Barefoot

by Elin Hilderbrand

I had never read a book by this author before- in fact I had never heard of her or her writings. Honestly I picked this book this summer because it went with the season and was $7. I am so glad I did.

This touching book takes place in beautiful Nantucket. The author describes wonderful scenery and beaches that make you yearn for a vacation. The story follows three women: Vicki, a wife and mother, has just recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. Remembering her idyllic summers in Nantucket as a child, she returns there with her two friends to receive her chemotherapy and relax in between treatments. Brenda, Vicki's sister, has just been fired from her teaching position for having a romantic relationship with a student. She is struggling to pick up the pieces from the romance that left her wanting to write a screenplay and dealing with legal issues. Last but not least there is Melanie. Melanie recently found out, after spending years and tons of money spent on trying to get pregnant, that she is. She also finds out that her husband is cheating on her.

These women are all trying to pick up pieces of their once stable lives. Each has their own problems, while trying to help each other, and enjoy a summer vacation in one house. To help Vicki with her kids, especially when she becomes to weak to watch them, the women hire a young 21 year old man named Josh. Josh becomes the last piece in the puzzle to try and help these women regain control of their families and their lives.

When I first started reading this book, I was confused with the characterization and introductions. It seemed very abrupt and almost too much at once. I was certain I wouldn't like this book from the first 20 pages. Hilderbrand keeps the readers interested and develops her characters throughout the book so you end up caring for each of them individually. Anyone who reads this book or is thinking about reading this book should keep in mind that it has very emotional topics. If you are a sensitive person, please be forewarned. I would recommend this book for someone looking for a superb and heartwarming "beach read". Enjoy!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Up Next: Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong