Books

The Second Chance Bus Stop

Ally Zetterberg

They say life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.

Edith has Alzheimer's. The idea that she will someday forget her son, her life, even her self, plagues her constantly. So there is something important she must do before this happens: she has to find Sven, the love of her life she was supposed to meet on a bus bench twenty-seven years ago and run off with, but he never showed.

Her son, Blade, is struggling to keep an eye on her. His mother's full-time caregiver, he resents the fact, if he's being honest, that he gave up his career and most of his life to look after her. But what wouldn't he do for his mother? Track down her decades-old flame so that she has a chance to finally understand why he never showed all those years ago, before her mind fails her? Sure, he can do that.

Sophia is fiercely working to keep her business afloat. Her uncle left his flower shop to her and her brothers after he died, but she seems to be the only one interested in keeping it running. She needs to land a big enough client to show her family that not only is the business worth saving but she's the one to do it. So when an opportunity comes along that takes her all over Sweden, she can't say no.

While Edith is desperately trying to hold on to her memories, she discovers friendship with a young woman who sits with her daily at the bus stop. While Blade is out looking for Sven, he learns to embrace his relationship with his mother more fully. While Sophia is fighting to keep her dream alive, she comes to terms with the way her parents treated her as a child and the therapies that were forced upon her in response to her autism diagnosis. Life is happening all around them, and like in life, there's always still good to be found.

'Tender and wise, Zetterberg's sophomore novel is a triumph, gently peeling apart the layers of grief and joy that make up our lived human experience. With a multigenerational cast, past and the present collide in a beautiful and surprising twist that will bring tears even to the most tear-resistant eyes. Perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman' Jenna Satterthwaite, author of Made for You

'Another gorgeous, quirky novel from Ally Zetterberg that celebrates humans in all their glorious difference. The Second Chance Bus Stop is packed with Zetterberg’s trademark wit and pace, and will leave you feeling better about love' Emily Howes, award-winning author of The Painter’s Daughter

'With a moving voice that blooms tender words, Ally Zetterberg captures both the hope and heartbreak of the human condition in an honest, aching, and beautiful way. The Second Chance Bus Stop is a sweeping love story that spans decades and reminds readers that to be seen, exactly as we are, is to be known and loved. Perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine' Megan Murphy, author of Fake It Like You Mean It

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Ally Zetterberg

Territories & Rights

Mira Books

Dramatic Rights Available

Germany
Israel