Madison’s heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.
In the years since her twin brother’s drowning, Madison McKinley has struggled to put it behind her. Despite the support of her close-knit family and her gratifying job as a veterinarian in their riverside town, the loss still haunts her.
To find closure, Madison sets out to fulfill her brother’s dream of winning the town’s annual regatta. But first she has to learn to sail, and fast.
Beckett O’Reilly knows Madison is out of his league, but someone neglected to tell his heart. Now she needs his help—and he’ll give it, because he owes her far more than she’ll ever know.
Madison will do anything—even work with the infamous Beckett O’Reilly—to reach her goal. And as much as she’d like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying. As summer wanes, her feelings for him grow and a fledgling faith takes root in her heart.
But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their new love. Can their romance survive summer’s challenges? And will achieving her brother’s dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?
Denise Hunter lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
My Impressions:
Denise Hunter has become a favorite author of mine because she writes contemporary romance that explores not just relationships between men and women but between people and God. In Barefoot Summer she explores how fears, grief and past mistakes impact lives and the way we experience God’s grace. If you like romance with heart and soul, pick up a copy of Barefoot Summer.
Madison has been plagued with fears, nightmares and the lack of closure following her twin brother’s death over ten years ago. Despite her fear of water and her inability to learn to swim, she is determined to fulfill his bucket list by racing in and winning the local sailing regatta. But her plans take on a new dimension when her sailing coach is replaced by reformed bad boy Beckett O’Reilly. Her high school crush on Beckett and her suspicions of his treatment of her younger sister, keep her at arms length even while the old feelings reemerge. Beckett has tried hard to overcome his bad boy image, but no amount of Bible study or prayer seems to change how he sees himself. He also has a guilty secret that keeps him from pursuing Madison. Through their growing friendship and romance, they both learn to trust each other and God.
Well written with complex characters, Barefoot Summer is sure to appeal to the reader who wants a little substance in her romance. Another winner from talented author Denise Hunter. Pick this one up for your time on the back porch, beach or lake.
Recommended.
To read other reviews, click HERE.
(Thanks to NetGalley and LitFuse for an ebook of Barefoot Summer. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
To purchase a copy of this book, click on the image below.
Denise is celebrating the release of Barefoot Summer with a Summer Fun Giveaway!
Summer: it’s all about sunny skies, star-gazing, swimming, spending time with loved ones, and living as if a small part of the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders.
Get ready for some serious summer fun with Denise’s 12-Day Summer Sun giveaway. From June 10-21, keep your computer near as you head to the lake or your friend’s barbecue because Denise will be giving away a summer essential each day!
Sounds like a great summer type of read.
It was. Thanks for stopping by.