Today, I want to chat about Gingerly by debut author Rachel Hodges. But by reading this book, you’d have no idea it was Hodges’ first work. 
- Genre: Women’s Fiction
- Heat Level: ❤️
- Overall Rating: 5/6 Glass Slippers
Caitlyn never thought her life would end up like this. At twenty-seven, she’s divorced, broke, expecting an exchange student she can’t afford, and still can’t find the right styling products to tame her wild, red hair. Unemployed and in serious need of something to pour her heart into, she becomes the nanny to an autistic boy named Aiden. Her background as an assistant to a special needs child makes the job a breeze, but there’s one issue…Aiden’s dad.
Nick isn’t a bad man, but he is devilishly handsome and not shy when it comes to the ladies. At first, it’s easy for the pair to keep a professional distance. But as time goes on and the line between business and something more begin to blur, and their attraction becomes nearly impossible to ignore.
Between being a nanny, ignoring her feelings, trying to fit in in a snooty neighborhood, and fending off a creep, Caitlyn’s in over her head.
I normally don’t read a lot of women’s fiction, but I really enjoyed Gingerly. It was funny from page one, sort of reminding me of The Nanny Diaries or the Shopaholic series. The comedy wasn’t forced, but the natural, dry humor is something I really appreciate reading. Caitlyn as the main narrator was really a perfect choice.
Aiden as a character helped to give a refreshing take on being a special needs caregiver, especially when working in an affluent neighborhood. My brother has hydrocephalus and autism and we grew up in an affluent town with private clubs and golf as a high school team. I saw a lot of parallels between how Aiden and Caitlyn were treated and my own experiences with my brother and family. People can be cruel and judgmental, and sometimes education is just not enough. I appreciated how Hodges used this work as a tool without taking away the joy.
For a first novel, I was pleasantly surprised. Hodges clearly out a lot of work into this book from the editing to the lovely cover. Sometimes the narration felt stilted and the chapters would end suddenly, but if those are the only things I found wrong with a debut book, I declare that an absolute win!
Overall, I really enjoyed Gingerly. It was sweet and funny while not skimping on the drama and heart.
It’s always so exciting to see how Shapiro writes her time hopping style of work. Each series and standalone book flip between worlds, connecting through memories, second lives, or faded letters in a hidden alcove. The methods she uses never grow stale and I’m always thrilled to see a new book in her collection.
Hunter is a talented cook who opened up his own diner. Tracy is a nurse who knows how to bake a mean pie. Together, they’re a recipe for perfection. But when Hunter becomes the guardian of his recently orphaned godchild, will his new bond with Tracy withstand a surprise, new addition?
After an embarrassing first impression, reporter Rowan thought she’d never see Prince Theo again. But Theo loves her small town and the antinomy of it all, even though he can’t hide from the throne forever. Will he follow his heart or his royal duties?
Wine maker and single dad Conor is struggling to save his winery and care for his daughter. Hot shot lawyer Samantha comes to his aid to keep his business in his hands. When close quarters breed new feelings, will these opposites give romance a try?
New widow Mia never expected to be in labor, in the snow, outside a stranger’s house. Recently single Will never expected to deliver a stranger’s baby. But sometimes, the unexpected can spark an unforgettable holiday.
Musician and bar owner Sean still pines for the girl who got away. But when she walks into his bar years later, will he get a second chance to make things right? He doesn’t think so, but he knows he’s up for the challenge.
After September 11th, Elena has more than just the emotional scars. A mysterious boy handed her an ornament at Ground Zero and she still carries it with her. Thirteen years later, she’s all grown up and meets the boy again, now a man named Lucas. After years apart and tragedy between them, can they find a way to heal?
Navy Seal Drew is taking a leave from active duty after a death that left him shaken. Marine Biologist Jenna has made it her life’s mission to save wounded things. But when she’s sworn off military men and he’s not a fan of being coddled, are the holidays just what this pair needs?
When Heidi goes to a picturesque mountain town for the holidays, she takes a job at a Christmas decor shop. The owner, Ben, is all too happy to have her help…especially when he realizes she might be just what his life was missing.
Single mom Sabrina is the epitome of a strong woman. But when the man who walked out on her all those years before rolls back into town, will she finally crumble under the pressure or make this Christmas one to remember?
Doggy daycare owner Callie wants to win the annual window display competition to prove to everyone she’s all grown up. Brandt never wanted to return to his small town, but life pulled him back. Opposites attract in this sweet romance, but will they make it through the holidays?
When country star Cassidy is told she may never sing again, she goes back to her small town for some R&R. Ryder retired from bull racing to raise his daughter, but he’s in for another wild ride when the girl that got away rolls back into his life. Will Christmas give then a second chance, or is their romance nothing but a sad song waiting to be written?
Krista is only in the Marietta’s Secret Santa Society for a chance to reboot her career via tech genius Jonah. But business meetings melt into long chats over hot chocolate, and before long, the call of the mistletoe becomes too hard to ignore.
Rosa has no interest in a fling, much to the disappointment of ladies’ man Calvin. But when they’re forced together at a secluded ranch over Christmas, their attraction becomes hard to ignore.
When Savannah moves back home to Whisky River, she never expected her ex to be her new boss. Harlan knows he messed up all those years ago with Savannah, but wants to make things right by Christmas. Will he make this holiday one to remember or end up back on her naughty list?
Photographer Rachael loves small town life, but doesn’t like her meddling family telling her to settle down. When a hot doctor moves into town and offers to play the part of fake boyfriend, she’s left wondering if everything is just pretend.
Who did I spy on page one? A certain familiar face from the first book named Sam. Moments where characters from other books pop up, reminds me of why I adore series works. Seeing bits of previous stories go on in the background is always one of my favorite touches, especially in small towns.
I’ll start off by saying I found this single dad angle to be refreshing. In some books, the kid is nothing more than a romantic angle and is basically given to the newly introduced love interest for diaper changes and bedtime snuggles. Gag. No real parent would meet someone they wanted to date and then pass of their child to a complete stranger for bath time. But Reinhardt didn’t fall into that “useless dad” trope. Conor is a good parent and a believable one at that. Alannah is a real person in this book, a welcome twist to other novels.
A Kiss At Midnight Reviews 