Barefoot Summer (A Chapel Springs Romance Book) by Denise Hunter

I love a book that carries a theme. Denise Hunter took from Luke 8:5-8 the story of the sower and created a story about how a young woman can be in church her entire life and still not understand how to let go and let God. She hears the Word about healing and trusting God with all, but she hasn't quite learned to allow the Word to pierce her heart. 

I too love the second verse she shares from 2 Peter 3:9. "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." God has perfect timing. We see this message throughout the story-line. 

Madison McKinley is a girl who is hurting over the loss of her brother. She is concerned about her sister and things in her life just are not going as planned. I should say, as her plans. God, on the other hand, has plans for her. She just has to figure them out and follow His leading. Just maybe going barefoot she can get the hang of it :)

I love the idea of sailing and joining in to race in the regatta. Madison must take lessons to prepare. She must learn about the vessel she will be sailing. Just as in life, the waves to not always make for smooth sailing, but with the right knowledge we can learn to navigate the storms and enjoy the ride. 

We get to see the journey of Madison, along with other characters you are sure to enjoy. There are seasons to life and Madison learns to navigate those seasons as she allows the Word of God steer her in a world that is ever changing. 

This was a sweet romance.The characters were believable and their circumstances are those we can relate to on some level. If your looking for a summer read this is one you must add to your list.

Watch for the next book in the series, "Dancing With Fireflies", to be released in 2014.

This book was a gift from Thomas Nelson for sharing my review. 

Denise Hunter is the award winning and best-selling author of many novels, including, "A Cowboy's Touch", and "Sweetwater Gap". She and her husband are raising three boys in Indiana. http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/