An Irish Country Christmas (Irish Country Books)

by: Patrick Taylor

Published by: Forge

Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

I have a new favorite author. Patrick Taylor, M.D. was born in Northern Ireland and has written three Irish village novels to date; An Irish Country Doctor, An Irish Country Village and An Irish Country Christmas.

Christmas is approaching and the Irish village of Ballybucklebo is quietly making preparations. It’s Dr. Barry Laverty’s first Christmas in the village. He’s looking forward to the holidays until he learns that his girlfriend, Patricia, may not be coming to visit him over the holiday.

Dr. Fingal Flahertie O’Reilly is the senior doctor in Ballybucklebo. He’s got his own problems. He’s doctoring the villagers, fighting love with Kitty O’Hallorhan, and trying to figure out how to battle a third doctor who has just come to the village.

Dr. Fitzpatrick has just arrived and is already working hard to steal the patients from the other two doctors. That’s bad enough, but his quackery and questionable cures could become a real problem for the patients.

Throughout the daily trials and successes of rural Irish life, we are given the treat of all things Christmas. There is a lot of happiness, parties, pageants and the honor of playing Santa to a family in need. Miracles are where you find them–if only you look.

One of my favorite English writers is Miss Read. She can make polishing the school potbelly stove interesting. Her stories are not deep nor fast-paced, but are just wonderful, feel-good stories. Patrick Taylor is like that. He writes what I need to read. His ability to tell a rousing good story about life in rural Ireland is a gift. His characters are quirky; there is humor, romance and a chance to see what we are missing as we move at an ever faster pace.

An Irish Country Christmas is delicious. I can’t wait to read the first two books in the series. I will be in my own little world, wishing I was in Ballybucklebo. And I will smile. I am sure of it.

Armchair Interviews says: A must read for Christmas.

Author’s Web site: http://www.PatrickTaylor.ca