s years-long absence, but they’re able to work things out. Kavitha eventually shares something personal with Simran that she’s mostly kept to herself, and Simran’s steadfast acceptance of her cousin is wonderful to see.
Overall, Leave and Come Back is an amazing book and a most impressive debut. I’ll be on the lookout for Lavanya Lakshmi’s work in the future!
Thanks NetGalley, Pamela Dorman Books and Author Lavanya Lakshmi for the advanced copy of "Leave and Come Back" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#PamelaDormanBooks
#LavanyaLakshmi
#LeaveandComeBack
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
18 reviews
November 17, 2025
Oh, I loved this. Leave and Come Back isn’t the type of book I usually read but I’m so glad I did. It’s not just a rom com, but a touching, heartfelt story about family and culture. I can totally see it being adapted into a film.

The characters are all really lovable, especially Leo, who is so sweet and supportive. From going on walks with Simran’s uncle to help him get in shape, to learning Hindi and Tamil, to attempting to make chai (that even he admits is terrible), it’s clear he’s crazy about Simran and truly wants the approval of her family. What an absolute doll.

Adorable romance aside, the relationships between friends and family are also fantastic. Leo and Rishi become pals almost immediately and their banter is just so fun. Simran and Kavitha are more like sisters than cousins. They go through a few rough patches and there’s some hurt on both sides stemming from Simran’s years-long absence, but they’re able to work things out. Kavitha eventually shares something personal with Simran that she’s mostly kept to herself, and Simran’s steadfast acceptance of her cousin is wonderful to see.

One of my favorite things about this book, though, is seeing Veena Aunty’s character progression. While she’s definitely strong-willed and a little overbearing, she truly wants the best for her girls, and that includes Simran. She’s also a lot more accepting than Simran gives her credit for. I really loved how the two of them are able to open up and come to understand each other better.

Overall, Leave and Come Back is an amazing book and a most impressive debut. I’ll be on the lookout for Lavanya Lakshmi’s work in the future!
Profile Image for Mikayla Mann.
262 reviews
January 16, 2026
The word vibrant comes to mind when thinking about this fun, heartwarming, “rom-com-fam-dram.” Simran is our 20-something leading lady, living in Toronto with her best friend Liv and newfound love interest, Leo. She receives a wedding invitation for her cousin Geeta’s wedding and, feeling lost, realizes that she has to return to Iyer house to find herself again. She was orphaned as a child and moved from Chennai, India, to New Jersey to live with her aunt, uncle, and two cousins. The only problem is she has been estranged from her family for many years. As a teen, she was desperate to escape her aunt’s rules and the painful memories associated their house. In order to get access to her childhood family’s home in India, their belongings, and untold memories, she has to return home and make peace. She returns for the wedding preparations and myriad cultural celebrations with a newfound mission of winning her family over, with the added complication of her new love interest staying next door, also hoping to win favor.
I honestly loved this book. I could see, smell, hear, and even taste so many of the scenes. The descriptions of the outfits, the marriage celebrations, the CHAI. Just such a fun read. Some bouts of predictability, but I don’t read a romcom to be completely shocked—I go to it for the formula and HEA and stay if the story is enjoyable. All told, I would absolutely recommend this for those of you interested in a romcom that will have you groaning occasionally from the relatability of family expectations.
Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the advanced e-book copy in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Luv2TrvlLuvBks.
655 reviews5 followers
December 6, 2025
#LeaveandComeBack #NetGalley

A well thought out plot showcasing the multiple elements celebrated in a Tamil wedding.

From the beginning, the author sets the tone with the wedding invitation prominently displayed. As a reader, unfamiliar with the customs and traditions featured in the book, this thoughtful addition did a wonderful job to set the stage. Given that each chapter acted as a countdown to the final event and reflected each part, the reader gets invested in the characters from the bride and groom, extended family, and, our main characters, Simran and Leo.

The title chosen by the author is an apt one mirroring both the physical and emotional journey Simran experiences. The hook of why Simran fled from the US to Toronto after being nestled in the warmth of her extended family's embrace is one that the reader is teased about. There's definite hints of betrayal, judgment, and sadness which the author draws out. The reader is rewarded at the end of the reasons why.

Liked that this was both Simran and Leo's story. The latter's relationship with his sister was strong and his voice was distinct from hers.

Felt what downgraded this from a five to four story read was the almost insta-love of Leo and Simran, despite knowing their connection thru her sister. More development on their romance while in Toronto would have certainly elevated this read.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Laila.
132 reviews
December 8, 2025
Leave and Come Back is one of those books that feels both entertaining and deeply personal. On the surface it’s a story filled with humor, wedding chaos, and the warmth of a big South Asian family, but underneath it explores the kind of emotional wounds that linger long after we’ve grown up and moved away.

Simran returns home for a two-week wedding she would have preferred to avoid, and watching her navigate relatives who judge more than they listen felt incredibly familiar to me. The author captures the experience of being part of a culture where elders insert themselves into every corner of your life, even when they have no business doing so. If your choices don’t line up with their worldview, they believe you’re living wrong. That part hit hard because I come from a similar background, and I saw so much of my own family dynamics reflected in Simran’s story.

I loved how the book balances that heaviness with humor, especially through “Operation DDLJ,” which brings levity without dismissing the pain underneath. The writing is warm, sharp, and full of heart. Simran’s journey toward understanding herself, setting boundaries, and opening up to love felt honest and hopeful.

This is a story about family pressure, healing old wounds, and learning that coming back doesn’t mean losing yourself. It stayed with me long after I finished, and I’m so grateful I got to read it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marianne.
46 reviews
November 23, 2025
Leave and Come Back is a delightful tale about Simran, a woman of Indian descent, who falls in love with Leo, her Canadian boyfriend. When Simran returns to her estranged family’s home in New Jersey to attend a wedding, she and her cousins hatch a plan to ingratiate Leo into her family by taking inspiration from her favorite Bollywood movie. Scheming and high jinks ensue, bringing the cousins together once again.

The story was cute and the descriptions of the wedding, outfits, food and ceremonies were vividly described. The book was enjoyable, unfortunately, I just didn’t connect with it. I didn’t care for Simran and found her to be aloof and obstinate. I also really didn’t like her aunt and found it hard to believe that Leo would go to such lengths to curry favor with her. But, then again, I think it’s mostly just me unable to relate to the culture and family dynamics.

Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars
Profile Image for Adrina.
5 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2025
4.5 out of 5 stars.

I really enjoyed Leave and Come Back. I thought this would be a cute rom com read but it was so much more than that. It had a beautiful romance but the story was really about love and family. I loved how the author portrayed the difficulties immigrant families have keeping and respecting their traditions and culture while also growing and adapting to new ones. I’m not Indian but could relate to a lot of the miscommunications and the different perspectives of 1st generational adults and their immediate family that migrated. Overall really well round book, funny, sad, and romantic. Very well written, there were so many quotes and sentences that stayed with me after reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the advance reader copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Morgan Carattini.
16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 18, 2025
Even if the author wasn’t my friend, I would still be out here singing the praises of debut novel, Leave and Come Back by Lavanya Lakshmi. The vibrant cast of characters will find a place in your heart and you’ll laugh and cry along with them. This reminds me of some of my favorite movies from when I was younger, Bend it Like Beckham and My Big Fat Greek Wedding, with the blend of humor and emotional storytelling around family, culture and the importance of acceptance. There is so much to relate to in this story. That universality combined with the specific cultural elements made for such a rich world. I also enjoyed how the typical fake dating trope was skewed/reversed here with Simran and Leo pretending they aren’t dating for her family. Now I have to go watch DDLJ so I can have the full experience!
Profile Image for Lisa.
11 reviews
December 10, 2025
Thanks to Viking Penguin, Pamela Dorman books and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this lovely debut novel early!

I really enjoyed reading Leave and Come Back - it was a great way to spend a quiet reading day. it had the perfect blend of romance and the author did a wonderful job of balancing very complicated family dynamics. As someone vaguely familiar with Bollywood, I enjoyed the way the characters' love of those films tied in with their traditions and memories. I was left satisfied with the story I read, but still wanting more, which is my favorite spot to be in when I finish a book. As Kavi would say, it's my new favorite rom-com-fam-dram.

4.5 stars, and can't wait to read more from Lavanya!
Profile Image for shawna’s shelf.
178 reviews7 followers
January 18, 2026
Leave and Come Back had me laughing, crying, and completely on the edge of my seat. I really appreciated how the story centered on family, grief, and growing through it. The characters you’re initially frustrated with slowly become ones you truly love, which made the journey even more meaningful. It’s such a beautiful, heartfelt story. I especially loved the ending and the way everything unfolded. I’m grateful to NetGalley for the ARC, and this is absolutely a must read. Keep the tissues nearby.
Profile Image for Dipali.
468 reviews
November 16, 2025
** A copy of Leave and Come Back was provided by the publisher and Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review **

4.5

Leave and Come Back is the perfect hug.
Bollywood ☑️
Chennai ☑️
Rom-com fam-dram ☑️
Swooning ☑️
Realistic portrayal of grief ☑️
Big fat Indian wedding ☑️
Sisterhood and friendship ☑️
Love in all its forms ☑️
Immigrant experience ☑️
Hijinks ☑️
Profile Image for Jessica Joyce.
Author 3 books4,770 followers
December 11, 2025
my best friend in the world/favorite writer in the world wrote a PHENOMENAL BOOK!!!! and you get to read it too on 6/16/26!!!

my blurb for my best girl:

"Leave & Come Back is the kind of book that stays with you forever, with stunning reflections on leaving home in all its forms—people, places—and finding them again (and again). Lavanya Lakshmi has created characters who feel so real it's like you can hear their hearts beating through the page. But it's the fact that you can hear her heart beating there, too, that makes this book and author so special. A deeply moving, supremely witty, simply phenomenal debut from my favorite writer in the world."
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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