There are things to know about Alexander McCall Smith’s books. He is a writer like no other current writer that I know of. He writes prolifically; it seems like another AMS book is always coming out. He writes from the soul; his books may not have a lot of plot to keep you turning the pages to see what comes next, but you keep turning the pages because these words are a balm to a damaged spirit. You fall in love with his characters, whether you want to or not; you may not like someone when they first turn up on the scene, but by the end of the book you don’t want the story to end because you just want to spend more time with these lovely new friends.

A Time of Love and Tartans is definitely in that AMS universe. As you wander through Scotland, spending time with dear friends, you know you are in the hands of a master storyteller. Whether it’s seven-year-old Bertie Pollock and his friend Ranald running through the woods and possibly finding treasure or Bertie’s father Stuart negotiating with his wife Irene on how best to campaign for a promotion at work, the warmth and assuredness of the Scottish character comes shining through.

A Time of Love and Tartans is the twelfth installment of the 44 Scotland Series, and it’s all charm and personality, like all of AMS’s books. The delightful story of Matthew in the bookshop is more than worth the price of admission on this one, as he finds himself caught by his former English professor as he looks through Fifty Shades to see what all the fuss is about. Matthew’s reaction is charmingly awkward, making an embarrassing situation into a potential crime.

Add to that parents of triplets trying to find a male au pair to help them out (Spanish, if possible), the local anthropologist getting to entertain visitors from Rwanda, and Pat trying to decide if she should take up her ex-boyfriend’s offer to start a business together. There is always something afoot on Scotland Street, and we are the lucky ones who get to take a nearby seat and experience it all.

I love Alexander McCall Smith both for what his books include and leave out. There’s not a lot of violence, no swearing, no gun fights or excessive sex. What they do have is grace, heart, love, honesty, dignity, and sometimes even a little magic. A Time of Love and Tartan is a balm for a tired soul, and my tired soul is incredibly grateful for anything Alexander McCall Smith has written.

I actually listened to this on audio, and narrator Robert Ian McKenzie brought it all to life in a really beautiful way. If you need to get away for a while, I suggest a trip to Scotland Street. Make yourself a cup of tea and have a great trip!

Galleys for A Time of Love and Tartan were provided by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group through NetGalley, but I bought the audio version myself, thanks to Audible.