Barefoot

Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand

This was my first novel by Elin Hilderbrand. It was a bit hard to get into at the beginning, but I read on nonetheless. Soon the pace picked up and I became attached to the story and characters. Each of them comes from a different background and stage of life, yet they all share the common thread of being in the midst of a journey to grow and find themselves despite the challenges they're facing.

It was easy to get emotionally invested in each of their stories, and I found myself not wanting to put the book down because I wanted to know how it would all turn out. Wrought with real emotion, genuine love, and heartbreaking circumstance, I think you would be hard pressed to find yourself disappointed in this one. A light summer beach read it is not; instead, it quickly establishes itself as a more serious story that leaves a warm feeling behind at its conclusion.

10 out of 11 people found this review helpful.

Best yet from Hilderbrand

This book gave me much to think about. I was a bit of a skeptic given that I have been disappointed by Hilderbrand's books in the past. But in this book, you truly feel as if you know these characters, and you get caught up in their emotions. Hilderbrand gives you ups and downs throughout the entire book through romance, sickness, etc. When finished with the book, you are left with a sense of completion and not having to worry about wanting more. Definitely a worthwhile read especially if you are looking for a book to bring on a trip, or just to pass the time. An easy read, so it seems to fly by.

6 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

Enjoyed!

I became immersed in this story of these very interesting, complex women and the major man, not to mention the two little children. Reading about Vicki's cancer had me physically going through it with her. I found the characters so multi-dimensional that I felt as if I knew them.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

READ IT!

I glanced at the detail of this book because the price was low. At first I didn't want to read it but I decided to give it a go on my NOOK. All I can say is GREAT! This book is a definite keeper and re-read. There are some serious topics that make you think outside of the box. I also learned a lot on various subjects. The characters pull you in and you are able to identify with some part of each one. Even the philosophical parts held my interest and made me want to know more. I was very pleasantly surprised!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great first read of Hilderbrand, although it made me want more

**SPOILER ALERT** This is the first novel I have read of Elin Hilderbrand's. And to be quite honest, I loved it. It took a few pages to keep the 3 women from getting mixed up, but once I got to the 3rd page I felt like I knew them. Josh was my favorite character, he reminds me of my best friend, the guy next door, etc. As the story went on, I didn't want to put it down, I had to force myself to finally go to sleep. I finished it in about 3 days, and the only thing I can say that was a dissapointment was that it had me wanting to know more. Did Melanie end up staying with Peter or did she finally leave him and fess up that she really loved Josh? Did Brenda ever get her screenplay into a movie and did she ever get another job or get married to Walsh? I know Hilderbrand doesn't writing sequels, but I wish she would for this one. :)

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful Read!

I was in visiting Boston and happened into a wonderful little store where they showcased authors I'd never read before. This being one of them. I absolutely LOVED this book and her writing style. I've already started my next book from Hilderbrand. The characters and the story Really find a way into your heart. I don't tend to be a fast reader but I flew through this book in a couple of days and then wished it wasn't over! Though, I will say, though the end was somewhat of a happy ending it did leave me feeling like it was a little unfinished. Or maybe I just wanted more of the characters and their story.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Dramatic read

This story was much more dramatic than I thought it would be. A great book about the bonding of sisters and friends during some traumatic times in each of their lives. The three ladies go to Nantucket for the summer to "escape" their troubles for a while, but of course nobody really escapes from trouble. The new relationships and bonds that are formed and how the characters all grow and transform make for very moving and enjoyable reading. I know when I am enjoying a book when I read and don't notice time flying by and this book did just that for me.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great Summer Read

I was surprised with the book and the engaging characters. I did not expect to become so enthralled with their outcome, I planned this to be just a light vacation read. The plot twists of their ordinary lives when faced with extraordinary circumstances is a must read. The ending is not expected and it leaves you wanting to know more about how their lives went on. It was nice to take a break to a vacation spot via the characters and enjoy the time frame of a long beach resort summer. I would recommend this offbeat romantic escape for all and consider this a must read for the beach or a rainy day!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Great Beach Read

I picked this book up because every now and again, I need to pick up a light read to bring me up a bit. Well, this story isn't the lightest to read as far as topics are concerned as it deals with cancer, infidelity, etc., but it is one good book to read quickly. It was easy to connect with the characters, and the storyline truly had you cheering for everyone. I highly recommend it!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Women and Relationships and relationships with each other

I usually like non-fiction, but I thought I would try this for the summer. It was a great summer read. I could almost smell the air. It reminded me of Sex and the City. Especially the Brenda/Samanth, Melanie/Charlotte connection. I am now looking for another book by the same author to finish the summer off.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Slow to start, but worth it...

I'm an avid reader and typically read a book within a couple of days. I began this book and found myself struggling to get into it. After reading about 70 pages, I put it down. Some three weeks later, I found myself spending 12-13 hours a day at the hospital with a family member, so I decided to bring the book one day. I'm so glad I did! I finished it in a day and a half and found myself wanting more....

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful!

Its nice to find a novel that is not only enjoyable and light in reading, but also holds much meaning. The characters are well developed and leave you wondering inbetween sittings what could possibly happen next. You will find your self indentifying with them and hoping the best works out for them. If you are familiar with Nantucket this is a wonderful story and if your not it will make you yearning to go.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

a reviewer

Home for the summer, Middlebury College student Josh Flynn meets the two siblings (Brenda and Vicki) and their friend (Melanie) at the Nantucket Airport where he works. The three females and Vicki¿s two young children will share the small cottage owned by their late aunt while escaping their woes and hoping to regain some equilibrium in their respective lives.---------------- Vicki suffers from lung cancer and will undergo chemotherapy. Brenda recently was fired for breaking the prime directive of college professors when she had an affair with a student albeit older than her. Finally, Melanie who spent years and tons of money seeking to become pregnant finally succeeded only to ironically learn her spouse is cheating on her. These BAREFOOT females spend the summer of self recrimination with Josh at their side wondering what fall will bring.------------- This deep character study will hook the audience who will want to know what is happening to each of the women. However, at the same time that contemporary fiction fans will appreciate the drama, only Vicki elicits empathy as she philosophizes about what used to be significant to her but those 'Things That No Longer Mattered' once she received the medical verdict Melanie seems more like a whiner who drove her spouse elsewhere and though realistic Brenda comes across as a hard butt with a chip on her shoulder. Still genre fans will enjoy spending a Nantucket summertime with Elin Hilderbrand¿s three females.--------------- Harriet Klausner

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Her best

This book was by far my favorite book of hers. I really connected with the characters. Great read!

Not my usual type of book...

I was pleasently surprized... enjoyed it very much! Couldn't put it down!

Good book

I did read this book on my nook. But when I did read this book I loved it, I really enjoyed the book and I would definitely read it again.

Loved it

It started off slow for me but once I got into it I couldn't put it down!

Enjoyed

Nice reminder about how precious life is

Good book

Great beach read

Loved it!

Great story and perfect for a beach read!