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The Perfect Passion Company #1
Cook For Me
Katie Donald’s aunt Ness announces that she’s heading to Canada for a late-in-life gap year, asking Katie to take over management of her matchmaking bureau in her absence. Katie, who is always ready for a new challenge, enthusiastically accepts the offer, taking charge of The Perfect Passion Dating Company at No. 24 Mouse Lane in Edinburgh’s New Town. Although Katie has little in the way of direct experience, with the help of her amiable and handsome office neighbor William Kidd, she soon finds herself making matches for the lonely hearts tired of meeting online—and who want a more personal touch.
In Cook for Me, the first installment in Alexander McCall Smiths Perfect Passion Company series, Katie’s first client is a retired airline pilot named David who is looking to settle down. As Katie questions him about his previous relationships, it becomes clear David is keen on finding a partner who enjoys cooking—in particular, one who would enjoy cooking for him. Their first and most logical stop is a cooking school, thinking that this might be the perfect place to find a woman with a natural joy for cooking. Soon enough, an introduction is made that will undoubtedly lead to the fulfilment of David’s desire … but not exactly in the way he was expecting. With an innate instinct for bringing people together, Katie learns quickly on the job, developing a skill for finding out what it is that people really want. Along the way, Katie learns profound lessons about her own desires as she works at better understanding others.
For fans of Alexander McCall Smith’s many beloved series and romantic standalone novels, The Perfect Passion Company series shows him at his most perceptive, playful, and generous. In the way that only McCall Smith can, these tales offer a glimpse inside the psychology of matchmaking, the search for love and companionship, and the mysterious spark of attraction that can, at times, catch hold of us all.
In Cook for Me, the first installment in Alexander McCall Smiths Perfect Passion Company series, Katie’s first client is a retired airline pilot named David who is looking to settle down. As Katie questions him about his previous relationships, it becomes clear David is keen on finding a partner who enjoys cooking—in particular, one who would enjoy cooking for him. Their first and most logical stop is a cooking school, thinking that this might be the perfect place to find a woman with a natural joy for cooking. Soon enough, an introduction is made that will undoubtedly lead to the fulfilment of David’s desire … but not exactly in the way he was expecting. With an innate instinct for bringing people together, Katie learns quickly on the job, developing a skill for finding out what it is that people really want. Along the way, Katie learns profound lessons about her own desires as she works at better understanding others.
For fans of Alexander McCall Smith’s many beloved series and romantic standalone novels, The Perfect Passion Company series shows him at his most perceptive, playful, and generous. In the way that only McCall Smith can, these tales offer a glimpse inside the psychology of matchmaking, the search for love and companionship, and the mysterious spark of attraction that can, at times, catch hold of us all.
Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2023
177 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Alexander McCall Smith
669 books12.7k followersAlexander McCall Smith is the author of the international phenomenon The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie Series, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, and the 44 Scotland Street series. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served on many national and international bodies concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and he was a law professor at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland. Visit him online at www.alexandermccallsmith.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
April 6, 2024
I was amazed to learn that prolific author Alexander McCall Smith has begun a new series. He has written many beloved series and stand-alone books. 'Cook For Me' is the first in 'The Perfect Passion Company' series, and the second one is already available. My favourite of his series is' 44 Scotland Street', with an intriguing array of pleasant and unpleasant characters, including the adorable seven-year-old Bertie.
Smith writes with wit and wisdom, displaying a gentle philosophy of life through his characters' hearts and minds. In 'Cook For Me, ' he explores the nature of love, passion, commitment, attraction, and the search for love and companionship.
Katie has broken up with a partner who has become dull and disagreeable. Her job in London is of no interest to her. Her older cousin Ness is going to Toronto and asks her to run her dating service in Edinburgh and stay in her apartment in her absence. Katie is enthused about making the change but feels she is unqualified to run that type of service. Her poor choice of partner makes her doubt that she could succeed in match-making. Ness assures her that a neighbour, William, who knits and designs textiles, will give her excellent advice.
Her first client, David, was nervous and embarrassed about joining a dating service, but Katie put him at ease during the initial interview. She learns that he is a retired pilot and now owns a farm. He wants to meet a woman who will cook for him daily and feels that she would be the woman who would make him feel loved and secure. Katie checked all the women's files and could not find anyone who mentioned a love for cooking. She fears a failure to find a match for her first client. William suggests that David attend cooking classes where most participants are female. David finds the love of his life, and the result is very different from what he thought he wanted.
This was a perceptive and entertaining story, and I am now reading book 2 in the series, 'A Laborer in the Vineyard of Love.'
Smith writes with wit and wisdom, displaying a gentle philosophy of life through his characters' hearts and minds. In 'Cook For Me, ' he explores the nature of love, passion, commitment, attraction, and the search for love and companionship.
Katie has broken up with a partner who has become dull and disagreeable. Her job in London is of no interest to her. Her older cousin Ness is going to Toronto and asks her to run her dating service in Edinburgh and stay in her apartment in her absence. Katie is enthused about making the change but feels she is unqualified to run that type of service. Her poor choice of partner makes her doubt that she could succeed in match-making. Ness assures her that a neighbour, William, who knits and designs textiles, will give her excellent advice.
Her first client, David, was nervous and embarrassed about joining a dating service, but Katie put him at ease during the initial interview. She learns that he is a retired pilot and now owns a farm. He wants to meet a woman who will cook for him daily and feels that she would be the woman who would make him feel loved and secure. Katie checked all the women's files and could not find anyone who mentioned a love for cooking. She fears a failure to find a match for her first client. William suggests that David attend cooking classes where most participants are female. David finds the love of his life, and the result is very different from what he thought he wanted.
This was a perceptive and entertaining story, and I am now reading book 2 in the series, 'A Laborer in the Vineyard of Love.'
July 15, 2024
The first book in a new series from this prolific author is very short, just a taste to gain our interest really.
We meet Katie whose Aunt Ness is moving to Canada for a year and needs someone to run her matchmaking bureau in Edinburgh while she is gone. Katie is unsure that she has the required skills but Ness is sure she will be fine, and indeed she is, with the help of William who works next door.
I always find McCall Smith's books relaxing, intelligently written and full of lovely characters. This one is no exception. Short but sweet. I am looking forward to book two.
We meet Katie whose Aunt Ness is moving to Canada for a year and needs someone to run her matchmaking bureau in Edinburgh while she is gone. Katie is unsure that she has the required skills but Ness is sure she will be fine, and indeed she is, with the help of William who works next door.
I always find McCall Smith's books relaxing, intelligently written and full of lovely characters. This one is no exception. Short but sweet. I am looking forward to book two.
February 26, 2023
Cook For Me is a Vintage short that introduces The Perfect Passion Company series by British author, Alexander McCall Smith. It could be called serendipity: just as Katie decides to end an unsatisfactory relationship, quit an equally unsatisfactory job in London and return home to Edinburgh, her second-cousin Inverness Macpherson needs someone reliable to run her business and live in her flat while she takes a much-needed travel break. And if it all works out, Ness might make that a permanent arrangement.
So thirty-year-old Katie takes over The Perfect Passion Company, a bespoke introduction bureau. After her own less-than-successful relationship, Katie isn’t sure she’s qualified to find people their perfect match, but Ness is confident. Katie will have the very capable Dan to look after the accounts, and there’s also William next door, an Australian textile designer, whose advice, Ness claims, is always sound.
Katie’s first client, David Bannatyne is a former pilot whose main criterion for a match is someone who will cook for him. When she has been through all the files and found no likely match, she asks William’s opinion, and his laterally-thought-out idea certainly holds potential. Appealing characters, a cute twist and the prospect of further encounters with this cast promise a delightful new series.
So thirty-year-old Katie takes over The Perfect Passion Company, a bespoke introduction bureau. After her own less-than-successful relationship, Katie isn’t sure she’s qualified to find people their perfect match, but Ness is confident. Katie will have the very capable Dan to look after the accounts, and there’s also William next door, an Australian textile designer, whose advice, Ness claims, is always sound.
Katie’s first client, David Bannatyne is a former pilot whose main criterion for a match is someone who will cook for him. When she has been through all the files and found no likely match, she asks William’s opinion, and his laterally-thought-out idea certainly holds potential. Appealing characters, a cute twist and the prospect of further encounters with this cast promise a delightful new series.
February 19, 2023
On Valentine's Day, Alexander McCall Smith was offering what turned out for me to be a free short story. It was $1.99 but I turned out to have a $3.00 credit balance on Amazon from having let them deliver in five days instead of two. So, even though I had too much to do (and as always too much to read) naturally, I jumped on it (all because I didn't have to do it -- things I'm supposed to do seeming burdensome). I was momentarily intimidated upon seeing 100 pages. (A short story!) But not to worry. These were Kindle pages. The ebook with some regularity skipped every other page number and sometimes more, although at the moment I can't seem to discover how many pages it actually has. No matter. I finished at one sitting. The set-up: a young woman who has just shed her boyfriend is filling in at her older cousin's matchmaking company. Very nice. Glad to enjoy McCall Smith again. I tried a few years ago -- one of the Bertie series -- but found it too silly. Here he's back to dispensing his trademark warmth and wisdom. No passion, though, the name of the dating service (and the impending series) not withstanding. A pinch of eroticism would not be amiss.
March 26, 2023
Very enjoyable read
I love reading his books. Once in awhile, one finds an author to follow. In reading his books, about his beloved Africa or Scotland, I feel like I have learned as well as been entertained. I feel as though I know him and his values through his main characters, without anything being saccharine or overly-done. His work has a gentleness to it that relaxes me, yet invigorates my mind.
I love reading his books. Once in awhile, one finds an author to follow. In reading his books, about his beloved Africa or Scotland, I feel like I have learned as well as been entertained. I feel as though I know him and his values through his main characters, without anything being saccharine or overly-done. His work has a gentleness to it that relaxes me, yet invigorates my mind.
March 9, 2023
At just over an hour's reading, it's just the right length to narrate one episode and set up characters for future ones. If you like Alexander McCall Smith, you will quite enjoy this. As usual, it has a high concentration of people talking about or thinking about their backstories, alongside a minimalist plot.
I was quite entertained by this tale, along with its various witticisms.
There were a surprising number of typos, though.
I was quite entertained by this tale, along with its various witticisms.
There were a surprising number of typos, though.
February 19, 2023
I enjoyed this first installment of "The Perfect Passion Company," about a match-making service. It is classic Alexander McCall Smith: sweet, thoughtful, and sometimes even funny. I look forward to the second installment :)
June 9, 2023
How does he do it? Another new series. Takes place in Edinburgh, where I always expect to see other well-known characters like Isobel, Jamie, or Bertie and his horrible mother. This was basically a short story, and I probably will succumb to the charm of The Perfect Passion Dating Company when the next installment appears, although really, none of the other series compares in my mind to The Number One Ladies Detective Agency which has much more substance.
February 16, 2023
A lovely short read
Is there ever anything more easy and comforting than an Alexander McCall Smith story? This one is no exception. A quick read but delightful the whole way through. I think I’d like to live in an Alexander McCall Smith story.
Is there ever anything more easy and comforting than an Alexander McCall Smith story? This one is no exception. A quick read but delightful the whole way through. I think I’d like to live in an Alexander McCall Smith story.
February 17, 2023
Lovely and satisfying!
Fun little tale of matchmaking and finding unexpected love. I look forward to the next installment. Alexander McCall Smith never disappoints!
Fun little tale of matchmaking and finding unexpected love. I look forward to the next installment. Alexander McCall Smith never disappoints!
February 17, 2023
Lovely. Just lovely
Ams' books often leave you feeling like you've had a wonderful hug! Really really really really just loved it! Thanks again!
Ams' books often leave you feeling like you've had a wonderful hug! Really really really really just loved it! Thanks again!
February 17, 2023
Lovely Read
As is usual for McCall Smith, a wonderful short novel. Great characters and a happy story. I would have enjoyed more, but this was a nice bit.
As is usual for McCall Smith, a wonderful short novel. Great characters and a happy story. I would have enjoyed more, but this was a nice bit.
October 18, 2023
A sampling of smith’s voice.
March 31, 2024
adorable!
May 4, 2025
This was the perfect easy read. Alexander McCall Smith writes sparky characters in ordinary people. Light Rom Com, easy to follow. It does exactly what it sets out to do.
August 18, 2023
Hurrah, a new series begins! This novella introduces the main characters -- Katie who is taking on a dating service business, William who helps with this and also knits wonderful sweaters, and the start of a funny and romantic collection of stories that I look forward to reading.
September 2, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book.
Alexander McCall Smith’s Perfect Passion Company series’ tales offer a glimpse of matchmaking: the search for love and companionship; the mysterious spark of attention that can, at times, catch hold of all of us.
I’m looking forward to read more of this trilogy.
Alexander McCall Smith’s Perfect Passion Company series’ tales offer a glimpse of matchmaking: the search for love and companionship; the mysterious spark of attention that can, at times, catch hold of all of us.
I’m looking forward to read more of this trilogy.
June 1, 2023
New characters, great setting - Edinburgh - charming plot lines and as always beautiful writing. Looking forward to the next instalment.
June 18, 2023
Loved this book, but it was far too short! Looking forward to getting to know the characters better in the next instalment.
June 18, 2024
Light-hearted romance short story.
April 16, 2024
Enjoyed this and keen for more in the series..to short!
August 28, 2023
Delightful, I look forward to the next book in the series.
March 11, 2023
Always a twist, always a bit if wonder
My heart beats in Scotland, the rest of me is somewhere else. Alexander always gets where his characters hearts are… even if they aren’t sure themselves.
I’ve read countless books he’s written & he is a genius for getting up inside people’s heads… people of all ages, sexes, in places everywhere. But, he lives in their present with palpable knowing, bringing characters to life, often continuing their lives into the future when he writes one of his beloved series books.
In “Cook for Me,” he touches the vulnerability of intimacy, love, needs and wants, truth and the tales we sometimes tell ourselves instead of truth. He blends a character’s past and present so believably, it’s like being with an old friend… each one crafted with its own vocabulary of feelings, thoughts, beliefs… not just words.
His plots are often quirky and this one sets us on a course that might have its share of twists and turns as the series evolves because his characters, like all of us, are beset with life’s twists & turns and react & respond authentically.
This is a genre McCall Smith does remarkably well. My only regret is that the book wasn’t longer… but, the author is whetting my appetite for what’s yet to savor, devour, enjoy. I’ll be coming back for the next course, to be sure!
Loved it!
My heart beats in Scotland, the rest of me is somewhere else. Alexander always gets where his characters hearts are… even if they aren’t sure themselves.
I’ve read countless books he’s written & he is a genius for getting up inside people’s heads… people of all ages, sexes, in places everywhere. But, he lives in their present with palpable knowing, bringing characters to life, often continuing their lives into the future when he writes one of his beloved series books.
In “Cook for Me,” he touches the vulnerability of intimacy, love, needs and wants, truth and the tales we sometimes tell ourselves instead of truth. He blends a character’s past and present so believably, it’s like being with an old friend… each one crafted with its own vocabulary of feelings, thoughts, beliefs… not just words.
His plots are often quirky and this one sets us on a course that might have its share of twists and turns as the series evolves because his characters, like all of us, are beset with life’s twists & turns and react & respond authentically.
This is a genre McCall Smith does remarkably well. My only regret is that the book wasn’t longer… but, the author is whetting my appetite for what’s yet to savor, devour, enjoy. I’ll be coming back for the next course, to be sure!
Loved it!
September 15, 2024
Another little gem from Alexander McCall Smith, just an introduction really, the following books hopefully with a little more substance.
Ness, Katie's Aunt is off to Canada, leaving Katie to hold the fort for her love match business. Katie is a little hesitant at first but meets up with the first client, who for a modern day girl such as she is, displays abhorrent thoughts at this client's request. However, with the suggestion from the rather good looking Australian next door, William, she enrolls the client into the same cooking class as William and it's here where the magic happens between the pupil and the teacher.
Meanwhile, the author eludes to the unspoken attraction Katie and William have to each other even though William is engaged to an Australian girl, what will evolve and how will Katie manage the next client?
Ness, Katie's Aunt is off to Canada, leaving Katie to hold the fort for her love match business. Katie is a little hesitant at first but meets up with the first client, who for a modern day girl such as she is, displays abhorrent thoughts at this client's request. However, with the suggestion from the rather good looking Australian next door, William, she enrolls the client into the same cooking class as William and it's here where the magic happens between the pupil and the teacher.
Meanwhile, the author eludes to the unspoken attraction Katie and William have to each other even though William is engaged to an Australian girl, what will evolve and how will Katie manage the next client?
March 11, 2023
A young woman is asked to take over a matchmaking company by her older cousin who is taking a trip to Canada. Katie has no experience at all with this kind of business, and her first customer is a man who is really looking for a wife who can cook for him. William, a knitting artist has his business next door to the Perfect Passion Company and helps Katie arrange for David to attend a cooking school where it's hoped he will find his wife in the class. And Katie is attracted to William, but he has a fiancee living in Australia.
I always look forward to Alexander McCall Smith's books, and this one is the beginning of a new series. His books are always fun to read. I'm looking forward to other books in the series.
I always look forward to Alexander McCall Smith's books, and this one is the beginning of a new series. His books are always fun to read. I'm looking forward to other books in the series.
February 24, 2023
This was a Kindle special for Valentine's Day, and I generally (but not always) enjoy what AMcS writes, so I bought it. I'm a little late getting it read, not because it was long (it was very short) but because I had to make myself finish it. Seriously, this was bad. I love Mma Ramotswe and her tales of Botswana, but AMcS's more modern western stuff just really doesn't work as well for me. I hated everyone in this book. They were all annoying and I just didn't care. Sorry, AMcS. You're brilliant, but this was not my cuppa.
This is the first of a series, and some things were left hanging, but I think I'll be able to avoid the rest of them, no problem.
This is the first of a series, and some things were left hanging, but I think I'll be able to avoid the rest of them, no problem.
April 3, 2023
I'm a huge fan of AMS' work, so when I saw that he'd started a new series I couldn't resist taking a look. I'd love to live in AMS' world, where people tend to act ethically and those who don't get their come-uppance. If only the real world were the same!
This is a short story, albeit a fairly long one, and it's priced accordingly compared to his full-length books. That didn't detract in any way from my enjoyment. I liked the way that the characters were introduced and enjoyed, as always, the way that they interact.
I will definitely look out for the next in the series, and I recommend this one to others.
This is a short story, albeit a fairly long one, and it's priced accordingly compared to his full-length books. That didn't detract in any way from my enjoyment. I liked the way that the characters were introduced and enjoyed, as always, the way that they interact.
I will definitely look out for the next in the series, and I recommend this one to others.
April 10, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ I would have rated higher however the spelling/grammar errors bothered me (Kindle version) Ialso found myself looking up the meaning of several words. I really dislike doing that often and I felt that it simply wasn’t necessary to the book itself.
At times, the wording in conversations between William and Katie were a bit off. I don’t see 30 year olds speaking so “Old school’ in 2023. For example, ending sentences with ‘you see’.
In saying all that it was a really cute read that sets up future books in the series quite nicely.
At times, the wording in conversations between William and Katie were a bit off. I don’t see 30 year olds speaking so “Old school’ in 2023. For example, ending sentences with ‘you see’.
In saying all that it was a really cute read that sets up future books in the series quite nicely.
February 18, 2023
Lovely characters and surprising twists.
Another study of genteel characters in beautiful settings. Smith's wonderful use of imagery is consistent in all of his works. You want to be there to see the lush landscapes and breathe the clean air. I will recommend this to other Smith fans. The short story form would be a nice introduction for new Smith readers as well. Can't wait for the next installment!
Another study of genteel characters in beautiful settings. Smith's wonderful use of imagery is consistent in all of his works. You want to be there to see the lush landscapes and breathe the clean air. I will recommend this to other Smith fans. The short story form would be a nice introduction for new Smith readers as well. Can't wait for the next installment!
March 23, 2023
essential AMS
I love all his works/stories. And just really enjoyed this read. It has a sense of place, a sense of characters, a sense of destiny, or fate? It has a sense of time, yet it seems timeless - it could have been Edinburgh in the 80/90/20/2010//2020/ 2030///… It is not even necessarily scottish, but it felt very similar to me and another reason that I loved it. A short story, with a promise, and several stories in between.
I love all his works/stories. And just really enjoyed this read. It has a sense of place, a sense of characters, a sense of destiny, or fate? It has a sense of time, yet it seems timeless - it could have been Edinburgh in the 80/90/20/2010//2020/ 2030///… It is not even necessarily scottish, but it felt very similar to me and another reason that I loved it. A short story, with a promise, and several stories in between.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews