She's Got a Way
Maggie McGinnis
This is my first Maggie McGinnis book, but I can say I plan to read more. She's Got a Way is exactly what you want and expect in a contemporary romance. Nothing overly angsty like new adult, no crazy supernatural elements like paranormal romance, and no MC clubs or mafia men in sight. Normal people, with normal jobs, doing normal, mundane things. Its, strangely, refreshing!
She's Got a Way is about Gabi, a 'housemother' at an all girls boarding school. 4 of her charges get into some serious trouble and as punishment, they are forced to spend 4 weeks at a 'camp'. The 'camp' is closed for upgrades. There is really NOTHING there-no cabins, no programs, no amenities. Gabi is not given the choice to supervise the girls and she had to forgo her vacation to Barbados because of the girls.
The girls were interesting. Its a boarding school, so I expected them all to be rich and bratty. However, 2 of the girls are foster kids. The girls bring some humor, some drama, and some depth to the story as they learn and grow. As a teacher, I am a total sucker for stories like this because its why people become teachers. You want to make a difference in a kids life! Anyway, I digress.
So, of course, there is a hottie 'handyman' at the camp. He was the director of programs but now that the camp is closed, he is making repairs. He resents the girls presence and plans to leave them to their own devices, but he can't quite stick to that plan. Watching Luke and Gabi's relationship develop is beautiful and well written, but even more amazing was seeing the magic Luke worked on the girls.
There were times when Gabi's attitude bothered me. She didn't want to be a poor little rich girl, but then said she couldn't imagine leaving Briarwood because its all she has ever known. She wanted to turn Briarwood into something better, which is admirable, but kind of selfish. She basically is saying Briarwood is bad; I am sure there are lots of good kids there (I mean, she was one of those kids!). I totally understand and agree with her vision, but I think she was a little misguided.
This is another "Safe for my mom" pick! McGinnis uses fade to black scenes.
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: no
- Trope: enemies to lovers, summer romance, Fish out of water
- Triggers: none
- Series/Standalone: stand alone
- Cliffhanger: No
- HEA: Yes with a beautiful epilogue!
Interference by Sophia Henry, Wrapped in you by Jules Bennett, Coach Maddie and the Marine by Blaire Edens...then you will probably like She's Got a Way!
See full review on The Book Disciple