Monthly Archives: February 2015

Barefoot Summer

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Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

This was a good, enjoyable book. I believe it’s the first book I’ve ever read by this author. Madison is still grieving for her identical twin brother who died from a diving accident ten years ago. Her brother had a dream of winning the sailing regatta in their small town of Chapel Springs before his 27th birthday. Madison is about to turn 27, and she wants to win the regatta in her brother’s memory, hoping the win will make her feel better.

If she wins, the nightmares about her dead brother might stop. Maybe, she can now rest and get a full night’s sleep instead of being tired all the time.

Due to a strange set of circumstances, Beckett, someone whom Madison has been crushing on for years, has been assigned to give her boating lessons. Beckett kissed Madison once in high school, but, he knows she’s way out of his league. Madison is from a “normal” supportive, happy family. Her family isn’t twisted and dysfunctional like his. She doesn’t have an imprisoned alcoholic dad or a grandfather who suffer’s from memory loss. He can’t act on his attraction to Madison, can he?

I like how the characters in this book were two polar opposites who were attracted to one another. This book is also about conquering your fears, learning to move forward after tragedy. Overall, a wonderful read.

 

The Lawyer’s Luck

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The Lawyer’s Luck

When future lawyer Lawrence accidentally shoots Realie for stealing his horse, his life drastically changes. Realie is an escaped slave and she’s so close to freedom, but now, she has a major setback. She’s been shot and now she’s injured. She’s in no condition to travel.

For some strange reason, Realie finds herself drawn to Lawrence, whom she calls Lawyer. He seems determined to help her, plus he’s a free and educated man. What would he want to do with the likes of her? Besides, they’re from two opposite worlds – all Lawyer seems to know about slavery is what he’s read in the newspapers, he’s never been a slave.

This book had me mesmerized from the first page. It’s well-written and the characters really came to life. Lawrence’s and Realie’s attraction is deep and real (no pun intended), and in spite of their being total opposites, you can see how they suit one another.

This book is the prequel to the Milford College Series! Can’t wait to read the rest of them! 🙂

Head In The Clouds

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Head In The Clouds

When Adelaide’s supposed beau leaves her, with little explanation, she figures that he’s the mate that God had intended for her. She gives up her teaching job, leaves her home, all on a wild goose chase to go after this man! After all, they’re destined to be together! She’s shocked at what she finds when she encounters her supposed beau. She’s now left destitute and jobless in a foreign land. She sees a newspaper ad for a governess and her life drastically changes.

When Adelaide arrives on the sheep farm, she meets Gideon, her new boss, and his mute daughter, Isabella.

Gideon and Adelaide are attracted to each other, but, Adelaide wonders if she can take a chance on Gideon’s attraction. After all, she’s been hurt in the past.

I liked this book. I liked the attraction between Gideon and Adelaide, and I also loved how he defended her, showing how much he cared for her. I also loved Gideon’s love for his daughter, and what he did to protect her from her evil uncle.

I had a lot of sympathy for Isabella (Gideon’s mute daughter). She’s lost both of her biological parents, and she’s got an evil uncle who’ll stop at NOTHING to get her inheritance. I also felt bad that Isabella had to spend her life practically alone.

I’ve noticed this scenario in other historical settings – you have a young child with no playmates and little or no interaction with other children. It just sounds like a sad and lonely life for a child, not having any interaction with peers. It was nice how Adelaide reached out to Isabella, hoping she’d speak, trying to make Isabella’s life more fun.

Overall, a good read.