A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood

The story follows Lou Trevelyan, a 17-year-old girl from a quiet Cornish village. She’s the daughter of a local shopkeeper and has lived a simple, sheltered life — until the gilded, extravagant Cardew family arrives to spend the summer in their grand, long-abandoned mansion nearby.

Fascinated by the glamour and mystery of the Cardews, Lou begins secretly exploring their home — and soon finds herself swept into their world of parties, champagne, music, and midnight adventures. She becomes close to Caitlin Cardew, a dazzling flapper girl, and her enigmatic brother Robert, who challenges Lou’s views on life, love, and herself.

As the summer unfolds, Lou navigates her feelings, class differences, and the realization that not everything golden is as perfect as it seems.