Denise Hunter has become a favorite author of mine because she writes contemporary romance that explores not just relationships between men and women but between people and God. In Barefoot Summer she explores how fears, grief and past mistakes impact lives and the way we experience God’s grace. If you like romance with heart and soul, pick up a copy of Barefoot Summer.

Madison has been plagued with fears, nightmares and the lack of closure following her twin brother’s death over ten years ago. Despite her fear of water and her inability to learn to swim, she is determined to fulfill his bucket list by racing in and winning the local sailing regatta. But her plans take on a new dimension when her sailing coach is replaced by reformed bad boy Beckett O’Reilly. Her high school crush on Beckett and her suspicions of his treatment of her younger sister, keep her at arms length even while the old feelings reemerge. Beckett has tried hard to overcome his bad boy image, but no amount of Bible study or prayer seems to change how he sees himself. He also has a guilty secret that keeps him from pursuing Madison. Through their growing friendship and romance, they both learn to trust each other and God.

Well written with complex characters, Barefoot Summer is sure to appeal to the reader who wants a little substance in her romance. Another winner from talented author Denise Hunter. Pick this one up for your time on the back porch, beach or lake.

Recommended.

This was a tough read, although the message is fantastic. The characters have such depth that I just wanted the best for them and couldn't see how Hunter was going to bring this tale to a satisfying conclusion. And yet, she did. A wonderful story, especially for those of us who are less than perfect.

Madison has a fear of water, yet she’s compelled to learn to sail so she can win the annual regatta and somehow make up for the loss of her brother. Enter Beckett—sailor and expert swimmer. Well, strong enough to teach her, anyway. The perfect balance of (her) need and (his) skills to draw these two together for a summer of truly getting to know each other.

This story’s setting let us spend lots of time on the water, which I loved. That, and learning more about sailing.

And we had some relatable issues—regret, toxic shame, risk, fears. I’ve seen a bit of Denise’s treatment of toxic shame before (in Surrender Bay), and I loved that she dealt with it here. Poor Beckett really believes he isn’t worth much and doesn’t deserve Maddie’s love. The author also tackled tough issues like alcoholism, nightmares, and death, without skirting around them. This made the story more realistic and helped highlight her redemptive message.

Each character had to grow up and stand up for the right thing—to find their inner heroism. They had to face their fears and scrounge up courage, sometimes doing something afraid, rather than not doing it at all. I liked the hero’s nobility, how he protected Maddy’s sister’s feelings. And I liked Maddy’s courage and heroism in facing down her fears.

I was surprised by the path of this story, expecting certain events to happen in different places, but the story didn’t suffer for the placement. And by ordering things as she did, the author was able to tie up more loose ends.

As always, Denise is an expert when it comes to romance. Genre readers will eat this romance up. Her prose and characterization shine, making for an even more enjoyable experience.

Highly recommended! I’m watching anxiously for book two in this series: Dancing with Fireflies, due out in April, 2014.