Barefoot in the Sun is the first book in Summer in Barefoot Bay, a new publication of two previously published books by Roxanne St. Claire. The book is part of the author’s Barefoot Bay series and can certainly be read as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
From The Publisher:
When running is all you’ve ever known . . .
Caught between fight and flight, Zoe Tamarin has always picked flight. Since she was rescued from a nightmare childhood by her great-aunt Pasha, they’ve been on the move, never staying in one place long enough to risk exposing their precarious past. But now that they’ve reached the sun-baked shores of Barefoot Bay, Zoe may have to stay and fight–for her aunt’s life . . . and for a love she ran from years before.
Sometimes the bravest act of all is to stand still.
Oliver Bradbury came to Florida to start over, as both a doctor and a father to his eight-year-old son. He never expected life to hand him a second chance with the woman he lost years ago–but one look at Zoe Tamarin and he knows he’ll do whatever it takes to prove that this time, he can be the man she needs. But when demands of family and friendship threaten to shatter their rekindled passion, Oliver must heal Zoe’s lifelong wounds with more than hot kisses . . . but will that be enough to keep her from flying off with his heart?
Barefoot in the Sun Book Review:
I started reading this book without having read the synopsis and was blown away but the depth of the storyline. This is not your typical second chance romance novel. Zoe’s character has a mysterious backstory which adds an additional level of interest that kept me wanting to read more.
Zoe tragically lost her parents at a young age and has lived in a long series of foster homes. She befriends a neighbour named Pasha, a middle-aged woman with a secret of her own. When Zoe has her safety threatened, Pasha flees with Zoe. Now an adult, Zoe and Pasha have spent many years settling for a short time in a location only to move a few weeks later in hopes of evading the authorities.
As a result of her upbringing, Zoe feels the need to escape any time she feels her stability is threatened. When she meets Oliver, she feels secure enough in their relationship to reveal her secret – the first time she has ever shared this information. When she shares this with Pasha, Pasha flees and Zoe goes with her.
Jump ahead nine years and Zoe and Oliver meet again. The connection is still there but Oliver cannot trust that Zoe will not run again. Oliver’s life has also changed over the past nine years. Pasha is now in her eighties and she is experiencing significant health challenges. Will Zoe and Oliver find their way back to one another?
The reason for Pasha suddenly fleeing with Zoe is the biggest secret in this story. Her story is one of compassion and fear and one based on heartache. The reader is given clues to Pasha’s story as the story progresses and is written with compassion and care.
The book is as much about Zoe’s relationship with Pasha as it is a romance novel. Expect to be entertained and moved. I look forward to reading more from this author.
What I Liked:
- The relationship between Zoe and Pasha
- The level of character development for these two women
- The compassionate manner used in writing this story
I Recommend This Book To:
Those readers who enjoy romance novels with strong character development.
My Rating:
★★★★☆
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to Forever Publishing for the finished copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:
One Night On The Island by Josie Silver
In A New York Minute by Kate Spencer
The Marvelous Monroe Girls by Shirley Jump
Fadima Mooneira
This book sounds like my kinda read. Reading your review makes me interested to read this book. Thank you for sharing.
thathappyreader
Thank you for reading and commenting Fadima!
Cassie
This book sounds interesting. I am not one for romance novels, but mix it with a little mystery and I would be more likely to give it a shot. The story and the cover look ready for a summertime read. I want to know what Pasha did!!
thathappyreader
I’m glad I have you intrigued Cassie! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Fransic verso
This seems cool book and love reading romance. I will check out this book. Thank you for sharing!
thathappyreader
I hope that you enjoy it Fransic! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Jamieadstories
I like the idea of this one. Always great reviews!
thathappyreader
Thank you so much Jamie!
According to Chren
It’s interesting to see how the characters developed through the years.
thathappyreader
It is Chren! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Jaya Avendel
What a lovely read this sounds like! I enjoy the contrast in the two characters and that growth throughout the story helps them come together. 🙂
thathappyreader
It was a lovely read! Thanks for reading and commenting Jaya!
Wendy Williams
You always find books that I would like! I haven’t heard of this one, but will check it out!
thathappyreader
We have such common taste in books Wendy! Thanks for reading.
readandreviewit
Great review Jodie! I love both romance and mystery so I’m so glad to hear this has both – it sounds like the perfect read for me! Pasha and Zoe’s relationship sounds lovely too. Thank you so much for sharing!
thathappyreader
Thank you for reading and commenting!
ellegracedeveson
I’ve heard great things about this book and after reading your post today, I’ll defiantly be buying it and giving it a read myself. I’m not usually a romance gal but sometimes I just can’t help but be sucked in by them haha. Thank you so much for sharing such an in-depth review, it’s always appreciated! Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading and commenting Elle! I hope that you enjoy this book!
Carla
This sounds really interesting Jodie. I like the bit of romance as well. I really enjoy a well-written multi-generational book. Great review. Off to see where I can find a copy.
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Carla!