An Irish Country Christmas: A Novel (Irish Country Books Book 3)

An Irish Country Christmas is the third novel in Patrick Taylor's Irish Country series. Barry Laverty, M.B., anticipates spending his first Christmas in the village of Ballybucklebo, but learns that his sweetheart Patricia may not return for the holidays. Despite this disappointment, Barry finds little time to dwell on personal matters. Working alongside his senior partner, Doctor Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly, Barry manages seasonal illnesses and medical emergencies across rural Ireland's hills and glens. The doctors face additional pressure when a new physician arrives in the area, whose questionable practices concern them. They question whether the territory can sustain three doctors. Despite their demanding medical practice, Rugby Club events, and a children's Christmas Pageant, Barry and O'Reilly find moments to help a struggling single mother with a sick child who lacks sufficient funds. While snow and miracles are uncommon in Ulster, the story suggests both can occur.