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What the Doctor Ordered
They've never been out on a date. They can barely speak a civil word to each other when they find themselves in the same room. But Aunt Bertie, who is not crazy, just -eccentric- knows that John and Ellie belong together, and she's doing all she can to further their cause. When Ellie comes to Colton Idaho, to spend the summer with Aunt Bertie and prove to her parents that her aunt doesn't belong in an assisted-care facility, the confusion begins. Bertie's determination to marry Ellie off to Dr. John Flynn leads to a hilarious string of miscommunications in this delightful romantic comedy.
286 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
July 1, 2010
Wow. I never thought I'd find a book I liked less than "Charly" . . . but apparently anything truly is possible. It's especially depressing because I've liked the other Sierra St. James books I've read. However:
~When you spend the entire book wishing the main characters wouldn't get together (even though you know they do), that's kind of a bad sign.
~When they don't get together until - LITERALLY - the last page of a ridiculously rushed ending . . . that's a really bad sign.
~When your first thought upon finishing a "sweet love story" is how short the relationship is going to be because it feels like even the author doesn't think it could possibly last, that's a pathetically bad sign.
There is absolutely nothing good about this book except for the two main female characters. The love interest is despicably unlikable and needs to get over himself and work through his baggage instead of getting engaged to a girl just because the entire town thinks he's been dating her for ten days. The way the townspeople would rather believe gossip based on extreme stretches of imagination rather than the truth when the subjects of said gossip try to set the record straight is completely unbelievable and ridiculous. And the moralizing subplot? Please. Save the sermons for Sunday School for crying out loud. I think I lost brain cells reading this.
~When you spend the entire book wishing the main characters wouldn't get together (even though you know they do), that's kind of a bad sign.
~When they don't get together until - LITERALLY - the last page of a ridiculously rushed ending . . . that's a really bad sign.
~When your first thought upon finishing a "sweet love story" is how short the relationship is going to be because it feels like even the author doesn't think it could possibly last, that's a pathetically bad sign.
There is absolutely nothing good about this book except for the two main female characters. The love interest is despicably unlikable and needs to get over himself and work through his baggage instead of getting engaged to a girl just because the entire town thinks he's been dating her for ten days. The way the townspeople would rather believe gossip based on extreme stretches of imagination rather than the truth when the subjects of said gossip try to set the record straight is completely unbelievable and ridiculous. And the moralizing subplot? Please. Save the sermons for Sunday School for crying out loud. I think I lost brain cells reading this.
October 14, 2024
G-rated, Christian, small town romance
Ellie is a 22-year-old college senior who is visiting her 69-year-old aunt in a small town in Idaho for the summer. Her parents are worried that her aunt is developing Alzheimer's, but Ellie refuses to believe it. She absolutely refuses to allow her beloved aunt to end up in a residential facility like her deceased paternal grandparents, who both had Alzheimer's. Ellie is convinced that her aunt simply has a quirky sense of humor, which is manifested in her pretending that every day is Christmas and doing her best to match up Ellie with a local, 29-year-old, divorced ER doctor named John.
This is one of the first novels that JR ever wrote. She has recently gotten the rights back for this book and is self-publishing it and classifying it as a romantic comedy. Though there are many quirky moments in this novel, there are some very serious underlying issues that are anything but humorous. For that reason I would call this novel a dramedy, not a comedy.
Fans of G-rated, small town romances with a strong Christian element will very likely enjoy this book.
Ellie is a 22-year-old college senior who is visiting her 69-year-old aunt in a small town in Idaho for the summer. Her parents are worried that her aunt is developing Alzheimer's, but Ellie refuses to believe it. She absolutely refuses to allow her beloved aunt to end up in a residential facility like her deceased paternal grandparents, who both had Alzheimer's. Ellie is convinced that her aunt simply has a quirky sense of humor, which is manifested in her pretending that every day is Christmas and doing her best to match up Ellie with a local, 29-year-old, divorced ER doctor named John.
This is one of the first novels that JR ever wrote. She has recently gotten the rights back for this book and is self-publishing it and classifying it as a romantic comedy. Though there are many quirky moments in this novel, there are some very serious underlying issues that are anything but humorous. For that reason I would call this novel a dramedy, not a comedy.
Fans of G-rated, small town romances with a strong Christian element will very likely enjoy this book.
June 19, 2009
This was pretty cute. The age difference bothered me a bit. I couldn't see myself at 21 ready to marry a divorced 33 year-old. As they were falling in love, I thought it strange that they never discussed John's divorce and the reasons behind it. That would be something really important to know about before jumping into a relationship I would think!
I don't expect much when it comes to LDS romance. It had a handful of grammar mistakes, which always bugs me in published and edited works. These type of books were all I used to read when I was a teenager. I'm so glad I've broadened my horizons!
I don't expect much when it comes to LDS romance. It had a handful of grammar mistakes, which always bugs me in published and edited works. These type of books were all I used to read when I was a teenager. I'm so glad I've broadened my horizons!
March 19, 2012
I loved this book! It is a clean, LDS fiction. It's a cute romance with a lot of laughter. It literally made me laugh out loud so many times. Loved the characters and their personalities. It is one I would definately read again. My only complaint is the abrupt ending....don't get me wrong I loved the ending and it was soooo fitting....but I would have really...REALLY...liked atleast 2 or 3 more chapters to wrap things up after the "happily ever after". I was definitely not ready for the characters story to end. A quick fun read that made my day;)lol
June 19, 2012
Never start a Rallison book at bedtime! I could not put this down and bedtime quickly became 3am. I am so amazed at all the unique characters and stories Rallison pulls out of her magical literary hat. She doesn't just address romance with laugh-out-loud humor; she always tackles a serious issue as well (and rather beautifully). The last month of reading her books has been delightful, and I'm so glad I have a few left. :)
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November 14, 2012I read this book, laughed out loud several times, LOVED her eccentric old aunt, and never once thought it was my good friend Janette Rallison who wrote it under a different name. Once I saw her picture in the back, my enjoyment of the story became much clearer.
This is one of those wonderful, feel-good romances that are so rare to come by. One that is believable and cockle-warming, without being over the top. Such fun.
This is one of those wonderful, feel-good romances that are so rare to come by. One that is believable and cockle-warming, without being over the top. Such fun.
March 24, 2012
This book should come with health warnings! It keeps you up all night, because you simply have to finish it. What a fun read! Totally entertaining with such great characters. It is so great to find such good books that are light yet thought provoking and enjoyable. Thank you Sierra, I will read whatever books I can find of yours.
April 3, 2018
Aww, a sweet and clean romance. Good banter. The characters were a little frustrating at times... (there’s perhaps a bit of instalove) The ending snuck up on me too. But it did get wrapped up quite nicely, if a bit rapidly.
Note- the Mormon church plays a role in this story; you can enjoy it without being Mormon, but there are a few terms I was unfamiliar with
Note- the Mormon church plays a role in this story; you can enjoy it without being Mormon, but there are a few terms I was unfamiliar with
June 8, 2020
This book was mostly about Ellie being in denial and John being overprotective. The characters are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and there are a lot of church references but nothing religious per se. Kisses only
April 1, 2011
Very cute and clean and romantic. I love the main character, very likable.
November 18, 2011
As far as MoFic goes this one is actually pretty funny! The romance story line is cute in places and then it's not in some with them going to ward functions for dates...yeah! :)
May 14, 2021
This story was so fun and had me laughing so hard! I love the character development and storyline. I love the eccentric aunt. Such an amazing book!
May 4, 2022
This had me laughing out loud.
March 26, 2020
Though this book had quite a few funny spots, there was just too many things that bugged me. First of all, huge age gap, (10-12 yr, I never paid enough attention to get it exact.) that was only addressed a few times. (not that it's a deal breaker but still, she was pretty immature for him). Then, how they just went back and forth the entire book over defending her aunt. It seemed their whole relationship was based on fighting about her aunt and/or his sister's love life, when neither had the whole story and past experiences that tainted their opinion and they couldn't just communicate that. Even the end (spoiler) it was kind of just a I love you though you drive me nuts but we could make it work, what do you think, oh you love me too, well, then we are good esp now we know what is going to happen to your aunt... It really rushed the ending. It was entertaining enough for a read at night and fall asleep book but that's about it for me.
May 30, 2022
Ellie loved her Aunt Bertie. Ellie’s mother and dad want to send her to Bertie’s for the summer. Ellie is supposed to declare her unfit to live alone but Ellie is bound and determined to find her doing just fine. She is not crazy just because she has a Christmas tree up in June. Who doesn’t love Christmas? Bertie has declared the Dr. John Flynn is the perfect husband for Ellie and plans to match the two together. Ellie is interested in a boy back home, and John has sworn off love after having his heart broken by his ex-wife. Bertie finds all sorts of reasons to put them together.
This book is wonderful. Tender hearted, devoted families, and serious health issues abound but they are all handled with love and care. Since Bertie lives in a small town, gossip is rampart and for some strange reason John and Ellie seem to be together according to the town. John and Ellie fight to stay apart. Lots of humorous incidents along with the love.
This book is wonderful. Tender hearted, devoted families, and serious health issues abound but they are all handled with love and care. Since Bertie lives in a small town, gossip is rampart and for some strange reason John and Ellie seem to be together according to the town. John and Ellie fight to stay apart. Lots of humorous incidents along with the love.
October 10, 2019
Ellie Baxter loves her Aunt Bertie even though the rest of her family thinks she's weird or well on her way to having the Alzheimer's that claimed both parents. Ellie goes to stay in Colton, ID with her "for the summer". Bertis is unusual and does have some issues. The biggest is that she wants 21-year-old Ellie matched up with the 32-year-old divorced doctor who's also the High Priest group leader. Events conspire to throw the two together and no matter how much they deny their "coupleness" everyone is convinced they're in love. Eventually they are, but only after several miscues, discovering Bertie has an inoperable brain tumor and sorting out John Flynn's sister's love life. Humorous romance, reasonably well done.
January 10, 2021
I really liked this book. It was funny and quite entertaining.
A few things that I didn’t like:
-Even though the main characters had feelings for each other, they were all kept to themselves.
-I was surprised that Ellie didn’t show more emotion around her aunt. I would have either laughed out loud or lashed out at half of the things her aunt said.
-There were many grammatical errors. Kind of buggin�.
Overall, I would recommend this book. 😀
A few things that I didn’t like:
-Even though the main characters had feelings for each other, they were all kept to themselves.
-I was surprised that Ellie didn’t show more emotion around her aunt. I would have either laughed out loud or lashed out at half of the things her aunt said.
-There were many grammatical errors. Kind of buggin�.
Overall, I would recommend this book. 😀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2024
Language: G (0 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
I literally laughed out loud several times. It was a very enjoyable afternoon read, though the ending was too fast. Ideally, there would have been one more chapter -- or even just an epilogue.
The mature content rating is for mentions of alcohol, drugs, nudity, sex, and abortion as well as for mild innuendo. The violence rating is for mentions of assault, murder, and suicide.
I literally laughed out loud several times. It was a very enjoyable afternoon read, though the ending was too fast. Ideally, there would have been one more chapter -- or even just an epilogue.
The mature content rating is for mentions of alcohol, drugs, nudity, sex, and abortion as well as for mild innuendo. The violence rating is for mentions of assault, murder, and suicide.
May 23, 2022
This is one of the best romantic comedies I’ve ever read. I kept thinking it would make a great movie but then we’d miss all the thoughts running through the character� minds. The main characters are well developed and easily relatable; but Aunt Bertie with her insightful eccentricities was my favorite. I look forward to reading more from this author.
November 29, 2022
Throughly enjoyed this book, Ellie and her eccentric Aunt Bertie were so funny and brilliant characters.
John was brilliant too who doesn't love a hunky doctor.
The only downside for me was it ended to abruptly, I feel like I needed more from them after all the build up. But that didn't take anything away from the story.
Overall tho I'd recommend What the doctor ordered
John was brilliant too who doesn't love a hunky doctor.
The only downside for me was it ended to abruptly, I feel like I needed more from them after all the build up. But that didn't take anything away from the story.
Overall tho I'd recommend What the doctor ordered
December 24, 2018
3 1/2 or 4 stars. This was a good book. It had me laughing out loud a few places. I enjoyed the characters but would get a little frustrated with them sometimes. And the ending was so fast, like literally the last paragraph of the last page and no epilogue. Overall, I enjoyed it.
March 4, 2020
This was a super fun read with laugh out loud moments throughout. The ending was a little abrupt and it could have used an epilogue but if you are looking for a sweet silly story to escape from reality then this would be a good one.
May 16, 2020
Loved the humor and the family-feeling between the protagonist and her aunt. Delightful. St. James has a real touch with writing that makes her books so enjoyable. I'm just a little cynical about the lasting quality of the romantic relationship. :)
May 14, 2022
My read of this revamped romantic comedy did not disappoint. I loved the witty characters, the eccentric aunt, the crazy romance, and all the in between in this fun small town. This was a fun, light-hearted read.
February 23, 2024
Loved it!
What the Doctor Ordered was such a cute book! John and Ellie are so cute together, and Aunt Bertie was an absolute hoot! The only thing I disliked was that there wasn't more kissing. ;D
What the Doctor Ordered was such a cute book! John and Ellie are so cute together, and Aunt Bertie was an absolute hoot! The only thing I disliked was that there wasn't more kissing. ;D
April 2, 2025
I read this book as a teenager and I forgot how much I love it. It is a classic romance book. I love the conflict between the two love interests. And the “crazy/eccentric� aunt Bertie is perfect! This books brings me to tears and makes me laugh out loud. I would recommend to anyone.
October 17, 2017
Fun sweet novel, but it ended a little abruptly!
June 24, 2019
Stinkin� adorable!
June 21, 2022
This book is pure fun. Aunt Bertie is the best. Dr. John Flynn and Ellie are great characters as well, their back and forth banter is so much fun. This story was touching, funny and full of romance.
December 1, 2022
Sweet, clean, entertaining.
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