The Conditions of Unconditional Love

BOOK 15 IN THE MUCH-LOVED ISABEL DALHOUSIE SERIES 'You can't go out of the house without tripping over a philosophical question.' That is a remark made by Isabel Dalhousie to Jamie, the bassoonist who is her handsome younger husband. Isabel's own life, of course, points to the truth of this observation: she seems to attract philosophical problems in much the same way as a magnet attracts iron filings. In this latest movement in the symphony of her life, Isabel is faced with novel challenges, each of which tests her resolution to do the right thing. Dawn, a nurse in an infectious diseases ward, is let down by her lover and needs a place to live. Not surprisingly, Isabel offers her a roof over her head. What do you do, though if your house-guest locks herself away and avoids all contact? And then there is the pompous and slippery Professor Robert Lettuce. He is planning a prestigious conference, and involves Isabel in it. But look at the budget: why is there such a large payment for Lettuce himself and for a young female assistant? Isabel is suspicious. Other intriguing problems abound, including Isabel's involvement in a book group threatened by discord and bickering. Isabel remains calm. Of course she does. She knows the power of love, reason, and a clear head to resolve all of these issues, and more. PRAISE FOR THE ISABEL DALHOUSIE NOVELS: 'Isabel Dalhousie's charm is undeniable' Sunday Times 'T he No. 2 Lady Detective . . . anyone who loves Precious cannot fail to be charmed' Mail on Sunday 'Delightful . . . McCall Smith is a writer who celebrates kindness, in short supply in the world today' Sunday Telegraph 'McCall Smith's greatest gift as a writer - and God knows this is just one of many - is that he can write likeable characters' N ew Statesman

BOOK 15 IN THE MUCH-LOVED ISABEL DALHOUSIE SERIES 'You can't go out of the house without tripping over a philosophical question.' That is a remark made by Isabel Dalhousie to Jamie, the bassoonist who is her handsome younger husband. Isabel's own life, of course, points to the truth of this observation: she seems to attract philosophical problems in much the same way as a magnet attracts iron filings. In this latest movement in the symphony of her life, Isabel is faced with novel challenges, each of which tests her resolution to do the right thing. Dawn, a nurse in an infectious diseases ward, is let down by her lover and needs a place to live. Not surprisingly, Isabel offers her a roof over her head. What do you do, though if your house-guest locks herself away and avoids all contact? And then there is the pompous and slippery Professor Robert Lettuce. He is planning a prestigious conference, and involves Isabel in it. But look at the budget: why is there such a large payment for Lettuce himself and for a young female assistant? Isabel is suspicious. Other intriguing problems abound, including Isabel's involvement in a book group threatened by discord and bickering. Isabel remains calm. Of course she does. She knows the power of love, reason, and a clear head to resolve all of these issues, and more. PRAISE FOR THE ISABEL DALHOUSIE NOVELS: 'Isabel Dalhousie's charm is undeniable' Sunday Times 'T he No. 2 Lady Detective . . . anyone who loves Precious cannot fail to be charmed' Mail on Sunday 'Delightful . . . McCall Smith is a writer who celebrates kindness, in short supply in the world today' Sunday Telegraph 'McCall Smith's greatest gift as a writer - and God knows this is just one of many - is that he can write likeable characters' N ew Statesman

In this book, Mary shares her personal experiences and insights on how to live a life that is pleasing to God. She offers hope and encouragement to those who are struggling, and she shows how God can use even the most difficult circumstances for our good. If you are looking for a book that will inspire you to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life, then this is the book for you. Mary's words will challenge you, comfort you, and give you the strength to overcome anything that comes your way. Unconditional love is profitable for everyone in the end. If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:1-7 NIV)

Everyone's favorite moral philosopher and amateur sleuth, Isabel Dalhousie, is back and once again finds herself facing a number of tricky situations and philosophical questions, both public and private. "McCall Smith's assessments of fellow humans are piercing and profound . . . [His] depictions of Edinburgh are vivid and seamless." -- San Francisco Chronicle It seems as if Isabel's life has fallen into a comfortable and tidy rhythm. Well, as tidy as things can be with two small boys wreaking havoc around the house. But when her husband, Jamie, invites a woman named Dawn--recently embroiled in a contentious affair with a member of Jamie's orchestra--to stay with them, things begin to go awry. Strange noises can be heard from the upper floor, even when Dawn is supposedly at work, and the couple wonders whether something more nefarious may be afoot. If that weren't enough, Professor Robert Lettuce is staging an academic conference and has asked Isabel to publish the conference papers in a special issue of the Review of Applied Ethics. But something is definitely suspect about the funding, and it will be up to Isabel to sort it out. As the truth comes to light, Isabel must once more rely on her kindness, powers of deduction and philosophical expertise to navigate these sensitive matters.

Everyone's favorite moral philosopher and amateur sleuth, Isabel Dalhousie, is back and once again finds herself facing a number of tricky situations and philosophical questions, both public and private. "McCall Smith's assessments of fellow humans are piercing and profound . . . [His] depictions of Edinburgh are vivid and seamless." -- San Francisco Chronicle It seems as if Isabel's life has fallen into a comfortable and tidy rhythm. Well, as tidy as things can be with two small boys wreaking havoc around the house. But when her husband, Jamie, invites a woman named Dawn--recently embroiled in a contentious affair with a member of Jamie's orchestra--to stay with them, things begin to go awry. Strange noises can be heard from the upper floor, even when Dawn is supposedly at work, and the couple wonders whether something more nefarious may be afoot. If that weren't enough, Professor Robert Lettuce is staging an academic conference and has asked Isabel to publish the conference papers in a special issue of the Review of Applied Ethics. But something is definitely suspect about the funding, and it will be up to Isabel to sort it out. As the truth comes to light, Isabel must once more rely on her kindness, powers of deduction and philosophical expertise to navigate these sensitive matters.

Book 15 in the beloved Isabel Dalhousie series

Book 15 in the beloved Isabel Dalhousie series