Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

Life in Chapel Springs hasn't been the same for Madison McKinley ever since her twin brother, Michael died 10 years ago. Perhaps what haunts her the most is that the cause of his death has always remained a mystery. Eager to end the nightmares, Madison is determined to sail in the regatta in her brother's honor and to win and fulfill his only dream.

Her plan is to learn to sail with Evan Higgins, longtime winner of the regatta, but when an emergency arises for Evan, Madison is left with only one option. Sailing with Beckett O'Reilly, Chapel Spring's very own bad boy and the son of the town drunk. But what other choices does she have? The sooner she wins the regatta, the better. She can't bear to lose any more sleep to the nightmares that cloud her dreams.

Beckett is also apprehensive about teaching Madison sailing lessons, but for his own set of reasons. He'd had a crush on Madison McKinley for as long as he can remember, but he never stood a chance with her. Beckett knows she would never want to date someone with a past like his. Even though he had turned his life around and become a Christian. But it was too late. She would never want anything to do with him if she really knew the truth about him.  

I don't want to give away too much of the story, but it was actually packed with a lot of twists and turns! I liked how the author really dove into Madison's spiritual life. There were times when Madison's faith was at an all time low, but then the reader gets to experience her journey back to God and a renewal of her faith. 

I also loved the plot of the story. I used to read a lot of Nicholas Sparks' books but I couldn't stand the inappropriate elements of the books. Denise Hunter has written a beautiful story here that is equivalent to any Nicholas Sparks book I have read but without any hint of inappropriateness. This is a book I could read over and over again, and will definitely recommend to friends. I can't wait to read more of Denise's work! 

I loved this book and will definitely give it 5 stars! 

**I received this book for free from Litfuse to give my honest unbiased opinion.**