Staff Pick
Alexander McCall Smith delivers a sweet story here, but it is not without some angst. Clover has loved James all of her life, but she feels him drifting away from her as they both leave their home in the Cayman Islands for boarding school in England. At the same time, Clover's parents seem to be drifting apart as well. McCall Smith's clean, straightforward prose and his subtle, sly wit give this story both happiness and heartbreak. If you love any of his many hilarious and charming series, try his standalone novels; they have a bit of heft and a lot of heart. Recommended By Dianah H., Powells.com