Bertie loses one therapist but gains Cub Scouts, Cyril's puppies are sold, Matthew almost drowns on honeymoon in Australia

The fifth novel if the 44 Scotland Street series finds Bertie longing to join the Cub Scouts, Matthew marrying Bertie's teacher Elsbeth Harmony, Domenica feeling lonely, and Angus dealing with the outcome of his dog Cyril's romantic entanglements (6 puppies). Pat is not in this volume, but Bruce is back in all his narcissistic splendor. He gets engaged to a wealthy woman and thinks his life is made until it all falls apart and he has to reconsider his life.

McCall Smith has constructed a lovely world full of gentle, good hearted people. In our troubled times, I wish we could actually transport ourselves into this world. ( )

Worthwhile read but a bit choppy.

Some of the notable parts include a marriage, a death, a dolphin, an important painting, a potential maturing of a certain man (let's see if that lasts), and a fun bit of high drama between Domenica, Angus and Antonia. And of course, there is always the wonderful Bertie!

And and at the end a beautiful poem which I absolutely needed NOW.

This was another light and enjoyable book in Alexander McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street series. A variety of characters (some endearing, some exasperating, all entertaining) are woven into this episodic novel which was originally published a chapter each day in The Scotsman newspaper. There are some parts that will have you laughing out loud, and finding someone to listen to you read the funny bits. The stories take place in Edinburgh and, as most of McCall Smith's novels can be described, it is "delightful," "sweet," "gentle," and "charming." ( )

Seems like this book was more about Domenica and her life and James and his relationship with Pat.