Take a look: Pianos and Flowers

Brief Encounters of the Romantic Kind

by Alexander McCall Smith

Time with Alexander McCall Smith is always time well-spent. The author of many series, McCall Smith generally tells gentle stories with warmth and feeling. Some most enjoy the Lady Detectives, while for others, it is Bertie. Personally, my favorite is the series with Isabel Dalhousie. This title features none of the above but will be enjoyed by readers nonetheless.

This collection of fourteen stories is unique. For each, the author looked at a photo from a real newspaper archive. He then imagined a tale to go with each portrait. Readers can enjoy McCall Smith’s vivid imagination and conjuring while also imagining what stories they might write about these same pictures. All in all, a lovely read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.