What do you think?
Rate this book
Lighthouse Lane #4
A Father for Zach
When traumatic pasts collide,
is a happy ending possible?
Ex-con Nathan Clay is determined to build a new life on Nantucket—one he hopes will someday include a wife and family. However, it will take a special woman to overlook his tainted past. But B&B owner Catherine Walker could be that woman. When she hires him to do carpentry work, the green-eyed beauty and her endearing six-year-old son quickly capture his heart. As he repairs the walls within her house, the ones around her heart begin to crumble—and his hopes for a happy ending soar. But is their love strong enough to endure when startling revelations and accusations disrupt their world and threaten to destroy their dreams?
Publishers Weekly bestselling author Irene Hannon concludes her Lighthouse Lane series in this Carol Award-winning novel of second chances, forgiveness, and the power of love to overcome even the most formidable obstacles.
is a happy ending possible?
Ex-con Nathan Clay is determined to build a new life on Nantucket—one he hopes will someday include a wife and family. However, it will take a special woman to overlook his tainted past. But B&B owner Catherine Walker could be that woman. When she hires him to do carpentry work, the green-eyed beauty and her endearing six-year-old son quickly capture his heart. As he repairs the walls within her house, the ones around her heart begin to crumble—and his hopes for a happy ending soar. But is their love strong enough to endure when startling revelations and accusations disrupt their world and threaten to destroy their dreams?
Publishers Weekly bestselling author Irene Hannon concludes her Lighthouse Lane series in this Carol Award-winning novel of second chances, forgiveness, and the power of love to overcome even the most formidable obstacles.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
104 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
Irene Hannon
126 books3,032 followersIrene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 65 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 22, 2014
Two-haiku review:
Her husband murdered
He just got out of prison
Can she love ex-con?
Theme of forgiveness
Forgiving others and self
Not easy lesson
Her husband murdered
He just got out of prison
Can she love ex-con?
Theme of forgiveness
Forgiving others and self
Not easy lesson
May 10, 2019
The word awesome gets thrown around a lot, but it describes this book. The author brought Nathan into this series in the second book, when he tried to kill himself in prison. This story, though fictional, shows how much God can change people, and also how unforgiveness can be as much of a prison as real bars. Zach was a delightful addition to the story.
I am a guy not ashamed to admit I can be moved to tears, and this book did that more than once.
Definitely 5 stars on this one
I am a guy not ashamed to admit I can be moved to tears, and this book did that more than once.
Definitely 5 stars on this one
July 5, 2023
Great story.
April 15, 2025
We have a saying in our country: "What is not good is not to be thrown away." This story reminded me so much of that. You can never be too far gone to change—what matters is the right timing, the right people, and the right circumstances. That’s exactly what happened for Nathan, Catherine, and Zach.
Despite everything Nathan had gone through and the ways he had pushed others away, his family and those close to him never gave up—they believed in him. His revelation about his childhood was deeply traumatic, yet sadly, very real in today’s world. So many people are held captive by their pasts, but Nathan made the courageous choice not to let it define him.
I absolutely loved this book and the important issues it tackled. I'm a sucker for stories that involve children, and this one was no exception.
Ms. Hannon's books have always captivated me from beginning to end, and this one was no different. I would definitely recommend it—just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.
Despite everything Nathan had gone through and the ways he had pushed others away, his family and those close to him never gave up—they believed in him. His revelation about his childhood was deeply traumatic, yet sadly, very real in today’s world. So many people are held captive by their pasts, but Nathan made the courageous choice not to let it define him.
I absolutely loved this book and the important issues it tackled. I'm a sucker for stories that involve children, and this one was no exception.
Ms. Hannon's books have always captivated me from beginning to end, and this one was no different. I would definitely recommend it—just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.
September 8, 2024
This was my favourite of the 4 books and that's hard to say as I loved all 4, however I think it's because I connected well with Catherine given she was musical and that's an interest of mine to although different instruments.
I also connected well with Nathon as I know how it feels to be judged on your past even when you've changed as that happened to me for a long time. I liked the way the two of them supported each other to overcome there trauma and start to heal, another grate series by this wonderful author. Edith the match maker reminded me a little of Charley in the hope harbor series.
I also connected well with Nathon as I know how it feels to be judged on your past even when you've changed as that happened to me for a long time. I liked the way the two of them supported each other to overcome there trauma and start to heal, another grate series by this wonderful author. Edith the match maker reminded me a little of Charley in the hope harbor series.
November 6, 2023
Loved this Christian Romance!
Uplifting, inspirational, funny..this is truly a great story! The ironic thought Catherine has at the end says it all..she was imprisoned with hate & fear, but a man who'd been imprisoned set her free. And as Nathan said, you have to turn your fears over to God to be set free. Zach's character was perfect .he gave this story such humorous moments to offset the seriousness of Catherine's & Nathan's situations. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Uplifting, inspirational, funny..this is truly a great story! The ironic thought Catherine has at the end says it all..she was imprisoned with hate & fear, but a man who'd been imprisoned set her free. And as Nathan said, you have to turn your fears over to God to be set free. Zach's character was perfect .he gave this story such humorous moments to offset the seriousness of Catherine's & Nathan's situations. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 30, 2019
Starting Over
Nathan Clay and Catherine Parker are trying to recover from their difficult pasts. Drawn together by the needs of her young son, they begin to wonder if happily ever after could ever be in their future. When Nathan's past threatens their relationship, though, both must consider and reconcile the obstacles that could plague them in a blended future.
Nathan Clay and Catherine Parker are trying to recover from their difficult pasts. Drawn together by the needs of her young son, they begin to wonder if happily ever after could ever be in their future. When Nathan's past threatens their relationship, though, both must consider and reconcile the obstacles that could plague them in a blended future.
August 25, 2020
What a cute story!!
I loved the main characters in this book and how they trusted God with their lives!
This book shows, love, forgiveness, trust, and how God alway forgiveness us for our wrong doings. 💛
This book was just so cute!!!
I loved the main characters in this book and how they trusted God with their lives!
This book shows, love, forgiveness, trust, and how God alway forgiveness us for our wrong doings. 💛
This book was just so cute!!!
October 18, 2020
Great love story
Even when I know how things will end, I love getting to know Irene Hannon'ss characters as she explores forgiveness, redemption, God's guidance.... and yes, love. This is such a sweet, sweet story that embraces it all.
Even when I know how things will end, I love getting to know Irene Hannon'ss characters as she explores forgiveness, redemption, God's guidance.... and yes, love. This is such a sweet, sweet story that embraces it all.
December 29, 2021
Catherine Walker just move to Nantucket Island for a fresh start with her 6 year old son
When she needs help on her inn she hires carpenter Nathan Clay, who is also looking for a new start. As the 3 get close can their hearts come together and heal each other
When she needs help on her inn she hires carpenter Nathan Clay, who is also looking for a new start. As the 3 get close can their hearts come together and heal each other
July 4, 2023
I had doubts initially when reading the summary.
Irene Hannon has shown the healing power of God's grace. Catherine needed healing and Nathan needed healing. And Zach needed a father!
Irene Hannon has shown the healing power of God's grace. Catherine needed healing and Nathan needed healing. And Zach needed a father!
August 5, 2023
Satisfying Enjoyable Series
It’s so enjoyable to follow characters through a series of intertwined romances. The journeys of the siblings to happily familied was engaging and let me reading on
It’s so enjoyable to follow characters through a series of intertwined romances. The journeys of the siblings to happily familied was engaging and let me reading on
August 6, 2023
I enjoyed this fourth book in the series, finishing up the stories of the 3 Crew siblings. Hannon has some good insights on facing fears and mothers smothering their children. I wouldn't mind more stories set on Lighthouse Lane :-)
August 7, 2017
Loved the story, but wish the sub plots would have been tied up in a neat little bow.
October 7, 2017
A wonderful Christian fiction story of a man and woman both scarred by violent tragedy and a young child who helps both heel.
November 10, 2017
Wow!
Another winner in this series, showing God's love and forgiveness in and through these fascinating characters. Read and soak up love's message.
Another winner in this series, showing God's love and forgiveness in and through these fascinating characters. Read and soak up love's message.
July 29, 2018
Great read about putting your trust in God. Finding love and second chances.
June 19, 2020
What a wonderful book! Can an ex-con prove that he has changed? Can a mother whose spouse was killed change her prejudiced view? I finished the book with a smile on my face!
June 15, 2023
3.5 stars
December 3, 2024
Great story line Always enjoy reading Irene’s Books
March 18, 2025
Cute story. The romance seemed to have happened very quickly.
January 17, 2026
This story left me wanting to know what else happened in the lives of three siblings. I listen to the book so I just kept coming back to hear more. I think Irene Hannon is such a great writer.
June 24, 2023
3.5 stars
"Sometimes providence steps in where we fear to tread."
Is that what had just happened? Did Nathan Clay's appearance in Catherine Walker's life mean that God was re-directing her fears, gently forcing her focus towards the future rather than allowing her to remain glued to the past? Would it be an easy transition? Absolutely not.
Having been incarcerated for ten years, Nathan Clay has recently been granted his freedom and is ready to begin a new life in a new place; thankfully, his brother and sister are supporting his efforts by providing him with a three month stay in Nantucket. Using his carpentry skills to help Catherine Walker begin her own re-start on the island, Nathan never expected to feel such an intense attraction to the beautiful widow and her precocious six year old son. Unfortunately, his dark shadows align a little too closely with Catherine's deepest trauma, producing the potential for a whole lot of heartache.
"There are a lot of ways to be in prison that don't involve metal bars."
Another fabulous story from an author who has an uncanny ability to write light, enjoyable reads with exceptional depth . . . . the pages virtually turned themselves.
"Sometimes providence steps in where we fear to tread."
Is that what had just happened? Did Nathan Clay's appearance in Catherine Walker's life mean that God was re-directing her fears, gently forcing her focus towards the future rather than allowing her to remain glued to the past? Would it be an easy transition? Absolutely not.
Having been incarcerated for ten years, Nathan Clay has recently been granted his freedom and is ready to begin a new life in a new place; thankfully, his brother and sister are supporting his efforts by providing him with a three month stay in Nantucket. Using his carpentry skills to help Catherine Walker begin her own re-start on the island, Nathan never expected to feel such an intense attraction to the beautiful widow and her precocious six year old son. Unfortunately, his dark shadows align a little too closely with Catherine's deepest trauma, producing the potential for a whole lot of heartache.
"There are a lot of ways to be in prison that don't involve metal bars."
Another fabulous story from an author who has an uncanny ability to write light, enjoyable reads with exceptional depth . . . . the pages virtually turned themselves.
June 14, 2020
Very good redemption story, both for the former criminal and for the woman who lost everything to another criminal. Nathan Clay, brother of JC and Marci has completed his sentence for armed robbery and come to stay on Lighthouse Lane for a while as he attempts to build a new, God-centered life.
When he meets Zach squirming at his sister's wedding, his mother, part of the string quartet, gives off definite stay-away vibes. Nathan thinks it is because of his past, until he realizes that this is her view of the world.
Hannon finds a reason to put these three together, while Nathan finds himself in demand as an artist. Finding their way to trust and love is difficult, when they both confess their pasts, it seems insurmountable. They are shown the way by trust, a six-year-old, and some good examples in the family. Good rounding out for the series.
When he meets Zach squirming at his sister's wedding, his mother, part of the string quartet, gives off definite stay-away vibes. Nathan thinks it is because of his past, until he realizes that this is her view of the world.
Hannon finds a reason to put these three together, while Nathan finds himself in demand as an artist. Finding their way to trust and love is difficult, when they both confess their pasts, it seems insurmountable. They are shown the way by trust, a six-year-old, and some good examples in the family. Good rounding out for the series.
February 25, 2019
Zach is a young boy needing space to breathe and grow, but after loosing her husband to a senseless act of violence, Catherine is OVERPROTECTIVE. Then, one day, in walks Nathan. The ex-con brother of J.C. and Marci. With his self confidence low but ambition and love for God high, he starts working for Catherine remodeling her B&B guest rooms. Everything is going smoothly until Nathan's past and Catherine's reaction tears Nathan's heart and trust apart.
April 17, 2010
This book grabbed me from page one. The characters are real and flawed and oh so lovable. The faith that they displayed was moving and I appreciate that.
May 24, 2018
I needed something light to read. This is a contemporary love story. Although it's not my favorite genre, I enjoyed it. It involved some serious real life issues.
March 28, 2014
I wasn't sure I'd like this book very much but it ended up being a very good story. I really enjoyed the people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews