What do you think?
Rate this book
Helping Hands Homeschooling #3
A Daughter for Christmas
Dr. Max Connors had no idea he'd fathered a child thirteen years ago. Or that his baby girl had been given up for adoption. He locates his daughter in a small Oklahoma town and moves there, hoping to become a part of her life. But when he meets her widowed mother, Max is unsure how to reveal his identity. As he helps Rachel Howard with her plans to homeschool the girl, he's welcomed into the family. But with the holidays approaching, Max must tell Rachel who he really is. Can he make his dreams of family come true by Christmas?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 19, 2010
3 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Daley
208 books494 followersMargaret 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 1, 2011
I thought this was a very cute story. I enjoyed the whole aspect of the main guy having to tell his daughter who he is and all that. Secrets like that make a story interesting. The only really annoying thing is how utterly inaccurate the cover is, considering the girl in the story is a teenager and has very different hair. I wish these series romance novels paid a little more attention to choosing an appropriate cover image.
December 23, 2015
SUMMARY: Dr. Max Connors had no idea he'd fathered a child thirteen years ago. Or that his baby girl had been given up for adoption. He locates his daughter in a small Oklahoma town and moves there, hoping to become a part of her life. But when he meets her widowed mother, Max is unsure how to reveal his identity. As he helps Rachel Howard with her plans to homeschool the girl, he's welcomed into the family. But with the holidays approaching, Max must tell Rachel who he really is. Can he make his dreams of family come true by Christmas?
REVIEW: The first thing I have to note is that this book is part of the "Helping Hands Homeschooling" series. As a retired teacher who has been involved with homeschooling parents, it was nice to come across a series that deals with this topic. The focus of the story is on Dr. Max Connors' daughter, Taylor, whom he didn't even know existed. She is a 13 year old who is dealing with major school frustrations as well as the death of her adoptive father. A secondary focus in on Taylor's diagnosis of ADHD which has interfered with her learning and caused her to label herself "stupid". The author did a great job of handling both the home schooling, ADHD, and biological parent/adoptive parent relationship. I also liked the way Rachel gently tries to help Max re-establish his relationship with God and forgive his ex-wife for the deep wounds she had caused. Good, easy to read Christmas book.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "It was hard to keep my faith when I saw so much suffering and pain in the war....But that doesn't mean God wasn't there with them. The believers who died went home to the Lord...The others were never alone unless they chose to be. The Lord doesn't guarantee a pain-free life, only that He'll be with you every step of the way,holding you up."
"I actually feel sorry for Mr Olson, who thinks Christmas is about how big his decorations are. He doesn't understand Christmas is a time to welcome Jesus into our lives. To reaffirm what Christ wants us to do, love our neighbors as ourselves."
REVIEW: The first thing I have to note is that this book is part of the "Helping Hands Homeschooling" series. As a retired teacher who has been involved with homeschooling parents, it was nice to come across a series that deals with this topic. The focus of the story is on Dr. Max Connors' daughter, Taylor, whom he didn't even know existed. She is a 13 year old who is dealing with major school frustrations as well as the death of her adoptive father. A secondary focus in on Taylor's diagnosis of ADHD which has interfered with her learning and caused her to label herself "stupid". The author did a great job of handling both the home schooling, ADHD, and biological parent/adoptive parent relationship. I also liked the way Rachel gently tries to help Max re-establish his relationship with God and forgive his ex-wife for the deep wounds she had caused. Good, easy to read Christmas book.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "It was hard to keep my faith when I saw so much suffering and pain in the war....But that doesn't mean God wasn't there with them. The believers who died went home to the Lord...The others were never alone unless they chose to be. The Lord doesn't guarantee a pain-free life, only that He'll be with you every step of the way,holding you up."
"I actually feel sorry for Mr Olson, who thinks Christmas is about how big his decorations are. He doesn't understand Christmas is a time to welcome Jesus into our lives. To reaffirm what Christ wants us to do, love our neighbors as ourselves."
November 2, 2010
Dr. Max Conners moved from New York to Tallgrass, OK to be a partner a the small town practice. He quickly starts to meet his neighbors, starting with Rachel Howard and her children. There is an instant attraction between the two, although they both fight it. Rachel has been a widow for two years and Max just found out that when his ex-wife divorce him while serving overseas thirteen years ago, she was pregnant and put the baby up for adoption without letting him know. Max traced his daughter to Tallgrass and now wants to be a part of her life.
As the story unfolds, Max learns more than he ever thought he would not only about his new-found daughter, Taylor, but about forgiveness, love and family. As Rachel and her family draw a lonely Max into their caring circle, they teach him it's okay to open his heart, not only to those around him but more importantly, to God.
Margaret's third book in the series addresses a different reason a parent and child make the decision to homeschool. In "A Daughter for Christmas," Taylor is diagnoised with Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADHD) and is struggling in the normal school setting. Not only was each book in the series a delight to read, but it is apparent that Margaret researched each circumstance in depth. I highly recommend "A Daughter for Christmas" to everyone.
As the story unfolds, Max learns more than he ever thought he would not only about his new-found daughter, Taylor, but about forgiveness, love and family. As Rachel and her family draw a lonely Max into their caring circle, they teach him it's okay to open his heart, not only to those around him but more importantly, to God.
Margaret's third book in the series addresses a different reason a parent and child make the decision to homeschool. In "A Daughter for Christmas," Taylor is diagnoised with Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADHD) and is struggling in the normal school setting. Not only was each book in the series a delight to read, but it is apparent that Margaret researched each circumstance in depth. I highly recommend "A Daughter for Christmas" to everyone.
Read
December 23, 2014Miniseries: Helping Hands Homeschooling
August 21, 2018
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
3/21/2013-
"This book had it's sweet moments, but when the main two characters get to know each other, there's some kissing that's pretty detailed."
3/21/2013-
"This book had it's sweet moments, but when the main two characters get to know each other, there's some kissing that's pretty detailed."
July 1, 2017
This is about a young troubled girl named Taylor----who meets her father Max for the first time. There's also a romance between her adopted mother Rachel and Max. Taylor ends up home-schooled because school is very hard for----and later, Max and Taylor start to share a close bond----although she has no idea who he really is... can't give too much away, though.
June 7, 2013
Lovely romance and a boon to the homeschooling community in its faithful and realistic portrayal of a typical homeschooling family. The weaving of unexpected romance with complex barriers against a backdrop of strong community is particularly heartwarming
November 29, 2014
Enjoyed the "Helping Hands Homeschooling" series. Max just found out about the daughter his wife gave up for adoption 13 years ago. Rachel is coping with the loss of her husband and raising her twin boys and daughter Taylor, 13...
Read
December 23, 2014Miniseries: Helping Hands Homeschooling
December 8, 2010
Margaret Daley is one of my favorite Steeple Hill authors, and she does not disappoint in this nice Christmas story filled with rich characters.
January 12, 2011
cute christmas book
January 11, 2011
From page one, I knew the outcome of this book...it was that predictable. Nonetheless, it was still a four-star book for me. Predictable or not, it was a heartwarming read.
February 2, 2014
This was a sweet story. I did enjoy reading this one. I would highly recommend it. Especially around Christmas time.
January 19, 2016
Forgiveness and letting go of the pass are one of the main points of this book. A nice read!
Read
January 12, 2016Miniseries: Helping Hands Homeschooling
November 18, 2015
Compassion and forgiveness woven through a simple story set during the holiday season.
April 12, 2016
I enjoyed this story which is basically an easy relaxing read about forgiveness and love.
July 13, 2017
Review by M.B.: "It was good but kind of cheesy."
August 4, 2024
Steaminess Rating:
❤️🔥❤️🔥
(Check my profile for my “Steaminess Factor Chart”)!
❤️🔥❤️🔥
(Check my profile for my “Steaminess Factor Chart”)!
December 13, 2025
This contemporary romance is less romance than a mainstream novel about family. It's essentially a story about a man learning that he has a daughter he knows nothing about, and the family she is now a part of.
The male protagonist, Max Connors, has recently learned that his ex-wife had his child and gave the child up for adoption at the time of their divorce thirteen years ago. Alicia has died and her sister gives up the secret of the daughter he never knew he had. Livid with rage at his ex, Max wants to find her, and he does, taking a job in the same city where she lives, even buying a house on the same street.
Meeting his daughter Taylor is bittersweet because she's in a family with two younger brothers and her mother, Rachel. How will he tell Rachel that she is his daughter? How can he cause havoc, but then how can he not, thus wrecking this family with the truth? Growing close to Taylor and even the twins is just the beginning, but he wants a father-daughter relationship with her. On the other hand, he is so angry about what Alicia did, he is unforgiving, vowing never to be in a marriage again. Dismissing his feelings and her growing feelings, he finally announces to Rachel that Taylor is his daughter. With this the tension really ratchets up with the impending DNA test, and then what will happen next? Can there be a happily ever after for these two and the children?
This novel is one of several stories about homeschooling and it not only mention ADHD, but also mentions an auditory processing problem, an issue one of my sons struggled with throughout his schooling. There is definitely a Christian bent to it as well.
The male protagonist, Max Connors, has recently learned that his ex-wife had his child and gave the child up for adoption at the time of their divorce thirteen years ago. Alicia has died and her sister gives up the secret of the daughter he never knew he had. Livid with rage at his ex, Max wants to find her, and he does, taking a job in the same city where she lives, even buying a house on the same street.
Meeting his daughter Taylor is bittersweet because she's in a family with two younger brothers and her mother, Rachel. How will he tell Rachel that she is his daughter? How can he cause havoc, but then how can he not, thus wrecking this family with the truth? Growing close to Taylor and even the twins is just the beginning, but he wants a father-daughter relationship with her. On the other hand, he is so angry about what Alicia did, he is unforgiving, vowing never to be in a marriage again. Dismissing his feelings and her growing feelings, he finally announces to Rachel that Taylor is his daughter. With this the tension really ratchets up with the impending DNA test, and then what will happen next? Can there be a happily ever after for these two and the children?
This novel is one of several stories about homeschooling and it not only mention ADHD, but also mentions an auditory processing problem, an issue one of my sons struggled with throughout his schooling. There is definitely a Christian bent to it as well.
December 30, 2022
Dr. Max Connery had no idea he’d fathered a child thirteen years ago. Or that his baby girl had been given up for adoption. He locates his daughter in a small Oklahoma town and moves there, hoping to become a part of her life. But when he meets her widowed mother, Max is unsure how to reveal his identity. As he helps Rachel Howard with her plans to homeschool the girl, he’s welcomed into the family. But with the holidays approaching, Max must tell Rachel who he really is. Can he make his dreams of family come true by Christmas?
This was such a heartwarming read. I feel that at first the book can be a bit confusing especially if you haven’t read the synopsis, but once you figure out who Rachel is to Taylor the story is smooth sailing from there.
This was a good read for the holidays not only for Christmas but Thanksgiving as well. This book broke my heart and mended it all at the same time. The background story of Max and how he truly just wanted to be a part of his daughters life showed so much emotion. Even though he had been hurt by his ex wife he still wanted to move on towards the end and finally be able to live his life with his daughter.
This book shows not only love and kindness but forgiveness and redemption as well. I feel there were a few miscommunications in the story when Max finally comes out to Rachel on who he is but it helps set the mood for when they finally agree on what is best for their daughter rather it be joint custody or marriage. They both love Taylor and want what is best for their daughter in the end.
This was such a heartwarming read. I feel that at first the book can be a bit confusing especially if you haven’t read the synopsis, but once you figure out who Rachel is to Taylor the story is smooth sailing from there.
This was a good read for the holidays not only for Christmas but Thanksgiving as well. This book broke my heart and mended it all at the same time. The background story of Max and how he truly just wanted to be a part of his daughters life showed so much emotion. Even though he had been hurt by his ex wife he still wanted to move on towards the end and finally be able to live his life with his daughter.
This book shows not only love and kindness but forgiveness and redemption as well. I feel there were a few miscommunications in the story when Max finally comes out to Rachel on who he is but it helps set the mood for when they finally agree on what is best for their daughter rather it be joint custody or marriage. They both love Taylor and want what is best for their daughter in the end.
April 25, 2024
I loved this story! Dr Max finds out he has a daughter (Taylor) with his late ex-wife, but she put her up for adoption when he was in the service. He moves to Tallgrass Oklahoma to meet her and hopefully be in her life. The adoptive mother, Rachel from what he can see is a wonderful woman and mother, but that doesn't change the fact he deserves to be in his daughter's life. When the neighbors all seem to have absorbed him into their life and family, he realizes the reason why he's there will be very hard to tell them. And what happens when he develops feelings for his daughters adoptive mother Rachel? She's widowed and not looking for love. And he's divorced and completely against it. Will the DNA test prove he is the father of Taylor? Can Rachel and Max admit to their feelings and have a future together? Or will Rachel push Max away when she realizes his true identity, doubting everything he's ever said to her?!
This was the final book in the Homeschooling series, but this one was my favorite. The chemistry developing between Rachel and Max. The way Max steps up and helps her with her kids and connects with her family before he even knows for certain about Taylor. The healing they both need to keep moving forward. Sweet, sweet story! I will miss hanging out with them in Tallgrass Oklahoma!
This was the final book in the Homeschooling series, but this one was my favorite. The chemistry developing between Rachel and Max. The way Max steps up and helps her with her kids and connects with her family before he even knows for certain about Taylor. The healing they both need to keep moving forward. Sweet, sweet story! I will miss hanging out with them in Tallgrass Oklahoma!
December 10, 2022
This was a really sweet story but the COVER…ummm, isn’t Taylor supposed to be a teenager?!
The story was heart warming and it’s obvious what the ending will be, however, the build up to Max letting his daughter and Rachel know who he is was interesting and made me want to read more. It was a sweet Christmas story.
The story was heart warming and it’s obvious what the ending will be, however, the build up to Max letting his daughter and Rachel know who he is was interesting and made me want to read more. It was a sweet Christmas story.
April 25, 2021
It was a fun read. It encourages home schooling, if that is some thing you are considering.
It is a story of love; family love, God's love and romance.
I loved how the characters grew closer together.
Of course there is match making from the family.
It is a story of love; family love, God's love and romance.
I loved how the characters grew closer together.
Of course there is match making from the family.
December 7, 2010
I'm a big fan of Ms. Daley's and really enjoyed this book.
December 9, 2013
Cute story.
March 21, 2016
Light fun read. Paperback kept in the car. I love books that involves children.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews