Mirella Mäkilä: Seuraavana Tampere, Otava, 05/2023, 280 pages.

An exciting newcomer to funny feel-good literature from Finland!

A wonderfully believable and hilarious story about friendship, good and bad boyfriend candidates, a move back to the old hometown, and an unfashionable job in the drilling industry. And a bit about the dog, too. The events of the book take place in Tampere, the favorite city of Finns. Something should probably be done about the relationship when one starts enjoying suspiciously long times at the gym, while the other stays home alone, browsing dog websites. But what? A puppy, says Roosa. A breakup, says the man. When a surprising breakup happens, there’s only one direction – back to the old hometown. But could the lush landscapes of Tampere offer something more? A handsome dog walker appearing out of the bushes? Or a dream Midsummer sweetheart? Or maybe a place that finally feels like home?

“Colorful depiction of friendship, rollicking humor, and a dash of love, Mirella Mäkilä’s Seuraavana Tampere is a true summer book. After reading, you’ll want to put on a vintage dress and explore all the wonderful markets of Tampere – and get a dog.” – Anna magazine

“I have never encountered such a stormy onslaught of social media posts as with Mirella Mäkilä’s book.” – Otava’s Communications Manager

“Amazing, fun, captivating, and a real feel-good book.” – Kirjaama

“The perfect entertainment book for a vacation.” – Kirjakaruselli

“For the first time in a long time, a book that makes you laugh out loud. An absolutely lovely, homely feel-good book that you don’t want to end. Waiting for the next one!” – Suomalainen Kirjakauppa reader review

Mirella Mäkilä: Tampereella rempallaan, Otava, 04/2024, 320 pages

A cheerfully jubilant and humorous novel about dreams as big as Tampere and finding one’s own path.

In Roosa’s inner circle, unions like marriages or cohabitations are forming, but Roosa doesn’t even belong to a book club. Is it time to commit to something? Settling down isn’t made easier by a maybe-boyfriend living far away in Helsinki and looming efficiency measures at the drilling company. Could the solution be found in Tampere’s Petsamo, a charming neighborhood with wooden semi-detached houses, where Roosa unexpectedly inherits half of a dilapidated house? And how good of a solution is it to start running a bed and breakfast—with a chicken? As shown in the second part of the acclaimed Roosa from Tampere series, the keys to happiness are ultimately found within oneself, not in someone else’s pockets.

“Delightfully relaxed and down-to-earth reading.” – Lukulomalla

“An impossibly entertaining book!” – Luen ja syön pullaa

“If you’re looking for fun and kind-hearted reading, this book is perfect!” – Kotipuu lukemassa

“The books have rollicking humor, genuinely witty banter, and lovely characters.” – Kirjajuttuja

“I loved the first book, but I loved this one even more!” – Kirjatoukat

“A delightful summer book with funny characters, a wonderful atmosphere, and genuinely fun and clever banter.” – Suomalainen Kirjakauppa reader review

“Plus points for the book not having any toxic attitudes. Perfect pick-me-up reading and causes acute Tampere fever!” – Suomalainen Kirjakauppa reader review