An Irish Country Courtship: A Novel (Irish Country Books, 5) - Perfect for Book Clubs, Vacation Reading & Irish Literature Fans

It's time to visit Ballybucklebo again and peek into the lives of Barry Laverty and his mentor, Dr. Fingal O'Reilly. After looking back in time to learn more about Kinky Kincaid's childhood in An Irish Country Girl, the author picks up where we left the two doctors in An Irish Country Christmas. Each is learning to appreciate the other and even, possibly, anticipating a permanent partnership. Before that can occur, however, Barry suffers a serious heartbreak and begins to question if the life of a GP is enough to satisfy him. He enjoys obstetrics so much; would he be happier as a specialist? Or would he miss the small town life and the benefit of its comaraderie and warmth too much? Meanwhile, Fingal is immersed in matters of his own heart. Growing fonder by the day of his school-time love, Kitty O'Hallorhan, he works to find the strength to lay down his memories of his dead wife and to acknowledge his love for Kitty. Thankfully, the two doctors are kept busy by a variety of interesting events in the village that keep them from growing morose or despondent. They take on the roles of sleuths as they search for the source of a confusing outbreak of ringworm and as public defenders when they take up arms against a councilman who is taking unfair advantage of his workers. Life in Ballybucklebo, we are reminded, is never dull and, as Barry's heart begins to heal and open up again to the possibility of love, he just might find it enough to satisfy his longing.I enjoy these books so much. The author has a wonderful way with words and, though the books are sentimental, they are never so in a cloying or "sappy" way. His characters are so full-bodied and real that it's easy to believe that there really is a Ballybucklebo and the author has just written about the people he's met there. Too, the books are enriched by his layman's explanations of medical facts as well as Irish history and culture, all of which are given in a way that flows well with the story. He teaches his subject well, creating books that satisfy the intellect as well as the heart and he writes so captivatingly that one can't help but feel sad when the last page is turned. I am certainly looking forward to the next book in the series, which promises a glimpse into the life of young Dr. O'Reilly! FIVE STARS!