In Leaving Thrushcross, Harriet deals with the fallout from her beloved uncle's death weeks before her eighteenth birthday. Her parents devoted all their time and energy to the upkeep of Thrushcross Grange, their crumbling ancestral mansion, so she grew up living with her Uncle Harry, learning to paint. Everyone knew she would inherit his millions, which her parents planned to use to save Thrushcross Grange. But when Uncle Harry dies suddenly, his mysterious wife claims the inheritance instead--and turns out to be an invaluable ally for Harriet, fighting for her independence. Harriet finds herself under pressure from multiple people, leading to intense conflicts in all areas of her life-friends, family, boyfriend, childhood sweetheart-that reveal the truth underlying the façade. Harriet gradually learns to stop letting herself be the pawn of her family and others and stand up for herself, to chase the life she really wants.