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Maybe She Will: A Romantic Women's Fiction Novel

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Josephine, a 41-year-old single mom, is too busy for romance. Balancing a teenage daughter and an autistic son keeps her hands full. Now, she's in a showdown with the special education department at Jackson's new school, advocating for his needs—occasionally in her pajamas.Thirty-two-year-old Gavin left the sales world for education because he didn't know what he wanted. The last thing the school coordinator expects—or needs—is to catch feelings for the mother of one of his clients.Juggling special education meetings, Shabbat dinners, support groups, and stolen kisses, Josephine and Gavin must figure out how to meet Jackson's needs while deciding if their connection can overcome the differences in their lives and the scars from their less-than-perfect pasts.If you like witty dialogue, heartwarming moments, and the zing of forbidden romance, you'll love this story of two unlikely people falling in love. Discover this funny and heartwarming story today!

388 pages, Paperback

Published April 17, 2024

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Gina Andrew

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Lori.
14 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2024
Having sat on both sides of the table at an IEP meeting, I was immediately engrossed in this book. It’s realistic portrayal of caring for someone with special needs is something missing from many family portrayals in books,tv, and movies. (Although this is improving somewhat). I love that the characters in this book don’t have all the right answers or solutions. They are all just struggling to do the best they can with some humor and grabbing little moments to enjoy life. This mom’s love for her kids brought me to tears on several occasions. Any mom will love and appreciate this book (regardless of whether they are single like the lead character or dealing with a special needs child). Any mom (or parent, period)can relate to the actual messiness inside the family home. It is never what you anticipated your family life would look like in actuality. The warmth and witty dialogue in this story will have you falling in love with these characters. And Gavin is just hot so he’s worth the read alone! Let’s just go ahead and clone him. Romantic, heartwarming, and funny. All the things you want in a book. We need a Kayla and Jackson spin-off because I love these kids!
Profile Image for ainisreading.
86 reviews11 followers
April 18, 2024
This is my first time of giving an honest review as an exchange for an advanced reader copies from NetGalley. I am truly grateful and feel nervous at the same time.

I was delighted to read this book because of the description that mentioned 'an autistic son'. I don't know why, but I truly love reading anything related to spectrum disorder, because for me, autism is not only about being less sensitive to emotions, less eye contact, being isolated from people, agarophobia, feeling overwhelmed with surroundings, boring routine in life, hating changes, the same menu for food in life, etc. but autism is a spectrum disorder that we need to celebrate with together, holding hands in hands to be with them because they are Different Not Less.

Therefore, in conjunction with the #autismacceptancemonth, reading a book about it makes me feel closer and have a better understanding of what autism is.

However, this book is different. It does not only focus on autism, yet it talks about the life of a single mother who has to handle her two children, which requires her attention at various levels.

One is an autistic son, Jackson, who needs to be under her radar 24/7 and the other one is her teenage daughter, Kayla, who is full of temperament.

Though it may look chaotic, the story is really enjoyable to read because you will find joy in each one of them and the presence of a thirty-two-year-old guy in this storyline made it more amusing.

After finishing reading this book, it makes me realize the feelings of a single mother with a disabled child. I don't blame Josephine in this story for being over-protected by her children. At the same time, I feel really grateful to have Gavin in this story because his existence brings a difference to family life.

I really enjoyed reading this book.

If you are looking for a story of a family life with a disability child plus romance and humor, this book is yours!
Profile Image for Karen.
1,451 reviews110 followers
February 13, 2025
This is a gentle, women's fiction/romance, story about Josephine, an "older" (41 years old - ancient in romance years lol) single mom of a teenage daughter and autistic son. She's stretched thin between parenting, advocating for her son and just general doing everything< /i>on her own.

After a tussle with Gavin, the new school coordinator at her sons school, she realizes that she might be able to let other people in to help, that it's ok to not have all the answers and that she's still sexy and worthy of a full life.

I loved all the characters (even the kids!), the romance and especially Josephine who has seemingly held the weight of the world on her shoulders for so long. Seeing her let go and have FUN and let other people in was wonderful.
Profile Image for Marcy .
107 reviews
April 17, 2024
I read most of Gina (G.G.) Andrew’s previous books and enjoyed them very much. This one, however is in a league of its own. Maybe She Will is funny, romantic and straight from the author’s heart. Andrews has first hand experience as a mother of neuro-divergent sons. Having worked for decades as a Speech Pathologist in the public schools, and a member of the child study team, I’ve had countless conversations with parents raising children on the Autism Spectrum. In this story Jackson is non-verbal, and may become agitated and physically aggressive when he cannot express himself. This usually occurs in settings other than his home.
The beginning was a litter slow for me because I am familiar with special education laws. However, Andrews is carefully setting the stage for readers who have not experienced special education in the public schools and parental rights. This is authentic…the real deal.
I appreciated the cast of characters. The mom is 41 year old Josephine who is raising two children on her own since her husband left the family because he couldn’t cope. She works from home, doesn’t get enough sleep, and must fight for her son’s appropriate placement in school. She hasn’t had a meaningful romantic relationship since her ex left her when Jackson was a toddler. Her neuro-typical teenage daughter is going through her own drama, but is dependable and loves her brother. Jo has minimal support from others.
Gavin is a newly hired coordinator of the child study team at the local school. He is kind, compassionate, tall, handsome and 32 years old. Although Josephine and Gavin are at odds with what they want for Jackson, the chemistry sizzles between the two. Gavin develops a friendly relationship with Jackson and Jo learns not to be so uptight with allowing the pair to go on outings.
Without divulging the whole plot, this a worthwhile book to read. It’s a romance with a happy ending, but so much more! I highly recommend this book. It is not just a silly, sappy romance. You may learn something! I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lauren Bayne.
578 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2024
Authors, take note: this is how you write a story.

This is how you write a story about an autistic child. Jackson is not precocious. His special interest is not something he will info-dump about; it's tracing people's hands. He is not hyper-verbal; he's mostly non-verbal, with most verbalizing being a form of echolalia. When he melts down, he melts down in a big way (a throwing-cartons-of-yogurt, often hurting himself kind of way). And yet he is treated with such compassion, such warmth, by the characters in the story and by the author herself. Jax was easily my favorite part of this book because he is portrayed as a kid. A wonderful, music-loving kid.

This is how you write a story about a teenager. Kayla is moody, rebellious, sensitive, and scared. She both wants to talk about colleges non-stop and is afraid to start the conversation. She wants her mom to have a life, but not in that way. She lives life with the knowledge that she will be her brother's caretaker one day, and that terrifies her. She too is treated with compassion and understanding of the difficulties of being young and having a disabled sibling.

This is how you write a closed-door romance. The forbidden aspect is addressed in full, never swept under the rug. The age gap is not a cute trope; it is something the characters work through. The slow burn is worth it as the characters fall in love with each other, and the third-act break-up is not contrived. It is raw and emotional. Though the story centers on Josephine and her experiences as a mother of an autistic child, Gavin is given his own chance for growth as he grapples with what it means to have purpose. He finds his purpose in Jo, Kayla, and Jackson. Jo is the center of the story. Gina Andrew puts so much of her experience into Jo, and the dedication shows. The IEP meetings, the fears, the joys. All written with sensitivity and kindness.

This is how you write a story. It was a privilege to read it, and I am very grateful to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
570 reviews3 followers
April 16, 2024
BOOK: MAYBE SHE WILL
AUTHOR: GINA ANDREWS
PUB DATE: APRIL 2024
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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This book was amazing. When I started, I was skeptical because I thought I would like it because it was over 300 pages, but I devoured all the pages. It was never slow for me, and I liked every single page.
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This is the first book that I read that realistically showed how it is to be a parent to a special needs child. Our FMC, Josephine, is a mother to two kids, one of them on the autism spectrum. The author did not mince words when describing Jackson, and it made me understand him better. My favorite part of this book was Josephine's zeal in fighting for her son's rights. At the end of the day, I liked the author's decision at the end of the book
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Our MMC, Gavin was the 'enemy', he works with special needs kids and was trying to change Jackson's class. I liked him because he was exactly what Josephine needed, and he's a good guy. I also liked his zeal for his job and his family members.
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I liked that the forbidden Romance was not overplayed. When they started dating, both of them came clean immediately. There was no running behind everyone to go for dates or something like that. I liked their relationship, how Josephine was able to rediscover herself and let go thanks to Gavin and her daughter, Kayla. It can be tasking taking care of a special needs kid, and I liked that she was able to prioritize herself. I also liked the support groups of the parents.
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This book was amazing, I liked the storyline and characters, and I learned a lot. I also liked the perfect ending. It was what Josephine and Jackson needed. You should definitely read this book!
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Profile Image for Dawn Line.
14 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2024
If you're looking for a "can't put it down," laugh out loud read, with so much truth then this book is for you.
Jo takes us on a journey that gives us just a taste of what it's like to be a parent to a child on the spectrum. Add in being a single parent, so having to deal with all the challenges on her own...while also raising a "typical" teenage girl...and you immediately relate to her scrambling at the beginning of the book.
At the IEP meeting (the reason for her scrambling), we meet Gavin. Poor Gavin thinks he can run this meeting as if he were still in sales. If only an IEP meeting was as cut and dry as a sales pitch! Gavin quickly learns that a Warrior Mom doesn't cave so easily!
As you can guess from "Romantic" in the title, Jo and Gavin give dating a shot. On their first "actual" date, Gavin gets a taste of what can happen with a child on the spectrum. He thought ht knew what he was getting into but Jackson quickly teaches him, to quote my BFF, "If you know one child with autism, you know ONE child with autism." I will say that I was impressed that neat freak Gavin handled that meltdown as well as he did.
I don't want to give away any spoilers so I'll leave you with this... This book had me laugh, cry, cuss, cry happy tears. It also kept me up most of the night because I wanted to know what happened next. I think I only had 10% left when I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore.
Profile Image for Claire.
Author 10 books99 followers
April 13, 2024
This is a funny book.

It’s also a book about single parenting a teenage girl and a middle school boy who is nonverbal autistic and trying to figure out all those things plus date a guy who works at your son’s school and take time for yourself and let other people in.

But it’s a FUNNY BOOK.

Multiple time I laughed out loud or gasped with delight. The author knows how to WRITE. The words flow and the story makes you want to keep reading as you get invested in Jo’s family life, her struggles and her humor and her joy. The author tackles her subject with personal knowledge but also a sensitive and even-handed outlook, and this book is full of heart and humor. It’s also very romantic. Gavin was delightful and he was exactly the right guy for Jo. Seeing Jo fall in love after so long was so satisfying.

The character are so relatable human in their choices and their thoughts and actions, even when they’re messy, even when they fumble the ball. I highly recommend this book.

Heat level: 1. A sweet but sexy closed door.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC.
497 reviews22 followers
April 8, 2024
Drawing on her personal experience as the mother of two sons diagnosed with autism, the author creates a sensitive and compassionate portrait of the joys and the challenges of parenting a child on the spectrum. The novel explores how one woman struggles to find a balance to meet the needs of her son, her teenage daughter, and herself. While there are serious issues addressed, they are balanced by some witty dialogue and a budding romance with a charming man.

I enjoyed entering Josephine’s world, which was both entertaining and educational. While I do not have first – or even secondhand experience with autism – the story shines with authenticity and pragmatism. I appreciated the author’s candor as well as her sense of humor.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.



814 reviews9 followers
April 17, 2024
Being a single mom, Josephine is challenged with work, a teenage daughter, and a son who is autistic. Now she is to have a meeting with the special education department. This is her son’s first year at this new school and she knows she will once again have a battle for what’s best for her son. Gavin on the other hand left working in sales to become a school coordinator at Jo’s son’s school. I have been around children with autism so know that the author could bring out how sensitive the child would be to change and the compassion I could feel for all involved. I also enjoyed the budding romance between Jo and Gavin. A wonderful story filled laughs but also heartwarming moments.
482 reviews
April 25, 2024
Josephine, a 41-year-old single mother, finds herself immersed in the complexities of parenting. With a teenage daughter and an autistic son, her life is a whirlwind of responsibilities. Currently, she's embroiled in a battle with the special education department at Jackson's new school, tirelessly advocating for his needs.

The story takes us on Josephine's poignant journey, offering a glimpse into the challenges of raising a child on the autism spectrum. Compounded by the demands of single parenthood and navigating the typical teenage years with her daughter,

This emotionally charged book had me laughing, shedding tears, and eagerly turning pages late into the night, driven by my desire to uncover what awaited Josephine next.

I extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Writer G.G. Andrew, LLC for the opportunity to experience this heartfelt and compelling narrative.
Profile Image for Kassandra Lamb.
Author 55 books233 followers
November 8, 2024
I read A LOT. And most of the time, if you’d ask me the storyline of a book I read a few weeks ago, I wouldn’t remember it. But every once in a while I read a story that touches my heart and lingers in my mind.

This is one of those stories.

Divorce, single motherhood, a surly teenage daughter—these are not uncommon challenges these days. But mix in a special needs son on the autism spectrum and an attractive younger man who has control over where that son goes to school, and things get interesting fast.

This story is so well written, so poignant at times, and yet also funny at times. Read it! You’ll be glad you did.
Profile Image for Lindsey Larsen.
Author 3 books20 followers
July 19, 2025
As a mother of child with autism and intellectual disability, it was such a breath of fresh air to connect with the main character, Jo. This sweet romance between her and an unexpected person on her son’s care team, had me carrying the book with me from room to room! I highly recommend for everyone! This book may help all empathize with parents of a child with disabilities, and help the world understand ways in which everyone can be more inclusive!
Profile Image for Amanda Waters.
Author 2 books27 followers
April 13, 2024
I stayed up way too late reading this book, and that's basically the highest praise for me. I was fully invested in these endearing, realistic characters and their joys and struggles. I loved the real-life conflicts that never felt overdone or overly dramatic, and the romantic storyline was exactly the right amount of swooniness.
117 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2024
I received a free copy for a honest review. I really enjoyed this unique storyline. As a reader it was easy to relate to Josephine as a parent as well as a woman. I enjoyed that Josephine was able to find the humor in life when all she wanted to do was cry and cried when she just needed a good release. Gavin brought such a balance to Josephine. Gavin's kindness and acknowledgement that he didn't always have all the answers made him even more lovable. I truly liked that the minimal age difference was addressed but wasn't such a gravity to their relationship. I highly recommend this book for it's touching storyline, relatable characters, and great read!!
2,285 reviews28 followers
April 23, 2024
Josephine and Gavin meet under very tense circumstances. Love their chemistry and how they think they don't really like each other - really funny. As I got to know them their age gap seemed to close or at least not be as big. Loved him and grew to love her. Seeing her son bond almost immediately to Gavin was so endearing and Gavin was amazing with him. Of course there is drama but the grand gesture(s) were some of the best ever.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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