love is the work

Matchmaker Katie Donald is ready to take over her cousin’s business, The Perfect Passion Company, while Ness goes on a gap year in Canada. Katie is ready to jump in and help people find love, along with the help of William, an artist who lives next door.

Clea is wanting to find love again. She is ready to start dating, but she can’t get one particular man out of her mind. She had met him about a year ago at the grocery store, and they’d had a coffee together along with a wonderful conversation. But she hadn’t seen him since and figures she missed her chance. So she’s going to take a chance on someone new.

Horatio comes from a family with a long Scottish heritage. He’s looking for someone who also comes from a significant family. Katie is reluctant to help him, as he comes across as a bit of a snob. But she realizes it’s not her place to judge her clients. So she just puts her head down and tries to find someone he could be happy with.

And while working with clients like these, Katie finds herself facing a bigger problem. She’s become close to Will. He comes to her place every morning and makes coffee, and she enjoys starting her morning by talking to him. But she can’t be falling for him. He’s told her that he’s not looking for a relationship. He’d been engaged, and it had ended badly. He’s wanting more time before jumping into something new. But Katie can’t deny her growing feelings much longer. She may be falling in love with him.

Alexander McCall Smith is known for writing stories that are gentle but compelling. His characters are smart but imperfect, and there is a sweetness that permeates the pages. Looking for You is a lovely look at modern love and friendship, told with grace and compassion and a bit of humor.

I am a big fan of Smith and his heart-warming stories. This is my first dip into the Perfect Passion Company series, but it won’t be my last. With hand-written letters between Katie and Ness, honest conversations, and references to popular culture, this love story brought joy and peace into my day, like a warm cup of tea that can be savored slowly. And there was a shoutout to one of my favorite novels, Cold Comfort Farm, so he gets bonus points from me for that one.

Egalleys for Looking for You were provided by Vintage Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.