Belonging
A women's fiction family drama set in Scotland.
A powerful family drama exploring identity, adoption, and what it truly means to belong – the search for belonging within the families we are born into and the ones we create.
Set in a fictional small Scottish town, Belonging follows a family whose carefully constructed sense of security begins to unravel when long-buried secrets come to light.
At the heart of this family drama is Jake, a teenage boy struggling with anger, confusion, and a growing sense of not quite fitting in. Adopted as a baby, Jake begins to question his identity and where he truly belongs, setting in motion a series of events that force his family to confront uncomfortable truths.
Alongside Jake's journey is that of his mother, Kathi, whose fierce love for her son is tested as she navigates the complexities of motherhood, her own past, and the fragile balance holding her family together. As tensions rise and loyalties are questioned, the family must face what it really means to love unconditionally.
Belonging is a compassionate and emotionally rich novel exploring family bonds, adoption, identity, and the quiet courage it takes to hold a family together when everything feels uncertain.
Readers who enjoyed the emotional roller coaster of The Day She Came Home may also connect with Kathi's story.
Key book details
- Readers who love women's fiction set in Scotland
- Anyone who enjoys emotionally driven family drama
- Readers drawn to stories about adoption and identity
- Those who appreciate character-led novels about motherhood and belonging
- Readers who enjoy small-town Scottish settings and intimate family stories
What readers say
"I loved this story! It is packed with all sorts of emotions from self doubt to determination and fear to anger."Christy
"I loved how developed the characters are in this book and how real the relationship between the mother and the son are. Definitely recommend!"Kat
"A real page-turner that examines the nature of belonging and identity in the context of family and within a community."Mrs A
"A rich, loving, yet painful and poignant coming of age story and the struggles that often are a byproduct of being adopted."Connie
"Beautiful story of mother and teenage relationship. I loved how developed the characters are in this book."Hannah
Belonging is the second novel in Emma Dhesi's A Scottish Redemption Series and continues her exploration of family, identity, and emotional resilience.
Through the intertwined journeys of Jake and Kathi, Emma Dhesi examines the complexity of parenthood, adoption, and the human need to feel anchored and loved.
Readers who connected with The Day She Came Home will recognise familiar themes of forgiveness, family bonds, and emotional reckoning.
Get your copy
Is Belonging part of a series?
Yes. Belonging is the second novel in A Scottish Redemption Series.
Do I need to read the first book before this one?
No. Belonging can be read as a standalone, but reading The Day She Came Home adds emotional depth to the wider series.
Where is Belonging set?
The novel is set in the fictional Scottish town of Byreburn, a semi-rural community.
What themes does Belonging explore?
Adoption, identity, motherhood, family relationships, and the search for belonging.
Is this book suitable for book clubs?
Yes, it's a great choice for book clubs. Its focus on family dynamics, identity, and moral complexity makes it ideal for discussion.
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