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forestidylls's review against another edition
4.0
Riveting, entertaining, and filled with romance, this was a great book to just sit and read in an afternoon. Loved the characters, the sparks flying, and I can't wait to read the next one!
hannahnana73's review against another edition
4.0
Rating - 3.5 stars
loved the message + their family connection was rlly sweet. i must say they're both a lil dense w sensing the other's love tho - XD
loved the message + their family connection was rlly sweet. i must say they're both a lil dense w sensing the other's love tho - XD
butlermarla78's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
angmander's review against another edition
3.0
Cute wholesome story. Did not super love the narrator of the audiobook, but other than that, it was a positive experience.
sarahareinhard's review against another edition
3.0
It was a quick read and though I found it predictable, it was well-written in many ways and entertaining. I think this book is the very definition of beach read, and though I wasn’t on a beach, it was enjoyable.
You'll meet characters who may feel familiar, because they're so real. You'll find yourself pulling your hair out a bit, because the conflict is so...well...avoidable. You'll enjoy it if you like chick lit, you'll whip through it if you need something lighter, and you'll have nothing to object to if you like romance without the sex.
For me, it's a 3-star sort of book: I enjoyed it, but it wasn't earth-shattering or particularly awesome. That doesn't mean you shouldn't read it (or, if you're a guy, that you should).
All in all, a good read. Pull up a beach chair!
You'll meet characters who may feel familiar, because they're so real. You'll find yourself pulling your hair out a bit, because the conflict is so...well...avoidable. You'll enjoy it if you like chick lit, you'll whip through it if you need something lighter, and you'll have nothing to object to if you like romance without the sex.
For me, it's a 3-star sort of book: I enjoyed it, but it wasn't earth-shattering or particularly awesome. That doesn't mean you shouldn't read it (or, if you're a guy, that you should).
All in all, a good read. Pull up a beach chair!
flowersofquiethappiness's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my! Where do I begin? This little book swept me up and swirled me away in happiness! I am so pleased to have another Denise Hunter book that I love as much as Mending Places. It's no wonder I loved it, since both books have similar themes of forgiveness and a heart-meltingly sweet romance. For some reason, I haven't been able to connect to many of Ms. Hunter's books recently. I figured it must be that my tastes had changed or something. But I'm very happy that's not true! So beware, there will most likely be much gushing ahead! :D
The hero-Beckett O'Reilly. What can I say about what an amazing man he is? He is the epitome of the nice guy. I loved the way he couldn't keep his eyes off of Madison. I loved the way he treated his sister. My heart broke for what he had to endure growing up and what his father was like. I could understand that he felt inadequate, but I wanted to shake him a few times to make him wake up to how awesome he truly was! And Madison, she was so much stronger than she gave herself credit for. She felt so unnoticable, if only she knew how "someone" had been noticing her for a whole lot longer than she realized! She's fearful of so many things, but with some tlc she'd be well on her way to truly living life. Because right now, she's just treading water and since she can't swim...well.
When these two are together, things sparkle and shine! They are simply good for each other. They encourage and support and are so gentle and careful. The care they show one another, even before any romance comes into the picture, is wonderful. Because that's what they both need so desperately. Someone to care about them and tell them that they really matter. Oh my heart. It couldn't resist these two at all! The cute push and pull between them. The undeniable attraction. The sweetness of how gentle and kind they are. I love characters who are simply good people. The rebels and bad boys are quite popular, but give me a nice guy any day! And when he falls for the nice girl who is so deserving of him (even if he doesn't think so), I am a very happy reader! :)
It's not all sunny and happy though. Madison and Beckett both have things to work through and these things aren't pleasant. It takes time and forgiveness and understanding. I appreciated the way Ms. Hunter melded the characters crises in with the romance, yet kept things hopeful and sweet. So what I'm saying is, go read this one right now! I fell in love with these characters, with their story, and with the loveliness of Ms. Hunter's writing. I have re-read my favorite scenes several times since finishing the story just a mere day ago! If you enjoy sweet contemporary romances, I don't think you'll be disappointed. I just have one question, when is book two going to get here?!
The hero-Beckett O'Reilly. What can I say about what an amazing man he is? He is the epitome of the nice guy. I loved the way he couldn't keep his eyes off of Madison. I loved the way he treated his sister. My heart broke for what he had to endure growing up and what his father was like. I could understand that he felt inadequate, but I wanted to shake him a few times to make him wake up to how awesome he truly was! And Madison, she was so much stronger than she gave herself credit for. She felt so unnoticable, if only she knew how "someone" had been noticing her for a whole lot longer than she realized! She's fearful of so many things, but with some tlc she'd be well on her way to truly living life. Because right now, she's just treading water and since she can't swim...well.
When these two are together, things sparkle and shine! They are simply good for each other. They encourage and support and are so gentle and careful. The care they show one another, even before any romance comes into the picture, is wonderful. Because that's what they both need so desperately. Someone to care about them and tell them that they really matter. Oh my heart. It couldn't resist these two at all! The cute push and pull between them. The undeniable attraction. The sweetness of how gentle and kind they are. I love characters who are simply good people. The rebels and bad boys are quite popular, but give me a nice guy any day! And when he falls for the nice girl who is so deserving of him (even if he doesn't think so), I am a very happy reader! :)
It's not all sunny and happy though. Madison and Beckett both have things to work through and these things aren't pleasant. It takes time and forgiveness and understanding. I appreciated the way Ms. Hunter melded the characters crises in with the romance, yet kept things hopeful and sweet. So what I'm saying is, go read this one right now! I fell in love with these characters, with their story, and with the loveliness of Ms. Hunter's writing. I have re-read my favorite scenes several times since finishing the story just a mere day ago! If you enjoy sweet contemporary romances, I don't think you'll be disappointed. I just have one question, when is book two going to get here?!
jbarr5's review against another edition
5.0
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 Bwckett 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.
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 Bwckett 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.
kdurham2's review against another edition
3.0
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
The first in a series about a family that has endured quite a few hard times and with their faith and each other they have weathered a few storms. The first book centers around a twin, although she is no longer part of a pair as her twin brother Micheal died a few years ago and maybe she never fully recovered from his sudden death. She is still living in the small town that she grew up in and is trying to fulfill his dreams.
I loved how this story set up the family, but at the same time gave Madison her due story. It was obvious where the story was going to go, but although predictable, it was still a sweet story following a character as she found herself.
The first in a series about a family that has endured quite a few hard times and with their faith and each other they have weathered a few storms. The first book centers around a twin, although she is no longer part of a pair as her twin brother Micheal died a few years ago and maybe she never fully recovered from his sudden death. She is still living in the small town that she grew up in and is trying to fulfill his dreams.
I loved how this story set up the family, but at the same time gave Madison her due story. It was obvious where the story was going to go, but although predictable, it was still a sweet story following a character as she found herself.
roseice's review against another edition
2.0
Nothing new here, despite my hopes. I dislike being able to predict nearly everything, especially the characters' misunderstandings and overreactions. I liked Denise Hunter in the past, but she's not bringing anything new to the table, just repetitive characters and story threads.
mb_booklady's review against another edition
4.0
A very good romance between a girl who seemingly has it all and the town's "bad boy." The story is yet another reminder that we shouldn't judge others by their looks, parents, or rumors about them.