Paul Stuart writes books about food. After his successful book on Italian food, he decides to write a weightier tome, about the philosophy of food. And as he gets his ideas together, his life falls apart. His girlfriend moves in her two cats, who Paul thinks dislike him greatly and make it difficult for him to work. So when his cousin graciously offers him the use of an empty apartment to write in (she usually has a renter, but it’s currently open), he finds himself in an awkward situation that his girlfriend completely misconstrues.

After all that drama and the ensuing breakup, Paul needs a change of scenery, and a peaceful place to concentrate on writing his new book. Cousin Chloe steps in again to save the day. She is about to head to a small town in France and she invites Paul to come along. It’s a quiet town, and he will have plenty of time to write away from home and all its distractions. He agrees, and before he knows it he’s on his way to a small town in France with what is known as the second worst restaurant in the whole country.

As time goes by, Paul makes some progress on his book. However, he also makes friends with the residents of the small town and inevitably gets pulled in to help them out with their drama. And of course he’s asked to assist at the restaurant. And as he pitches in to help others find their best lives, he finds his own way as well.

Alexander McCall Smith’s new novel The Second Worst Restaurant in France is a follow-up to last year’s My Italian Bulldozer, and it’s yet another lovely character-oriented story that reminds you of the good in the world. His graceful, gracious writing style never fails to bring me a sense of peace and calm in a stressful world. While his characters are far from perfect, they are honest and hopeful and try to leave the world a little better off.

I loved The Second Worst Restaurant in France, and I recommend this for the next time you’re struggling to remember that there is good in the world.

Galleys for The Second Worst Restaurant in France were provided by Random House through their First To Read program, with many thanks.