BAREFOOT SUMMER by Denise Hunter

Madison McKinley seems to have it all. She loves her job as a veterinarian and she's part of a very loving and supportive family, that everyone loves. Though Madison is grateful she still struggles to put her twins death (from years ago) behind her. She can't sleep from a recurring nightmare and it's affecting her life and her job. Madison thinks if she can win the upcoming Regatta race and fulfill her brother's dream, that the nightmares will disappear. She must first learn to sail though. Beckett O'Reilly has always loved Madison but knows she would never look at someone like him. He's changed from the troublemaker he was in high school but his family hasn't. Madison will do anything to win this race, even if it means working with Beckett. But as they work together there is a chemistry between them that cannot be denied. Beckett carries a secret though that could change everything. Can their new romance find strength in adversity or will it fade into the sunset? Will Madison find the peace she seeks in fulfilling her bother's dream?

What a great start to the Chapel Springs Series and might I say I love the cover! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the folks and by the end of the book you really feel like you're good friends and can't wait to return. Beckett O'Reilly was such a great guy. He related to Madison so beautifully despite his own problems. Madison was easy to relate to. You can totally understand her feelings and emotions. Together they were great and I loved sharing their moments with them. The author did a beautiful job of covering a lot of family difficulties with grace and truth, but the most difficult was the death of a loved one. Just about everyone has faced that at some point and I loved what Madison's mother told Madison. "Life is a gift, however long it lasts. It's God's to give and take away as He sees fit. We go through life thinking we're entitled to our ninety, but we're not entitled to anything. All we can do is trust that He knows what He's doing. That He has a plan for all of us and that no pain He allows in our life will go unused." WOW, what powerful and comforting words. Now don't get me wrong, there are lots of playful moments to this story as well. It maintained that delicate balance which is so pleasing to the reader. Bottom line here is that you'll fall in love with the folks of Chapel Springs, I know I did. So if you're feeling the need to get away from the cold weather, I recommend you sail away to Chapel Springs for a Barefoot Summer!

As a side note, "A December Bride" is Layla O'Reilly's story (Beckett's sister). "Dancing with Fireflies" is Jade McKinley's story which I am looking forward to reading next.

Series: A Chapel Springs Romance (Book 1)
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 28, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1401687008
ISBN-13: 978-1401687007

For more information on this book or other books by Denise Hunter, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/