Barefoot Summer Book Review

I was given the opportunity to review Barefoot Summer (A Chapel Springs Romance) a romance novel from Booksneeze.  I loved the title. It fit perfectly as I was looking for a good romance while I enjoyed my summer holiday.  

Here is the book description:

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?

I loved being able to read the book on my iPhone and using the bookmark feature along with the highlights.  One of the things I like to highlight is wherever the author uses the word heart.  Here is one that I loved:

Her mom gave her a long, knowing look.  The kind that made Madison realize that she could shutter off her heart to the outside world, but Mom would still see right through. 

When I was growing up my parents would send us to my grandparents house for the summer.  We took sailing lessons at the yacht club and when Madison was learning to sail it brought back a lot of memories for me.  The photo below is from my cousin Tara, her son is now taking sailing lessons at Hudson Yacht Club, such an amazing experience.  

Another part of the book I really enjoyed was the times she took pets to the nursing homes.

"Animals make people happy.  Besides, I like the folks here.  Older people are storehouses of wisdom.  It's too bad people forget that."

I think most of us could relate to the story, throughout the book you learn how her brother died and why she had so many relationship issues.   Her mother was a great influence and I seemed to highlight what she said a lot.

Her mom's words from earlier in the summer came back, "You've always been afraid of feeling, Madison.  Sometimes those negative feelings are so strong, they're overwhelming, and it's easier to just not deal with them." 

I was rooting for Madison to be brave and courageous during her struggles.  She had trouble sleeping, learning a new skill, being in love and making decisions that would benefit her life.  

God knew her heart.

You can do this, Madison.  Be brave.

Give me courage, God.

If you're looking for your next great romance novel and a heartfelt story, make sure you add this one to your list!

Denise Hunter is the award-winning and best-selling author of many novels, including A Cowboy's Touch and Sweetwater Gap.  She and her husband are raising three boys in Indiana.

Visit her website at www.denisehunterbooks.com

Amazon:
Barefoot Summer (A Chapel Springs Romance)