Finding Leda (The Italian Saga: Volume 5) — Paperback Edition

“Another charming entry in this relatable and addictive series.”—Kirkus Reviews

“I was moved by the intensity of the feelings coming out of these pages…”—The Book Club

“What a powerful novel and powerful voice! Empowering, thought-provoking and enlightening all at once.”—Cami Hensley

She’s armed with logic, science, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. But finding herself might mean breaking her own rules.

Northern Italy, 1997. Lee (Leda Balni) enters college determined to build a happy life entirely on her own terms. Recovering from an eating disorder and finally at peace with her oddities, she's convinced independence is the ultimate shield. Who needs romance when you're navigating a demanding genetic engineering degree?

But life in Milan has other plans.

From zipping through fashionable city streets on her scooter to finding clarity beside breathtaking northern lakes, Lee's world gets beautifully, comically chaotic. Just when she decides love is a dangerous distraction, she stumbles straight into her soulmate.

Now comes the ultimate experiment: can a fiercely self-reliant scientist-in-the-making let someone into her world without losing herself?

Blending '90s nostalgia, sharp humor, and heartfelt introspection, Finding Leda is an empowering coming-of-age story about the messy business of building a life that feels like your own—and discovering that letting people in doesn't mean losing yourself.

Why readers love Finding Leda:

• '90s nostalgia: The music, atmosphere, and distinctive spirit of European youth culture in the late 1990s.
• Self-discovery and chosen family: A thoughtful exploration of identity, women in STEM, and the bonds that help us become who we're meant to be.
• A quest for joy: A witty, deeply honest look at building happiness from the ground up.

Perfect for fans of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and I'll Give You the Sun, Finding Leda combines sharp wit, emotional depth, and star-crossed love in a story about finding your place in the world.

Bring Lee's journey home in paperback. The fifth installment of The Italian Saga, Finding Leda can be read as a standalone.