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Laura McCloud is in need of some quite time to regroup after tragic events changed her life. Not long after her mother’s death from breast cancer, Laura too finds she is stricken with the disease. After surgery, chemo and radiation, she is ready to reclaim her life, but first she is going to Pilgrim Cove, a place filled with wonderful memories. Sea View House offers everything she needs, including a handsome plumber named Matt Parker.
Matt Parker lost his wife, to ovarian cancer, four years ago and only a few years before that he lost his mother and brother. Matt is not looking for a serious relationship…maybe a fling but definitely nothing serious. He’s raising two sons who, like him were devastated by the death of their mother. They all have deep wounds. Then a blast from his past changes everything he has planned.
Upon seeing Laura again, Matt is surprised by the desire feels for her. He is taken back to his youth and the last summer he spent with Laura…the first kiss they shared. Matt's plans don't include falling in love again. Can he control his feelings or will love win out in the end? Can he handle the truth about Laura’s illness?
The House on The Beach is a beautiful story about love, trust, survival and starting over. Laura and Matt are such extraordinary characters with a perfect balance of strength and vulnerability. Adding to the already outstanding story is the colorful cast of supporting characters. Brian and Casey, Matt’s sons, are typical boys who are battling their own demons after their mother’s untimely death. Oh, and the ROMEO’s must get an honorable mention, they are simply adorable. As a breast cancer survivor, having a mother who is a breast cancer survivor and losing an aunt and cousin to ovarian cancer, I can without a doubt relate to this story.
Linda Barrett captures the raw emotions that come with the diagnosis of cancer, the fears of starting over and falling in love after the diagnosis changes your life so tragically. Even though this story is about more than just romance, the other facets of the story complement the attraction and budding romance between Laura and Matt. The House on The Beach is the first book in Ms. Barrett’s Prilgrim Cove Series and if it is any indication, the remaining books will be something special too. I highly recommend this book; it is a love story I will hold dear to my heart for a long time.
Reviewed by Jennifer Ray
for The Road to Romance
March 9, 2004
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