Meet Me in Winona

Book excerpt: In the late 1800s, the bright sun shining on upper Michigan's Copper Country reflects all the way to Finland. It welcomes impoverished Finlander Matt Aho to a flourishing life in the small town of Winona. He makes his way to America before the turn of the century, eager to create a new home for his wife and children. Years later, when Matt finally summons his family to join him, his daughter, Juliana, must leave behind the man she loves to take the long journey across the sea. For Juliana, her relationship with Frans Lammi defines and shapes her future, and she cannot imagine life without him. Being apart brings great pain to them both, but Frans resolves to join Juliana as soon as he possibly can. When that great day comes, Juliana and Frans embrace their future together in this amazing country, marry, and start a family. Frans works in the copper mines, a difficult and deadly occupation, while Juliana keeps their home and gives birth to eight children. Throughout all the hardships and struggles, their deep love sustains them, creating a treasured legacy for their children. A moving testament to the challenges faced by immigrants and filled with the history of upper Michigan, Meet Me in Winona is also a touching love story filled with hope and courage.