An Irish Country Christmas

By: Patrick Taylor

Narrated by: John Keating

Length: 16 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

In An Irish Country Christmas, the third book in Patrick Taylor's Irish Country Books, Barry Laverty, M.B., is looking forward to his first Christmas in the cozy village of Ballybucklebo, at least until he learns that his sweetheart, Patricia, might not be coming home for the holidays. That unhappy prospect dampens his spirits somewhat, but Barry has little time to dwell on his romantic disappointments. Christmas may be drawing nigh, but there is little peace to be found on earth, especially for a young doctor plying his trade in the emerald hills and glens of rural Ireland.

Along with his senior partner, Doctor Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly, Barry has his hands full dealing with seasonal coughs and colds, as well as the occasional medical emergency. To add to the doctors' worries, competition arrives in the form of a patient-poaching new physician whose quackery threatens the health and well-being of the good people of Ballybucklebo. Can one territory support three hungry doctors? Barry has his doubts.

But the wintry days and nights are not without a few tidings of comfort and joy. Between their hectic medical practice, Rugby Club parties, and the kiddies' Christmas Pageant, the two doctors still find time to play Santa Claus to a struggling single mother with a sick child and not enough money in the bank. Snow is rare in Ulster, and so are miracles, but that doesn't mean they never happen. . . .

©2008 Patrick Taylor (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Full of stories and vivid characters, the novel recalls a good night in a pub. Its greatest charm lies in homey Ulster idioms. . . . Good, light entertainment.” —Booklist on An Irish Country Village

“John Keating's readings of Patrick Taylor's previous \"Irish Country\" novels are as charming as the books themselves…As in an opera where the story is secondary to the sound, Keating's lilting brogue is a delight to the ear.” —The Roanoke Times

“The unabridged audio edition was narrated by John Keating, whose rendition of the Ulster-Scots language and accents draws you in and gives life to the characters.” —Beth Fish Reads

Great series

We really enjoyed listening to this series so far. The characters are well developed. An excellent story about two country doctors and the villagers. A story we will listen to again. Narrator was great.

Wonderful!

I loved the story. Each character has such personality. It's laugh out loud funny and made me feel as though I'd like to be part of the community. John Keating is s terrific narrator, he gave true life to each character.

Great story but foul language.

Loved the story and the Christmas theme. Didn’t like some of the language. Could do without the F word. Reader was great!

A Very Cozy Tale

I have read or listened to all of the Irish Country Books by Patrick Taylor. They are full of colorful descriptions of people and the endearing village. I honestly love the way each story makes me feel at home.
The characters are grand!

Perfect holiday listening

The setting: holidaying on the tropical beaches of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Wanted: the ideal holiday book: engaging characters who are in caring, construction relationships (that is, not maiming and killing) and who live in an interesting community.

The narrator: sympathetic reader with convincing characterisation
.
Solution: Patrick Taylor’s An Irish Country Christmas and An Irish Country Courtship.

I’d already read and thoroughly enjoyed An Irish Country Doctor and my holiday decision to continue the series did not disappoint.

John Keating’s gentle Irish accented narration comfortably changes to create voices that become intrinsic to each character.

Taylor, himself an eminent doctor, clearly enjoys writing these books. He devises a wonderful little village in Ireland, fascinating medical scenarios, interesting relationships and gentle humour. We are drawn into a delightful world fuelled by people the author clearly admires or dislikes. It is enriched with medical knowledge and nostalgia for world of the 1960s where intuition and care played key roles -- and doctors made home visits.

i wish i were there

well i have another hard back to buy. this author is a marvel. i feel as tho i am with the doctors as they make there way through life. this book is a must read. this author has a way of keeping me enthralled in the story and very happy to be so. i am waitting, hopefuly not to long, for the next "volume". thank you

Authentic Irish

Takes back in time and feel part of the story. Enjoy the medical aspect which is very accurate.

Wonderful and warming

Such a wonderful listen. I hated for it to end. Narration fabulous! Story keeps you wanting more.

Wonderful setting and performance

The plot is very thin but the characters were delightful and brought to mind All Creatures Great and Small only with humans as the patients! Enjoyable listen!

nice Christmas memories

love the story & characters. The ins & outs of a small community that struggles but can be giving at tge seasons