The Homecoming of Bubbles O’Leary, by Jean Grainger, is the fourth book in The Tour Series. The series currently consists of six books featuring Conor O’Shea as the protagonist in the stories. He is described as a handsome, charming Irishman with a kind heart and a knack for solving problems. As a seasoned tour guide of the Emerald Isle, he meets all sorts of disparate characters, many of whom are not what they seem, or are searching for something, real or imagined. The heart-warming series, takes the reader on the highroads and byroads of Ireland, with writing so vivid, and characters that become instant friends, that the reader feels like you are in Ireland.
The Homecoming of Bubbles O’Leary is currently the only book I have read in the series and I must admit that I was drawn to the book because of the title. (Who wouldn’t want to read a book with their surname plastered in big letters across the front of the book.) I am so happy that I bought the book, it was a delightful story, and I discovered another new series to read.
A Brief Synopsis of The Homecoming of Bubbles O’Leary
The plot of this novel centers on a luxury group’s stay in an Irish castle, a handsome, experienced tour guide and resort manager, Conor O’Shea, and a secret that has never been revealed.
Conor O’Shea’s life as manager of the magnificent resort of Castle Dysert on Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast is never dull. His life and experiences to date have taught him to be prepared for the unexpected. However, even he is not ready for the gang from Bubbles O’Leary’s bar in New York who schedule a week’s stay at Castle Dysert. The gang from Bubbles O’Leary’s bar is a motley crew that consists of Kevin Wilson, a social worker; Miguel Sanchez, the manager of Bubbles’ bar; Beth Anderson, a doctor; Marianne Peterson, a recent divorcee; Wil Munro, a porter at a hospital, Erin Glavin, a secretary in a law office and Shannon Galvin, a receptionist for a doctor — two spinster sisters; Jimmy Burns, a sanitation worker with a Ph.D. in philosophy, and Annie deLancy, the all-American girl with blonde hair, and perfect white teeth. They all venture to Ireland after Finbarr (Bubbles) O’Leary suddenly dies one evening in the bar of a heart attack. They decide to return his ashes to his beloved Ireland and their adventures begin. The fact that this bunch of unusual people arrive during Ireland’s biggest matchmaking festival just adds to the intrigue. But is everyone who they say they are? Are all their motives pure?
Conor O’Shea is ready to do his best to show the New York visitors his beloved Ireland, but his personal life takes a devastating turn and he finds himself torn, unsure how to proceed. Is the past best left there, or is there redemption to be found in opening old wounds?
This is a great Irish tale and presents a beautiful experience of the Emerald Isle — Ireland. We also learn by the end of the story how Bubbles O’Leary got his nickname Bubbles. I highly recommend this heartwarming and deeply satisfying novel by Jean Grainger.
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