From Amazon.com:

When Josie Jensen, an awkward 13-year-old musical prodigy crashes headlong into new-comer Samuel Yazzie, an 18-year-old Navajo boy full of anger and confusion, an unlikely friendship blooms. Josie teaches Samuel about words, music and friendship, and along the way finds a kindred spirit. Upon graduation, Samuel abandons the sleepy, small town in search of a future and a life, leaving his young friend behind. Many years go by and Samuel returns, finding Josie in need of the very things she offered him years before. Their roles reversed, Samuel teaches Josie about life, love, and letting go. Deeply romantic and poignant, Running Barefoot is the story of a small town girl and a Native American boy, the ties that bind them to their homes and families, and the love that gives them wings.

Running Barefoot is a love story that spans through ten years worth of time and takes the reader through a journey that will leave them appreciating love’s splendor.

Josie is a 13 year old girl, who finds herself sitting on the school bus next to Samuel, an 18 year old Navajo boy. A friendship grows between these two lonely souls who don’t quite fit in with their peers. Books and music fill their conversations.

Samuel’s graduation has him leaving their small town. He wants to become a man of worth. The separation, of these two, brings many changes that will grow them into the adult they aspire to. After many years with no contact they are brought back together and find themselves trying to rekindle their bond. Having both endured hardship and loss one thing remains… their will to persevere through it all.

When I heard that Josie and Samuel will be making a cameo in “The Law of Moses” I knew I wanted to read this in preparation for TLOM. I bought the audio of Running Barefoot so I could listen to it while I worked. It’s a beautifully written debut novel. The flow and beauty of the story left me in awe of Ms. Harmon’s storytelling skills. Thank you, Ms. Harmon, for another inspiring love story that leaves me feeling encouraged and blessed.

A side note from Amy Harmon:
My very first published novel was Running Barefoot. It takes place in the town where I grew up, and it is filled with the nostalgia and flavor of home. In my new book, The Law of Moses, I return to that little town where it all began. The Law of Moses is a completely different story with all new characters, but I invited my main characters from Running Barefoot, Samuel and Josie, to duck their heads into a scene or two and say hello for old times sake. To celebrate The Law of Moses and to give a nod to my first book, I am putting Running Barefoot on sale for a few days so that you can snatch it up to read before (or after) you read about Moses. Again, these books are not in any way a series or even a spin-off. But you will squeal a little when you see Samuel and Josie in The Law of Moses.

Standalone