Barefoot Summer, by Denise Hunter, is a book that I can recommend to anyone looking for a sweet little beach read. It tells the story of Madison McKinley, a veterinarian who is trying to get over her brother's death by winning the regatta he had always planned to win. There's just one problem - she's afraid of the water. She turns for help to Beckett O'Reilly, a good sailor who also has a bad past.
Naturally, a romance unfolds between them, and it's fun to read. But the book stands out for me because it deals with grief and guilt in some very realistic ways. It's also got a very good handle on the problems that can face an adult child of an alcoholic.
I'm always happy to see these kinds issues being dealt with in this genre. Despite a million bumper stickers to the contrary, we are hopelessly of this world, and the world's problems don't disappear just because we're Christian. This book tackles those problems in a way that doesn't detract from the entertainment value of the love story.
I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a Christian romance that has emotional substance. I'm looking forward to the next book in the Chapel Springs series.
Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Four out of Five Stars