Set in Edinburgh, Scotland, this collection of linked stories opens on the eve of World War II when Bess, a Jewish widow, takes an American student into her home as a boarder. Addy, her younger daughter, immediately seizes upon him as her means of escape from her mother's house and plots to attract his attention and favor. Bess has other plans, however, and manipulates events to bring her older daughter, Rose, and Douglas together, hoping they will marry and move to the States beyond the reach of the impending war in Europe. Courtships explores themes of love and duty as Bess, Rose, and Addy contend with their personal ambitions and desires, their obligations to each other, and the consequences of their decisions.