Memoir — Between Us
This is my first memoir. It is based on letters we wrote to each other in the 1970s. We were pen pals for two years. But it’s more than that. An immigrant girl’s search for meaning and purpose.
Inspirational. Authentic. Romantic.
The moment I knew something had to change
“Between Us” is a captivating story of faith and budding love transcending borders between two young people. Set in Canada and Finland, it follows an immigrant girl’s quest for adventure and self-discovery. Her journey intertwines with the timeless art of a pen pal relationship with a seminary student. As their connection deepens and letters cross continents, the story explores the complexities of a possible long-distance love. They confront obstacles and setbacks with unwavering determination.
Midst the backdrop of cultural exploration and personal growth, “Between Us” explores the transformative power of connection. It raises questions about God’s will in the pursuit of life goals. Join Pirkko on a journey of resilience and romance. She navigates the complexities of life’s choices, focusing on ministry, prayer, and faith. She finds enduring strength in trusting God. Is there a future when Pirkko’s insecurities, vulnerabilities and anxieties threaten this deepening relationship?
Buy from Amazon: eBook or Paperback.
What readers are saying:
Reviews
Review July 2024
This memoir is more than just a love story…it’s a story of faith and courage. Pirkko is a Finnish immigrant in Canada whose values are rooted in her Christian faith. The account of her meeting, falling in love with, and marrying a Finnish man is captivating as well as inspiring. Through the letters they write to each other, readers can sense their love for God. Readers can also see their commitment to following God’s plan for their lives. Their devotion to God serves as an excellent model for young people. It encourages them to follow in all areas of their lives, not just in romance. Pirkko’s writing style is engaging and beautiful. I could relate to many parts of her story as an immigrant. As a Christian, I found myself aspiring to follow God at every turn, just like the author. Mabel Ninan.
“A refreshing easy to read story of a young Canadian Christian girl finding her way.”
“Captivating story of two strangers across the ocean.”
“A must read.”
“It was hard to put down. So many challenges and hurdles in this romantic journey.”
“The author takes you through the struggles of forming a long distance relationship. They are also trying to discover God’s will for their lives.”
“A refreshing story.”
Novel — The Other Child
My novel published at the same time as our move to Southern Ontario. About a week after I launched my debut novel my husband and I left our hometown. We are originally from Northwestern Ontario. We moved to Southern Ontario. It wasn’t easy to leave behind the life as we had lived for over 40 years! Transitioning from your old life to a new one in a new city is not easy. With God’s help and an attitude of gratitude, it works well. This approach lessens anxiety.
Here a blog about it. https://pirkkorytkonen.com/personal
If you’ve known adversity in life you can relate to Emma’s story. My latest move required a lot of adjusting into a new life. It also required a new attitude. Emma needs a lot of attitude changes. She, too, needed to adjust to life changes. This was not only when she moved to Canada from Sweden as a young teenager. It was also after she met her adult son for the first time.
Give yourself, or someone else the gift of reading, while at the same time encouraging a new author.
Check out my newly created YouTube channel.
THE OTHER CHILD ebook
THE OTHER CHILD paperback
An emotional story of a young woman’s life and her constant struggles with family issues. Although it’s categorized women’s contemporary fiction this book is for men, too.
The Other Child
A DECADES-OLD SECRET SHATTERS A FAMILY
Meet Emma Jorgens, a thirty-seven-year-old former nanny who’s now crunching numbers in Toronto’s financial district. She’s got a happy family and a solid career—and she’s convinced herself that her past will stay buried forever.
But then, out of nowhere, nineteen-year-old Mathias Smith shows up at her doorstep. He’s the living reminder of a teenage love she thought she’d left behind. Life instantly gets complicated. Little does Emma know, Mathias is hiding a secret that drives his erratic behavior, eventually landing him behind bars.
Suddenly, Emma finds herself caught up in Mathias’s struggles, jeopardizing her own family’s stability. Can she support him without sacrificing her sanity and her marriage? And when faced with her son’s addiction, will she keep the truth hidden from her husband? After a lifetime of secrets, can Emma let go of guilt and embrace forgiveness?
Get ready for a gripping emotional tale about a mother’s relentless journey through love and addiction.
I can’t wait for you to read the book. Here’s my Facebook author page.
Reviews
Review from Goodreads June, 2021
The Other Child, the novel covers tough topics such as adoption and addiction. The story had my attention from cover to cover. Throughout the book I wanted to read ‘just one more chapter’ to find out what happened next. Highly recommended!
Review from Amazon November, 2022
Emma’s life appears perfect on the outside, an image she struggles to keep up. But the strain of keeping secrets is affecting her and her marriage. When a son she gave up for adoption reappears in her life, she is overjoyed. However, she is afraid to tell her husband and daughter. Things get more complicated when she discovers that her son is an addict. Feeling guilty about the past, she overcompensates by bailing him out of trouble while neglecting her family’s needs. She gives up trying to control the situation. She admits the truth to her husband. Then God can heal her family.
