An Irish Country Welcome by Patrick Taylor

(Irish Country #15)
368 pages / 13 hrs, 5 mins

"In the close-knit Northern Irish village of Ballybucklebo, it’s said that a new baby brings its own welcome. Young doctor Barry Laverty and his wife Sue are anxiously awaiting their first child, but as the community itself prepares to welcome a new decade, the closing months of 1969 bring more than a televised moon landing to Barry, his friends, his neighbors, and his patients, including a number of sticky questions.

"A fledgling doctor joins the practice as a trainee, but will the very upper-class Sebastian Carson be a good fit for the rough and tumble of Irish country life? And as sectarian tensions rise elsewhere in Ulster, can a Protestant man marry the Catholic woman he dearly loves, despite his father’s opposition? And who exactly is going to win the award for the best dandelion wine at this year’s Harvest Festival?" --from the publisher

Love this series! I'm sure these characters are real people living in some kind of Brigadoon-like state in Ireland. One day I'll find them in "The Mucky Duck" (pub) and we'll spend the evening telling stories. This installment included a lot of detail on medical procedures, and it dragged a bit in those parts (for me).

An Irish Country Family by Patrick Taylor

 (Irish Country #14)

368 pages / 14 hrs, 1 min

"Before Doctor Barry Laverty joined Doctor Fingal O'Reilly's practice in the colorful Irish village of Ballybucklebo, he was an intern, working long hours, practicing new medical techniques, falling in love, and learning what is most important in the medical field for a family physician--the bonds of family, friendships, and human kindness.

"Years later, Barry practices everything he has learned in Ballybucklebo, a lovely village where neighbor looks after neighbor. And while his own efforts to start a family with his wife Sue have been frustrated, the community around him couldn't be stronger as they work together to show their solidarity."

Well, it is bound to happen when you have an exceptional series. Once in awhile a book is merely "very good." In my opinion, the story lacked substance and some themes were repetitious. Still, I love the characters and their thoughtfulness toward each other. We could all do with a little more Ballybucklebo in our lives. I give it three out of five stars. 

An Irish Country Cottage by Patrick Taylor

An Irish Country Cottage by Patrick Taylor
(Irish Country #13)
352 pages / 12 hrs, 25 mins

"The New Year brings challenges and changes to the colorful Irish village of Ballybucklebo. The Christmas holidays have barely passed before a fire engulfs the humble thatched cottage housing of Donal Donnelly and his family. Although the family escapes the blaze more or less unsinged, Donal, his wife, their three small children, and their beloved dog find themselves with nothing left but the clothes on their back...

"Meanwhile, matters of procreation occupy the doctors and their patients. Young Barry Laverty and his wife Sue, frustrated in their efforts to start a family, turn to modern medicine for answers. O'Reilly must tread carefully as he advises a married patient on how to avoid another dangerous pregnancy.

"As a new and tumultuous decade approaches, sectarian division threaten[s] to bring unrest to Ulster, but in Ballybucklebo at least, peace still reigns and neighbors look after neighbors."  --from the publisher

It's a nice installment in the series, but I didn't think it was outstanding.  It ends without resolving a few of the stories, and that's always a negative in my opinion.  Still, the characters and setting are entertaining.  I gave it three stars out of five.

An Irish Doctor in Love and at Sea by Patrick Taylor

An Irish Doctor in Love and at Sea by Patrick Taylor
(Irish Country #10)
496 pages / 18 hrs, 33 mins

"Long before Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly came to the colorful Irish village of Ballybucklebo, young Surgeon-lieutenant O'Reilly answered the call of duty to serve in World War II.  Fingal just wants to marry his beloved Deirdre and live happily every after. First he must hone his skills at a British naval hospital before reporting back to the HMS Warspite, where, as a ship's doctor, he faces danger upon the high seas...

"Decades later, the war is long over, and O'Reilly is content to mend the bodies and souls of his patients in Ballybucklebo...

"Shifting effortlessly between two singular eras, bestselling author Patrick Taylor continues the story of O'Reilly's wartime experiences, while vividly bringing the daily joys and struggles of Ballybucklebo to life once more."  --from the publisher

I love this series and the people and places seem so real to me.  That said, this book was just too long.  Heavy sigh.  It needed fewer words or more action.

An Irish Country Practice by Patrick Taylor

An Irish Country Practice by Patrick Taylor
(Irish Country #12)
384 pages / 13 hrs, 35 mins

"Once, not too long ago, there was just a single Irish country doctor tending to the lively little village of Ballybucklebo: Doctor Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly. Now his thriving practice is growing by leaps and bounds.

"Not only has O'Reilly taken a new trainee under his wing, Doctor Connor Nelson, he's also added a spirited Labrador puppy to his ever-expanding household at Number One Main Street. Meanwhile, his trusted partner, young Doctor Barry Laverty, finds himself wondering if he's truly ready to settle down and start a family with is lovely fiancee, Sue.

"As the doctors cope with domestic and professional challenges, they also look after their patients and their ailments, including a mysterious cough, a housewife whose frequent 'accidents' may have a disturbing cause, and a respected colleague who might be succumbing to an old vice.

"All is not sickness and worry, however. There's plenty of joy and merriment to be found as well, from a visiting circus to racing to sailing...and maybe even a happy ending or two."

These books are like taking a charming walk in the countryside, and the characters are your faithful, quirky neighbors.  They are especially nice to listen to when you are sitting in traffic.