“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? 

Barefoot Summer will sail past your springtime reads and pull you into summer drama.    With an electric cast of characters, each haunted by a past beyond his or her control, you won’t be able to put it down.  I couldn’t.  I finished it in a single afternoon.

There were several things that kept pulling me back to this book each time I was interrupted.  First, I truly couldn’t wait to find out what happened to Madison’s brother.  It was obvious that there was more to the story than the author was sharing with us, and she excels at drawing out the suspense.

Secondly, Beckett and Madison were truly hurting, and they were upstanding, honorable people.  That’s a combination I can’t refuse, especially when someone has overcome the obstacles that Beckett has.  I always want to know more about a knight in shining armor.

Lastly, there were some fascinating loose ends in this story – rabbit trails with the extraneous characters, you might say.  For example, why exactly did Madison’s sister run away, and why won’t she give anyone details about her new life?  I smell another story brewing here!

While Barefoot Summer is about a summer, it’s certainly not your typical lighthearted beach romance.  It’s much, much more – but with a hero and heroine that you’ll gladly take along to the beach.

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