The fox episode put this one over to 4 stars for me. Each Isabel D book I have read has had some passage wherein she imagines what she would do if she were a fictional character and then re-asserts that no, she is real and not fictional. I haven't liked these passages because they draw attention to my act of reading the thoughts of fictional characters. They make explicit what I am happy to leave hidden behind the scrim of my suspension of disbelief. But this book did not contain that sort of passage (unless I missed it). Instead it contains a statement which describes the hook and the brilliance of this writer's novels:
[Perhaps that was what adults really wanted, searched for and rarely found: a simple story in which good triumphs against cynicism and despair. ...one did not publicise the fact too widely, certainly not in sophisticated circles. Such circles wanted complexity, dysfunction and irony: there was no room for joy, celebration or pathos. But where was the *fun* in that?]
Joy, celebration and pathos in the small moments of ordinary lives. Bless.
( )

Isabel Dalhousie and Jaimie decide to marry, Isobel used by acquaintance to intimidate ex lover and businessman, Cara engaged and breaks up with tightrope walker

For the most part I enjoyed this book as I have its predecessors. The machinations with Dove and Lettuce are entertaining. She and Jamie are happily in love.Charlie,their cute and smart little love of a son may have uppity tastes in food. Isabel is not surprised to learn that her niece Cat is dating a stunt man.

It's Isabel's thoughts about people, and the complexities of our lives, and her always trying to do better. Her love and care for those around her, including Brother Fox are the precious keys in making this a great series.

But Isabel deciding against her better judgement to help the ambitiously selfish Minty Auchterlonie was disappointing. I prefer her assisting those who deserve her assistance. But Isabel does have the last word with Minty.

And Isabel is thrilled when Jamie proposes!

A very pleasant read. The best one of the series so far. ( )

Here's Alexander McCall Smith theory of literature (or - why write? why read?) "Perhaps that was what adults really wanted, searched for and rarely found: a simple story in which good triumphs against cynicism and despair....one did not publicize the fact too widely, certainly not in sophisticated circles. Such circles wanted complexity, dysfunction and irony: there was no room for joy, celebration or pathos. But where was the fun in that?... We want resolution and and ending that show us that the world is a just place. We've always wanted that. We want human flourishing."

Human flourishing - that's what this book is about. I particularly liked her reflections on her own actions, her examination of conscience. ( )