In the late 1980's, Prior's Hill is a quiet village community that has secrets. Secrets that threaten the lives of the people that live in this rural retreat. James Young, the head teacher of the village school, has to deal with a tragedy that will tear the village apart. As the secrets in the village begin to unravel, James attempts to thread together pieces of information to learn about what is really happening behind the closed doors in this charming, picturesque setting. However, the secrets that are unveiled, lead him to discover threats to significant people in the village and to the very community itself. Is James able to cope with the mysterious and strange events that are unfolding in front of him? Is he emotionally stable enough to deal with everyone else's confidence in him to find a solution to the crisis? Will his own problems end in destroying personal happiness for this well-meaning and hard-working head teacher?

'Letters from the Atlantic' is an amusing and sometimes shocking reflection of life for those who are tempted by sunshine and a lower cost of living to live and work abroad. Barrie's temptation for a life in the sun led to many pitfalls and disasters, as well as learning more about his fellow 'ex-pats' and the Spanish people and their culture. The book recounts his adventures from leaving the UK in a series of letters. These letters are intended to be an inspiration for those tempted by a life in the sun, as well as some cautionary advice based on Barrie's real life experiences in Spain and the Canary Islands. This is not a travel book, but a well-observed view on people, society and the culture of living in another country. Barrie's work as a reporter and editor of an English language newspaper in Spain led him to meet a wide range of people, some amazing and some weird, but most who had stories and experiences to share with others. This book reflects how communities living abroad support each other especially when they live in nationalist enclaves. "A little piece of Britain" mentality exposes some wonderfully positive aspects of life abroad, as well as some disturbing issues that made Barrie feel sometimes embarrassed to be British. 'Letters from the Atlantic' offers an amusing and reflective view of living abroad for foreigners living in a country with a different language, a different culture, different legal systems and more importantly, a different pace of life. The frustrations of those from Britain and Ireland, as well as those from other north European countries can often lead to great unhappiness and disappointment of dreams spoiled or unfulfilled. This book sets out clearly the 'dos' and 'don'ts' for those who are contemplating moving abroad, as well as for those who have already made their choice for a life in the sun. The advice and suggestions are meant to encourage and support, as well as to entertain and amuse.

Prior's Hill is a picturesque English village with a Victorian school, church, manor house and pub that has seen very few changes over the years. However, the appointment of James Young as the new, dynamic head teacher begins a chain of events that exposes hidden secrets that threaten the very fabric of this idyllic village community. A sequence of strange events leads James to discover secrets and lies that threaten both his job and home life. Journeys and Jigsaws is a story of forbidden love and the difficulties that need to be faced when one part of a jigsaw does not fit. www.barriemahoney.com

People will always have dreams and passions, for that is the true essence of the human condition. For some, this may mean a larger home, a new car, or climbing a mountain. For many others, like myself, it is the dream of a new life, new experiences, new cultures, the opportunity to experience, taste and smell the excitement in a place that is of our own choosing and not merely based upon an accident of birth. For many, the dreams will be of a less stressful life, an opportunity to be challenged by new experiences, new and exciting work opportunities, a place where there is a high quality of life in which a young family may grow. For others, it may be the dream of a carefree, long, happy and healthy retirement, but for all it is an 'Escape to the Sun'.