Zander: A Hathaway House Heartwarming Romance

Hathaway House #26

by Dale Mayer

Welcome to Hathaway House. Rehab Center. Safe Haven. Second chance at life and love.

Zander finds it hard to believe he’s finally made it to Hathaway House—months after Xavier came here. Although his friend is still here to greet him on his arrival, Zander’s essentially on his own. Seeing the contrast between Xavier before and now is amazing. His success should be something that springboards Zander to follow in his friend’s footsteps, but Zander’s frail health is always there in the background, holding him back.

Nelly, a recently hired nutritionist, is thrilled to be at Hathaway House and seeing Zander’s weak body reminds her of all the reasons she went into this field. He’s desperately in need of every bit of help that the staff here can provide. Just to add to the chaos, a large wedding is being organized for Dani and Aaron.

For Zander, seeing the happy couple reminds him of all that’s missing in his life and all that just might be here for him, if he can but reach out for it.

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2025

About the author

Dale Mayer is a USA Today bestselling author best known for her Psychic Visions and Family Blood Ties series. Her contemporary romances are raw and full of passion and emotion (Second Chances, SKIN), her thrillers will keep you guessing (By Death series), and her romantic comedies will keep you giggling (It's a Dog's Life and Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy series).

She honors the stories that come to her - and some of them are crazy and break all the rules and cross multiple genres!

To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series. All her books are available in print and ebook format.

To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com. Or connect with her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author. If you like Dale Mayer's books and are interested in joining her street team, sign up here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/40238...

Books by Dale Mayer

Psychic Vision Series
Tuesday's Child
Hide'n Go Seek
Maddy's Floor
Garden of Sorrow
Knock, Knock...
Rare Find
Eyes to the Soul - fall/winter 2014

By Death Series
Touched by Death - Part 1 - Free
Touched by Death - Part 2
Touched by Death - Full book
Haunted by Death
Chilled by Death - fall/winter 2014

Second Chances...at Love Series
Second Chances - Part 1
Second Chances - Part 2
Second Chances - Full book

Novellas
It's a Dog's Life- romantic comedy

Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy
Broken Protocols #1
Broken Protocols #2
Broken Protocols #3

New adult/adul crossover Books
In Cassie's Corner
Gem Stone (a Gemma Stone mystery)

Design Series
Dangerous Designs
Deadly Designs
Darkest Designs

Family Blood Ties Series
Vampire in Denial
Vampire in Distress
Vampire in Design
Vampire in Deceit
Vampire in Defiance

Non-Fiction Books
Career Essentials: The Resume
Career Essentials: The Cover Letter
Career Essentials: The Interview
Career Essentials: 3 in 1

Reviews

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant end to this fabulous series.
Zander had watched as his friend Xavier had changed from a broken body to a man full of life and happiness, all thanks to Hathaway House, a wonderful rehabilitating centre, set up to holistically treat ex military personnel with life altering injuries.
Now it was Zander's turn and he was hoping desperately that Hathaway House would work it's magic on him.
Zander's immune system was shot to pieces, despite him having a good appetite the food that he was eating wasn't doing him any favours, he was picking up any bug that he came into contact with.
Fortunately, the first person that Zander came into contact with was bubbly Nellie, a nutritionist who, along with the indispensable Dennis, was determined to give Zander a diet that would start his healing process and get him out of his wheelchair.
In true Dale Mayer style, Nellie and Zander fall in love but Zander is torn, did Nellie have the same feelings as him or was it just that the whole of Hathaway House was engulfed in the wedding preparations for Dani, the much loved owner and founder of Hathaway House and her fiancé Aaron.
Get your tissues ready, this story has an emotional end to what is a lovely gentle series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zander by Dale Mayer
Hathaway House Finale Book Thirty
Zander Tolston is finally at Hathaway House. His low immune system had held him back. His friend Xavier has already been through the program and released. No matter, here he was. Things looked dim at times because of his health, but Zander finally started seeing the end of the tunnel.
Nelly is a nutritionist at Hathaway House. She loves her work and the patients but is drawn to Zander. His ups and downs concern her, especially his quiet moments when he holds everything in. She knows that she has growing feelings for him, but she must hold back and let him receive the help and healing he needs while he is here.
Meanwhile, the place is abuzz with the upcoming wedding for Aaron and Dani. Everyone wants to help in any way they can. They are thrilled for the woman who started this wonderful center in honor of her dad. A woman who has given so much of herself for others.
This is the final book in this series. I’ve enjoyed my “visits” to Hathaway House and will miss Dani, Stan, Dennis, Shane, and the many others I’ve met along the way.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story to end the series. It still has all the thoughts and turmoil that the patient goes through with recovery and a relationship, but this is filled to the brim with romance as Dani's wedding preparation builds. As we come back full circle it was beautiful, everyone caring for each other and love in full force. Zander was bright and determined to make the most of his chance at Hathaway, there are some fabulous scenes during the story. Nelly is bubbly, easy to like and caring, her friendship with Zander is unexpected and she does risk her heart but feels it could be worth it. A series I've felt is uplifting, spiritually beautiful and set in amazing scenery, that is restful and designed to lighten the load of the inhabitants of Hathaway House be they staff or patient. I've enjoyed every single one, I only wish places like this were real for those that need them.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zander’s recovery isn’t having the results he expected so having the opportunity to stay at Hathaway House whose reputation gives him hope is a dream come true. When he meets Nelly not only does she help him realize the importance of the food he eats but shows him that if he is willing to put in the work he will see the progress he wants.

Nelly enjoys her job, and nothing fulfills her more than helping people be the best that they can be. A friendship develops between her and Zander but the more time she spends with him the more she wonders if what they share is meant to be more.

The is a heartwarming story about love, healing and new beginnings. Zander has been through much and was beginning to wonder if this was all his future can be until Nelly comes into his life and gives him purpose and hope.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zander is finally at Hathaway House and he can hardy believe it. His first encounter is with Nelly. Trying to settle in his mate Xavier comes to visit and he can not believe the change in him. Settling in, trying to get his health on track, working hard see Zander getting caught up on events going on at the House. Making him question his life and seeing that he can have much much more than he even thought he could.
Nelly is loving her friendship with Zander, being part of his journey and falling in love but wanting not to set him back but willing to give him the space he needs.
Together they realise they can reach for the stars and get their happily ever after. A great end of this series.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Zander this was a spectacular ending to a remarkable series . Zander finally arrives at Hathaway House after suffering several setbacks with his health . Now ready to build back his strength and health he never expected to find a chance at love in Hathaway House with the Wonderful Nutritionist Nelly . During his rehab the entire facility is preparing for the long awaited wedding of their own Dani and Aaron . Zander and Nelly work to find their happily ever after . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zander & Nelly

I am so happy Zander gets his time at Hathaway House!

I love Zander’s journey and his attitude about the path he needs to take to get healthy, green drinks and all. I thought his approach to a future with Nelly was very sweet. They get along so well together.

I enjoyed all the chaos surrounding Dani & Aaron’s wedding planning. It’s just around the corner and pulling everyone together. It will be epic when it finally happens.

A very sweet culmination of the excitement, crazy chaos, and nervous anticipation every day surrounding the wedding with the small details involving Zander’s healing process. Great story!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You're whole now. You might be damaged. But who you are is who you are"

The final book in the series, which is bitter sweet, I am gutted it is the final book but we get Dani and Aaron's long awaited wedding! Yay!
Zander obviously struggles with his physical recovery, but it is his emotional healing that he finds most difficult, Nelly both aids and hinders this emotional healing, which I like as it is more relatable.
I am really sad that this is the end of the series and it would have been nice to get a "bonus" epilogue or book that has snap shots of some of the Hathaway couples weddings....

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I admit, I had tears. Fabulous ending to the Hathaway House Series. Zander didn't think he could get into Hathaway House as his body's immune system was so compromised. Nelly is the nutritionist. In the background of this is Dani's upcoming wedding that everyone is invited to and everyone wants to help. Sweet romance with an emotional ending. Fabulous clean series. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions. #Zander #HathawayHouse
#DaleMayer #ValleyPublishing #Booksprout

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's bitter sweet coming to the end of a series and yet I know this author will soon start another series that I won't be able to put down.
Zander is our final patient at Hathaway, arriving ill and weak it will be up to staff to help him gain weight and boost his immune system. His friend Xavier who was a previous patient is a great model and moving on with his life.
Nelly is his nutritionist and I enjoyed watching their friendship grow.
I loved that Dani and her fiance were in the final planning stages of their wedding, It ended the series full of emotions.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate to see the Hathaway House series end, but Zander’s book was a great way to end it. Zander is in pretty bad shape when he arrives. His best friend was a patient and convinced him to apply. Like most of the previous patients they enter at their lowest and the staff help build them up. In the final book the long awaited wedding between Dani the person who started Hathaway House and her love Aaron takes place. It’s great to watch the preparation and watch Zander as he gets stronger and falls for nutritionist Nelly.

[janelle beaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zander has finally made it Hathaway House and one of the first people he meets in Dani and Nelly. He has an instant connection with Nelly. Hathaway house is preparing for Dani and Aaron's wedding, and everyone is getting involved with the planning even the patients. This was a great way to end the series with everyone coming together for the wedding and Zander and Nelly getting together I feel like we came full circle with the ending.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst it was sad this was the last book I really enjoyed seeing Nelly and Zander meet and the dynamic between them grow and change. With any couple getting to know each other is full of highs and lows but the low are harder when your body and mind is healing.
We not only get a new romance, but end with how it all began by having Dani and Aarons wedding which was a wonderful way to say goodbye to the series.

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the ones before him, Zander comes from another hospital 🏥 and starts his journey to healing. Nelly is intrigued by Zander. Watching these two get close is inspirational. These books celebrate our heroes who have given so much. Wonderful and thoughtfully written by celebrated author Dale Mayer. I definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 26th and final book in the Hathaway House series, it's a heartwarming and emotional ending that did leave me in tears. Zander has finally gotten to Hathaway House and meets his nutritionist, Nelly. They have like an instant bond from the moment they meet. Good Story, wonderful characters. Great series.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another story about a patient and an employee coming together. Wander has hit it rough with his injuries and his immune system, always being sick didn't help. Nelly is the nutritionist to help him get better and they both have a connection. This is the last book in this series. HEA.

[WB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zander: A Hathaway House series by Dale Mayer.
Welcome to Hathaway House. Rehab Center. Safe Haven. Second chance at life and love. I have absolutely loved reading this series & this book is the absolute best. The perfect amount of twists & past characters to keep me up reading waay past bedtime.

[Jeri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Zander

I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romance novels. This series has been a wonderful series of novels that I always read as soon as they came! She is a truly a great writer!

[Cynthia Siermienski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zander: A Hathaway House Heartwarming Romance

Amazing story of recovery and romance. Zander had a long road to travel to get better. Nelly gave him the most important medicine, her love and devotion. The ending was perfect. Made me cry.

[Anne Blyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is a very sweet mix of interaction between people as severely wounded patients are brought back to being able to live relatively normal lives. Romance is still very much on the cards regardless of physical & mental barriers that need to be overcome.

[SHARON ATKINSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't disappoint - enjoyed it so much. Sorry to see the series end - would love for it to continue.

[Rainbow Unicorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another broken soul mended, body strengthened and mind cleared at Hathaway House.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book of the series and beloved characters add color to the story of Zander and Nelly. In addition, Aaron and Dani figure prominently in the story as well. Strengths and fears and communication. Hopes and dreams and surprises. Bravo!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.