Barefoot Summer
June 13th, 2013. Filed under: This & That.Barefoot Summer
By Denise Hunter
Madison’s heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.
In the years since her twin brother’s tragic drowning, Madison has struggled with her ability to trust God–or anyone else, for that matter. It was her brother’s dream to win the annual River Sail Regatta in their small harbor town of Chapel Springs, Indiana. And Madison’s determined to honor his legacy by making his dream her own. Maybe then she can finally find closure.
But learning to sail means learning to swim. And her instructor is Beckett O’Reilly, a man who already has two strikes against him in Madison’s eyes. Being on the water terrifies Madison. But Beckett’s calming presence and unwavering confidence eases her fear. And as much as she’d like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying.
As her feelings for him grow, a fledging faith begins to take root in her soul, as well. With Beckett, Madison feels alive for the first time in years–carefree and confident she can win the regatta, maybe even find love.
But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their love and the depth of Madison’s faith. Will their love survive summer’s challenge? And will achieving her brother’s dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?
ISLAND BREEZES
You are definitely going to need a box of tissues with this book. You’ll cry for what is, what was and for what might have been.
Both Madison and Beckett have secrets that need to be brought out into the open. Ten years is a long time, and they need to learn the truth about each other and about themselves.
Madison needs to win the regatta this year. She thinks the nightmares will stop if she does. She thins she will be taking sailing lessons from one person, but unforeseen circumstances puts her with Beckett. As distasteful as that is to her, the race is more important.
Then there’s the romance thing they can’t seem to get past. They’ve each been attracted to the other since high school, but think the other is not interested.
Can these two make it through the summer?
I’ve really enjoyed this book and want to read more Denise Hunter books. Actually, I want to read more Denise Hunter books with these characters. There are so many stories there waiting to be told.
***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***
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!