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.
Charity L. (kingsdaughter1611) -
Excellent book that was entertaining and yet thought provoking. A clean sweet romance that I would feel comfortable giving to anyone. The christianity is minimal and not preachy. But it is definitely there. The main character is Madison. She is a twin who lost her brother Michael several years before. It is very heartbreaking reading her story. But one thing Michael always wanted to do was sail a boat in the Regatta. And so she plans on winning it. Even if she doesn't know how to swim:) Madison signs up to take lessons from a professional but he needs to leave for different jobs. Turns out the one who ends up teaching her how to sail is Beckett. The bad boy from school who has now turned into a very handsome man. Of course, he also broke her sisters heart so she won't even think about acting on the feelings he invokes.
The story line is very good and I finished this in one day. Really pulls you into the story to find out what happened that fateful day her brother died, why her sister really left, and what will happen between Madison and Beckett. Loved it and can't wait for the next one!
I received a copy of this book for my review purposes. All thoughts are 100% mine.
The story line is very good and I finished this in one day. Really pulls you into the story to find out what happened that fateful day her brother died, why her sister really left, and what will happen between Madison and Beckett. Loved it and can't wait for the next one!
I received a copy of this book for my review purposes. All thoughts are 100% mine.
Madison McKinley seems to have it all. She loves her job as a veterinarian and she's part of a very loving and supportive family, that everyone loves. Though Madison is grateful she still struggles to put her twins death (from years ago) behind her. She can't sleep from a recurring nightmare and it's affecting her life and her job. Madison thinks if she can win the upcoming Regatta race and fulfill her brother's dream, that the nightmares will disappear. She must first learn to sail though. Beckett O'Reilly has always loved Madison but knows she would never look at someone like him. He's changed from the troublemaker he was in high school but his family hasn't. Madison will do anything to win this race, even if it means working with Beckett. But as they work together there is a chemistry between them that cannot be denied. Beckett carries a secret though that could change everything. Can their new romance find strength in adversity or will it fade into the sunset? Will Madison find the peace she seeks in fulfilling her bother's dream?
What a great start to the Chapel Springs Series and might I say I love the cover! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the folks and by the end of the book you really feel like you're good friends and can't wait to return. Beckett O'Reilly was such a great guy. He related to Madison so beautifully despite his own problems. Madison was easy to relate to. You can totally understand her feelings and emotions. Together they were great and I loved sharing their moments with them. The author did a beautiful job of covering a lot of family difficulties with grace and truth, but the most difficult was the death of a loved one. Just about everyone has faced that at some point and I loved what Madison's mother told Madison. "Life is a gift, however long it lasts. It's God's to give and take away as He sees fit. We go through life thinking we're entitled to our ninety, but we're not entitled to anything. All we can do is trust that He knows what He's doing. That He has a plan for all of us and that no pain He allows in our life will go unused." WOW, what powerful and comforting words. Now don't get me wrong, there are lots of playful moments to this story as well. It maintained that delicate balance which is so pleasing to the reader. Bottom line here is that you'll fall in love with the folks of Chapel Springs, I know I did. So if you're feeling the need to get away from the cold weather, I recommend you sail away to Chapel Springs for a Barefoot Summer!
As a side note, "A December Bride" is Layla O'Reilly's story (Beckett's sister). "Dancing with Fireflies" is Jade McKinley's story which I am looking forward to reading next.
Series: A Chapel Springs Romance (Book 1)
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 28, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1401687008
ISBN-13: 978-1401687007
For more information on this book or other books by Denise Hunter, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/
What a great start to the Chapel Springs Series and might I say I love the cover! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the folks and by the end of the book you really feel like you're good friends and can't wait to return. Beckett O'Reilly was such a great guy. He related to Madison so beautifully despite his own problems. Madison was easy to relate to. You can totally understand her feelings and emotions. Together they were great and I loved sharing their moments with them. The author did a beautiful job of covering a lot of family difficulties with grace and truth, but the most difficult was the death of a loved one. Just about everyone has faced that at some point and I loved what Madison's mother told Madison. "Life is a gift, however long it lasts. It's God's to give and take away as He sees fit. We go through life thinking we're entitled to our ninety, but we're not entitled to anything. All we can do is trust that He knows what He's doing. That He has a plan for all of us and that no pain He allows in our life will go unused." WOW, what powerful and comforting words. Now don't get me wrong, there are lots of playful moments to this story as well. It maintained that delicate balance which is so pleasing to the reader. Bottom line here is that you'll fall in love with the folks of Chapel Springs, I know I did. So if you're feeling the need to get away from the cold weather, I recommend you sail away to Chapel Springs for a Barefoot Summer!
As a side note, "A December Bride" is Layla O'Reilly's story (Beckett's sister). "Dancing with Fireflies" is Jade McKinley's story which I am looking forward to reading next.
Series: A Chapel Springs Romance (Book 1)
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 28, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1401687008
ISBN-13: 978-1401687007
For more information on this book or other books by Denise Hunter, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/
