The House Along the Way

by Elysa Summers

Everyone feared him; she feared nothing.

The house off the single road between the edge of the village and the nearest town belongs to the last of the McIntosh brothers. For years, the McIntosh family have been rumoured to be violent and possibly psychotic. Possibly murderers. And Kenneth – now a complete recluse – has not escaped the whispered stories that have veiled his kin for generations.

Ella Tennant is loved and looked after by her whole village, for she was born with a rare genetic condition that means she cannot feel fear. Her free-spirited, optimistic nature and her obsessive need to sketch everything she sees have carried her through her challenges.

"Stay away from that house along the way," she's always been told. But her curiosity has finally snared her – it’s the one thing in her village she's never sketched. Pen and paper in hand, Ella strides towards the forbidden...

When a terrifying man and a woman who can never know terror meet, a fuse is lit and sparks fly. In each other lies the understanding that has always been out of reach.

But the villagers aren't ready to hear a different story. And for the first time, Ella's sunny disposition may not be enough to win them over.

Touching and beautifully told, this is a romance like no other.

Genres: Romance

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2026

About the author

Elysa Summers writes thought-provoking, fun, emotional, and feel-good contemporary romance and women's fiction with some spice. She lives in the south of England with her fiancé, their daughter, and their two cats.

Elysa Summers is a pseudonym for international bestselling author Dianna Hardy. As Elysa, she can keep her light-hearted, contemporary romance books separate from the fantasy, horror, and darker paranormal romance books that Dianna writes.


Extended Bio:

When Dianna began writing for the eBook market in 2010, she assumed two pseudonyms to test the waters: Erika Sorin and Elysa Summers. Erika wrote darker romance and had a title published with Noble Romance Publishing in 2011, but with Dianna's paranormal stories taking off (The Witching Pen series and the Eye of the Storm series), Erika's style became incorporated into Dianna Hardy's books, and Erika was "sunsetted".

Elysa Summers wrote lighter contemporary fiction, and her title, Happy Anniversary: an Erotic Short Story About a Marriage Rekindled, was popular. Dianna republished the same title under her own name and also sunsetted Elysa Summers to put her full focus on writing her fantasy books.

In 2025, Elysa Summers was revived so Dianna can continue to write contemporary romance and women's fiction without confusing her dark fantasy-loving readers.

Reviews

[Vanessa Wild]

Ella suffers from a rare genetic condition called Urbach-Wiethe Disease, a lack of fear being one of the symptoms. She lives in a small village where she has been shielded from harm all her life. Her mother is especially protective and when Ella gains a place at university and falls in love with a man who has been ostracised, sparks start to fly.

I chose to read this book as I enjoy stories revolving around a house. It’s a gentle and easy read and quite an emotional tale. I liked the characters and the overall story, it flows along nicely. The only gripe I have is the Americanisms - they did grate on me somewhat as it is written by a British author and set in an English village. Apart from that I found myself happily turning the pages, eager to find out what happened next. I also like the cover - l thought it gave a fairytale feel to the book, a certain ‘je ne sais quois’! All in all I enjoyed it and would read another story by this author.

[Elizabeth Morgan]

The House Along the Way is an interesting and engaging read that pulls you in from page one. The story is set in a beautiful rural village, but one full of secrets and tragedy.

The story follows Ella who suffers from a rare disease that means she feels no fear. Something that sounds like it would be very liberating, but is very much the opposite.
Because of her lack of fear her family and the entire village feel they must look out for - and although the majority are doing it from a place of kindness, some are doing it from a place of control.

Ella is a positive and up beat character, but I could feel her frustration. It has to be so hard to be constantly treated and spoken to as if you’re incapable and daft. Especially when that message is constantly coming from your own mother who just wants to wrap you up in cotton wool all the time. Still, Ella knows her own mind and what she wants and you automatically respect her and want her to succeed.

The relationship between Ella and her brother Jase is really sweet, and it was lovely to see that shes had somebody in her life who always has her back. It very much goes both ways as she is very protective of him and is supportive of him when they discover a big life changing secret.

I really felt for Kenneth, who has been judged solely on his surname and the words/accusations of others; rather than his own actions. He is genuinely a nice guy who has unfortunately become the victim of gossip and fearmongering. And what has happened to him is proof that some people really don’t think about the consequences of their words or actions.

The relationship between Kenneth and Ella was very naturally - they were kindred spirits who have been treated differently to everyone else - and it was lovely to see how they accepted each other for who they were rather than the opinions of others.

Ian was very pushy. Bad news from the moment he showed up. I’m glad Ella always stood up for herself, and yet again, so frustrating for her that the idiot just wouldn’t listen. I’m glad he got the comeuppance he deserved. It was just very sad that he manipulated someone who Ella loves. He played on this persons fears, which then had long term damaging consequences for Ella’s relationship with them.

This story also touches upon trauma and mental health, both of which can be incredibly debilitating for the individual, but also has a big impact on those around them. It highlights how important it is to have the right support systems in place for those who are suffering.

I feel there is a good message to the story: don’t judge a book by its cover, and there are two sides to every story (not everyone will have the facts.) A clear message weaved into a story which is set in a small village which holds a lot of secrets and has had its fair share of tragedies. The story hooks you from page one, set at a great pace where you quickly learn about the characters and their lives. You really feel for all the characters; and are satisfied with how each of their stories end.

I really enjoyed Elysa’s writing style — her voice is engaging, and her way with words painted such a lovely picture of the world. I could vividly picture the village and its beautiful countryside in my mind. It sounds like a beautiful place to live, (although I don’t think I could deal with all the gossip) and I for one would definitely live at The House Along the Way.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

[Lynn Worton]

The House Along the Way is a contemporary romance written by Elysa Summers.

Ella Tennant is the protagonist, with the story (apart from the prologue) told mostly from her point of view. She’s born with a rare genetic mutation that means she doesn’t feel fear. She has always been intrigued with the history of the McIntosh house situated halfway between her house and the village. Colloquially known as “The house along the way”, whispers in the village about its occupant, Kenneth, being a monster abound. Curious, Ella is determined to find out the truth.

This is a sweet romance story, with mystery and suspense masterfully woven into it. I liked Ella, Jason (her brother) and Kenneth. Ian, on the other hand, I disliked almost instantly. I won’t say why as that could be a spoiler. The plot is a little formulaic, but the twists superb. I even found myself in tears at one point.

I must admit that I did struggle to get into the story at first. This had nothing to do with the story as such; it was because I haven’t read for some time and I am a little rusty. However, as I got halfway through, I found I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it.

This is the first book I’ve read from Elysa Summers. I love this author’s work as much as her fantasy novels under Dianna Hardy. This author brings life to her characters; showing humanity at its best or worse, warts and all. I look forward to reading more of her contemporary romances in the future.

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Lucy Loves Literature]

I really enjoyed The House Along the Way by Elysa Summers and gave it 4 out of 5 stars. The character building was one of the strongest parts of the book — I felt really invested in Ella and the people around her, and the relationships felt believable and well developed throughout.

The plot was a little predictable at times, but honestly I found comfort in that rather than frustration. It suited the cosy atmosphere of the story and the idyllic English village setting perfectly. On the surface, Ella seems to live a perfect life in a perfect village, but the book does a great job of showing that not everything is as polished as it appears behind closed doors.

I also found it really interesting learning about Ella’s disease and how it shaped different aspects of her life and relationships. It added emotional depth to the story and made her character feel very real. There’s also a steamy bedroom chapter that was particularly well written — emotional as well as intimate, without feeling overdone.

Overall, this was an engaging and comforting read with strong characters, emotional moments, and enough family drama to keep me invested right to the end.

[Lia Lorimer]

4,5 stars due to unnecessary profanity
Gwen, Ella’s mum, becomes obsessed with keeping her daughter safe after a diagnosis of Urbach-Wiese Disease is confirmed. Ella, supported by her brother, Jason, is determined to live a normal, independent and enjoyable life, resulting in some unexpected results. She is also the only person in the village who is eager to visit the house every child is constantly being warned to stay away from…
A thoroughly enjoyable (debut) book containing a fascinating storyline, with a remarkable and diverse cast of characters, personifying small village life. The prologue immediately draws the reader into the story, eager to observe Ella as a young adult. There are moments of tension and humour, times when Ella and her brother share their close sibling relationship, and scenes describing Ella’s newly discovered romantic feelings.
Unfortunately, Ms Summers uses objectionable language rather freely, which detracted from my enjoyment of the story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[barbara]

This was a fun, fast read I was not expecting. I knew I was in for an interesting book with the blurb. Ella has a disease (disorder) that leaves her without the ability to feel fear - and she becomes friends with the most feared recluse of her village. Quite the pair. What I was not expecting was the romance that also ensued, and the complicated relationships she had within her family. It was short, but packed full of life and story about love, friendship and the cost of finding yourself and what you want.

**Thank you BookSirens and Elysa Summers for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.**

[Gloria]

I really enjoyed this book. It all takes place in a small English village. Ella was born with a condition where she doesn't sense fear. She's not only hovered over by her overbearing mother but also the whole village. Kenneth is a recluse who rarely goes to the village. When these two meet there is an instant connection between them. But there are forces determined to keep them apart.

[Lindsey Kramer]

This was a read that pulled my heart strings more than once. I was hooked from the start and couldn’t stop reading!

[Cary Morrison]

Cute, but nothing to really sink my teeth into.

[Rhonda McGuire]

4 Fearless Stars!

Elysa Summers has written an emotional contemporary romance in The House Along the Way. The main characters Ella and Kenneth were realistic and relatable. So as I was reading I felt really connected to them, more so Kenneth, but Ella as well. I love being able to feel how the characters are feeling going through each of their emotions beside them. It really places you in the story. Elysa was able to do that within these pages.
Ella is well loved among her village and due to a rare disease, everyone is constantly on the lookout for her. More often than not overstepping. Despite knowing it's out of love and care, Ella is very overwhelmed and feels shackled to the town. All she wants is to go away to school and pursue her art.
Kenneth is just the opposite of Ella. No one in the village wants anything to do with him. Believing him to be a monster and doing their best to avoid him. This leads Kenneth to become withdrawn and to isolate himself at his house.
However Kenneth lives in that house along the way. Being there is only one road in and out of town, he gets a look into the people as they make their travels. Ella of course catches his eye.

Kenneth is just the opposite of Ella. No one in the village wants anything to do with him. Believing him to be a monster and doing their best to avoid him. This leads Kenneth to become withdrawn and to isolate himself at his house.
However Kenneth lives in that house along the way. Being there is only one road in and out of town, he gets a look into the people as they make their travels. Ella of course catches his eye.
After Kenneth comes to Ella's rescue, she finds herself drawn to both the man and the house. She knows what they say about him, but there is always more to the story than what we are told.
We just have to be willing to look for it. Ella decides that as she gets to know Kenneth, that's exactly what she will do.
As the story unfolds we learn there are more secrets than just what surround Kenneth.
This was an easy read that pulled me in. Once I sat down to read it, I didn't put it down until I was finished. Very beautifully written. I look forward to Elysa's next story.

[Clare]

The House Along the Way is a charming, fast read, centred around the main character, Ella. Ella has a rare genetic condition, Urbach-Wiethe Disease (it’s a real condition) which means that, amongst other things Ella feels no fear. Consequently, her mother is very protective and is determined that Ella shouldn’t go to university when she’s offered a place. She’s even more shocked and disapproving when Ella starts a relationship with the black sheep of the village: Kenneth McIntosh. He’s very different from the Mum-approved boyfriend!

I really enjoyed this, it had a gentle touch to the storytelling - almost fairytale, except the characters were much more fleshed out than a fairytale would be. I liked that the author assumed (correctly!) that Ella deserved a life of her own despite her medical condition.

It’s a sweet, romantic tale with a good mystery at its heart.

I received a copy of this from the author to read, and my opinions are, as ever, my own and unbiased.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader)]

The House Along the Way captivated me from the very first page and held my attention throughout. Elysa Summers has a remarkable ability to craft narratives that make you truly connect with all the characters. You begin to feel like you are woven into their tale in some manner, or at least make you feel as if you were. They come across as familiar companions right from the start.

Ella was born with a unique genetic condition that leaves her completely fearless. She adores painting and dreams of attending college, but fears her parents may not support her aspirations.

The people in her hometown are always looking out for Ella, trying to keep her out of harm's way, particularly Ian. Ian has been in love with Ella for quite some time, or at least he believes he is. Ella, however, doubts his feelings for her.

All Ella desires is to be left to her painting, but Ian has different ideas, insisting on walking her home, and her mother, of course, gives her approval. Ella tries to make it clear to Ian that she wants nothing to do with him, but he refuses to heed her words.

In a moment of frustration, Ella escapes from him, heading straight to the one house that everyone is too afraid to approach, due to the man who resides there. Ella encounters Kenneth the moment their eyes lock, and you sense that something extraordinary is blossoming between them. It marks the beginning of a beautiful bond.

The House Along the Way is a tale that leaves you with a comforting, warm sensation, a narrative you will want to revisit time and again.

I urge anyone who appreciates a delightful romantic, cozy love story to pick up a copy of The House Along the Way today!