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Merlyn County Midwives #1
Expecting!
Expecting! by Susan Mallery released on Dec 25, 2003 is available now for purchase.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
388 people are currently reading
577 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 31 reviews
May 31, 2014
Two-haiku review:
She had crush on him
His career's most important
Can they compromise?
Another's baby
Happy end seemed too easy
True love overcomes
She had crush on him
His career's most important
Can they compromise?
Another's baby
Happy end seemed too easy
True love overcomes
November 5, 2025
Home with You by Susan Mallery (2024)
originally published as Expecting! (2003)
Merlyn County Midwives #1
5h 41m narrated by Tanya Eby, 294 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Homecoming Trope, Second Chance Trope, Unexpected Pregnancy, Pregnant LI Trope, New Haven, Kentucky; Hospital Administration, Affluent Family, Sex, Story Gaps, Siblings, Family Dynamics, Workaholic, Trust Fund, Found Family
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Books and Authors mentioned: The Wizard of OZ by Frank Baum
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🤰🏨👨🏻💼
My thoughts: 📱19% 1:06:19 Chapter Four - It's okay. I don't like the main trope, but we'll see. I feel like if it's not their business then you shouldn't be dating them.
📱27% 1:31:01 Chapter Five - I am just not in the mood for this book. I don't find this couple believable I'm going to take a break and enjoy my non-fiction book and then when I start cleaning I'll listen to this one.
This story was very generic and I didn't feel like there was a reason for it to progress the way it did. I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters, I don't know when or how they fell in love, they just claimed it. There was just no emotional connection with this story and that's fine sometimes you want to read a little fluff. I also felt like the ending was missing, it just felt incomplete, like the last few pages were accidentally deleted. Since they recently retitled and republished this book I felt like she should have written an epilogue to go with it. Based on his original title Expecting! I would have been even more disappointed with the ending, but with the new title, my expectations were different.
Recommend to others: Only if you're a fan or looking for a quick palate cleanser.
Merlyn County Midwives
1. Home with You (2003) [Expecting!] Susan Mallery
2. Countdown to Baby (2004) Gina Wilkins
3. Bluegrass Baby (2004) Judy Duarte
4. Forever...Again (2004) Maureen Child
5. In the Enemy's Arms (2004) Pamela Toth
originally published as Expecting! (2003)
Merlyn County Midwives #1
5h 41m narrated by Tanya Eby, 294 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Homecoming Trope, Second Chance Trope, Unexpected Pregnancy, Pregnant LI Trope, New Haven, Kentucky; Hospital Administration, Affluent Family, Sex, Story Gaps, Siblings, Family Dynamics, Workaholic, Trust Fund, Found Family
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Books and Authors mentioned: The Wizard of OZ by Frank Baum
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🤰🏨👨🏻💼
My thoughts: 📱19% 1:06:19 Chapter Four - It's okay. I don't like the main trope, but we'll see. I feel like if it's not their business then you shouldn't be dating them.
📱27% 1:31:01 Chapter Five - I am just not in the mood for this book. I don't find this couple believable I'm going to take a break and enjoy my non-fiction book and then when I start cleaning I'll listen to this one.
This story was very generic and I didn't feel like there was a reason for it to progress the way it did. I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters, I don't know when or how they fell in love, they just claimed it. There was just no emotional connection with this story and that's fine sometimes you want to read a little fluff. I also felt like the ending was missing, it just felt incomplete, like the last few pages were accidentally deleted. Since they recently retitled and republished this book I felt like she should have written an epilogue to go with it. Based on his original title Expecting! I would have been even more disappointed with the ending, but with the new title, my expectations were different.
Recommend to others: Only if you're a fan or looking for a quick palate cleanser.
Merlyn County Midwives
1. Home with You (2003) [Expecting!] Susan Mallery
2. Countdown to Baby (2004) Gina Wilkins
3. Bluegrass Baby (2004) Judy Duarte
4. Forever...Again (2004) Maureen Child
5. In the Enemy's Arms (2004) Pamela Toth
July 26, 2013
This really was a sweet romance. I loved the way Hannah, and Eric started off as friends. They meet when Hannah was a teen, and Eric was her sailing instructor. She never let him know that she had a huge crush on him back then.
Years later she came back into town to settle down. She left behind a bad relationship that left her pregnant. She also left college. She was studying to become a lawyer. Hannah has always done what was expecting of her. She needed the time to figure out what she wanted to do with her life, and she needed the time to lick her wounds.
Eric has always been career driven. His sister, and his secretary has been worried about him. They both said he needed to cut down on the hours he works, and he needed to date. He has a dream of being a CEO before he is 30.
When Hannah came back into town, she found the perfect home to buy. The home is being sold by Eric. Their friendship picked up where it left years ago, and grew from there. I love stories where a friendship grows into love. This was a heartwarming romance. My only complaint with this book is it had no epilogue. The story just ended. It would have been nice to read about the couple getting married, or the birth of the baby.
Years later she came back into town to settle down. She left behind a bad relationship that left her pregnant. She also left college. She was studying to become a lawyer. Hannah has always done what was expecting of her. She needed the time to figure out what she wanted to do with her life, and she needed the time to lick her wounds.
Eric has always been career driven. His sister, and his secretary has been worried about him. They both said he needed to cut down on the hours he works, and he needed to date. He has a dream of being a CEO before he is 30.
When Hannah came back into town, she found the perfect home to buy. The home is being sold by Eric. Their friendship picked up where it left years ago, and grew from there. I love stories where a friendship grows into love. This was a heartwarming romance. My only complaint with this book is it had no epilogue. The story just ended. It would have been nice to read about the couple getting married, or the birth of the baby.
November 14, 2024
Idk how people rated this so high😭 it was way too short and too fast paced of a love story for me to enjoy it. The main character, Hannah, needy & annoying… and over every little thing that doesn’t even matter. Like girl you have to grow up. Maybe 2 stars??? Idk maybe even 1😭
September 30, 2024
My first read of Susan Mallery!
And this book did not disappoint. Loved it! Well written, the story was interesting and captured me from page one.
And this book did not disappoint. Loved it! Well written, the story was interesting and captured me from page one.
June 17, 2024
Typical romance story with an abrupt ending … I hate that!
May 23, 2024
Not Romantic
I gave it one star for Eric the poor sap. The females in this story are unlikeable. The secretary is intrusive ,rude and it is downright creepy how much interest she takes in her bosses love life. Hannah takes advantage of Eric from the start. First she starts a relationship with him without telling him she’s pregnant then she gives mixed messages, inviting him to ultrasound on one hand but being rude when he shares info he learned about pregnancies. Then even though he has made it clear, his goals were to climb the corporate ladder, she seduces him on purpose, and of course, by the end, he turns down a promotion to stay with her and help her raise her child.
I gave it one star for Eric the poor sap. The females in this story are unlikeable. The secretary is intrusive ,rude and it is downright creepy how much interest she takes in her bosses love life. Hannah takes advantage of Eric from the start. First she starts a relationship with him without telling him she’s pregnant then she gives mixed messages, inviting him to ultrasound on one hand but being rude when he shares info he learned about pregnancies. Then even though he has made it clear, his goals were to climb the corporate ladder, she seduces him on purpose, and of course, by the end, he turns down a promotion to stay with her and help her raise her child.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2022
1.5 estrellas que redondeo a 2 solo porque, por lo menos, lo he terminado…
Yo y Susan Mallery no congeniamos. Mira que lo he intentado pero no hay manera. Creo que voy a tener que darme por vencida.
Una miajilla de spoilers, ¿vale?
Este libro se me ha quedado corto. Y, por momentos, me ha parecido un pelín ridículo. Por favor, ¿podemos hablar de la reacción de Eric cuando se entera de que Hannah está embarazada?
¿Esto qué es?, ¿el Medievo? 🤣
Luego tenemos esta joya:
Además, los personajes, sobre todo la protagonista femenina, me han parecido bastante infantiles o inmaduros. Y, en general, todo como muy candoroso. Sí, un ambiente candoroso, se podría decir:
En cuanto a la edición y la traducción: de la edición no tengo nada que decir. Tomé prestado el ebook porque era gratis con mi suscripción de Kindle Unlimited. No suelo tener muchas pegas con el formato digital. La traducción es buena, a diferencia de todas las que había leído antes de la editorial Harlequin Ibérica. En este formato SÍ citan a la traductora: Alicia Díaz Booth. Por fin. En las ediciones físicas que tengo de esta editorial, NUNCA aparece el traductor y, sinceramente, no me extraña. A mí también me daría vergüenza.
Yo y Susan Mallery no congeniamos. Mira que lo he intentado pero no hay manera. Creo que voy a tener que darme por vencida.
Una miajilla de spoilers, ¿vale?
Este libro se me ha quedado corto. Y, por momentos, me ha parecido un pelín ridículo. Por favor, ¿podemos hablar de la reacción de Eric cuando se entera de que Hannah está embarazada?
Se obligó a borrar de su mente las imágenes eróticas de Hannah y él... desnudos. Era asqueroso. Sólo un animal pensaría en imponer sus deseos carnales a una mujer en un estado tan delicado. Era inmoral. Quizá hasta fuera ilegal. Se juró que controlaría sus instintos, por mucha que fuera la tentación. No violaría su confianza en él.(pág.79)
¿Esto qué es?, ¿el Medievo? 🤣
Luego tenemos esta joya:
Estaba atónita por el gesto de Eric. Se preocupaba por ella y eso debía tener algún significado. No conocía a ningún hombre que fuera a hacer la compra voluntariamente.(pág.144)
Además, los personajes, sobre todo la protagonista femenina, me han parecido bastante infantiles o inmaduros. Y, en general, todo como muy candoroso. Sí, un ambiente candoroso, se podría decir:
Hannah estuvo a punto de dar saltos de alegría. Eric la había deseado[...].(pág.150)
En cuanto a la edición y la traducción: de la edición no tengo nada que decir. Tomé prestado el ebook porque era gratis con mi suscripción de Kindle Unlimited. No suelo tener muchas pegas con el formato digital. La traducción es buena, a diferencia de todas las que había leído antes de la editorial Harlequin Ibérica. En este formato SÍ citan a la traductora: Alicia Díaz Booth. Por fin. En las ediciones físicas que tengo de esta editorial, NUNCA aparece el traductor y, sinceramente, no me extraña. A mí también me daría vergüenza.
did-not-finish
July 7, 2011Both characters annoyed me. I felt the heroine kept her pregnancy a secret for far too long. And once the hero finds out she's pregnant, he decides that he isn't allowed to desire her sexually anymore. What is this, 1882? **headdesk**
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2024
This book just seemed far fetched to me. To start dating someone and begin a relationship without disclosing to them that you’re pregnant seemed dishonest. Then, when he was shocked and needed time to think about things it felt like he was the bad guy. I wasn’t a fan of the storyline, and the happily ever after ending.
January 22, 2025
another excellent Susan Mallery book
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to observe how Mrs. Mallery developed the characters and see their understanding and relationship grow. Excellent soft read.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to observe how Mrs. Mallery developed the characters and see their understanding and relationship grow. Excellent soft read.
November 2, 2025
This book was bland and boring.
The characters barely had chemistry and barely had conflict. So at the last minute, throw in a little misunderstanding to make it a bit high stakes, but even that wasn’t much of anything to begin with.
If a yawn could be a book, this would be it.
The characters barely had chemistry and barely had conflict. So at the last minute, throw in a little misunderstanding to make it a bit high stakes, but even that wasn’t much of anything to begin with.
If a yawn could be a book, this would be it.
May 24, 2024
Struggled with this so much. Just felt so forced.
July 19, 2024
Sometimes you just want to read a feel good book and Susan Mallery never disappoints.
August 17, 2024
An oldie but goldie
A sweet story for romance readers. She needs a good push, he needs a kick in the butt. Hate frustration!
A sweet story for romance readers. She needs a good push, he needs a kick in the butt. Hate frustration!
October 7, 2024
Wonderful ending.
I actually laughed our loud at a few of the events, which doesn't happen often. I always enjoy Susan's books & hope others will also.
I actually laughed our loud at a few of the events, which doesn't happen often. I always enjoy Susan's books & hope others will also.
March 24, 2025
Enjoyed this book, definitely an easy read and also predictable. Still a fun read especially with so much dissension in the news!
December 27, 2025
Very simple, meh reading!
3 stars
Happy Reading!
2025
3 stars
Happy Reading!
2025
July 19, 2024
(En mi defensa diré que la edición que he leído solo tiene en la portada una margarita blanca sobre un fondo blanco)
Forma parte de una colección de libros que lleva años en oferta en una cadena de grandes supermercados.
Son unos packs de 4 libros sorpresa (de los que a simple vista solo puedes ver el título, y yo no hago ni eso) que solo cuestan 5€, son de bolsillo y ligeros perfectos para la playa/el tren etc.
He caído más de una vez en comprarlos, y lo único que puedo decir es que absolutamente TODOS son como una película mala de tarde de Antena 3 de esas que incitan a echarse la siesta.
Las tramas son muy simples, con giros predecibles, la escritura (o la traducción) deja que desear y los personaje son estereotípicos.
Este no iba a ser la excepción, es más, mientras lo estaba leyendo solo podía pensar en que la autora era super conservadora y chapada a la antigua... He descubierto más tarde de lo que debería (esto me pasa por no leer ni las contraportadas) que lo que es "antiguo" es el libro, de 2004, y se nota, no en los paisajes ni el día a día sino en los detalles de la personalidad de los protagonistas.
Otro detalle que me ha molestado es el título, ¿Cómo que "siempre te esperaré"? En la versión original se llama "expecting" en referencia a un embarazo, quien sea que ha tenido la idea de colar con calzador la subtrama de una relación partida por años de por medio en la que nadie se ha esperado no ha entendido el libro.
Hay una reforma, muebles con toques de color, un jardín, una mujer demasiado independiente, familias desestructuradas y una vuelta a los orígenes que es lo que me ha mantenido enganchada.
Nunca dejará de sorprenderme como hay libros que me llegan o me da por leer en el momento en el que más pueden aportarme.
Forma parte de una colección de libros que lleva años en oferta en una cadena de grandes supermercados.
Son unos packs de 4 libros sorpresa (de los que a simple vista solo puedes ver el título, y yo no hago ni eso) que solo cuestan 5€, son de bolsillo y ligeros perfectos para la playa/el tren etc.
He caído más de una vez en comprarlos, y lo único que puedo decir es que absolutamente TODOS son como una película mala de tarde de Antena 3 de esas que incitan a echarse la siesta.
Las tramas son muy simples, con giros predecibles, la escritura (o la traducción) deja que desear y los personaje son estereotípicos.
Este no iba a ser la excepción, es más, mientras lo estaba leyendo solo podía pensar en que la autora era super conservadora y chapada a la antigua... He descubierto más tarde de lo que debería (esto me pasa por no leer ni las contraportadas) que lo que es "antiguo" es el libro, de 2004, y se nota, no en los paisajes ni el día a día sino en los detalles de la personalidad de los protagonistas.
Otro detalle que me ha molestado es el título, ¿Cómo que "siempre te esperaré"? En la versión original se llama "expecting" en referencia a un embarazo, quien sea que ha tenido la idea de colar con calzador la subtrama de una relación partida por años de por medio en la que nadie se ha esperado no ha entendido el libro.
Hay una reforma, muebles con toques de color, un jardín, una mujer demasiado independiente, familias desestructuradas y una vuelta a los orígenes que es lo que me ha mantenido enganchada.
Nunca dejará de sorprenderme como hay libros que me llegan o me da por leer en el momento en el que más pueden aportarme.
October 17, 2018
Leído en Enero 2013
Entretenida... para pasar el rato!!
Protagonistas: Eric Mendoza y Hannah Bingham
Argumento:
Ella había encontrado el trabajo perfecto para él... convertirse en el papá de su futuro hijo...
Después de una desastrosa relación que la había dejado embarazada y sola, Hannah Bingham supo que debía regresar a Merlyn County; aunque eso significara tener que enfrentarse a su familia y explicar los errores que había cometido. Con lo que no había contado era con la presencia de Eric Mendoza, su amor de juventud, que se había convertido en un hombre peligrosamente guapo... y entregado a su carrera. Por mucho que dijera que su profesión lo era todo para él, Hannah sabía que deseaba tener un hogar y una familia...
Entretenida... para pasar el rato!!
Protagonistas: Eric Mendoza y Hannah Bingham
Argumento:
Ella había encontrado el trabajo perfecto para él... convertirse en el papá de su futuro hijo...
Después de una desastrosa relación que la había dejado embarazada y sola, Hannah Bingham supo que debía regresar a Merlyn County; aunque eso significara tener que enfrentarse a su familia y explicar los errores que había cometido. Con lo que no había contado era con la presencia de Eric Mendoza, su amor de juventud, que se había convertido en un hombre peligrosamente guapo... y entregado a su carrera. Por mucho que dijera que su profesión lo era todo para él, Hannah sabía que deseaba tener un hogar y una familia...
March 4, 2023
A fairly silly fairy tale with little depth even if you like stories where everyone is nice and accepting. Hannah seemed immature, a bit unlikely given her circumstances. Eric was a little better, although he switched his tune a little too readily. I wanted to tell both of them, "Welcome to the real world!", but neither was ready to join it.
December 10, 2017
Rated compared to other romances. Sweet story. The extended family relationships add to this one -- Hannah really doesn't know her relatives well, and Eric is very close to the sister that basically raised him. Their marriage would be interesting to follow!
January 22, 2011
Short, quick, easy read but very good :)
May 15, 2011
This one was just "okay" for me. I guess maybe I didn't connect with the heroine as much as I could have. But it was a fairly entertaining read.
May 7, 2012
An interesting, but not very realistic read. I'm glad it's not the first I read by her
May 12, 2015
Classic Susan Mallery! I read this book on vacation and really enjoyed it. :)
November 3, 2016
siempre te esperare
Excelente y muy buena.bastante completa para ser una novela corta de harlequin.muy linda y fácil de entender y leer.la recomiendo.
Excelente y muy buena.bastante completa para ser una novela corta de harlequin.muy linda y fácil de entender y leer.la recomiendo.
April 22, 2018
I had read this book back in January 2014 and it was still as hot and steamy as I remembered.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews