Barefoot Summer, Series: A Chapel Springs Romance (Book 1)

New Series Coming June 4, 2013!

I can't wait until Barefoot Summer releases! This is the 1st book of my new Chapel Springs Series. Set in a midwestern river town, this 4-book series will feature the close-knit McKinley family. I've fallen in love with the McKinleys, and I hope you will too! Each of the 4 adult siblings will be featured in his or her own romance--and let me tell you, the sparks are a-flying! Here's a sneak peek at Barefoot Summer:

"Hold-your-breath romance, heartache, and laugh-out-loud moments. It's more than a good read. It's a delight." --Lisa T. Bergren, best-selling author of Glamorous Illusions

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, 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 begin to grow and a fledgling faith takes root in her heart.
But Beckett harbors a secret—one that will test the limits of their love and the depth of Madison’s faith. Can their new romance survive summer’s challenges? And will achieving her brother’s dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?

My Review;

June 4, 2013 Barefoot Summer, Series: A Chapel Springs Romance (Book 1) by Denise Hunter
Madison's family is large and they own a lot of land that need help with the crop harvesting. Some of the kids have grown up and left the area. Some are still around to help even with their own life's.
The story goes back in time to when she and others in the neighborhood were teens. She excelled in 10th grade and the guy she liked was older. He was a trouble maker and always got caught. He would come with his drunk dad to help with the harvesting.
They are from different sides of the track. She is now the vet and he fixes motors.
Love the scenery of the tower and what it means to them and also the talk of the boating. I found myself drawn to more learning on the subject and also felt a connection with the women at the nursing home as I knit for our local one. They all pray for Maddie and her friends and family.
Her twin brother Michael had drowned when he was 17 and he spent all the money he earned on a boat so he could race in the annual regatta and win all the money. She is terrified of the water and with help from Evan she is able to get used to the water.
She won the auction bid of sailing lessons from Beckett. He also builds custom boats besides fixing motors. She hopes to fulfill her brothers dream after she learns how to sail and fix up his boat to make it seaworthy.
Problems arise when Evan is called away and won't be sailing with her. There is much talk of time spent in church and prayers and bible study throughout the book. Some times they question why God let Michael die.
She is praying for peace at the end of the boat race and to find closure with Michael. Beckett has a secret that may help her or harm her.
Love how Beckett takes charge of everything in his family and just takes over and makes good decisions.
Although there are not many characters there are a handful and they are easy to keep track of. Such a fun easy going book to read I had a hard time putting it down at the end of the night.
Lots of mysteries along the way that only enhance this book to making it a really good read. Trust in God. Love how the book got it's title.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

About Denise

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Author Website: http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/