Barry2: The Sequel to Barry - Running a hotel is no holiday

Barry series #2

by Roy McCarthy

Continuing the story of born-again runner Barry Lane and his family as they begin their new lives as owners of a seaside hotel. No one told them it was easy but they still get more than they bargained for.

232 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2016

Reviews

[Andrea Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming, amusing and sometimes dark novel about the delights and perils of running a hotel. After Barry and Lara were made redundant, they decided to take over the running of the Breezes hotel in St. Ives, but it isn't all plain sailing. The novel paints an interesting and amusing picture of what it is really like to run a hotel, including a number of humorous and difficult situations. The characters are depicted with great affection. I found myself rooting for the maid Carla who has never been given a chance and the story of Sheila and James on their first trip out of Ireland was hilarious. There is also a darker side to the story, that threatens everything Barry and Lara have been working for, which leads to an exciting climax. An enjoyable and eye-opening novel.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love finding unexpected gems among my book purchases, and this is one of them. A pleasant, cozy story (though there is a rather dark scene near the end), great characters, and enough mystery to keep you eagerly turning the pages. What I also loved was the humor. Although the story centers around Barry and Lara Lane, a couple who buy a British seaside hotel and juggle life to make it work, there is an entertaining Irish couple who take a trip for the first time. Their antics had me laughing out loud, and the author should be commended for his deft one-liners. There are wonderful descriptions of coastal England too, so much so that I found myself wishing I could be a guest at The Breezes. I'd pull up a seat at the bar and enmesh myself with these delightful characters.

Of note, this is the second book of a series, though reading them out of order would not spoil the enjoyment of either novel.