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Gingerly
Twenty-seven-year-old Caitlyn McIntyre is one year out of a bad marriage, two weeks late on rent for her crappy apartment, and three days from losing her job.
The redhead from Vermont thought she’d gotten past the tragedies in her life when she escaped to beautiful Saint Simons after her divorce. But Caitlyn’s curls, piled into a tangled frizz in the oppressive Georgia heat, are as unmanageable as her life as she finds herself facing not only unemployment, but also having to give up the sewing business and life she’d fought hard to establish. Her fears are allayed when Nick, a real estate developer on Saint Simons Island, is in sudden need of a nanny for his autistic son. But the chemistry between Caitlyn and Nick adds to Caitlyn’s problems, especially when the rumors of Nick being a womanizer appear to be true. Over the course of two years, Caitlyn takes on an anxious preschooler, a foreign exchange student, the entitlement of the wealthy, and her growing attraction to her boss.
Gingerly is an uplifting and often humorous novel about the paths women must take to find their identity and build a life they’re proud of.
The redhead from Vermont thought she’d gotten past the tragedies in her life when she escaped to beautiful Saint Simons after her divorce. But Caitlyn’s curls, piled into a tangled frizz in the oppressive Georgia heat, are as unmanageable as her life as she finds herself facing not only unemployment, but also having to give up the sewing business and life she’d fought hard to establish. Her fears are allayed when Nick, a real estate developer on Saint Simons Island, is in sudden need of a nanny for his autistic son. But the chemistry between Caitlyn and Nick adds to Caitlyn’s problems, especially when the rumors of Nick being a womanizer appear to be true. Over the course of two years, Caitlyn takes on an anxious preschooler, a foreign exchange student, the entitlement of the wealthy, and her growing attraction to her boss.
Gingerly is an uplifting and often humorous novel about the paths women must take to find their identity and build a life they’re proud of.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2019
12 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 30, 2019
Gingerly is about worlds colliding and how a young woman getting back on her feet navigates them. The world of the wealthy collides with those hustling just to scrape by. There is the collision of the southern aristocracy and the history of slavery that it was built upon. There is the collision of the unique world of an autistic child and a caregiver breaking the barriers that separate them. In class, culture and Autism Spectrum Disorder, the main character feels her way through miscommunications that separate us. In this journey, she faces her own demons that separate her from the life she want. She confronts her internal narrative earnestly and honestly cutting to the heart of the reader. On the surface it’s a goofy love story with endearing and somewhat eccentric characters. But I get a sense that the greater victory is how she finds a way to let herself love, than just catching a man. I found myself transported to the almost magical coastal beaches among the live oaks and Spanish moss. I also found myself turning each page sometimes in agony and sometimes in joy but always rooting for the main character.
February 18, 2019
Gingerly is an absolutely amazing book!! If you dont like romance novels that is ok because it is so much more it is a comedy! It will make you laugh want to cry and then laugh again! The way Rachel writes is amazing!! Aiden in the book is the most loveable character, he is a sweet boy who reminds me of my own!! It is about so much more than just a romance between an man and woman it is a love not just a man but his son first! It is the best book I have read in a very long time!! I will read it many times over and am praying that she might consider a sequel!! Definitely worth the read!! Would recommend to anyone that likes comedy or drama or romance!! A wonderful well rounded book!!!
February 4, 2019
Gingerly is an absolutely wonderful story filled with great characters who are extremely relatable. The book pulls you in from page one. I had trouble putting it down. Aiden is a wonderfully energetic little boy who makes you want to scoop him up and hug him.
January 29, 2019
On the surface, Gingerly could be taken as a fun beach-read love story, but scratch the surface and there's wonderful insight into the world of an autistic child that I wish everyone could read. The author does a great job treating us to exotic vacations and sweet romance, but also gets into the nitty gritty of caring for a child who challenges neuro-typical-ness.
Mimi Gentry, author The Cowboy Way, Longstreet Press
.
Mimi Gentry, author The Cowboy Way, Longstreet Press
.
January 30, 2019
Gingerly is a romantic story interwoven with humor, interesting locale, historical facts, insight to parenting a child with autism, and a cast of characters that the reader will find real-to-life. The main character is captivating and I was easily drawn into her story. I found myself cheering her on during the first chapter! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Gingerly and look forward to Rachel’s next novel!
March 16, 2019
Such a page turner, started reading on the way to bed and just couldn’t put it down! The amazing window into caring for and adoring an autistic child along with the beautifully described details of the Georgia sea isles provided lots of background to love. The characters were also beautifully drawn people that you will enjoy spending time with. Highly recommended.
February 8, 2019
I love the normal chic flick books when I am looking for a way to wind down. I found myself starting this book feeling like I knew where it was going. Although it did get there in the end I found this book very captivating and enough turns that it was not the typical straight forward love story. It was full of twists and turns without losing the coherency. It had you frustrated when the main character lost what you thought was so obvious, and yet you know in normal life the obvious is not so easy to see! I felt myself gasping and hoping the character made it through the life she led unscathed. All in all I really enjoyed this book and if you are a fan of this type of book you will enjoy it!
February 10, 2019
What a delightful book that is so relatable to real life.
I throughly enjoyed reading about Caitlyn, Hildegarde, Aiden and Nick as well as the other likable characters this book is sprinkled with throughout.
I was captivated and looked anxiously forward to reading what happened next..
If you want a good read, which includes real life situations and how this fiesta "ginger" deals with life, with a happy but believable ending.. this is the book for you!
I throughly enjoyed reading about Caitlyn, Hildegarde, Aiden and Nick as well as the other likable characters this book is sprinkled with throughout.
I was captivated and looked anxiously forward to reading what happened next..
If you want a good read, which includes real life situations and how this fiesta "ginger" deals with life, with a happy but believable ending.. this is the book for you!
February 5, 2019
Gingerly was a beautiful book, from start to finish. I found myself caring for and rooting for Caitlyn from chapter 1. This book covers many topics from autism, abusive relationships, slavery and the history of America, and much more. The story unfolds at a perfect pace and allows you to really get to know the characters and locations. It's truly a story of love. Not just love between a man and a woman, but the love we have for children, family, life as a whole. I read the entire book in one sitting because I just couldn't bear to put it down. Definitely worth the read, and probably even a re-read or 2.
February 8, 2019
"I am a long, tall, cool glass of water" is the main characters mantra as she navigates through a new beginning. A failed marriage, a lost job with no new prospects over a thousand miles away from home. She is instantly likeable as well as the other main characters. I was rooting for her from the beginning as she encountered one bump in the road after another.
February 7, 2019
Gingerly pulled me in from the first page. I found parts of myself embedded in Caitlyn's character and resonated with many aspects of her journey. I found myself laughing, gasping, crying, and panicking along with Caitlyn. I grew attached to Aiden and his sweetness, desperately wishing everyone could glimpse the world from his perspective. Gingerly was perfectly honest, raw, and real sprinkled with just enough comedy and laughter to make it a beautiful and effervescent read.
February 5, 2019
I am not a speedy reader nor do I often pick up contemporary fiction but these characters were so engaging from the first pages that I couldn't put it down. I just had to see how it would turn out and binged it in a few hours!
Being a mom of an autistic son, little Aiden touched my heart. He was written with a sincerity and honesty that had me rooting for his caregivers and cursing anyone who would do him harm.
Being a mom of an autistic son, little Aiden touched my heart. He was written with a sincerity and honesty that had me rooting for his caregivers and cursing anyone who would do him harm.
January 30, 2019
Take one handsome, single millionaire with an adorable son, add a beautiful young nanny and what do you get? Not what you were expecting! This book has more misunderstandings and comedy of errors than a Shakespearean play; if it seems like you've got this all figured out in the first chapter, you will be pleasantly surprised that things don't always go like you'd expect. This story is how life really happens, not the saccharine and sanitized fairy tales we so quickly tire of. The adorable son is autistic, charming and repetitive (did I mention repetitive?), the millionaire is stubborn and pigheaded, and the nanny is also stubborn and pigheaded and suffering from PTSD. Toss in a few more quirky characters (including an exchange student who skypes with cats), a home-based business venture that involves conversations with fabric, and lovely beach frontage for a roller coaster ride through life!
February 15, 2019
I recently had the pleasure of reading Gingerly by Rachel Hodges before the release date. I found the book to be captivating, easy to read, and the characters to be both likable and annoying all at the same time. As I read the book I found myself conversing with myself and the characters as if they could hear and communicate with me (seriously an issue I know). While I enjoyed the read and would certainly read more if any other books appeared with the same characters I felt as though some characters failed to captivate me as others did. With that said I felt as the reader I could relate to the journeys, in some way shape or form not particularly all, of the lead character in the book. I would recommend this book.
July 31, 2019
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.
Overall, I really enjoyed Gingerly. It was sweet and funny while not skimping on the drama and heart.
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.
Overall, I really enjoyed Gingerly. It was sweet and funny while not skimping on the drama and heart.
March 3, 2019
A romantic love story with enough crooks and turns to leave your breathless, and unable to stop reading. You’ll never guess what the next chapter holds. Caitlyn is a delightful young woman, enjoying every day as she gets her life back on track after a difficult divorce. As a nanny, her love for the young boy, Aiden, is a pleasure to see. The reader soon loves that precious, endearing child. We are taken into the fantasy of life with the rich and famous by descriptions of furnishings and lifestyles that make us feel like we are actually living the life. We feel Caitlyn’s discomfort when the rich family members try to make her feel like a commoner and applaud her spunky attitude when they don’t succeed. Caitlyn’s thoughts and actions are so vividly described, you will feel like you’re reading her journal. Her quirky house guest is a bit spoiled, and not as lovable as Caitlyn, but interesting in her own way (think Skyping with her cat). Caitlyn’s attraction to her handsome, sexy employer adds to the excitement every day, as we root for them to get together. Will they or won’t they?
March 26, 2019
This is a riveting romance in which you root for the main characters, flaws and all, because Hodges' portrayals are so richly nuanced and grounded in real life that they feel like old friends by the end of the book. Caitlyn and Nick might experience more than their fair share of misunderstandings in GINGERLY, but the reader can always see straight into their hearts—and like what she finds there.
Beyond the endearing characters and memorable setting, I was most impressed by the book's sharp pacing and effortless writing. There was never a lull in the action, or a detour I didn't want to take—I was especially heartened to see the author dig beneath the Southern mythos to touch on the evil legacy of slavery. This issue, and dear Aiden's autism, are handled deftly and not didactically, in Hodges' capable hands.
I'd recommend GINGERLY to readers who love longing, romance and the sweet uncertainty of pining for what you think you'll never have, but desperately want nonetheless.
Beyond the endearing characters and memorable setting, I was most impressed by the book's sharp pacing and effortless writing. There was never a lull in the action, or a detour I didn't want to take—I was especially heartened to see the author dig beneath the Southern mythos to touch on the evil legacy of slavery. This issue, and dear Aiden's autism, are handled deftly and not didactically, in Hodges' capable hands.
I'd recommend GINGERLY to readers who love longing, romance and the sweet uncertainty of pining for what you think you'll never have, but desperately want nonetheless.
March 27, 2019
A very pleasant surprise!
Loved the story! Great characters, easy to get immersed in the storyline. Definitely had times where I couldn’t put the book down. I am genuinely impressed that this is the author’s first novel. I really enjoyed reading it and I’m hoping for a sequel! The end left me wanting more!
Random side note: I loved the author’s ability to help the reader experience what Aiden was feeling and going through as a child with Autism. A definite added bonus to this romance novel.
Loved the story! Great characters, easy to get immersed in the storyline. Definitely had times where I couldn’t put the book down. I am genuinely impressed that this is the author’s first novel. I really enjoyed reading it and I’m hoping for a sequel! The end left me wanting more!
Random side note: I loved the author’s ability to help the reader experience what Aiden was feeling and going through as a child with Autism. A definite added bonus to this romance novel.
March 1, 2019
Loved this book.
This book was entertaining. The story was sweet, funny and made you want to be friends with Caitlyn and root for her dreams. Reading a story that included a child with autism portrayed with very real differences gave it an authenticity not often seen in romance novels or in societal situations. You can’t help but become more understanding of Aiden’s needs and Caitlyn’s love for him and his father.
This book was entertaining. The story was sweet, funny and made you want to be friends with Caitlyn and root for her dreams. Reading a story that included a child with autism portrayed with very real differences gave it an authenticity not often seen in romance novels or in societal situations. You can’t help but become more understanding of Aiden’s needs and Caitlyn’s love for him and his father.
March 25, 2019
This Book is Amazing! I started reading intending on only reading a few pages, as I had housework to do....I just could not put it down! I was drawn in by Caitlyn. She is kind, funny, smart, sweet and very interesting... I just had to continue reading to see what she was doing! Altho fiction this storyline and all the characters are very true to life which draws you in and keeps you captivated and wanting to read more.
April 13, 2019
Gingerly is a fast paced, addictive read. Hodges weaves a tale filled with humor, love, twists and turns, and a beautiful portrayal of a child with autism. A great read.
August 15, 2019
Amazing book love the story line. Great job rachel
May 1, 2020
Loved this book. A story of an incredibly bright and creative woman with admirable morals who navigates through the difficulties and wonders of life. The writing swept me away, made me laugh and cry. It brings empathy out of the reader. Highly recommend.
February 21, 2020
Easy to get into and a good book for a lazy weekend. Lots of detail for setting. I really felt like I was back in the southeast.
A good foray into what it's like to interact with a special needs child too.
Not all of the characters seemed real well-rounded, but virtually all of the experiences in the book seemed realistic and like something the average reader should be able to relate to.
A good foray into what it's like to interact with a special needs child too.
Not all of the characters seemed real well-rounded, but virtually all of the experiences in the book seemed realistic and like something the average reader should be able to relate to.
February 11, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Good insight into living with a special needs child as well.
June 27, 2020
A gripping tale that grabs you in the beginning and sweeps you into a world filled with entertaining characters, colliding classes and plot twists galore. A great read for a quiet weekend.
May 27, 2023
Gingerly By Rachel B. Hodges, Author
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romantic/Relationships
Caitlyn 👩🦰 stood in the classroom 👩🏫 lost in thought, pre-occupied by the letter that she'd received that morning. 📃 The job that she thought she had secured, she'd lost before it had even started. They 'no longer required her services'. Her current job was coming to an end & the lease on her apartment 🏢 was due to expire. The Principle 👩🦳 roused her from her contemplation enquiring as to whether she would mind staying with little Aiden 🧒 as his lift was going to be late collecting him. Caitlyn really needed to get home, & communicated as much to her superior. However, when she learns that it is in fact, Nick, Aiden's Father 👱🏼♂️ expected, it puts a whole different perspective on things. Caitlyn is only too happy to wait with her young student......
I'd been following this author for a number of weeks before spotting her novel. 📖 I am primarily drawn to titles & book covers & tend not to read synopsises.....initially anyway. When the book arrived I couldn't resist taking a peek at the potted version of the plot on the reverse. Having read that, I had prepared myself for a fairly run of the mill 'airhead babysitter falls in love with millionaire employer.' 👱♀️ 💰 However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that there were far more many layers to the central character Caitlyn.👩🦰 Far from being an 'airhead', she seems to have several 'strings to her bow,' plus a dark secret that is stopping her from taking that step into an unknown future, preferring to stay within her comfort zone. At times, this made her an extremely frustrating character, 🤯 even though there is a nod to her reasoning behind her behaviour early on. When I got to just over halfway through the novel & Caitlyn once again rejects the new life that could so easily be her's, I was genuinely starting to feel infuriated with her stubbornness, particularly as the misunderstanding between her & her employer seemed to stem from her almost wanting to believe him to be in the wrong.
The graphic description of the untimely demise of the racoon 🦝 after Caitlyn hits it with her car, 🚗 & the look on the creature's face as she deals the final blow used as an analogy for the expression on Nick's face, I felt was somewhat unnecessary & ill compared, but this may be my British sensitivities coming into play. I actually found it very disturbing, more so than I ever felt rejecting a member of the opposite sex or ending a relationship..
Caitlyn's trip to the dentist 🦷 was hilarious & had me laughing out loud 🙆🏻♀️ picturing the well detailed descriptions of the effects of the anaesthetic.
The last few chapters are where the reader really gets a feel for the effects of the harrowing position Caitlyn once found herself in, & her fear of history repeating itself are palpable. I am very much a character based reader/critic & have to feel a connection with one or more of the characters in a narrative to enjoy reading. Whilst I didn't dislike any of the characters (apart from Greg & the woman at Cape Canaveral), I didn't feel that anyone was easy to relate to, other than Nick's sister Lindsay for having the same name as me. The inclusion of a character with Autism was to me, a welcome addition to an otherwise 'normal' cast, as I don't feel that different disabilities are represented enough within literature. It also serves as an education for those readers who aren't aware of the effects the condition can have on the person & those around them.
This book is indeed very readable & kept me wondering what was going to happen between the two main protagonists. However, for me, it was perhaps lacking in diversification between characters, focusing mainly on the two central players & not spending a great deal of time on others.
I would welcome a sequel to this book as I would love to see further development of Caitlyn, Nick & particularly little Aiden, although the author might do well to exclude the bludgeoning to death of defenseless animals in order to aid its appeal to a wider audience.
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romantic/Relationships
Caitlyn 👩🦰 stood in the classroom 👩🏫 lost in thought, pre-occupied by the letter that she'd received that morning. 📃 The job that she thought she had secured, she'd lost before it had even started. They 'no longer required her services'. Her current job was coming to an end & the lease on her apartment 🏢 was due to expire. The Principle 👩🦳 roused her from her contemplation enquiring as to whether she would mind staying with little Aiden 🧒 as his lift was going to be late collecting him. Caitlyn really needed to get home, & communicated as much to her superior. However, when she learns that it is in fact, Nick, Aiden's Father 👱🏼♂️ expected, it puts a whole different perspective on things. Caitlyn is only too happy to wait with her young student......
I'd been following this author for a number of weeks before spotting her novel. 📖 I am primarily drawn to titles & book covers & tend not to read synopsises.....initially anyway. When the book arrived I couldn't resist taking a peek at the potted version of the plot on the reverse. Having read that, I had prepared myself for a fairly run of the mill 'airhead babysitter falls in love with millionaire employer.' 👱♀️ 💰 However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that there were far more many layers to the central character Caitlyn.👩🦰 Far from being an 'airhead', she seems to have several 'strings to her bow,' plus a dark secret that is stopping her from taking that step into an unknown future, preferring to stay within her comfort zone. At times, this made her an extremely frustrating character, 🤯 even though there is a nod to her reasoning behind her behaviour early on. When I got to just over halfway through the novel & Caitlyn once again rejects the new life that could so easily be her's, I was genuinely starting to feel infuriated with her stubbornness, particularly as the misunderstanding between her & her employer seemed to stem from her almost wanting to believe him to be in the wrong.
The graphic description of the untimely demise of the racoon 🦝 after Caitlyn hits it with her car, 🚗 & the look on the creature's face as she deals the final blow used as an analogy for the expression on Nick's face, I felt was somewhat unnecessary & ill compared, but this may be my British sensitivities coming into play. I actually found it very disturbing, more so than I ever felt rejecting a member of the opposite sex or ending a relationship..
Caitlyn's trip to the dentist 🦷 was hilarious & had me laughing out loud 🙆🏻♀️ picturing the well detailed descriptions of the effects of the anaesthetic.
The last few chapters are where the reader really gets a feel for the effects of the harrowing position Caitlyn once found herself in, & her fear of history repeating itself are palpable. I am very much a character based reader/critic & have to feel a connection with one or more of the characters in a narrative to enjoy reading. Whilst I didn't dislike any of the characters (apart from Greg & the woman at Cape Canaveral), I didn't feel that anyone was easy to relate to, other than Nick's sister Lindsay for having the same name as me. The inclusion of a character with Autism was to me, a welcome addition to an otherwise 'normal' cast, as I don't feel that different disabilities are represented enough within literature. It also serves as an education for those readers who aren't aware of the effects the condition can have on the person & those around them.
This book is indeed very readable & kept me wondering what was going to happen between the two main protagonists. However, for me, it was perhaps lacking in diversification between characters, focusing mainly on the two central players & not spending a great deal of time on others.
I would welcome a sequel to this book as I would love to see further development of Caitlyn, Nick & particularly little Aiden, although the author might do well to exclude the bludgeoning to death of defenseless animals in order to aid its appeal to a wider audience.
Want to read
March 14, 2019Gingerly hit close to home for me having had a friendship with a child who has autism. Rachel is an amazing author and I can’t wait to read another one of her books. She kept me engaged and entertained making it difficult to put it down. I would recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews