ThestartofthebelovedNewYorkTimes,USAToday,andGlobeandMailbestsellingseriesfromauthorPatrickTaylor,AnIrishCountryDoctorBarryLaverty,M.D.,canbarelyfindthevillageofBallybuckleboonamapwhenhefirstsetsouttoseekgainfulemploymentthere,butalreadyheknowsthatthereisnowherehewouldratherlivethanintheemeraldhillsanddalesofNorthernIreland.Theproudownerofaspanking-newmedicaldegree,Barryjumpsatthechancetosecureapositionasanassistantinasmallruralpractice.AtleastuntilhemeetsDr.FingalFlahertieO’Reilly.Theolderphysician,whosemottoistoneverletthepatientsgettheupperhand,hashisownwayofdoingthings,whichdefinitelytakessomegettingusedto.Atfirst,Barrycan’tdecideifthepugnaciousO’Reillyisthebiggestcharlatanhehasevermet,orpossiblythebestteacherhecouldeverhopefor.BallybuckleboislongwayfromBelfast,andBarrysoondiscoversthathestillhasalottolearnaboutcountrylife.Butifhestickswithit,hejustmightendupfindingoutmoreaboutlife--andlove--thanheeverimaginedbackinmedicalschool.
