Lonely, thirty-three-year-old Alina Eskala's quiet life morphs into a ribald summer of love and woe when an unknown "cousin" and his hot friend suddenly arrive from Finland.
Thirty-three-year-old Alina Eskala’s Finnish time clock is ticking as fast as her hair styles are changing. Lonely and without family, she’s clueless about finding the love and connection she wants…until an unknown “cousin” suddenly arrives from Finland with his hot friend and her life steams up like a sauna.
In a Finnish flash, Alina’s solitary, orderly life combusts. She finds herself unwittingly entangled in a surprising love triangle-quadrangle, while plagued by repressed grief, a spell of mind-boggling headaches, wacky dates, and some truly tragic hair days.
Alina bumbles ahead with humor and classic Finnish sisu—spunk, grit, and (often foolish) stubbornness, ultimately flying to Finland to put closure on the past and begin afresh.
Will this summer of love and woe help Alina finally deal with the heartbreak of her parents’ deaths and the inner flaws that prevent her from finding happiness? And where is "home"—the U.S. or Finland?
"FROM FINLAND WITH LOVE swept me away. I was on board and fully engaged from the very first scene to its satisfying ending. Alanko writes with humor and grace, deftly weaving moments of poignancy and longing with madcap antics and sparkling dialogue. Alina is an unforgettable character and the supporting cast of characters is rich, varied and utterly original. I highly recommend this book." --Vicky Mlyniec, Award-winning writer and editor
'Better Without You'is a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of an affair, hidden secrets, and abuse. It also highlights a daughter's heartfelt journey as she cares for her mother who is battling dementia.
In a post-coup America, an Illinois farm boy is drawn into the resistance by his brother's death. Captured, he is given a choice: betray his friends, or the girl he loves will be lobotomized.
