Melissa

Hathaway House #13

by Dale Mayer

Health-care worker Shane has been at Hathaway House since the beginning. He’s watched patient after patient scratch and claw their way to recovery and has watched relationship after relationship blossom into love and marriage. He believes in love. Wants a true love of his own. Yet he wonders now whether anyone is out there for him.

Until Melissa walks into his gym.

Broken and beaten by life and overwhelmed with endless pain was never part of Melissa’s long-term plan. But a year after an accident sidelined her navy career, she’s still fighting her way back to a normal life—if such a thing exists for the woman she’s become. Her transfer to Hathaway House is a lifeline to her oldest friend, but, even with Dani’s encouragement, Melissa’s journey back to health is long and hard and maybe just a pipe dream. But she’ll try again. One more time.
Separately, Shane and Melissa have been battling their own personal demons. When they meet at Hathaway House, the tough physiotherapist vows that his newest client will reach successes unimaginable to her. Together, working through her rehab plan, Shane and Melissa find a special tenderness behind each other’s strength.

Genres: Romance

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 16, 2021

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

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, this is my favorite book in the whole series. First of all, the main character is a woman. Melissa is seriously injured immediately after her release from the Navy. It happens while she is still on base, as she was driving away. Even though she is hit by a Navy man, the military claim they owe her nothing since she had already been discharged. I really enjoyed reading about a woman in this situation!

Melissa is close friends with Dani, the owner of Hathaway House, and her father. Melissa’s parents were killed in an accident when she was young. She spent the rest of her time with them until she left for the Navy. Therefore, Dani insists that Melissa comes to Hathaway House to continue her rehab.

I also love Melissa’s love interest, Shane. Shane is the first-rate physiotherapist who seems to perform miracles on the seriously injured patients at Hathaway House. The reader sees him in all of the past books, so we already have bonded with this character. We see him as gentle and caring man, who shows great respect for all of his patients. He always approaches his patients with a positive attitude and refuses to give up on anyone.

Hathaway House is the ideal rehab center for military people. Every employee is the best in their field. Often patients cannot afford to attend the rehab center, but Dani is always able to find people who are willing to donate scholarships for them.

Most of the nurses and therapists live on the premises. This allows them to interact and socialize with the patients on a personal level as well as during their therapy.

I enjoy this series very much! Dale Mayer pays homage to the military people who are seriously injured, as well as to the hard-working health employees. She explores the strength necessary to overcome the pain and the injuries that keep them from living a normal life.

In the era of the Covid 19 pandemic, we can see how much reality matches fantasy!

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again Dale pulls together a deeply meaningful and inspirational story, full of pain struggle and turmoil. These characters half are healthy but may have insecurities, the other half are a mixture of the same insecurities but have the added issues of health and what to do in their futures. Shane has always come across as strong and capable, never having shown doubt until he meets Melissa. For Melissa, having lost her parents young she has run from friendship and relationships, scared of giving her heart and then losing those she gave it to. Finally giving in to a former friend can she now work on healing in more ways than one. Each of these stories is unique in its own way and in the characters for each book, there is the deep sole searching of their inner selves and the pain and struggle to regain self esteem and health. There is also the beauty of the place and surroundings of Hathaway, the magical feeling of just being there and the animals that give their love so freely. It's exciting and different, but powerful and sincere in the issues and feelings dealt with. Gripping, heart rending but also joyful, I love sinking into these books and losing myself to the characters and their lives, smile at the animals and at the freeing nature of the scenery as it's clearly described and sounds breathtaking. Individual issues inspire and lift but incredibly make me think and question my own thoughts and troubles, sometimes I even a have a break through moment along the way. Started 1l4/2/21 finished 15/2/21

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Physiotherapist Shane has been at Hathaway House since it's inception and he has watched many patients progress until they have had a recovery. He has also watch relationship after relationship start there and whilst he is thrilled for each and every one of them he really feels he is ready for his own love even if there was someone out there for him. Then Melissa comes into his gym and everything changes. She is broken and beaten by life and overwhelmed with endless pain. She has finally given into childhood friend Dani and travelled to Hathaway House in order to continue to fight her way to more normal life even if the fight is going to be long and hard. When she meets the though physiotherapist Shane he is determined that his newest client will reach a level of success that she had never imagined. As they work together, Shane and Melissa find a special tenderness behind each other’s strength.

I loved this story which I was thrilled to realise was the happy ever after that I always hoped would eventually come to Shane. I loved the way that he was strong enough to hold back and let her come to her own conclusions about what she wanted their relationship to be going forward and what she actually wanted to happen. The scene during the picnic by the horses was just beautiful and I read it about 3 times because I enjoyed it so much. Well written and a joy to read.

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

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good!

After watching countless patients find their life partners at the Rehab Center, Shane finally gets his story!

Shane is the physiotherapist for the new patient, Melissa. Injured in an accident with a military truck on base, one day after she separated from the Navy, Melissa is full of pain, hopelessness and her body is unable to support her. Shane is right there to lend encouragement and take up the challenge to help Melissa improve her health, her body as well as her mental health. It’s a feat Melissa is not sure she can live up to.

Melissa finds that her life long friend, Dani, has created a wonderful rehab center that helps even the most hopeless and damaged patients. She has also discovered the people who work at the Rehab Center are non-judgmental, accepting, and very friendly.

I love how the animals at the Center are part of the healing process. When Melissa recovers enough from her 24 hour pain, she is able to appreciate the numerous animals on the grounds that are in need of a cuddle, a walk or just somewhere to call home. I also enjoy how at this point in her life, Melissa is able to notice Shane as a man instead of just another therapist there to treat her. It’s also refreshing to see how open Melissa is to Dr. Sullivan helping her accept herself and her past tragedies.

This is a very satisfying story for both Melissa and Shane separately and more so for them as a new couple.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Daverol had been left the navy for just one day when she was T boned by a military truck, her injuries were life changing and after treatment at a VA rehab centre she reached rock bottom. Melissa was approached by her long time friend Dani Hathaway, part owner, with her father, of the very successful Hathaway House Rehabilitation Centre, Hathaway House was set up with a view to treating military personnel using holistic methods.
Melissa was in a poor state both mentally and physically when she arrived at Hathaway House and one on the first people to welcome her was tall, blonde, good looking Shane Roster, head of the physiotherapy Department and part of Melissa's dedicated team, Shane had a hard time getting Melissa to trust the treatment and to believe in herself.
As with all Hathaway House stories, love blossoms but the growing attraction between Melissa and Shane is not straightforward, they both have lessons to learn.
Although this is essentially a love story the author obviously has empathy with injured military personnel and obviously has researched the treatments both mental and physical .
I have loved all these books and have been waiting for it to be Shane's turn for romance, I love the way that the animals are a big part of Hathaway House and used to aid in the recovery of the patients and I love all the lovely characters in these books.

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa was not hurt while on duty in the service but rather in a car accident on base, however, nonetheless she is having difficulty with her rehab being effective until she accepts the offer of Hathaway House and her friend Dani. Dani and her dad had helped Melissa when she was young and lost her parents. Now she wasn't sure she could take help again. Dani had started this house to help her dad with his injuries years ago which ended his military career. Now she and her dad had built it into place with a veterinarian clinic for animals needing help as well as a rehab center to help people.
Melissa met Shane on her first day when he introduced himself as one who would help with her PT. Actually Shane had been with the rehab center since it's onset and was the head of that department. He had a unique ability to use centering as part of a technique to train patients to rebuild muscles, confidence and ability to function on their own. Others helped with therapy of different sorts mixed with a heavy dose of caring and giving to make this place one of a kind. Yes, the heartstrings are attacked again. I could only wish there were places like this available to everyone in need. A warm story so needed in this day and age reminding us of what caring, sharing and love can accomplish.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani finally convinces Melissa to come to Hathaway House knowing it's her friends best change of finding a new normal. The journey there is brutal and Melissa is still in a lot of pain the next morning.

Shane is the first person Melissa gets to know at Hathaway House. He stopped by her room before breakfast on her first day. He doesn't take no for an answer on going for a bit of a tour which will include breakfast.

It doesn't take long before Melissa realizes that Hathaway House isn't a hospital and it's far better than she imagined. She can now understand that Dani has created something wonderful, even before she starts her own rehabilitation.

After his initial evaluation, Shane knows it's going to be slow going, and he is more than up to the challenge. He also finds himself enjoying her company, and she hers. The problem he faces is recognizing if what is growing between them is gratitude or love.

I loved this story so much. Shane is one of my favorite characters and Melissa is perfect for him.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa is the 13th book in the Hathaway House series written by Dale Mayer. From the first book Physiotherapist Shane has been helping people to improve their muscular alignment, strengthen their core muscles and walk without the aid of a wheelchair or crutches. By the time Melissa arrived at Hathaway House Shane found her so malnourished that he arranged with the kitchen staff for green smoothies with added supplements. Melissa had been injured by a Naval truck running into her on a base. This was a romance that came about because Shane and Melissa did not look at the outer person but the inner part that they both reacted to very warmly. I so enjoy the journey of each patient as they struggle and challenge themselves to keep going to achieve the goal they are aiming at. Melissa wanted to find a new passion to help others in need, as well as be in less pain and the depression and helplessness that comes with major injuries or trauma. I gave it 5 stars for the feel good feelings that I felt after finishing the book. Looking forward to the next book.

[Lisa Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Shane's turn to find a relationship at Hathaway House and he finds it with Melissa, a long-time friend of Dani's. Shane has been a favorite of mine since first reading about him in the series and I waited to see if and when he would find love. I enjoyed reading his story and Melissa is perfect for him but she has a lot of stuff to work through first, she lost her family as a teenager and after that, she wouldn't let anyone get close. Danni and her Dad took her in but she never let them in and joined the Navy as soon as she could, hoping to find familial relationships, but that didn't happen. I took an accident and Hathaway House to help her find her way back to life. I love this series and while made up, I could only hope that there is a real place like this for veterans to heal right along with animals. I can't wait for what's next and I really hope that Dennis finds a partner too.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how not only is this Shane's story but also that Melissa is a friend from Dani's past so we got to know a bit more about Dani. Melissa has felt like an outsider and lonely for so long and her accident seems to have been the final blow, thankfully Dani reaches out and Melissa decides to finally lean on her only real friend which little does she know will be the best decision of her life. Shane and Melissa but are unsure about how they feel for each other Melissa not use to someone caring about her and Shane unsure if it is real feelings or just gratefulness for helping her get better. There are plenty of emotions to go through as they both work through their feelings as well as their budding relationship as well as Melissa finally learning and dealing with why she has also kept herself at arms length from everyone including Dani and her Dad.

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

[Julia Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa and Dani have a long time friendship. Taken in when Melissa's parents were killed in an accident, Dan and her Dad were her family. But Melissa want more, so she joined the Navy hoping to fins that missing family, but she was sadly disappointed, After being released, while still on base she was in an accident with a Navy truck, a seriously injured. After much time in Va hospitals and surgeries and rehab she still wasn't recovered. Her friend Dani kept asking her to come to Hathaway House to recover, and she finally did, where she not only finds her best friend and he father waiting for with open arms and hearts, she meets Shane the physiotherapist. Shane is also wondering if there is someone for him out there. And these two find each other. Along the way Melissa starts to feel the improvement in her body, but also her mind and her spirit. Once she decided to stay, Shane knew he had his one. Dale's first female to come to the house, and she did a great job with this story!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa by Dale Mayer
Hathaway House Series Book Thirteen
Shane Roster has worked at Hathaway House for a long time now. And lately, after so many relationships this past year, he's thinking about his own relationship-less life. He loves his job working with the patients and seeing their progress, but it doesn't leave much time for dating.
Melissa Deverol has given up. She has come to Hathaway House because her good friend Dani has been asking her to come and give them a chance. She doesn't see how this pain will ever go away or that she'll ever walk well again. And that's her biggest obstacle to overcome...her own attitude.
I love the stories from Hathaway House. Stories of hurting heroes, many of who have given up hope. And the love and recovery they find under the tender care from the workers here. And then there is Stan and the vet clinic. Unique animals with issues of their own.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa is broken and beaten down so discouraged she has withdrawn into herself. No hope, however, due to her deep friendship with Dani she has finally accepted her offer to come to Hathaway House. She has missed Dani and the Major. Because of her deep feelings against being a charity case, because because because. Always she has an excuse.
Shane watching all the romance wonders if he will ever find someone who will want him. Physiotherapist, Head of the Department Shane has it all, but a love of his own.
I will not go to much further as it would spoil the story and I just cannot do that. This is another heartwarming Hathaway House. You simply can not go wrong with a Dale Mayer book. Stand a lone, or start at the beginning. You will not be disappointed.

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

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is an emotional rollercoaster ride.Dani has been trying to get her friend Melissa to come to Hathaway house.Melissa is so tired of Drs saying she's as good as she will get leaving her heartbroken.When her friend she grew up with says to come to Hathaway house they can help her she finally decides that what does she have to lose.At least she can see Dani and her father who is more a parent to Melissa too.Shane has worked at Hathaway house since the beginning he's seen patients recover fall in love and he wants a woman to love too.A woman to share his life with.Then Melissa arrives she's so beautiful but also broken he knows she's gonna have a real struggle ahead.But he knows he can help her.There are so many twists and turns to this story you will be riveted until the very last page an leave you begging for more .

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Shane’s story as he has been a prominent character in all the Hathaway books. He’s the head of the Physiotherapy department and he is excellent at his job. When Melissa comes to Hathaway, she is broken physically, mentally and emotionally and she will need Shane’s help, along with many others, including Dani, her friend to pull her out of her “funk” and on the road to recovery. As Shane and Melissa work to recover her physical hurts, the two form a bond that will last a lifetime...but only if Melissa overcomes her fears.
Another great instalment in this sweet, clean series, with great characters, plenty of life altering talks and moments. Love the no drama, the patience and care Shane has and how Melissa finds her inner self.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa has recently retired from the Navy and was preparing for the next phase of her life when an accident not only left her seriously injured but forced her to realize that after serving her country they wouldn’t be there when she needed someone the most. It is only due to the kindess of Dani, her childhood friend, that gave her the opportunity to rehabilitate at Hathway House.

Shane has found working at Hathaway House fulfilling both personally and professionally. When he meets Melissa he is drawn to her in a way that goes beyond being her therapist but will he be able to help her heal emotionally as well as physically?

Melissa has a painful past which has made her cautious, but Shane shows her the life they could have together if she is willing to open her heart to the possibilities.

[Louis D.Gargarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Outlook on Living and Loving

Another delightful story at the Hathaway House. How blessed are the patients who enter the Hathaway House for healing of body and mind. Melissa is one of those patients. After being bounced around from one Doctor to another Doctor and the same with Physical Therapist, Melissa was ready to give up. That was until her best friend and developer of the Hathaway House talked her into coming here. With a broken spirit Melissa arrived with less than high hopes. While not being able to walk but a few steps and suffering pain 24-7, she is introduced to the caring Physical Therapist, Shane. Shane takes charge of her recovery and soon they become friends. In fact they become more than friends. Will this lead to a future they both want? Read this book and enjoy their journey.
MG

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion the authors writting style pays special attention to the military or prior military of wounded soldiers and their plight. I love how there's a place for them to go to get extra one on one treatment to get them to a better place than they were in the VA medical hospitals. When all is lost, to them at least, this is a place where they can be at piece and try to come to terms there's another way for them to heal. Melissa was out of the Navy only one day when she was T-boned by a military truck. She's lucky to be alive, although she may not think so. I'm glad it's Shane's time, he's always a bright light to his patients. Now I'm waiting when Dennis will finially have his shot. HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am happy to see a book in the series focused on an injured female veteran. Recovering at the V.A. Hospital after being broadsided at the naval base, Melissa is discouraged by her recovery. When her friend offers her a spot at the veteran's rehab facility, Melissa has hope but is not definitely convinced that they can help her. Shane, the director of physical therapy, has been assigned to Melissa and soon finds himself spending lots of time with Melissa. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I love how this book shows the healing is more than physical. I also enjoyed the sweet heartwarming romance that developed from friendship. I love seeing the progress that Melissa did in recovering. This is such a good book and series.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes! We got Shanes story and a female wounded warrior, Melissa. Melissa had just left the Navy, one day out when T-boned. Welcome home, not so much. Melissa is not only hurt and in severe pain physically but she she also wounded emotionally from losing her parents at a young age. Wow, a lot to deal with. Shane our strong, caring physiotherapist who has been there for everyone is this series finally gets some love for him. A sweet romance that shows us no matter the hand we are dealt, if we let down the walls and keep striving, we can succeed. Success is different for everyone, reach for yours. Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been such a long wait!

I have been hoping Shane would get his book for so long and whilst it was a long wait, it didn't disappoint. We knew Shane would need someone who was a little feisty and although Melissa appears moody and grumpy to begin with, we see a totally different personality once her pain is under control.
It is actually nice to see Shane a little unsure of himself, he is normally so confident that seeing him a little frazzled due to his feelings is good! It shows he really is just as human as the rest of us!
All we need now is for Dennis to also find his special someone too!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After loosing her parents at an early age, Melissa moved in with Dani and her father, after high school trying to fit in she joins the Navy. After serving on the very next day whilst leaving the base she has an accident. Dani reaches out to bring Melissa home.
Shane has watched other staff and patients fall in love, reaching the best outcomes they can, new directions of their lives has Shane thinking when his turn will happen.
Melissa is facing her past which she needs to work though so she can move forward.
Together they give us the reader a wonderful love story.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Melissa . This is the thirteenth story in the Hathaway House series . This is a beautiful well written romance . The characters are unique and special . Melissa arrives at Hathaway House and begins her journey to healing both physically and mentally with the help of the Hathaway Houses crew .Melissa finds Shane her physiotherapist and herself growing a beautiful relationship together . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

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

It's about time our resident physio found some love.
Melissa is broken, physically and emotionally, she feels helpless that this is her forever life.
Shane is determined to get her out of the wheelchair and out of pain. Melissa had traumatic baggage before her accident, can she find the inner strength to let it go?
If only places like this existed everywhere.
This story has all the feels, both happy and sad, raw emotions will have you sinking into this book until its finished.
Great series, wonderful characters including the animals.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet and heartwarming story and was captivated from start to finish and happy that Shane, head if Physiotherapy Department of Hathaway House, get his story when Melissa comes to the rehab center after being hit by a vehicle one day after leaving the navy. Ms. Mayer has given us another winner and I look forward to book 14 in this must-read series about Hathaway House - a safe haven and second chance at life and love. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa comes to Hathaway House in horrific pain. Shane is in charge of the physiotherapist department and is assigned to Melissa's case. Melissa is only there because of a deep friendship with Dani from childhood. She has no hope in her recovery. Shane is invested in showing her the healing she can have through the therapy program offered. He finds himself invested in Melissa as well. Can she overcome her insecurities to see the bright future ahead?

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

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we have Shane's story and a female patient. I love the Hathaway House series. There are always so much to learn. Ms Mayer delves deeply into the rehab patients, their disabilities, both physical and emotional. When Melissa arrives she is recovering from numerous surgeries for injuries suffered in an auto accident. She is in considerable pain and depressed that she will never improve. Shane is her physiotherapist, and he's the best, but he begins to feel more for her. I was so glad to see Shane get his chance for happiness. All the books in this series are excellent and I highly recommend them.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat to read about Melissa and Shane. Shane is one of my favourite characters at Hathaway House, and I loved reading this book.
Shane shows his true self in this book, and it was heartwarming to see that he has normal worries just like everyone else.
Another wonderful addition to the Hathaway House series. Outstanding book!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melissa is an old friend of Dani's. She had an accident after service in the Navy. She finds her way to Hathaway House. Shane is instantly drawn to the stubborn, broken woman. It's a beautiful story of finding one's self through adversity and learning to let walls to go. Loved this story. I volunteered to read this book via Booksprout.

[Xantippi Leska · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy Shane finally got his story! I really enjoyed Shane and Melissa together, there was a lot of healing and self reflection going on in this story. I loved watching them work through their issues (mainly her self isolation). Looking forward to the next book.

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