The Happiness Blueprint

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.)