Alexander McCall Smith is a prolific author. Even with all of the various series that Smith writes, I can always count on an annual installment of his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series, one of my all-time favorite book series.

The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon marks the fourteenth book in the series. So far, the series has not grown stale and with every book, the character development has grown richer. As the series continues, there has been a subtle shift away from the mystery solving element and a bigger emphasis on the characters personal lives.

In this book, Mma Makutsi has given birth to her first child and is on maternity leave from the detective agency. Mma Ramotswe quickly learns the value of Mma Makutsi, not only as an employee, but also as a dear friend. This book is a sweet ode to their friendship.

There is also a great side story involving Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni's efforts to become a more modern husband. It made me laugh-out-loud, which is a rarity in Smith's books, which are always funny, but not enough to elicit such a big reaction from me. They most often leave me with a smile.

If you've never had the pleasure of reading a book from this series, then go get one now! I highly recommend starting with the first, however each book stands on its own and you would easily be able to understand the characters and their relationships. What you would miss if you read them out of sequence is the evolution of the characters, which is an aspect of the series that I've really loved.

These books will make you feel good. I liken them to an episode of Little House on the Prairie, sweet stories with a moral lesson and endearing characters. They are my happy spot!