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Pilgrim Cove #1
The House on the Beach
6 hours, 20 minutes
Laura McCloud has a bright future but needs a place to pick up the pieces of her life and career after losing her mom and her boyfriend and surviving a battle with breast cancer. A script that doesn't play well for a single woman. Happy childhood summers in Pilgrim Cove pull her back to town and a stay in Sea View House.
Matthew Parker, his two young sons, and his dad have shared a home since both men were widowed several years ago. And now, no women are needed in the Parker domain. But when Matt meets Laura, he discovers that his home might be missing something vital—a woman's love.
Can these two determined people figure out what's important and take a chance on a new beginning?
Laura McCloud has a bright future but needs a place to pick up the pieces of her life and career after losing her mom and her boyfriend and surviving a battle with breast cancer. A script that doesn't play well for a single woman. Happy childhood summers in Pilgrim Cove pull her back to town and a stay in Sea View House.
Matthew Parker, his two young sons, and his dad have shared a home since both men were widowed several years ago. And now, no women are needed in the Parker domain. But when Matt meets Laura, he discovers that his home might be missing something vital—a woman's love.
Can these two determined people figure out what's important and take a chance on a new beginning?
Audiobook
First published March 1, 2004
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About the author
Linda Barrett
57 books142 followersLinda's emotional stories of contemporary romance have earned many industry awards through Romance Writers of America chapter contests. In 2011, Quarterback Daddy took first place in the Write touch Reader's contest while in 2010, Summer at the Lake did the same. Previously, she's garnered the Holt Medallion and The Award of Excellence among others. With laughter and tears, she touches the hearts of her readers by writing stories they'll remember long after the book is finished.
This year, Linda is publishing her first women's fiction novel. Family Interrupted will be available in the spring of 2013.
This year, Linda is publishing her first women's fiction novel. Family Interrupted will be available in the spring of 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 387 reviews
January 21, 2019
Laura McCloud, a narrator and voice over artist, has just lost her mother on the heels of her own battle with breast cancer and being dumped by her boyfriend because he couldn’t handle her illness. Needing a restorative period, she looks to Pilgrim Cove, her family’s annual vacation venue by the ocean, only a ferry ride from her Boston home. She’s leased the Sea View House by the island’s real estate caretaker who recognizes her need of the special gifts the house seems to offer its temporary residents. Matt Parker, one of the islanders and a single father of two young boys, lost his own wife four years ago. He remembers Laura from their teenage years and his old interest reignites. But, both are reluctant to enter into a relationship for very different reasons as he has no idea of Laura’s medical history.
I was drawn to this series because of the essence of Pilgrim Cove, its small town charm having so much appeal. On the surface this seemed to be just a sweet story but turned out to be so much more, which is typical of communities of this size. Both of Matt’s children have lingering problems from losing their mother. There are other issues he and others are managing, adding so much texture to the story. His developing relationship with Laura is certainly the main focus but is embedded in the dynamics of the town. A highlight is the group referred to as the ROMEOs...retired old men eating out...who meet daily at the town’s diner. It’s their mission to help take care of the community where needs arise. Also, the realities faced by cancer survivors are portrayed authentically and with pragmatism. It was a learning opportunity.
I loved the story and am glad I opted for the audio version as the narrator captured the personalities of the central characters and the spirit of the town so nicely. I felt as if I was transported to Pilgrim Cove and became invested in the outcomes. It was a lovely reading experience and I’m anxious to return to this little town by the ocean.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
I was drawn to this series because of the essence of Pilgrim Cove, its small town charm having so much appeal. On the surface this seemed to be just a sweet story but turned out to be so much more, which is typical of communities of this size. Both of Matt’s children have lingering problems from losing their mother. There are other issues he and others are managing, adding so much texture to the story. His developing relationship with Laura is certainly the main focus but is embedded in the dynamics of the town. A highlight is the group referred to as the ROMEOs...retired old men eating out...who meet daily at the town’s diner. It’s their mission to help take care of the community where needs arise. Also, the realities faced by cancer survivors are portrayed authentically and with pragmatism. It was a learning opportunity.
I loved the story and am glad I opted for the audio version as the narrator captured the personalities of the central characters and the spirit of the town so nicely. I felt as if I was transported to Pilgrim Cove and became invested in the outcomes. It was a lovely reading experience and I’m anxious to return to this little town by the ocean.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
August 20, 2020
Nice romance
Laura and Matt’s story was sweet.
Laura has just moved in to Pilgrim Cove.
The description of the place was amazing. The small town and the sights and sounds peculiar therein were described to perfection.
Laura is a cancer survivor and she has lost her mother and she moved in to the place just for the quiet there. Matt has two sons and he lost his wife four years back. Laura and Matt already know each other from their teenage days and now see each other after many years.
The story goes on from there and is a lovely romance read portraying realistically the aftermath of a cancer survivor and how to cope with the loss of a loved one.
Enjoyed it.
Laura and Matt’s story was sweet.
Laura has just moved in to Pilgrim Cove.
The description of the place was amazing. The small town and the sights and sounds peculiar therein were described to perfection.
Laura is a cancer survivor and she has lost her mother and she moved in to the place just for the quiet there. Matt has two sons and he lost his wife four years back. Laura and Matt already know each other from their teenage days and now see each other after many years.
The story goes on from there and is a lovely romance read portraying realistically the aftermath of a cancer survivor and how to cope with the loss of a loved one.
Enjoyed it.
January 24, 2017
2.5 stars. Didn't finish after page 57. This may be an okay read I just don't have patience for these sleeper romances that are a dime a dozen. The characters are just okay. forgettable and dull. The tired, worn out conflict of 'im not looking for a relationship right now' is the main conflict here. Sigh. I also don't like the varying points of views. I know what everyone is thinking about at all times about everything. Result=no mystery or intrigue. I just like books that are unique and have very stand out characters and a fast moving, or at least an entertaining/interesting plot. the characters are relatable though, which is a good thing and if you like this type of romance novel then you probably won't be disappointed. It will be everything you'd expect. Which is what makes it the opposite of what I crave in a story.
February 4, 2017
I adored this sweet love story that focused on the characters & building relationships instead of on the physical. The cast was fun and made the book that much more enjoyable. I plan to read the rest of the books in this series. 4.5 Stars!
December 23, 2016
This is the first in the Pilgrim Cove series and a companion, I guess, to the Seaview House series.
Both series take place in Pilgrim's Cove, and center around a main character who lives in SeaView House. There are many of the same characters in both.
I'm at a loss to understand why there are two series about the same town and same house that houses people who need some healing in one form or another. I wrote the author to clarify that both were about the same town and house and she confirms that.
This is a 4 book series...all publ. Nov. 6, 2016, and the blurb on Amazon says that the stories continue in the SeaView House series.
Both series take place in Pilgrim's Cove, and center around a main character who lives in SeaView House. There are many of the same characters in both.
I'm at a loss to understand why there are two series about the same town and same house that houses people who need some healing in one form or another. I wrote the author to clarify that both were about the same town and house and she confirms that.
This is a 4 book series...all publ. Nov. 6, 2016, and the blurb on Amazon says that the stories continue in the SeaView House series.
March 20, 2019
Sweet and safe read. Poignant.
3.5
3.5
September 20, 2020
This book was painful to read, and I'm actually surprised by all of the positive reviews. I guess you should know right from the first chapter if this is going to be a book for you or not. Right from the get-go, we're told EVERYTHING! And any one of these EVERYTHINGS would have worked to show the MC has had a rough go of things as of late. She's in remission from cancer, her mom died, and her last serious relationship ended while her mom was dying because the guy she was with couldn't handle his significant other having cancer. Yeah. It's a lot, but this all wasn't necessarily my biggest issue. I mean, all of that was pretty much in the blurb about the book.
My first red flag that this book wasn't for me was the dialogue. Boy howdy, it was bad. In a very, boy howdy kind of way. Here's a direct quote from the first few pages:
"Remember Pilgrim Cove? Remember the beautiful beach?" Laura watched her sister's eyes widen and a grin light up her face.
"Do I remember? Of course I remember. What great summers we had. So, what's your idea? A summer vacation at the beach?"
"Not exactly," replied Laura. "I'm not going to wait that long."
"You're going to the beach in the middle of winter?" Alison asked in disbelief as she hugged herself. "Brr. Not me."
....For me, this was like reading really bad dialogue from a script for a movie with terrible actors. Yet, none of this was done on purpose, and it was definitely not for comedy purposes.
Yet still, this saccharine dialogue isn't even my biggest gripe with this book. That would be our main man Matt. That man threw some serious red flags my way. From the very first meeting, we get to see he gets irritated entirely too easily, and he doesn't know if he's coming or going. One second he seems irritated, next, he's asking our MC out on a date, and gets upset with her when she turns him down. So, it doesn't take long to see he's a little overbearing. This is a theme you see throughout the story, and there are a few times where he's being a bossy butt and our MC thinks to point it out to herself, but then reflects that he really does know what he's talking about so it's kind of okay. No. Just no.
I really am okay with flaws in our characters. That's not what I'm saying. It just seems so poorly done here I could hardly handle it. I felt like the author was trying to create this deep, heartfelt story, that in the end was written rather shallowly. I am apparently in the minority in thinking this, but I had to get this rant out and warn others.
If you take nothing else from this review, please, if you find a lost kitten in the freezing rain, DO NOT feed it milk and cereal. And on the same note, if you're an author, do at least a little research. Because if a kitten is too young for its shots, it's probably too young for just hard cat food, and may very well still need to be on formula multiple times a day, or at the very least have the cat food soaked enough for its tiny little teeth to chew.
Okay, end of rant.
My first red flag that this book wasn't for me was the dialogue. Boy howdy, it was bad. In a very, boy howdy kind of way. Here's a direct quote from the first few pages:
"Remember Pilgrim Cove? Remember the beautiful beach?" Laura watched her sister's eyes widen and a grin light up her face.
"Do I remember? Of course I remember. What great summers we had. So, what's your idea? A summer vacation at the beach?"
"Not exactly," replied Laura. "I'm not going to wait that long."
"You're going to the beach in the middle of winter?" Alison asked in disbelief as she hugged herself. "Brr. Not me."
....For me, this was like reading really bad dialogue from a script for a movie with terrible actors. Yet, none of this was done on purpose, and it was definitely not for comedy purposes.
Yet still, this saccharine dialogue isn't even my biggest gripe with this book. That would be our main man Matt. That man threw some serious red flags my way. From the very first meeting, we get to see he gets irritated entirely too easily, and he doesn't know if he's coming or going. One second he seems irritated, next, he's asking our MC out on a date, and gets upset with her when she turns him down. So, it doesn't take long to see he's a little overbearing. This is a theme you see throughout the story, and there are a few times where he's being a bossy butt and our MC thinks to point it out to herself, but then reflects that he really does know what he's talking about so it's kind of okay. No. Just no.
I really am okay with flaws in our characters. That's not what I'm saying. It just seems so poorly done here I could hardly handle it. I felt like the author was trying to create this deep, heartfelt story, that in the end was written rather shallowly. I am apparently in the minority in thinking this, but I had to get this rant out and warn others.
If you take nothing else from this review, please, if you find a lost kitten in the freezing rain, DO NOT feed it milk and cereal. And on the same note, if you're an author, do at least a little research. Because if a kitten is too young for its shots, it's probably too young for just hard cat food, and may very well still need to be on formula multiple times a day, or at the very least have the cat food soaked enough for its tiny little teeth to chew.
Okay, end of rant.
March 6, 2017
Cheesy, formulaic, simplistic and predictable. Glad it was free. My first and last by this author.
November 22, 2017
I enjoyed this book, and liked the characters. I particularly liked that you got to know others in the community, not just focussed entirely on the main characters. 3.5 stars.
March 11, 2018
I can’t figure out how so many people gave this book 4-5 stars. The writing is cheesy and predictable.
November 8, 2019
Plodding and predictable, without enough conflict, with too much emphasis on the townspeople and not enough on the romance.
Seriously, there's an entire chapter devoted to a scene in the local diner where seven different old men who eat breakfast together regularly are introduced to the leading lady. One of them is the hero's father, and one of them she already knows because he rented her "the house on the beach," but why did we have to bother with the other five? What purpose do they serve in the story? None.
So that was an annoyance, but the larger problem is the slow pace and lack of conflict. The first hurdle to the relationship is the weak and quickly ignored "but I'm not looking for a relationship right now for reasons." It's on both sides, but they keep spending time together because they're attracted to each other anyway, and yeah, they both get over that with very little introspection or discussion.
Once they're finally together in a bed-sharing kind of way, she finally drops the bomb that leads to the only external conflict; she's a recent breast cancer survivor with a good prognosis. But of course he freaks out because his wife died a few years back of ovarian cancer and he can't go through that again.
If that had been properly developed, I might have been more sympathetic. But pains are taken throughout the story, whenever either character thinks about their half of that equation, to demonstrate to the reader that the two situations could hardly be more different: early detection and successful treatment vs. "it's far too late." So I'm less inclined to buy Matt's total freakout, based on the fact that for the rest of the book he's basically perfect. He's a great father, a hard-working man, a thoughtful guy, sweet as hell, and never does anything else wrong, so to focus all of his negative emotion and action into this one serious-yet-somehow-also-flimsy breakdown is just unsatisfying.
Really, the only reason this gets two stars from me instead of one is that his kids are cute. Casey and his stuttering, which leads him to bond with the heroine who's a voice actress, was actually a really good subplot and gave the leads extra reason to spend time together.
Seriously, there's an entire chapter devoted to a scene in the local diner where seven different old men who eat breakfast together regularly are introduced to the leading lady. One of them is the hero's father, and one of them she already knows because he rented her "the house on the beach," but why did we have to bother with the other five? What purpose do they serve in the story? None.
So that was an annoyance, but the larger problem is the slow pace and lack of conflict. The first hurdle to the relationship is the weak and quickly ignored "but I'm not looking for a relationship right now for reasons." It's on both sides, but they keep spending time together because they're attracted to each other anyway, and yeah, they both get over that with very little introspection or discussion.
Once they're finally together in a bed-sharing kind of way, she finally drops the bomb that leads to the only external conflict; she's a recent breast cancer survivor with a good prognosis. But of course he freaks out because his wife died a few years back of ovarian cancer and he can't go through that again.
If that had been properly developed, I might have been more sympathetic. But pains are taken throughout the story, whenever either character thinks about their half of that equation, to demonstrate to the reader that the two situations could hardly be more different: early detection and successful treatment vs. "it's far too late." So I'm less inclined to buy Matt's total freakout, based on the fact that for the rest of the book he's basically perfect. He's a great father, a hard-working man, a thoughtful guy, sweet as hell, and never does anything else wrong, so to focus all of his negative emotion and action into this one serious-yet-somehow-also-flimsy breakdown is just unsatisfying.
Really, the only reason this gets two stars from me instead of one is that his kids are cute. Casey and his stuttering, which leads him to bond with the heroine who's a voice actress, was actually a really good subplot and gave the leads extra reason to spend time together.
March 16, 2019
This was very cute. I especially loved the town of Pilgrim Cove, loved how the town welcomed Laura and the other new comers. It was interesting how Laura and Matt were dealing with things on the same issue but coming at them for different perspectives. I was glad that they were able to work things out, they made a great couple and a cute family.
August 31, 2020
The House on the Beach
I loved this story. It seemed so real and yet very kind. Cancer is not kind. This is a story about Laura and Matt Parker. The reason not 5 stars, I thought it moved a bit slow.
I loved this story. It seemed so real and yet very kind. Cancer is not kind. This is a story about Laura and Matt Parker. The reason not 5 stars, I thought it moved a bit slow.
January 17, 2017
House on the Beach by Linda Barrett
Laura comes to the island to recuperate and the real estate agent has the perfect house for her. It's held by a trust and they coup some of the monthly costs so her cost is lower than normal.
Love the area of the island offshore of the mainland. Lots of time to walk on the beach and think. Her mother is now gone and she had given up so much of her life to tend to her needs. She's also a few years cancerfree.
Love her career of being in broadcast business and is going to make audio tapes of the classics. She meets the plumber Matt who is constantly watching her, her moves and the house she is staying in.
Love who the Romeo's stand for and how caring and sharing the community is. She finds a cat and during a storm one night agrees to stay with Matt and his family. His son Casey has a speech impediment but she spends a lot of time and has a lot of patience to deal with him.
They've lost their mother and that's when his speech went. She had taken therpy classes and understands what he needs...
Matt is an old boyfriend from the island when she was a teen and the family summered on the island. After that year she never returned...
House has been known to cure ailments.....missing brother-the details come out over time....her cancer may be back....how can they even think of a relationship...
Excerpt from the next in the series is included. Like authors style of writing and locations.
Laura comes to the island to recuperate and the real estate agent has the perfect house for her. It's held by a trust and they coup some of the monthly costs so her cost is lower than normal.
Love the area of the island offshore of the mainland. Lots of time to walk on the beach and think. Her mother is now gone and she had given up so much of her life to tend to her needs. She's also a few years cancerfree.
Love her career of being in broadcast business and is going to make audio tapes of the classics. She meets the plumber Matt who is constantly watching her, her moves and the house she is staying in.
Love who the Romeo's stand for and how caring and sharing the community is. She finds a cat and during a storm one night agrees to stay with Matt and his family. His son Casey has a speech impediment but she spends a lot of time and has a lot of patience to deal with him.
They've lost their mother and that's when his speech went. She had taken therpy classes and understands what he needs...
Matt is an old boyfriend from the island when she was a teen and the family summered on the island. After that year she never returned...
House has been known to cure ailments.....missing brother-the details come out over time....her cancer may be back....how can they even think of a relationship...
Excerpt from the next in the series is included. Like authors style of writing and locations.
December 22, 2016
A wonderfully sweet story about how, at times, we just need to take care of ourselves in order to realize we need to learn to love again. Linda retreats to a summer vacation home in Pilgrim Cove to regroup after losing her mom, surviving breast cancer, and dealing with a boyfriend who could not handle the cancer. Linda hopes her childhood memories of Pilgrims Cove will help her re-energize. Matthew has two wonderful sons but is still dealing with the death of his wife to cancer. Can Linda trust a man with her medical history after her boyfriend ran out on her? Can Matthew trust a woman to love him and his two sons? Both need to have the courage to live but can they? Very enjoyable read. I will definitely be reading more of Ms. Barrett’s books. I like the care that she takes in her writing on sensitive subjects such as breast cancer and love, family and friends.
May 28, 2018
This was such a good book, even though it was kind of predictable. A new girl in town, a small town at that, a past schoolmate that had lost his wife, add children and a kitten to the mix and you have a good book.
This book was a book that I read at every second when I had spare time. There is a lot more to this book than what I wrote above. A child that stutters and is bullied at school, his loss of a wife to cancer, and her fight with cancer, and how they worked through all of that.
All these things together make for a great book.
Thank you Linda for such a wonderful story.
This book was a book that I read at every second when I had spare time. There is a lot more to this book than what I wrote above. A child that stutters and is bullied at school, his loss of a wife to cancer, and her fight with cancer, and how they worked through all of that.
All these things together make for a great book.
Thank you Linda for such a wonderful story.
December 22, 2016
A tale that combines romance rekindled and contemporary problems. The heroine of the story has suffered a great deal from the death of her mother as well as having been diagnosed breast cancer. She wants to get away from it all and returns to a small island, a ferry boat ride from Boston, where she attempts to put her life back on track. She meets someone who had appeared in her youth while visiting the island with her parents. Now he is still even more attractive and attracted to her. She needs to contemplate what her decision would be, a life alone or with this man.
Easy reading and moving story of a woman's courage.
Easy reading and moving story of a woman's courage.
April 26, 2018
Deep, heart wrenching and fun!
Very good story with great players Laura and Matt are terrific as we watch their love story take shape. Both have endured bouts of cancer with loved ones and Laura herself. Ms. Barrett has great insight from having suffered firsthand and it is amazing the courage she has shown to write about it. The supporting cast fondly known as the ROMEO’S are delightful and Matt’s sons add great character and a sense of humor to it all. Well thought out the start of a series about Pilgrim Cove and I look forward to reading more about this enticing place. Highly recommend with 4.5 Stars!
Very good story with great players Laura and Matt are terrific as we watch their love story take shape. Both have endured bouts of cancer with loved ones and Laura herself. Ms. Barrett has great insight from having suffered firsthand and it is amazing the courage she has shown to write about it. The supporting cast fondly known as the ROMEO’S are delightful and Matt’s sons add great character and a sense of humor to it all. Well thought out the start of a series about Pilgrim Cove and I look forward to reading more about this enticing place. Highly recommend with 4.5 Stars!
October 26, 2018
Couldn't Stop Reading
Started this as a before bedtime read, but read until finished at dawn. Story flowed. Wonderful angles revealed for each family member. Good for romantics, ones who have given up hope for happily ever after. Good life encouragement and great example of medical team as extended family support.
Started this as a before bedtime read, but read until finished at dawn. Story flowed. Wonderful angles revealed for each family member. Good for romantics, ones who have given up hope for happily ever after. Good life encouragement and great example of medical team as extended family support.
February 8, 2019
Laura had breast cancer and lost her mother to cancer. She goes to the beach house to help recover. There she finds an old friend from here teenage years that has lost his wife to cancer. I was hoping for more substance to the story but it jus wasn’t there. Just a quick read.
January 19, 2017
Good clean book. Loved this series.
February 26, 2017
No wonder it was free. . .
July 7, 2019
2.5
I can't decide between posed or staged. Ideas all good, but missed in presentation. Seemed super long too.
0719
I can't decide between posed or staged. Ideas all good, but missed in presentation. Seemed super long too.
0719
September 14, 2020
A Romance of emotions...
I really enjoyed this book! The story evolves around the couple, their families and, more importantly, a loving community. It takes a village... Most romances focus around what characters are doing rather than what they're feeling. This book has feeling. I didn't have time to read it one sitting, but I couldn't wait to get back to it and continue the story.
There were some things off in the book that interrupted a good read, and I'm very surprised the editors didn't correct these: The author is an educated American so I don't understand her use of the word 'shut' in place of 'turn off', as in shut the ignition, shut the motor, shut the water. I hope this isn't a new trend because it sounds ridiculous. Calling the h 'clueless' because she came to her rental without a flashlight and making a big deal of it is entirely out of character for the H. He's too kindhearted to think this of someone. Do you pack a flashlight when you travel? There are soups and there are chowders; you can't call chowder soup, especially in New England. On page 52 the word 'mike' should be 'mic', as in microphone. Page 47, 'season's tickets every year' s/b 'season tickets every year.' Words that don't fit the tone of the rest of the story: stygian, avuncular, temporized, insouciant, insipid, and superfluous. The H calling h 'kiddo' in the middle of making love. Really insulting! Having the h be a 'nervous wreck' and 'biting her thumbnail to the quick' because the children will be performing in the Memorial Day Musicale is entirely out of her character. There are also several proofreading typos.
I would read other books by this author if they were free for Kindle.
I really enjoyed this book! The story evolves around the couple, their families and, more importantly, a loving community. It takes a village... Most romances focus around what characters are doing rather than what they're feeling. This book has feeling. I didn't have time to read it one sitting, but I couldn't wait to get back to it and continue the story.
There were some things off in the book that interrupted a good read, and I'm very surprised the editors didn't correct these: The author is an educated American so I don't understand her use of the word 'shut' in place of 'turn off', as in shut the ignition, shut the motor, shut the water. I hope this isn't a new trend because it sounds ridiculous. Calling the h 'clueless' because she came to her rental without a flashlight and making a big deal of it is entirely out of character for the H. He's too kindhearted to think this of someone. Do you pack a flashlight when you travel? There are soups and there are chowders; you can't call chowder soup, especially in New England. On page 52 the word 'mike' should be 'mic', as in microphone. Page 47, 'season's tickets every year' s/b 'season tickets every year.' Words that don't fit the tone of the rest of the story: stygian, avuncular, temporized, insouciant, insipid, and superfluous. The H calling h 'kiddo' in the middle of making love. Really insulting! Having the h be a 'nervous wreck' and 'biting her thumbnail to the quick' because the children will be performing in the Memorial Day Musicale is entirely out of her character. There are also several proofreading typos.
I would read other books by this author if they were free for Kindle.
April 5, 2019
Book one of the Pilgrim Cove series. This series is a spin-off of the Sea View House series or vice versa. Either way, many of the characters appear in both. Who would those characters be? Why, the ROMEOs, of course! That merry band of retired men whose purpose in life is now matchmaking. They use the backdrop of the Sea View House to work their magic, or would that be machinations?
The latest victims are Matt Parker and Laura McCloud. Matt is a native of Pilgrim Cove. He and his dad own the hardware store in town. His dad, of course, is one of the ROMEOs. Matt is a widower with two small boys. A second marriage, or even a relationship, is totally off his radar. Laura McCloud is in desperate need of healing, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Her mother just recently died and Laura herself is a recovering breast cancer survivor. She put her career on hold for almost two years to get through everything she’s had to endure. Now, it’s time to revive her career and get her feet back under her. A relationship is totally off the table for her. Especially after her last experience….
As with the Sea View House series, the characters of the town make Pilgrim Cove the special place it is. They also make these books special. While the subject matter is serious and the way the characters work through them is encouraging, it’s the ROMEOs that keep things real and lighthearted. The House on the Beach is an entertaining, quick, and easy to read story. Did I mention there are three totally adorable kids involved?
The latest victims are Matt Parker and Laura McCloud. Matt is a native of Pilgrim Cove. He and his dad own the hardware store in town. His dad, of course, is one of the ROMEOs. Matt is a widower with two small boys. A second marriage, or even a relationship, is totally off his radar. Laura McCloud is in desperate need of healing, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Her mother just recently died and Laura herself is a recovering breast cancer survivor. She put her career on hold for almost two years to get through everything she’s had to endure. Now, it’s time to revive her career and get her feet back under her. A relationship is totally off the table for her. Especially after her last experience….
As with the Sea View House series, the characters of the town make Pilgrim Cove the special place it is. They also make these books special. While the subject matter is serious and the way the characters work through them is encouraging, it’s the ROMEOs that keep things real and lighthearted. The House on the Beach is an entertaining, quick, and easy to read story. Did I mention there are three totally adorable kids involved?
January 17, 2020
This is the first Linda Barrett that I remember reading but I really enjoyed it. What really drew me to the book was the fact that it was at the beach and I am a beach lover so I decided to take a chance. I wasn't disappointed.
Laura McCloud’s mother had just died after three years of caregiving & Laura herself had cancer about a year & a half ago. Her boyfriend had walk away when he found out she had cancer. How much heartbreak can one young person take? Her sister was begging her to come to Atlanta with her and spend some time with her & her family and take some time for herself & heal. Laura was thinking of goingto Pilgrim Cove where they used to go for the Summer when they were kids.
The more she talks to her sister the more it became clear she needed to be alone & she had a career here. She could get back & forth by ferry so she decided to go to Pilgrim Cove & rent a house until Memorial Day went the season began & everybody started coming back.
She call the realtor her father used when they were kids. He had a website some was still around. She went to see him & told him she wanted a house right on the beach. I want to be able to open my eyes & see the ocean! Bart knew just the house for her ”Sea View House”.
I don't want to give too much away, but this is a wonderful beach story & a good surprising story. A lot of healing on many levels & many people and yes love is involved for more than one couple & lots of friends. Good paced book with friends helping friends & in return becoming more than friends. I loved it!
Laura McCloud’s mother had just died after three years of caregiving & Laura herself had cancer about a year & a half ago. Her boyfriend had walk away when he found out she had cancer. How much heartbreak can one young person take? Her sister was begging her to come to Atlanta with her and spend some time with her & her family and take some time for herself & heal. Laura was thinking of goingto Pilgrim Cove where they used to go for the Summer when they were kids.
The more she talks to her sister the more it became clear she needed to be alone & she had a career here. She could get back & forth by ferry so she decided to go to Pilgrim Cove & rent a house until Memorial Day went the season began & everybody started coming back.
She call the realtor her father used when they were kids. He had a website some was still around. She went to see him & told him she wanted a house right on the beach. I want to be able to open my eyes & see the ocean! Bart knew just the house for her ”Sea View House”.
I don't want to give too much away, but this is a wonderful beach story & a good surprising story. A lot of healing on many levels & many people and yes love is involved for more than one couple & lots of friends. Good paced book with friends helping friends & in return becoming more than friends. I loved it!
August 3, 2018
I found this to be a nice blend of the past creating fear to love and move on. Matt lost his wife four years before the story starts. He loses her to ovarian cancer and is left raising their two sons. Living with his father and two boys running a small business. I liked his simple ways and gentlemanly ways. He grew up at Pilgrim Cove and there is this small town pride and love vibe that makes me wanting to find such a place.
Laura has just lost her mother and is also a breast cancer survivor. The physical healing has been done but the scars and emotional turmoil is alive and well. Her boyfriend left because he couldn't deal and Laura does not want any more pain associated with letting anyone in her heart. Her sister Alison reminisced about a place by the beach their mother took them to. This place was a time before all the pain and she believes some time alone at this magical place will give her time to lick her wounds to move on.
Matt and Laura realize that when they 16-17 they shared their first kiss together there at the beach and he is drawn to her for the first time since his wife's passing. It gives you a nice combination of longing, fear, resistance, compassion, gumption and most importantly hope. I liked both characters as well as Matts two sons and side characters that added the small town charm pulling you in deeper with each page. I'm curious about Matts twin brother that disappeared yet another intriguing element to this PG-13 read. Enjoy!
Laura has just lost her mother and is also a breast cancer survivor. The physical healing has been done but the scars and emotional turmoil is alive and well. Her boyfriend left because he couldn't deal and Laura does not want any more pain associated with letting anyone in her heart. Her sister Alison reminisced about a place by the beach their mother took them to. This place was a time before all the pain and she believes some time alone at this magical place will give her time to lick her wounds to move on.
Matt and Laura realize that when they 16-17 they shared their first kiss together there at the beach and he is drawn to her for the first time since his wife's passing. It gives you a nice combination of longing, fear, resistance, compassion, gumption and most importantly hope. I liked both characters as well as Matts two sons and side characters that added the small town charm pulling you in deeper with each page. I'm curious about Matts twin brother that disappeared yet another intriguing element to this PG-13 read. Enjoy!
April 8, 2019
What a lovely book and a very readable storyline with great characters. Seaview House is a special kind of house, on the beach in Pilgrims Cove. Does it have healing qualities? Things happen to people who stay there, and this book is the 1st in a series of 4 about the people who stay there. It's managed by a trust set up by the founder of the Cove, the Trust made up of several long standing members of the community, many of them ROMEO's!
Book 1 is about Laura and Matt: Laura is a successful voice artist but has had a very hard time of it the past few years, she stays at Seaview House to find herself again and prepare for work. She knows Pilgrim Cove as she used to stay there during the Summer with her Mum, Dad and Sister; Matt is born and bred in the Cove, the Son of a ROMEO, he runs a plumbing and hardware store and service, a single parent (his wife passed away 4 years previous) bringing up 2 boys who lives with his Dad, he focuses on his boys unwilling to let a woman into their lives incase the same thing happens again.
I really enjoyed the story, you know what's going to happen from the start but the story captured me from the 1st chapter and I found it so hard to put down, caught up in the Cove, it's inhabitants and various relationships throughout the Town.
I've never read any books by this author before but I'll be on the lookout for the rest of this series and other books by her. I've already bought book 2 in the series and started it!
Book 1 is about Laura and Matt: Laura is a successful voice artist but has had a very hard time of it the past few years, she stays at Seaview House to find herself again and prepare for work. She knows Pilgrim Cove as she used to stay there during the Summer with her Mum, Dad and Sister; Matt is born and bred in the Cove, the Son of a ROMEO, he runs a plumbing and hardware store and service, a single parent (his wife passed away 4 years previous) bringing up 2 boys who lives with his Dad, he focuses on his boys unwilling to let a woman into their lives incase the same thing happens again.
I really enjoyed the story, you know what's going to happen from the start but the story captured me from the 1st chapter and I found it so hard to put down, caught up in the Cove, it's inhabitants and various relationships throughout the Town.
I've never read any books by this author before but I'll be on the lookout for the rest of this series and other books by her. I've already bought book 2 in the series and started it!
September 2, 2018
This book got me through quite a lot of feelings: I was groaning, close to tears, biting my nails, smiling, chuckling, and towards the end (but not the end as such!) devastated. How to explain all of that without giving any spoilers? I don't think I can, but I will try.
After her Mom's death of cancer, and her own recovery from breast cancer, Laura McCloud retreats to a place where she was happy, to recover completely, both physically and mentally.
Matthew Parker, an inhabitant of Pilgrim Cove, lives together with his father and his two sons after the death of his wife, and is happy with his all-men-household.
When he meets Laura, he discover something might have been missing in his life, and though Laura feels the attraction, she needs to get her life in order first, or does she?
All the interactions between the two main protagonists, the two kids, and all the other nosy but well-meaning inhabitants of Pilgrim Cove sucked me into the story right away, the plot and the great storytelling, i.e. narration style of the author did the rest. It could have been an overdramatic story with all the illness history in both protagonists' pasts and present, but the balance between heartbreaking and heartwarming was perfect. Add to that some chuckle-worthy dialogues, and you cannot go wrong with this series.
I am looking forward to getting my hands on the next books.
After her Mom's death of cancer, and her own recovery from breast cancer, Laura McCloud retreats to a place where she was happy, to recover completely, both physically and mentally.
Matthew Parker, an inhabitant of Pilgrim Cove, lives together with his father and his two sons after the death of his wife, and is happy with his all-men-household.
When he meets Laura, he discover something might have been missing in his life, and though Laura feels the attraction, she needs to get her life in order first, or does she?
All the interactions between the two main protagonists, the two kids, and all the other nosy but well-meaning inhabitants of Pilgrim Cove sucked me into the story right away, the plot and the great storytelling, i.e. narration style of the author did the rest. It could have been an overdramatic story with all the illness history in both protagonists' pasts and present, but the balance between heartbreaking and heartwarming was perfect. Add to that some chuckle-worthy dialogues, and you cannot go wrong with this series.
I am looking forward to getting my hands on the next books.
February 19, 2019
A Realistic Entanglement of Illness and Love, with Love being Victorious
This book touches both the grandeur and marvel of new love, with all its ups and downs, and the horror that is cancer. It shows the emotions and fears of both, and the roller coaster of feelings they both can cause. Love takes you to the highest heights and the illness crashes a person to the lowest possible lows. The realism shown both in illness and brand new love is incredibly accurate. A heart can break a million times with either, and reach heights never before known as well. The trick is riding each wave out and coming through even more loved and loving than before the crashing waves. There is love that transcends all and my only suggestion would be to tie in God in His Astounding Greatness throughout the story. With my Mother's 2 cancers she came out victorious. With my sister's cancer she list her leg and still the cancer took her. The marvelous thing about both is that ultimately, they drew close to the Almighty who created them.
An excellent, heart-wrenching, ride to victory encapsulated in this wonderful story. My hat's off to Linds Barrett!!
This book touches both the grandeur and marvel of new love, with all its ups and downs, and the horror that is cancer. It shows the emotions and fears of both, and the roller coaster of feelings they both can cause. Love takes you to the highest heights and the illness crashes a person to the lowest possible lows. The realism shown both in illness and brand new love is incredibly accurate. A heart can break a million times with either, and reach heights never before known as well. The trick is riding each wave out and coming through even more loved and loving than before the crashing waves. There is love that transcends all and my only suggestion would be to tie in God in His Astounding Greatness throughout the story. With my Mother's 2 cancers she came out victorious. With my sister's cancer she list her leg and still the cancer took her. The marvelous thing about both is that ultimately, they drew close to the Almighty who created them.
An excellent, heart-wrenching, ride to victory encapsulated in this wonderful story. My hat's off to Linds Barrett!!
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