FMA Manga box set question

[Naterkix]

I recently bought the full series box set of the Fullmetal Alchemist box set, which comes with a novel called The Ties that Bond. What I wanted to know is if that book takes place anywhere between the manga volumes or after or if it even matters. I haven't read all the volumes yet so I'd like to know beforehand, especially if it takes into account some plot point or another I haven't even gotten to yet.

[lemmingllama]

Heres the description from amazon

It's only been a year since the Elric brothers set out on their journey to find the elusive Philosopher's Stone. But a lot has happened in that short time. For one thing, Edward has become an official State Alchemist. And, as such, he often finds himself in the thick of one dangerous situation after another.

Now, sidelined with a fever in a remote village, Edward is unexpectedly reunited with a childhood friend. Even though he's become a valuable member of his country's military organization, Edward can't help feeling a pang of jealousy. While he and his brother's fate is inexorably bound to recent life-altering events, his friend is busy studying to become a doctor and making his dreams come true. Suddenly, Edward starts questioning the purpose of his life.

Stories from the childhood of Edward and Alphonse Elric--not seen in either the manga or anime! Also includes the heartwarming story, "Roy's Holiday," featuring Colonel Mustang and Lieutenant Colonel Hughes.

[Naterkix]

So, by the last paragraph, it sounds like it's a stand alone that takes place whenever the reader decides it does.

An interesting side note about the box set: I noticed the standalone vol. 27 doesn't release untill December in the US (or at least from what Amazon said) so I checked the print date on the one in the box set I got. It says December 2011. So either my box set fell through a time vortex or something awesome occurred.

EDIT: Amazon's description of the book is for the wrong book. The review for this book is correct with it's details so someone made an error and used the description of one of the other FMA novels.

EDIT 2: After finishing vol. 6 I looked at the back cover of the novel. Judging by it's description, and after starting to read it, it definitely takes place right before the end of vol. 6 (during the Elric's trip to see Mrs. Curtis in Dublith).