Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter. 

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 really enjoyed reading this book. It wasn't just a romance story but a story about leaning on God --- when we try to do things on our own - the results are never as good as when we lean on God. Madison struggled with anger toward God because God let her brother die. Therefore, she tried to get over his death on her own and didn't turn to God for help. The end result is that 10 years after his death she is still struggling with the event and not sleeping well due to nightmares. 

It is also a story about lying. With all good intentions, several of the characters have lied either a lie by omission or an outright lie. The proverbial line of 'the truth shall set you free' seems to apply. It was by telling the truth that they were eventually freed from the past. Lots of good things in the book. At the end there is a list of questions that could be used for a book discussion. This book would really be a great book for a book club and discussion. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.