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The Firefighter Daddy

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From Bachelor to Father

Firefighter Liam McGregory is used to staring down fivealarm fires—but becoming a father to his two little nieces has him sending out a call for help. When the girls return a lost pup to its beautiful owner, Liam thinks widow Sarah Blackburn is just the person he needs—or who the children need. He's promised to never marry again. ' Sarah takes his she'll watch his kids and he'll watch her menagerie of pets—but the new father is off-limits. But two determined little matchmakers can be hard to resist when they need a mom to make one big happy family…

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 15, 2016

9 people are currently reading
142 people want to read

About the author

Margaret Daley

208 books494 followers
Margaret Daley, an award-winning author of seventy-six books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household. To find out more about Margaret visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com.

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5 stars
69 (47%)
4 stars
47 (32%)
3 stars
20 (13%)
2 stars
6 (4%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,885 reviews207 followers
April 15, 2016
What a touching story! The Firefighter Daddy was full of likable characters and situations that really tugged at my heart. Liam and Sarah were great main characters. They each had past hurts and events in their lives that had caused them a lot of pain. I enjoyed watching them work through their issues, while trying to resist their growing attraction to one another.

The addition of little girls who had recently lost their father, a grandmother who had developed memory issues, and a host of precious animals made for many heartfelt moments. I loved the way the author handled the difficult problems that arose with Liam’s oldest niece, Madison.

This was more than simply a romance about two people who were alone and found each other. There was much more to the story and even a complication that could make it impossible to find happiness together. Very well done!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Katrina Epperson.
615 reviews
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March 29, 2016
When I opened this book I was immediately drawn to Sarah and Liam. Both showed their strength of character immediately. Sarah, although not being ready, returned home to Buffalo, Oklahoma to help her mother care for her aging grandmother. She is still dealing with grief over the loss of her husband and the constant reminder of their lives together is very difficult for her to deal with. Liam has moved from Dallas after the loss of his brother to take over guardianship of his small nieces. Moving to a place where he basically has no friends and into a father role that he has no clue about.

Liam know immediately he needs help and turns to a support group at church for single dads. For the past 6 months this group has developed into more than a support group for him, because he's also developed lasting friendships. I like that for a bachelor even Liam knows that it's not easy being both mother and father to a child and sometimes impossible. He loves the girls and is glad to step up and make a difference in their lives.

Sarah is a character that will grab you by the heart. She was happily married to her high school sweetheart and expecting her first child when the accident robbed her of both. In a state of almost debilitating grief she makes a choice to live, but in order to do that she needs to leave the place where all her memories, good and bad, are.

After leaving Buffalo her grief was much easily handled, but with her grandmother having health problems Sarah agrees to move back home, Buffalo, to help her mother out. Everyday she is reminded of her loss and each day gets harder and harder.

I loved this story.

This is a sweet story with well integrated secondary characters. The author shows both the turmoil and raw/real emotions the engaging characters have. This is a story that can evoke both laughter and tears.

I would recommend this to anyone who loves a clean romance with a few twists and turns.

*I received this book from the author for a honest review without bias or outside influence. I was not required to write a positive review.

2,323 reviews38 followers
February 6, 2016

4 STARS

This is charming romance. The kids are cute. Liam is a hero both in his job and personal life. lots of friendly animals. There is plenty of drama, and is a clean read.

Liam McGregory is a firefighter. Six months ago his brother died. He moved to new town to raise his two nieces.

Sarah Blackburn is a widow. She has moved back home to help her mother take care of her grandmother who has memory trouble. They are all hairdressers.

Sarah has lost her dog a few days before that her husband had given her. Liam and his nieces had found a dog. The girls love him and are disappointed when Sarah sees their posters about lost dog.
Sarah and Liam get thrown together all the time.

I like the single father's group that Liam joined. I hope there are more books with them coming.

I was given this ebook to read by Netgalley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of The Firefighter Daddy.
Profile Image for Jo-Anne.
1,758 reviews38 followers
July 26, 2019
Liam realized he had a lot to learn when he became guardian to his two young nieces. Like how to make them understand they couldn't keep the dog they found but had to return it to its owner. I liked how good Sarah was with the girls, letting them visit the dog anytime. I loved the attraction that both Liam and Sarah felt toward each other. Yet, even though they both found the other person captivating, they had their reasons for not wanting to commit to another person.

I loved the girls. They were so cute but got into trouble regularly. Sarah's mother sure had her hands full with her mother whose memory was failing her. Then there were all the adorable animals adding to the fun. Parenting was new for Liam but he did a wonderful job. Better than he expected.

If you are looking for a heartwarming romance, that is tender and emotional, but also has a dash of humour and light-hearted moments then The Firefighter Daddy is the perfect read!
Profile Image for Leone (She Reads too Much Romance).
355 reviews17 followers
March 18, 2016
So far this year I have found a great tenderness for the Harlequin imprint of Love Inspired. The stories are not only exceptional romance reads, but my likness for inspiring fiction has greatly increased and The Firefighter Daddy only aided in my enjoyment of the genre.

The story itself was a wonderful read filled with tremendous warmth, devotion and a hero that was very easy on the eyes of the reader. The writings of the author flowed beautifully and the backdrop of the plot was about second chances as well as building the foundation of a new family.

In the beginning I did feel bad for Liam, the hero. His brother had passed and Liam had to uproot his life to a new town where he began to care for his two young nieces. I admired his determination to move forward with his life and to take on the roles of both fun uncle as well devoted dad. His nieces Madison and Katie added a fun vibe to the book with their child-like antics and certainly gave Liam a run for his money with lots of humorous events.

As for Sarah, the heroine, I wasn't expecting her character to pair so well with Madison and Katie. Liam of course, but I think the girls really needed Sarah, a woman figure in their lives. Together, the characters grew into a bound of a family that just made feel so cheerful and so good by the time I reached the ending of the book.

I would immensely suggest reading not only this book, but others in the Love Inspired collection as the stories themselves are graced with romance, obstacles of life and of course those beautiful HEA-endings that we all know and love.

-Find more reviews at The Bookish & The Romantic.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
March 24, 2016
The Firefighter Daddy ( Love Inspired )
By: Margaret Daley

The firefighter Daddy is an inspirational heartwarming , and clean romance story in Love Inspired by Margaret Daley. I really enjoyed the story and the characters, both were easy to follow. Margaret Daley did not disappoint me in The Firefighter Daddy. Once I picked up this book I did not want to put it down till the end. There did not seem to be a place to stop. I could not read fast enough to see what was going to happen next. This is a very good , clean romance page turner. Liam is a firefighter and he was my hero. He love to help people and save lives. Liam got custody of his two small nieces after his brother’s death. Being a new dad to the girls has him sending out for help. He vows to never marry again. Sarah lost her husband and having a hard time getting over the accident. Her pup goes missing and she keeps hoping to find it . Can Lima and Sarah help each other out? Is Sarah the help Lima has been looking for?
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,804 followers
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April 7, 2016
"This is the beginning of a new series about single dads and their support group, which provides a unique twist. ... The characters demonstrate the importance of living in the present and how life, as well as love, can be unpredictable" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
Profile Image for Stephanie Fitzgerald.
1,212 reviews
August 4, 2024
Steaminess Rating:
❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
(Check my profile for my “Steaminess Factor Chart”)!
2,286 reviews7 followers
December 14, 2017
I liked the characters but the story itself is a bit of a formulaic romance. Boy and girl meet, each having their own reasons to not fall in love, but they fall in love with each other anyway. Then, they refuse to acknowledge their feelings for each other or talk to each other about what they're feeling, until they're finally forced to do so . . . and of course they end up together in the end.

I admired Liam for becoming a father to his nieces when his brother (their father) dies. I admired him for moving to Buffalo to give them time to get used to him before uprooting them to Dallas where he lived before all this happened. I even understood his initial desire to return to Dallas. But as he got more involved in the community in Buffalo, I didn't understand why his desire to return to Dallas persisted--he had a Single Dad's support group, an aunt who watched the girls, a woman he fell in love with, and a job all in Buffalo. Other than his telling his previous boss (who is also a friend and mentor) that he planned to return to his job there, he mentioned very little about Dallas during the story or what would draw him back there.

I admired Sarah for being able to eventually bare her heart to Liam. I was faced with that choice once--I was just about ready to go and tell the guy I loved him to see if he felt the same way about me, but he refused to meet to talk (so that was my answer--and not the one I wanted--life doesn't always turn out the way the romance novels want you to think it does).
Profile Image for Jasmine.
1,295 reviews43 followers
October 1, 2018
Life....and love....

I've been a fan of Margaret Daley's for several years now. I've mostly read her romantic suspense books, which I highly recommend, but I've also enjoyed her more sweet romances featuring pets and families just as well. This book has plenty of both, I mean, what could possibly go wrong when you toss two little girls, a dog, AND and handful of kittens into the mix?!

The Firefighter Daddy is delightful, fun, sweet romance. It was the perfect way to while away a few hours on a cool, rainy, fall day. There are also some poignant moments dealing with the love and loss that happens as beloved family members age and have more problems. Having seen some of this with my grandpa those scenes were especially close to home, and they made me think about him and remember the great times and how much my grandpa loved family above all else.

In the end you really can't go wrong with this or any other Margaret Daley book.

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Profile Image for Dianne Sidebottom.
1,435 reviews15 followers
September 29, 2018
Another of Margaret's ebook from the library. Well written story of issues that get people in a mindset to protect themselves. Second chances and taking risks. looking after the elderly is difficult and making decisions for them. Interesting characters and so thankful for service real people who put their life on the line each shift.
Profile Image for Dixie-Lee Campbell.
331 reviews18 followers
February 16, 2019
Enjoyed this sweet romance story. Real life issues/circumstances .... happiness, sadness, humour, and suspense ... christian values... with family and community support and pets. The Epilogue was a very happy emotional ending. ... be great to read more books in this series.
Profile Image for Books and Spoons.
1,612 reviews32 followers
March 14, 2016
Inspirational, heartwarming, and clean story about a hero uncle, who does everything he can, to take care of 'his girls', and in the process falls in love with the neighbour lady.
Liam has a heart of gold, he always seems to be thinking the others first, he wants only the best for the girls, for his aunt, neighbours, friends, and coworkers.
The road to be an instant dad isn't easy. The girls, as well as Liam, are all mourning of a loss of a dad and a brother. New life, new routines, new town and workplace for Liam, everything changed in one instant. Thankfully, he has a great network, where he can get advice and support when needed.
Sarah is still dealing with the loss of her husband and unborn daughter some years back, when her grandmothers increased need for help brings her back to her hometown. Soon she is fully integrated into the life of Liam and his girls, while fast falling for the whole family, and wanting to be part of the little family.
There's a great message of how God will provide, and take care of us, at the moment of need, if we trust Him to do so. Also He sends the correct people to be there for us, when we need them. I enjoy these Love Inspired novels, as they often are filled with such great comfort and guidance in faith.
A heartfelt, charming, and loving tale, with cute kids, pets that make a difference, friends and family that like to meddle, and romance that makes you smile
~ Four Spoons
1,765 reviews33 followers
March 24, 2016
This book is the beginning of another series by Margaret about single dads. I can tell already that I will enjoy it! Single dads tend to get a bad rap but there are many good ones out there. In some ways they tend to have a harder time because "nurturing" isn't always in their DNA. In this book, Liam (a firefighter) becomes an instant dad when his brother dies and he becomes the guardian for his two nieces. Liam loved his brother very much and wants to raise his nieces to the best of his ability but he struggles, as would any instant father! He was married previously but is divorced and it wasn't a good experience for him. His nieces are grieving but then, so is Liam. A life-changing event happens when they find a lost dog and put up signs around the neighborhood. The owner is Sarah and she comes to their house to claim the dog. Sarah is a grieving widow who lost her husband and unborn baby in an accident. The dog is her connection to her lost family. As these characters' lives become intertwined, healing begins. Pets are wonderful at helping with the healing process. Sarah lives with her mother and grandmother who also need some healing of their own. I enjoyed this story very much. It had tender moments and made me think about looking outside myself to help others who need me. There are people in our communities who need us, we just need to look around for them! I hope this book helps give people ideas to do just that!
Profile Image for Cindy.
226 reviews9 followers
April 23, 2016
As a fan of Margaret Daley's work I am happy to share her newest LoveInspired book with you. The Firefighter Daddy was released this month and I would highly suggest picking up a copy.

The story is about Liam McGregory, a firefighter who has just lost his brother and has been given custody of his two nieces. It is also the story of hair stylist Sarah Blackburn. These two characters are brought together by a dog named Gabe.

With matchmaking by several, with Gabe and kittens galore, can these two people find their way to trust each other after experiencing pain in their past? Or will they decide it is not worth the possibility of suffering pain again and run the opposite direction?

I truly loved this book and how the characters tugged at my heart from the very beginning of the book. Ms. Daley has created well defined characters that seem to live and breathe on the written page.

I would highly recommend picking up a copy of The Firefighter Daddy to anyone who enjoys a good clean romance.

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author, Margaret Daley, for my copy of this book. I received it for free in order to read and give my honest review.
Profile Image for Tima.
1,678 reviews129 followers
March 22, 2016
Sarah has only returned home to help her mother with her grandmother. She left town after her husband died in the line of duty as a firefighter. She couldn't handle the memories. She has no intention of staying until she meets some precious girls who rescued her dog after he was found running loose. Now that she's met them and their wonderful uncle she must might want to stay. But he's a firefighter who puts his life on the line and has no intentions of staying in town himself.

This was a super sweet book. The little girls are precious and all of the characters emphasize family and small town connectedness. The author wove inspiration into the story and leaves the reader feeling blessed and encouraged. The two older ladies were hilarious in their matchmaking attempts and added to the depth of the story. I enjoyed reading the book and look forward to more by this author. Hopefully she'll write more about the single dad's group.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
1,838 reviews18 followers
March 22, 2016
Another Awesome book by Margaret Daley.

This story is about Liam who is a firefighter. His brother Gareth has passed away and Liam has to take over raising his nieces now their Dad is gone. The girls are still small and it is hard for them to understand what has happened. They go through an adjustment period. Ms. Daley tells the story and makes you feel you are right there with them every step of the way. Feeling what they are feeling.

Along their journey to becoming a family they meet Sarah. Her dog Gabe has run off and ended up with Madison and Kate at Liam's house. Her Mom and Liam's Aunt Betty tries their hand at some matchmaking.

Will they succeed and will they all live happily ever after, you need to read the book. Read the book you won't be disappointed. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review



Profile Image for Linda.
457 reviews23 followers
March 26, 2016
The Firefighter Daddy is a sweet romance with all the elements that make a good story, children, kittens and a dog! When Firefighter Liam McGregory moves from Dallas, Texas to Buffalo, Oklahoma to take over guardianship of his deceased brothers two precocious daughters, eight year-old Madison and six year-old Katie, he finds himself in over his head. He turns to a support group, the “Single Dad’s Club”; however, when the girls find a lost dog and the owner Sarah Blackburn comes to claim him, will Sarah be the help he needs with the girls or the healing for his broken heart? Liam and Sarah are determined not to risk love again but does God have different plans? I enjoy Margaret Daley’s Love Inspired books. They truly deliver heartwarming, inspirational romance…check this one out for sure!
Profile Image for Edward Arrington.
1,179 reviews12 followers
April 1, 2016
This is a fairly quick read but packs some interesting lessons and excellent family values. I think it was great how the older brother put his life in Dallas on hold to move to Oklahoma to care for his nieces when his brother suddenly died. That would take a major commitment and considerable sacrifice. Being a divorced man with no children, he had a bit more freedom to make the life-changes required to take on this responsibility. He had a lot to learn and was fortunate to find a support group for single dads. The advice he received from his group and his new friend, Sarah, makes the book worth the price. I especially recommend parents of young children read this story, but it’s an enjoyable story for anyone. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Ann.
6,025 reviews83 followers
March 12, 2016
Every now and then it's nice to read an old fashioned love story based in a small community that is centered around their church.. Liam is a firefighter who is raising his two young nieces. Sarah is a beautician who lives up the street who is drawn into his family when Liam and his girls find Sarah's missing dog. Sarah has return home to help her mother take care of her grandmother and run the local beauty shop. As they cope with their lives they find that helping each other makes their lives easier. This story is the first in a new series about single fathers learning to cope with their children and their changed lives. This was a wonderful introduction for this series and I hope to read more. A nice change from mystery, murder and suspense.
65 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2016
The Firefighter Daddy
By Margaret Daley

This book is another great story by Margaret Daley. I truly enjoyed reading it. It took only one day as I had to keep picking it up to read to find out what was going to happen. I really enjoyed the characters, Liam, Sarah, Madison and Katie, besides their family members and friends. I have to be careful not to say anything to ruin the story. This book in my mind is honoring firefighters for sure. They risk their lives to save ours. Again I highly recommend the reading of this marvelous book. I assure you, you won’t be sorry. What a talent for writing Margaret Daley has.

Profile Image for Pam Graber.
1,130 reviews44 followers
June 1, 2016
Margaret Daley is always a good choice and The Firefighter Daddy lives up to her usual standards.
Liam McGregory has just been named guardian of his two young nieces. Used to fighting fires and rescuing people from the flames, he's at a loss for what to do with two little girls.
Sarah Blackburn is a widow who has moved back to town to help her mother care for her Nana. As the memories of her husband assail her, Sarah's one consolation is her dog, Gabe. When Gabe goes missing, Sarah is relieved to find him living with Liam and his girls.
Can Liam and Sarah get past their pasts to find a love of their own? Read the book and find out!
Profile Image for Britney.
768 reviews12 followers
May 4, 2016
From the endearing characters to the charm of small town life, I loved everything about The Firefighter Daddy! Liam and Sarah’s story is engaging, entertaining, and such a pleasure to read. I’m excited to know this is the first book in a new series, and I look forward to future stories. Margaret Daley has written another touching and tender tale that is sure to delight fans of heartwarming romance!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
934 reviews4 followers
March 27, 2016
The Firefighter Daddy by Margaret Daley. Firefighter Liam McGregory moves from Dallas to take care of his dead brother and his wife's two small children. After a year he wants to move back to Dallas. This small town is where the two children have always lived. He meets Sarah Blackburn, who also returned to town to help her mother care for her grandmother. Their two paths cross and they end up falling in love. There are so past history they have to deal with. A very good read. An uncle learning to take care of his two nieces.
Profile Image for Jane.
374 reviews82 followers
March 2, 2017
4.00 stars - very mild pg13

This book was a sweet, nice story. Nothing riveting. I liked the characters, the animals, the single dads' support group at church and the storyline about the grandmother's dementia. Some parts were a tad bit contrived, and dialogue was occasionally kind of stilted for a contemporary book. Nevertheless, it was a sweet little story of small town romance, friendships and family. Trust in God was woven throughout, but not preachy.
1,149 reviews7 followers
December 4, 2016
A good book about Firefighter Liam and how he moves to raise his 2 nieces. Will he be able to adjust to a life as a single dad and the girls adjust to him? Sarah comes into the picture and offers her help. She is recovering from the loss of her husband and unborn child from many years ago. Will they be able to recover from their losses and help the girls overcome the loss of the dad. This is a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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