In a very fraught time lately -- both in the world and in my personal life - discovering there were 2 new Isabel Dalhousie books I'd not yet read was like treasure!

And this one was just what the doctor ordered. Good for my spirit, laugh out loud funny in places, and so intelligent and thoughtful. I adore Isabel (and Jamie, too, of course). ( )

This book is an enjoyable addition to the Isabel Dalhousie series. ( )

In this installment of the beloved Isabel Dalhousie series, Isabel is called upon to navigate complex social situations both at home and in her community.
A new baby brings an abundance of joy to Isabel and her husband, Jamie—but almost-four-year-old Charlie refuses to acknowledge Magnus, and Isabel struggles to impress upon her older son the patience and understanding that have guided her throughout her own life.
These are the very qualities that bring Bea Shandon, an old acquaintance, to seek Isabel's help. Something of a matchmaker, Bea has introduced a wealthy female friend to a cosmetic surgeon, but soon uncovers information leading her to doubt his motives. Isabel agrees to find out more, but as her enquiries take an unexpected turn, she starts to wonder whom exactly she should be investigating. As ever, Isabel's intelligence, wit, and empathy come to her aid as she grapples with issues like friendship and its duties, the obligation of truthfulness, and the...

After recovering from the birth of her second son Magnus, philosopher Isabel Dalhousie returns to her usual work and family life; this includes taking on occasional shifts at her niece Cat’s cafe. During one such shift, an old schoolmate drops by to ask for her help: it seems the schoolmate has made a reputation as a matchmaker, an activity in which she normally revels, but word has come to her that one recent such effort may well have put the woman in danger of financial shenanigans by the man. Asked for her help, of course Isabel cannot refuse and so she begins asking questions of various parties involved, but the answers she receives are far different than what her schoolmate had been told…. I somehow missed this entry in the Sunday Philosophy Club series, although I read the book after it (“The Quiet Side of Passion”) soon after it came out. What I like about this series in particular is that nothing much happens in it at all; instead, we’re treated to Isabel’s frequent ruminations on the ethics of both very minor and very major events and incidents in life; how one’s proximity to need should inform one’s offer of help, for example, or whether someone should take gossip for fact or indeed contribute to it. I always find Mr. Smith’s stories to be soothing, and I mean that in the most positive light - certainly in these dark times, a gentle little fable can go a long way toward easing one’s troubled soul! I generally think that long-running series (this is number 11 or 12) should be read in sequence, but I’m not sure how important that is with this set; in any case, recommended. ( )

Series is consistenly strong, appealing and humorous. Isabel, philosopher, wife and now the mother of 2, once again agrees to help someone. This time she assists a matchmaker who was told that a male guest at one of her dinners might be a risk to her female guests.

Against the back drop of Isabel's moral compass, her mature analytical and realistic thought processes, her love and respect of people and country she does her best to accept people as they are. Of course, her human side often finds people challenging, i.e. niece Cat, and now Cat's young restaurant assistant, Eddie is behaving badly toward a new employee, husband Jamie is keeping a medical issue a secret from her causing her to speculate anxiously, and Grace is well.... Grace.

As always, Isabel sorts out the professional and private sides of her life, and resolves the case of the 'risky' male guest.

Another strong read!