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Prescription: Marriage #5
Baby, It's Christmas
Listening time 5 hours 48 minutes
Dr. Kelly Hall had lost all hope of ever having a family-until single father Tanner Malone burst into her hospital asking her how to raise his newborn daughter. What else could she do so soon before Christmas but lend her expertise to the gorgeous contractor whose charming smiles and come-hither glances draw her like a moth to a flame. But she's in no position to get involved with anyone. After a devastating heartbreak, Kelly has given up on happiness. Nonetheless, she can't deny the attraction ... or the hope she'll get the husband and family she's always longed for.As the days move closer to Christmas, it's clear to Kelly that Tanner-and his daughter-are what's missing from her life.
Dr. Kelly Hall had lost all hope of ever having a family-until single father Tanner Malone burst into her hospital asking her how to raise his newborn daughter. What else could she do so soon before Christmas but lend her expertise to the gorgeous contractor whose charming smiles and come-hither glances draw her like a moth to a flame. But she's in no position to get involved with anyone. After a devastating heartbreak, Kelly has given up on happiness. Nonetheless, she can't deny the attraction ... or the hope she'll get the husband and family she's always longed for.As the days move closer to Christmas, it's clear to Kelly that Tanner-and his daughter-are what's missing from her life.
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2000
73 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
865 books15.5k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 17, 2020
Their Little Princess by Susan Mallery is a sweet, little, romance novel from the 2000s.
Dr. Kelly Hall, an OBGYN delivering babies in the local hospital, helps deliver Tanner Malone's daughter. He decides to keep his daughter Lia, since him and his fling decided to give her up for adoption. Tanner is in a world of shock not knowing how to take care of a baby, so Kelly offers to help. Slowly but surely, they fall in love.
This book has dated itself quite a bit, with a few comments seemingly a bit more... rough for today's culture. Weight, sexism and the professional doctor-patient relationship all make this book a bit blurry. I could feel myself wincing at some of the comments, but I understand this book was released literally two decades ago.
I still think this book was cute and very easy to read. It's simple enough - a love story with some passionate sex scenes.
I would have liked to see if anything else happens with Kelly's past. It was explored but not given a proper ending. It might be continued on in the next book in this series, but I doubt it.
Overall, this was a cute book. It was nice to take a dip into the 2000s romance scene.
Two out of five stars.
Dr. Kelly Hall, an OBGYN delivering babies in the local hospital, helps deliver Tanner Malone's daughter. He decides to keep his daughter Lia, since him and his fling decided to give her up for adoption. Tanner is in a world of shock not knowing how to take care of a baby, so Kelly offers to help. Slowly but surely, they fall in love.
This book has dated itself quite a bit, with a few comments seemingly a bit more... rough for today's culture. Weight, sexism and the professional doctor-patient relationship all make this book a bit blurry. I could feel myself wincing at some of the comments, but I understand this book was released literally two decades ago.
I still think this book was cute and very easy to read. It's simple enough - a love story with some passionate sex scenes.
I would have liked to see if anything else happens with Kelly's past. It was explored but not given a proper ending. It might be continued on in the next book in this series, but I doubt it.
Overall, this was a cute book. It was nice to take a dip into the 2000s romance scene.
Two out of five stars.
December 30, 2018
Recently I was trying to decide what the biggest difference between Debbie Macomber and Susan Mallery was. After indulging in a dozen or so Christmas romances the last couple of weeks I finally have an answer. Passion. Susan Mallery write passionate, sexy intimate scenes that can really get the heart thumping while still writing sweet and beautiful romances. You don't find that kind of passion in a Macomber book unfortunately though I still enjoy the stories.
This book reminded me why I keep going back to Susan Mallery over and over. A little heat is never a bad thing. I loved this story. It was a great lesson in greater purpose also.
This book reminded me why I keep going back to Susan Mallery over and over. A little heat is never a bad thing. I loved this story. It was a great lesson in greater purpose also.
November 7, 2019
Quick, easy read. I enjoyed the way the author had Tanner, the father, decide not to sign the papers to give up his baby and instead raises her himself. (Well with some help from a few others.) Dr. Kelly was a nice added touch since she gave up a child years ago and has forever wondered what would've happened if she hadn't. Their stories separate and then together intertwined nicely for this romance.
November 27, 2019
3.5***
February 16, 2018
Very good story of love, forgiveness, and letting go. Tanner is a confirmed bachelor, happy with fleeting relationships, until one of those women ended up pregnant. Though he initially agreed to give the baby up for adoption, by the time the baby was born he had changed his mind. Even though he knows nothing about babies, he's determined to keep his daughter.
I loved the encounter between Tanner and Kelly. As the doctor who delivered the baby, she knows about the adoption, so she is surprised when Tanner shows up at the hospital. Her low opinion of him undergoes a quick transformation as she sees his sincerity about raising his daughter. I loved watching him fumble around, trying to find the words to explain how he felt. His panic was pretty amusing as Kelly started to tell him what he needed to do, and his relief was clear when she offered to help.
I loved the development of the relationship between Tanner and Kelly. They quickly became friends, bonding over the care of little Lia. I liked the way that each of them grew comfortable enough to share the shadows in their lives. I ached for Tanner and his fears that he isn't capable of the commitment needed to be a good father. I liked the way that Kelly's support and confidence in him lessened those fears. Tanner's concern for Lia and what to tell her about her mother hits Kelly hard. She is still dealing with the guilty feelings of giving up her own daughter when she was a teenager. I loved how Tanner tried to show Kelly that she wasn't the selfish monster that she thinks she is. While all of this is going on, there is a growing attraction between Tanner and Kelly. Neither expects it, and they aren't quite sure what to do about it until it becomes impossible to resist. Their feelings for each other grew, but both of them had issues holding them back. In spite of his success, Tanner has some deep-seated esteem issues, causing him to believe that as a builder he isn't good enough for Kelly the doctor. Kelly believes that she doesn't really deserve to be happy and has been hiding from living life fully. It takes some heart-to-heart advice from those they love to open their eyes. I loved the advice that Tanner got from his brother, but what really got to me was the talk that Kelly had with her dad. I loved seeing Kelly go after what she wanted and Tanner's surprise when it was him. I loved the epilogue and seeing the family a few years down the line. There was a nice little surprise along with it.
There were quite a few emotional and heartwarming scenes throughout the book, as well as some that were laugh out loud funny. Tanner's introduction to his daughter was one that reminded me of when my daughter was born and her daddy held her for the first time. Kelly's devotion to her patients was incredible. She brought me to tears with the one emergency situation with the teenager and the talk they had afterward. I also laughed at the scenes where Tanner first dealt with the diaper and the baby shower was a riot. He was especially sweet and funny when he talked about buying Christmas presents for Lia.
Published as Baby, It's Christmas in November 2017
I loved the encounter between Tanner and Kelly. As the doctor who delivered the baby, she knows about the adoption, so she is surprised when Tanner shows up at the hospital. Her low opinion of him undergoes a quick transformation as she sees his sincerity about raising his daughter. I loved watching him fumble around, trying to find the words to explain how he felt. His panic was pretty amusing as Kelly started to tell him what he needed to do, and his relief was clear when she offered to help.
I loved the development of the relationship between Tanner and Kelly. They quickly became friends, bonding over the care of little Lia. I liked the way that each of them grew comfortable enough to share the shadows in their lives. I ached for Tanner and his fears that he isn't capable of the commitment needed to be a good father. I liked the way that Kelly's support and confidence in him lessened those fears. Tanner's concern for Lia and what to tell her about her mother hits Kelly hard. She is still dealing with the guilty feelings of giving up her own daughter when she was a teenager. I loved how Tanner tried to show Kelly that she wasn't the selfish monster that she thinks she is. While all of this is going on, there is a growing attraction between Tanner and Kelly. Neither expects it, and they aren't quite sure what to do about it until it becomes impossible to resist. Their feelings for each other grew, but both of them had issues holding them back. In spite of his success, Tanner has some deep-seated esteem issues, causing him to believe that as a builder he isn't good enough for Kelly the doctor. Kelly believes that she doesn't really deserve to be happy and has been hiding from living life fully. It takes some heart-to-heart advice from those they love to open their eyes. I loved the advice that Tanner got from his brother, but what really got to me was the talk that Kelly had with her dad. I loved seeing Kelly go after what she wanted and Tanner's surprise when it was him. I loved the epilogue and seeing the family a few years down the line. There was a nice little surprise along with it.
There were quite a few emotional and heartwarming scenes throughout the book, as well as some that were laugh out loud funny. Tanner's introduction to his daughter was one that reminded me of when my daughter was born and her daddy held her for the first time. Kelly's devotion to her patients was incredible. She brought me to tears with the one emergency situation with the teenager and the talk they had afterward. I also laughed at the scenes where Tanner first dealt with the diaper and the baby shower was a riot. He was especially sweet and funny when he talked about buying Christmas presents for Lia.
Published as Baby, It's Christmas in November 2017
November 13, 2017
Hmm, listening to this one is probably the reason it received a 3-starred rating from me. As all of these stories do, it wrapped up neatly like a package by Christmas. However, listening to the female reader speak for both male & female voices makes this laughable during especially the sex scenes! I told co-workers it was difficult to get through the "sexier" parts without busting a gut in laughter as she spoke for both parties! How do you audio-readers get beyond this?!
December 24, 2018
My first Susan Mallery book and completely enjoy this Christmas romance story.
December 17, 2020
I loved this book a lot.
March 11, 2024
Fun read. I do enjoy the single father trope especially when it’s a newborn 😍 Characters were all likeable. The narrator was great. A solid read from a favourite author 👌🏽
December 25, 2024
couple nice story lines but way too predictable and too much detailed intimacy.
December 19, 2025
Cute little book but a few personal icks that just didn’t hit well with me. Constantly saying she wasnt his typical type was awkward. Still cute book
February 29, 2012
I was actually pleasantly surprised by this book. I'm not really even a kid person and I liked it. Which considering its a romance that revolves around a kid that's saying something.
When Tanner learns that he has a child, it doesn't come as a surprise per say. He'd already agreed with the mother that they were going to give the baby up for adoption. But when he goes to look at his newborn daughter he realizes that he can't give her up. So while the mother jet-sets to California, he becomes a single father. And doctor Kelly Hall goes from not liking this father to be to really admiring him. Enough that she offers to help him buy baby stuff and help out the first couple of weeks to get him adjusted to the infant. What she doesn't expect is to fall for him though, especially when she has so many things in her past that she has to overcome too.
Tanner is a great guy. He has flaws, but isn't afraid to jump headfirst into anything. And he's pretty awesome for wanting to raise his daughter by himself. So many guys wouldn't want to do that. Yes I know he's fictional, but he seems very real. Kelly was good too. She had some shadows in her past and had to work through them and find some self acceptance. And that's a good lesson right there and a good draw to a realistic character. The baby played a somewhat lesser role in this book, despite it being the main focus of the story.
Considering this book was all about a baby, it was more than just feedings and diapers and baby stuff. Which actually that was kind of weird because the baby played a small role next to the romance story. It was more Kelly and Tanner doing stuff and getting stuff ready for the baby as opposed to taking care of her. But it was still a good story. There are some long sex scenes in it, so if that's not your thing, you probably shouldn't read it. I liked how everything progressed and the book had a good pace to it.
I would try this author again. She has a nice style and the romance was a good read.
Their Little Princess
Copyright 2000
246 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2012
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
When Tanner learns that he has a child, it doesn't come as a surprise per say. He'd already agreed with the mother that they were going to give the baby up for adoption. But when he goes to look at his newborn daughter he realizes that he can't give her up. So while the mother jet-sets to California, he becomes a single father. And doctor Kelly Hall goes from not liking this father to be to really admiring him. Enough that she offers to help him buy baby stuff and help out the first couple of weeks to get him adjusted to the infant. What she doesn't expect is to fall for him though, especially when she has so many things in her past that she has to overcome too.
Tanner is a great guy. He has flaws, but isn't afraid to jump headfirst into anything. And he's pretty awesome for wanting to raise his daughter by himself. So many guys wouldn't want to do that. Yes I know he's fictional, but he seems very real. Kelly was good too. She had some shadows in her past and had to work through them and find some self acceptance. And that's a good lesson right there and a good draw to a realistic character. The baby played a somewhat lesser role in this book, despite it being the main focus of the story.
Considering this book was all about a baby, it was more than just feedings and diapers and baby stuff. Which actually that was kind of weird because the baby played a small role next to the romance story. It was more Kelly and Tanner doing stuff and getting stuff ready for the baby as opposed to taking care of her. But it was still a good story. There are some long sex scenes in it, so if that's not your thing, you probably shouldn't read it. I liked how everything progressed and the book had a good pace to it.
I would try this author again. She has a nice style and the romance was a good read.
Their Little Princess
Copyright 2000
246 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2012
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
May 29, 2014
All about choices
Wonderful book to read. I just wish I knew it was a series and read book one first. I suggest you read A doctors vow first. I will be reading that book next.
This book teaches about the up and down of parenthood. From being a teenager and pregnant and making a. choice she may regret as an adult. To a man agree to his ex-girlfriend if she kept the baby to full term he would sign the adoption papers.
wouldn't you just love to know what really happens between these two different lives and their situations. Go ahead and read this story to find the answers.
Happy reading!
Wonderful book to read. I just wish I knew it was a series and read book one first. I suggest you read A doctors vow first. I will be reading that book next.
This book teaches about the up and down of parenthood. From being a teenager and pregnant and making a. choice she may regret as an adult. To a man agree to his ex-girlfriend if she kept the baby to full term he would sign the adoption papers.
wouldn't you just love to know what really happens between these two different lives and their situations. Go ahead and read this story to find the answers.
Happy reading!
July 30, 2017
Easy read, sweet romance, regarding a tale of two people working to let go of the past in order to move forward with their future.
I loved how Tanner took on the responsibility of being a father to his daughter Lia, and how everyone was so supportive. A relaxing read with very little angst.
Although the story was enjoyable, the cover could be brought into the 21st century, and the separation from scene to scene could be much more distinct. Quite often, it took me a moment to realize the scene had changed. I am sure this is more of an editing issue, but I was very surprised to encounter it in this book.
I loved how Tanner took on the responsibility of being a father to his daughter Lia, and how everyone was so supportive. A relaxing read with very little angst.
Although the story was enjoyable, the cover could be brought into the 21st century, and the separation from scene to scene could be much more distinct. Quite often, it took me a moment to realize the scene had changed. I am sure this is more of an editing issue, but I was very surprised to encounter it in this book.
February 3, 2019
OB/GYN Kelly Hall isn't very impressed with one of patients, when she nonchalantly delivers a beautiful baby girl and then gives her up for adoption. When the rough and tumble contractor baby daddy approaches her about keeping the baby himself, Kelly starts to change her mind, and soon changes her heart. With issues from both of their pasts - Kelly also giving up a baby girl for adoption when she was 17, and Tanner being raised in Foster Care - the both have to decide they're worthy of each other's love. Several very sensual bedroom scenes which almost seemed like the focus of the story rather than the story during the latter half of the book.
May 6, 2018
Dr Kelly Hall is an ob gyn Dr and has given up hope of marrying or having children of her own. Tanner Malone has fathered a child with a women who has just given birth and is giving the baby up for adoption but he decides that he is going to take care of the baby and accept responsibility for bringing her up. Kelly offers to help and lend her expertise but finds herself more involved than she ever thought possibile.
October 12, 2013
Well that ending was frustratingly abrupt! I enjoyed the story, even though it was a bit repetitive. I liked the characters, which is why I liked the story, but there wasn't enough of Lia in the story. She basically slept through the entire book, and I don't think there's a single newborn like that! Anyway, good not great and the end is absurd.
December 23, 2017
This was a delightful holiday read, but more romance than holiday. Both Dr. Kelly Hall and builder Tanner Malone have pasts that make them feel unworthy of love. Tanner's decision to keep baby Lia after a former lover gave birth leads to a relationship with Kelly. He asks for her assistance setting up the right nursery and advise for a new father.
August 8, 2014
Very good book. I loved all the characters, especially the hero. I loved how he acted with his daughter. Laughed out loud when he said he wasn't taking the baby to the store with him to buy her toys because then it wouldn't be a surprise.
November 19, 2017
This is one of Susan Mallery's older books but I enjoyed it very much. Dr. Kelly Hall had already decided that she did not like Tanner Malone but apparently she did not really know him or the choice he was going to make that would change his life completely. Good read
May 18, 2013
Sweet little love story. Very predictable but a surprise ending. Quick read.
July 25, 2017
OMG! WHAT A STORY
This is an absolutely awesome story about growing up, love and forgiveness. Not all forgiveness is for someone else, sometimes it's ourselves we need to forgive.
This is an absolutely awesome story about growing up, love and forgiveness. Not all forgiveness is for someone else, sometimes it's ourselves we need to forgive.
December 29, 2017
Way lame and cheesy. Definitely not my cuppa tea.
December 14, 2017
A really good holiday book.
November 6, 2017
A quick sweet read.
December 5, 2017
I really enjoyed Kelly and Tanner's story. They are complete opposites, and boy do they attract. A serious, funny, and all in between story. Well written characters and a HEA.
December 8, 2017
I really liked Susan Mallery's story. The bonus story was not my favorite. I didn't really like the characters that much. But Susan Mallery is still one of my favorite authors.
December 12, 2017
Touching and romantic.
December 20, 2017
All the stuff you're reading in the other reviews about how this really isn't that good? They're all right. It's pretty meh.
Tanya Eby is passable at best on the audio. Not her finest work.
Tanya Eby is passable at best on the audio. Not her finest work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews