The happiness blueprint

In her debut novel, Zetterberg explores the relationship between two people who are in desperate need of change. Klara, adrift in her life in London, agrees to help run her dad's construction company in Sweden while he receives cancer treatment. Alex, reeling from the untimely death of his brother, applies for a job as a carpenter at a small construction company. Now working together, Klara and Alex are intrigued by each other, but are out of sync. With a shared calendar and a growing connection, they learn how to find acceptance and love. Refreshingly, Zetterberg focuses heavily on Klara and Alex's individual growth, rather than just their relationship, making them incredibly complex, nuanced characters. Their romance, though slow to develop, feels realistic. Their wants and motivations are clear. Klara has type 1 diabetes and autism; Alex has depression and panic attacks. They do not fix each other; rather, they understand each other. Zetterberg handles these topics with a thoughtfulness that is desperately needed in this genre.

Zetterberg's refreshing debut finds Klara Nilsson returning to Sweden from the U.K. to help run the family construction business after her father is diagnosed with stage one prostate cancer. Her first move? Immediately firing a duo of misogynistic employees. Alex Kristiansen, a skilled carpenter whose depression and panic attacks in the wake of his brother's death in a hit and run have left him unemployed, is thrilled to see the job opening. The attraction between Klara and Alex is strong, but Klara presumes that her new employee is taken, not realizing that the ring he wears is not a marriage band but a keepsake from his late brother. Once that initial miscommunication is cleared up, things proceed splendidly--until an explosive secret pulls the budding couple apart. The author sensitively shades both characters--especially Klara, who is autistic and has diabetes--creating a poignant and unconventional romance. Zetterberg is an exciting new voice in the genre. Agent: Tanera Simons, Darley Anderson Literary. (Apr.)