Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsJust OK
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2020
Synopsis & Review - Alone in the world with only her college education degree to speak for her, Maggie Montgomery believes she has but one chance to escape her past filled with poverty and insecurity, which typified her foster kid experience for many years. It is at this point we enter the story, as Maggie’s “on its last legs” vehicle struggles to a stop in front of the mansion of Texas billionaire Conrad Ayer. Maggie hopes to conquer the world, but Maggie is clearly not the type of nanny the Ayers had in mind. The Ayers decide to temporarily hire her, which free them to take a vacation, but she understands they will be looking for someone they deem more appropriate. Maggie struggles in this entitled world she finds herself in; She struggles with the requirements that are placed on her and the children. The children are over-scheduled, expected to be always quiet, must be perpetually perfectly costumed, and appear to be unloved, except by the “hired-hand cowboy.” The longer she works at the mansion, the more she feels she is doomed to fail that she will never have a secure life.
She connects with “cowboy” Keith, who is really the son of Conrad Ayer. Keith has never felt he measured up to his dad’s expectations, this appears to have become more pronounced after his mother died. Keith has two burdens in his life, he is the son of Conrad and he is engaged to a Senator’s daughter, who is as demanding as his father and his father’s wife. He has a history of making bad choices and blaming his troubles on others. Maggie is a baby Christian, but through her prayers, her testimony, and even inviting Keith to church, she facilitates his confrontation with his problems, his choices, and the ultimate answer.
Although not stated, this book has a two-part vibe. The first half of the book was OK, but I became weary of the repeated angst between various characters, the drawn-out details concerning uncaring and entitled people, and the whining. For me, this first part would move faster, if the author had hinted at certain behaviors instead of hammering us with the behaviors. The second half of the book moved in a more direct pattern as Keith came to understand God’s will and way and Maggie grew more secure in her choices.
Negative: Keith and his fiance Dallas were staying in the same Guesthouse for a time and Maggie also stayed in the Guesthouse for a night (albeit with the two children), which I would consider not a good Christian practice between unmarried people whether in fiction or life. She marries Keith shortly after he dumps his fiance at the altar! Maggie should have given him some time to grow & mature in his new faith.
Positive: I loved the couple of sermon synopses that were included when Maggie & Keith attend church. Good sermons, they were directive and pushed both characters in productive directions.
