An Irish Country Welcome

Irish Country #15

by Patrick Taylor

An Irish Country Welcome is a charming entry in Patrick Taylor's internationally bestselling Irish Country series.



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?

But while Barry and Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly and their fellow physicians deal with everything from brain surgery to a tractor accident to a difficult pregnancy, there's still time to share the comforting joys and pleasures of this very special place: fly-fishing, boat races, and even the town's very first talent competition!

Welcome back to Ballybucklebo, as vividly brought to life by a master storyteller.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Ireland, Audiobook, Adult, Irish Literature, Literary Fiction

621 pages, Hardcover

First published October 6, 2020

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Patrick Taylor, M.D., is the author of the Irish Country books, including An Irish Country Doctor, An Irish Country Village, An Irish Country Christmas, An Irish Country Girl, and An Irish Country Courtship. Taylor was born and raised in Bangor, County Down, in Northern Ireland. After qualifying as a specialist in 1969, he worked in Canada for thirty-one years. He now lives on Saltspring Island, British Columbia.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/patric...

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an ongoing fictional account of Dr Barry Laverty's time as a GP in the small rural Irish village of Ballybucklebo in Ulster, not far from Belfast. Barry and his wife are finally expecting their first child after some fertility problems and are now looking forward to the birth. The practice has taken on a new trainee, Sebastian Carson, an uppercrust Cambridge graduate, who Barry and his senior partner Dr Fingal O'Reilly are not sure will fit in with the locals. The year is 1969 and although Catholics and Protestants live happily side by side in Ballybucklebo sectarian tension are rising in Belfast and breaking out into violence.

On the whole, this is a cosy village drama filled with the everyday life of the doctors and the villagers, including a cast of very engaging Irish characters. Patrick Taylor grew up in Ireland and writes fondly of the culture and the people in his entertaining tales. Many of the medical specialists in his book are real doctors he has worked with or are based on real people as are many of the experience he describes. There are some quite explicit medical scenes in the book, including brain surgery, the emergency delivery of a breech baby and Barry and Sue's own delivery. I love medical dramas on TV and in books so found this all fascinating but I know it won't appeal to everyone. However, you could just skip over those bits if they bother you and enjoy the doctors interactions with their patients, fly fishing, attending harvest festivals, as well as the descriptions of the beautiful countryside, in particular a trip to the Giant's Causeway.

With thanks to Macmillan-Tor/Forge and Netgalley for a digital arc to read

[Obsidian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad book in the "Irish Country Books" series. Though the book was a bit slow at times and you start to feel a bit bored. Thankfully there's no big bad in this book. Instead we just follow Barry and O'Reilly (in the present day) as Barry deals with Sue's pregnancy and O'Reilly comes to realizations about his getting older and still wanting Kitty to retire.

"An Irish Country Welcome" is the 15th book in the series and there's not any surprises in this one. We have a new GP trainee coming to work alongside O'Reilly and Barry and Barry expecting his first child with his wife Sue. Both men have feelings about the new trainee who is more uppercrust than they are used to. And Sue has some complications with her pregnancy. We have pop-ins by the usual suspects in the village (Kinky, Archie, Bertie, Flo, Donal, Julie, Colin) and of course the sign that The Troubles may be coming to the small village of Ballybucklebo.

It has bugged me endlessly that Fingal has been on Kitty to retire from nursing for the last several books, but that whole thing actually wraps up nicely for both of them I thought. Barry is worried for Sue and her pregnancy, and I honestly wish that we had more time with the both of them. I think for me since this was such a big thing in the last few books (with them getting pregnant) it would have been nice to see some scenes with both of their parents being told and at least hearing that Sue's mother was visiting her or something. It felt odd to me.

The book also shows how Donal is doing now being a partner in Bertie's firm and there's a small thing per usual with him, but thankfully it doesn't take up the whole book.

It is weird to see a different Bertie in this book since the first few books in the series he was the main villain, but it's great to see some development there with him and Flo.

The new GP Sebastian had an interesting backstory and I liked that for once we didn't have a medical thing going on with the GP, instead his story was a lot more personal.

I have to say the writing and flow in this one is much improved. I am so glad Taylor decided to not do any more flashbacks featuring Barry or Fingal. It's gotten old and often has caused me to just get frustrated with the book because it felt like it jumped back and forth for no reason. I think the book moved really slow at times and I do wish that Taylor had actually shown the village celebrating the holidays (one of my favorite parts of reading this series). That said, I think it works much better to actually have it set in the present day with the village reacting to the moon landing as well as the increasing violence in Ireland.

The ending of the book was a nice note and it will be interesting to see what the year 1970 has in store for these characters.

I read this book for Bon Om Touk, Day 4, Book.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

During Covid-19 several friends recommended that I read An Irish Country Welcome by Patrick Taylor.
Patrick Taylor, M.D., was born and raised in Bangor, County Down, in Northern Ireland. Dr. Taylor is a distinguished medical researcher, offshore sailor, model-boat builder, and father of two grown children. He lives on Saltspring Island, British Columbia, Canada.

I am glad that I borrowed the unabridged audiobook An Irish Country Welcome read by John Keating. The narration was very good, and I enjoyed listening to the Irish accent.
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, and as the community prepares to welcome a new decade, the closing months of the 1960s bring more than a televised moon landing to Barry, his friends, his neighbours, and his patients.
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? Can a Protestant man marry the Catholic woman he dearly loves, despite his father's opposition? And who is going to win the award for the best dandelion wine at this year's Harvest Festival?
While Barry and Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly and their fellow physicians deal with everything from brain surgery to a tractor accident to a difficult pregnancy, there's still time to share the comforting joys and pleasures of this very special place.
I look forward to revisiting Ballybucklebo and inhabitants, vividly brought to life by master storyteller, Dr. Taylor.
4 stars

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the newest entry in the cozy series set in Ballybucklebo, Northern Ireland with medical practice of Dr. Barry Laverty and fellow doctors. This takes place in the 1950's when the "troubles" are starting to rear its ugly head. The other change is the addition of a new doctor coming in to apprentice. He gives the wrong appearance at first but turns out to be a gem.

Dr. Laverty and his wife, Sue, are expecting their first child but everything doesn't run smoothly. Dr. O'Rielly thinks about cutting back a little. Patients are varied and colorful. I especially liked Dapper Dan. There is romance and births and everything you would expect from a medical practice.

There are places that were a little slow for me. The medical information was a little overwhelming and detailed for me. Still it's the characters that make this series so endearing. Another feel good entry that just makes you feel good. Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

[Terris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always a joy to visit the small Irish village of Ballybucklebo, this “episode” being set in 1969. I love the many references to the historic things that were happening at the time. And Doctor Fingal O’Reilly is always willing to give history lessons to one and all from the past. It really is very educational!

In this installment, Dr. Barry Laverty and his wife are having a baby, and as a few concerning things happen, the reader follows along with their feelings and anxieties of possible heartbreak. As that story unfolds, Dr. O’Reilly and his wife, Kitty, are making some “life decisions” of their own regarding their work life and possibilities of retirement. The question of who will take over some of the hours in their medical practice is answered by the new trainee, Sebastian Carson. But is he a good doctor? Will his upper-class upbringing keep him from fitting in with the Ballybucklebo community? And why does he always try to leave work early and hurry away? Many questions to answer on this one!

Of course, Kinky is always around to fix delicious food for the crew (with several wonderful recipes in the back of the book!). And Donal Donelly plays a good part in this one, as his business partner Bertie Bishop and his wife go on a world cruise and leave Donal in charge!

It’s heartwarming; it’s funny, with some sadness and lots of joy included. If you’re reading this series or if you just enjoy a nice comfy read, I think you’ll be very pleased with this one!

I'd like to thank NetGalley, Patrick Taylor, and Forge Books for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1969 in the Northern Irish village of Ballybucklebo, and although sectarian violence threatens nearby urban areas, this village is a place where everyone, Catholics and Protestants alike, seem to be able to get along. Barry's wife Sue is finally expecting, much to their delight, and a new doctor (from a very different background) is starting with the practice. The villagers celebrate together with a talent show and a best dandelion wine contest, and we follow Barry and his colleagues as they treat many of the villagers' health problems. (The author is a doctor, and it's very interesting to read about some of these issues from a medical perspective.) It's rare to find a feel-good read which is neither saccharine nor annoying, but Taylor has nailed it once again in this latest installment of the Irish Country Doctor series. Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for allowing me to review this advance copy.

[Gail Amendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been several years since I first stumbled on this delightful series at my local library, and I keep returning to it, often in the dark days of winter when I feel I need a hug. That's exactly what these books feel like...a warm hug on a cold day, tea and scones in front of a fireplace with a cat on your lap, the smell of baking...you get the idea. This book picks up right where the last one left off, the same day in fact. It follows our good doctors of Ballybucklebo as Dr. Laverty and his wife prepare to welcome a new baby, Dr. O'Reilly and his wife consider slowing down, and as they both welcome a new trainee doctor to the practice who may or may not be a good fit for the community. I didn't realize until I had finished that it is meant to be the final book in the series proper (there is a Christmas novella that was published later, but is set several years prior.) This makes me sad, but at the same time, I understand why. The series is entering the 1970's, a period of violence and political turmoil in Northern Ireland, and I think it was getting hard to write about an idyllic town against this backdrop. The author made mention of the Troubles in the last few books, but was able to keep Ballybucklobo fairly neutral, which was becoming increasingly unrealistic. At any rate, this book leaves all of our beloved characters in a good place. I'm going to miss them, and I'll savor the final Christmas novella.

[Sharone Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another nice instalment in the series. I do feel as though that the focus is shifting to quantity of characters instead of quality. Too many characters and not enough in-depth exposure about each of them.

[Laura Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable visit to Ballybucklebo. One of the few wrenches in the works is the way Patrick Taylor can lose track of what's been said about secondary characters in previous books. After about book 6 or 7 and encountering an ongoing parade of characters in Ballybucklebo, new and old, I decided to make a character chart to help me keep everyone straight. Maybe Patrick Taylor needs to borrow my chart. In one of the last few books, mention is made of Dapper Frew's wife, Audrey. Yet in "An Irish Country Welcome", Dapper is a bachelor. Yikes! Also, Dapper's given name is listed as John in previous books, but here he is referred to as James early on and John later.

The only blip (aside from those mentioned above) was the visit by Consuela. I liked her character and storyline in a previous book, but her appearnce added nothing to this time around and only seemed stuck into the book as a way for O'Reilly to show off his historical knowledge and bore the reader a little. Neither misstep is enough to knock off a star, since other than that, I really enjoyed book 15.

[Almira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Patrick has brought the village of Ballybucklebo to life. Along with all of our favorite and well known characters, introducing some new folks along the way.

Sebastian Carson, a "fledgling doctor", who has "airs" that make the reader wonder, "is he a really good fit for this wonderful country practice?" Just like the adage says "you can't judge a book by its cover", neither can you judge Sebastian by his first forays into the rural world of Ballybucklebo ---- after all, he is from an aristocratic family, and studied elsewhere. One must peel the layers back to fully realize that his veneer is to cover his insecurities.....

This book is set in the time of "The Troubles" in Ireland, when the Catholics and the Protestants are just starting their "war" of the '60's. Patrick just hints at the "Troubles" in an attempt to remain true to how the residents of Ballybucklebo have always seemed to have lived with each other during past hard times. Also set at the time of the first Apollo moon landing, which is just briefly mentioned, in his introduction Patrick discusses why it is just briefly mentioned.

I know that sometimes reading Introductions to books, especially fiction, is tedious, it is VERY IMPORTANT to fully read Patrick's . As usual he names REAL people in the medical profession, regarding REAL medical procedures and issues.

[Peg Lotvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series though I didn't realize this was number 16 . I feel like I know all the residents of fictional Ballybucklebo in Ireland. I can walk from Dr. O'Reilly's home and surgery to the Swan bar also known to the residents as the Mucky Duck or just the Duck. I know the Dr.'s Labrador Retriever, Kenny sits under the table at the Duck and gets his own bowl of beer. I can hear the conversations and smell the smoke from pipes and cigarettes. This was before the ban on smoking in public places. Dr. O'Reilly's partner in his medical business is young Dr. Laferty, newly married and his wife the local school teacher who is newly pregnant. Most of this installment centers around Barry Laferty and his wife, Sue's trials with her pregnancy. All in all comforting, charming, and a quick read. Bring on # 17

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy the Irish Country books, and this one was no exception. Barry & Sue start their family after a rather difficult pregnancy, and the practice welcomes a new doctor, Sebastian Carson. Fingal and Kitty decide to slow down a bit and enjoy life while they are still young enough to do so. And the regular cast of characters - Kinky, Archie, Donal, Bertie, and many more - make their own memorable appearances. There's a fair bit of history in this one, maybe even more so than usual. All in all, though, another "welcome" book in this long-running series!

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

15th in the series. I’ve read it straight through in a day. How I do like this series, the wonderful, warm characters, and the historical events acknowledged in the background, without interrupting the flow of the narrative. It’s 1969, there are religious outbursts in Northern Ireland, Barry and Sue Laverty are finally expecting their first child, but it’s not an easy pregnancy and both are worried. Drs. Fingal O’Reilly, Barry Laverty and Emer McCarthy have taken on a new, highly qualified young trainee, Dr. Sebastian Carson, whose widowed mother and family have long known John MacNeill, Marquis of Ballybucklebo.
Really liked it, though this one seems a bit heavy handed with the intricate medical details, while fascinating, dosages of every medication seems a bit over the top.
Still, I really enjoyed it. A vicarious trip to Ireland was most welcome this December.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this one at Goodwill. I wasn’t sure if I would understand all the Irish lingo and that it would be hard to understand. I’m happy to say that I enjoyed it very much and understood everything….must be all the British television I watch.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delight of a book!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 15th book in this series and I've enjoyed them all.

[Chris Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. First, it's set in Ireland which is my favorite place to have a story told from. Then you get to take stroll with these wonderful characters. It feels like coming home.

[Nanette Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always reliable, entertaining, uplifting.

[Dahls Chickens]

Ugh...Time to end this drivel...

[Anita Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like keeping up with the characters in this little Northern Irish community. Each book is like old home week. This one proves the author was a dedicated doctor since he includes a lot of medical information about obstetrics.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this installment of the Irish Country Series as much as the first one. Will there be more Irish Country books in the future? I hope so. The characters have become like friends to me and I shall miss them.

[Mike Reinking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifteenth book in the series - another warm hearted look into the life of Ballybucklebo in 1969. Good stories!

[The Library Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the latest in the series, not out yet, and this series is still enjoyable, though predictable.

The Troubles are beginning to make their mark, but in Ballybucklebo you know things will generally end happily. True love will overcome sectarian differences, a seemingly stuffy new doctor will turn out to have hidden depths, and despite giving Sue, pregnant at last, a pregnancy fraught with perils, in the end the Laverty baby will arrive safely. I am kerflummoxed by those who still insist on referring to these as "cosies." as Taylor takes us through a harrowing childbirth sequence with another young mother, then goes detail by detail through Sue's delivery, and neither is for the squeamish!

[MTD · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC from Netgalley.

Yes to familiar and new characters, lovely depictions of the Irish landscape, integration of real events and the effect of sectarian violence on rural areas of Northern Ireland. I am happy that the author is addressing that in this book after apologizing for it in the front matter of the last book. A big NO to graphic medical descriptions plunked into sections of the plot like Wikipedia + an episode of a medical TV show had a baby. I know the main characters are doctors, but this has primarily been a cozy series and that’s why I’m reading.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Taylor continues his wonderful Irish Country Doctor series. Dr. Taylor never fails to delight readers with the lives of his Ballybucklebo residents. Picking up one of his books always feels like coming home.

[Kelle Treadwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I will miss Ballybucklebo and all of the inhabitants there, but they will live long in my imagination. I could have listened to stories about the people of this village forever.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Irish Country Welcome by Patrick Murphy is the slice-of-life-novel featuring five doctors in rural Ireland. There is no plot, just genuine storytelling. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly is the lead doctor who is on the cusp of retiring, or at least slowing down. his wife Kitty is a surgical nurse at a nearby hospital. The office is run out of their home, ably assisted by Kinky Auchinleck, who is not only the nurse/receptionist, but also the cook for the doctors. It is a rural community. She has been there forever. She knows all the stories. These doctors make house calls. They deliver babies. They send more serious cases and surgeries on to hospital. Everyone respects and admires Fingal. He is mentoring a new doctor every year. He is truly a paragon. There are four other doctors with stories, plus a whole community.

This is a down home Ireland narration. There are recipes and plenty of Irish slang and colloquialisms. It was fun to read and informative. It took the reader to rural Ireland and kept them there for a while. People are people and they do people things. This book made many of those things enjoyable reading while introducing a life very different from our own. As it took place in about 1969, it also took a back a bit. It was interesting and drew the reader directly in to these lives and loves in an intriguing way. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of An Irish Country Welcome by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #anirishcountrywelcome

[Mary Gums · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading series because you can get to now the characters and this is one of the best. I've read the entire series over the years and just finished this latest book. In the very first book we see young Dr. Barry Laverty coming to start working with Dr. Fingel Flahertie O'Reilly in the rural town of Ballybucklebo in Northern Island. Through the years we get to know the doctors, their families and many of the town people as well.

In this latest book Dr. Laverty and his wife Sue had just announced they were expecting a baby. The practice has grown and this book also introduces a new student doctor Sebastian Carson. Over the course of the next 7-8 months we follow Barry and Sue on the roller coaster of her pregnancy. We find out about Sebastian and why he appeared so cold at first.

In the background are "The Troubles" happening in the North and while things in Ballybucklebo are going well and everyone is getting along we see the struggle with Alan and Helen wanting to get married. Helen is Catholic and has the blessing of her father even though he was originally against a mixed marriage. Alan, however, is Protestant and an unrelenting father and fears he will not get his blessing.

As usual Patrick Taylor does a great job of telling these stories and winding them all together. I totally recommend not only this book, but the entire series. If you haven't read any start with #1 and get to know the good doctors and everyone in Ballybucklebo.

[The Hobbit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of Ballybuckleboo's colorful citizens are featured in this new entry in the series. Dapper Frew, only 26, has a blood bleed in his brain. The much kinder Bertie Bishop and his wife Flo take a cruise around the world. While Bertie is gone, he leaves Donald Donnolly in charge of the construction company, building 15 new flats; Donald outwits a supplier who is trying to bilk him. Sue Laverty is having a difficult pregnancy. Being a doctor, Barry Laverty knows too much about what could go wrong, but must keep Sue calm - not an easy job. Sebastian Carson, a new character, is applying for a position in Fingal Flarity O'Reilly's medical practice. His initial interview with Fingal and Barry is less than successful - he arrives late with no apologies, treats the waitress with little respect, and asks how much time he would have off! Having gone to a prestigious boarding school and Cambridge University, he comes across as an upper class "toff." However, he is highly recommended by his medical school professors. Deciding to give him a try, Fingal and Barry see that Sebastian is an excellent diagnostician and a quick learner, but his desire to leave early everyday has them annoyed. Sebastian finally opens up to Barry, telling him the secret he is hiding, the tragedy he and his family have suffered. Once revealed, Sebastian's life becomes easier and happier. A fast, delightful read!

[Cheryle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 15th and last printed book in The Irish Country Doctor series. I am hoping there will be more to this engaging and fun series of books set in a small village in Ireland in the 1960's.

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 the 1960s 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?

But while Barry and Dr. Fingal Flahertie O’Reilly and their fellow physicians deal with everything from brain surgery to a tractor accident to a difficult pregnancy, there’s still time to share the comforting joys and pleasures of this very special place: fly-fishing, boat races, and even the town’s very first talent competition!