Country Lovers (Barleybridge Novels)
Shaw's novels about a rural English animal hospital focus more on the staff and human clients of Barleybridge Veterinary Service than on its animal patients, although the critters--among them mischievous Harry Ferret, budgie Beauty, Irish wolfhound Paddy, and little Yorkie Goliath--are winningly portrayed. This takes up where the second in the series,Country Wives(2006), left off, answering what is wrong with partner Colin's wife, Letty; whether receptionist Kate will get into vet school; and whether Welsh vet Rhodri--envious of his colleague Dan's happy family--will marry farmer's daughter Megan, overcoming the opposition of her elderly ailing father. (Left dangling is the situation involving office manager Joy's love for married senior partner Mungo and its effect on her husband, Duncan.) As professionals who deal daily with life and death, Barleybridge staff members handle problems including contagions, fatal disease (both human and animal), and unrequited passion in a competent yet caring manner, making this a special treat for animal lovers and an eminently readable pleasure for all.Michele LeberCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved