VictoriaHoward's Page

Anna MacDonald has had enough backstabbing and betrayal to last her a lifetime. When her longtime lover and coworker passes her up for some ‘blonde bombshell,’ she decides to cut her losses and go on sabbatical. As a creative writing professor, she has all the knowledge she needs to write a book of her own, so she heads to the one place she has a connection to, Tigh na Cladach.
Luke Tallantyre is a landscaping artist from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. When his portraits start to look like one another and there is no special quality in them, he takes his yacht and sets sail with no special destination in mind. Weighing anchor in the rugged northwest Highlands, he does not expect to find himself in Loch Hourn, otherwise known as the Loch of Hell.
Finding himself stranded until he can get a part for his yacht, Luke soon discovers a peaceful serenity in the village and the people within it. For Anna, having a rugged man such as him practically in her backyard becomes harder for her as she finds herself fighting an attraction for this handsome stranger. When her home is broken into and then she is later shot at, Anna must turn to Luke for help in hopes of finding the protection she needs. As the accidents escalate, a dear friend will be harmed, and Anna must decide if Luke is helping her, or if he is the evil force behind the attacks.
The House on the Shore is a sensually suspenseful story filled with non-stop action, romance, and mystery. The facts of Scotland are told with brilliant description that bring the land to life and leave you feeling as if you have stepped out of your world and into the pages. Ms. Howard uses such passion and emotion when telling her story, making the tale flow right along until the last page is turned. With many different characters that will keep you guessing, this novel is the perfect example of how a suspenseful story should be told. Thrilling until the very end, this book has a who-done-it attitude with such an aching tone of sensuality and love, it will keep you up all night just so you can finish this fantastic tale.
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Anna MacDonald is looking to start over. She’s just been passed over for a promotion that she’s eagerly awaited – and, to make matters worse, her own boyfriend is the supervisor that snubbed her. To top it all off, the lucky recipient of her desired position just happens to be – of all things – his new lover…ouch…

So, in an effort to wipe the slate clean, she retreats to the Scottish shore, establishing her new residence in an old, yet sturdy house owned by her grandparents. Her only plans? Soak up the splendor of her rustic surroundings and fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a published author. Joined by her trusty Border collies, Ensay and Rhona, Anna couldn’t ask for a more opportune chance to start fresh while mending the broken pieces of her still-aching heart.
Little does she know, though, she won’t have the chance to enjoy her solitude for long. Shortly after her arrival, she makes the acquaintance of the handsome, charming Luke, a successful artist from across the pond, and the chemistry between the two of them can’t be denied for long. Soon caught up in the throes of a passionate love affair, Anna appears to be on the cusp of lasting happiness – but, alas, she eventually learns that bliss and trouble are often flip sides of the same coin, and when an unseen stranger begins escalating his efforts to end her life, she’s suddenly thrust in the midst of a sinister mystery that leaves her wondering just who wants her dead – and why…

The House On The Shore is an enjoyable read. In it, Victoria Howard presents a well-crafted page turner that unfolds at just the right pace, ensuring that the reader’s attention is held captive with each new mysterious development. Howard also does a commendable job of infusing her characters with vivid, palpable personality, framing their inclinations and reactions in the three-dimensional, thus making it easy for readers to relate to them in very real, practical terms.

A compelling read, The House On The Shore is a can’t miss suspense thriller with a surprisingly potent punch, and one that fans of the genre are sure to enjoy.
Renee Washburn
Apex Reviews