A rather pleasant collection of short stories, each one based on an old photograph. ( )

This was a creative idea and, on top of that, a fun to explore physical copy. But the stories didn't ever grab me and pull me in(and I started them all). ( )

Alexander McCall Smith continues to surprise me. I read few story collections as I prefer the duration and depth of novels; seeing the development of characters and plot.

I found 2 of the 4 stories in 'Chance Developments' to be excellent, the third is good, and the first ok but it concluded too soon! I wanted to know more about Flora and what the future holds for her.

While reading the 2 excellent stories: The Women with the Beautiful Car and He Wanted to Believe in Tenderness I felt I was reading novels, especially with He Wanted to Believe in Tenderness. McCall Smith managed to incoporate significant details about each character's history and experience as well as describing their families, their feelings, hopes, adding richness. Additionally he manipulated time brilliantly making the story appear to be longer.

These stories are very different than 2 of his series I've completed to date: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series and the 44 Scotland Street series. These stories are serious and clearly more sophisticated than the 2 series. But all have love in common!

What a beautiful book to look at! I love the cover, with contents so wonderfully packaged and those five black and white photos, a touching reminder of the past. The whole idea of imagining the stories behind these photos was clever. The book was just delightful. Each story was so lovely and I found myself taking it slow, enjoying each journey as it came. Each story was unique ... I have no favourites. Loved them all. ( )

Five lovely stories imagined from five old black & white photos.AMS is a master of story telling.i particularly enjoyed the one about the Irish schoolteacher who ‘snares’ the rich man’s daughter with a devilish trick. ( )