Spencer

Hathaway House #19

by Dale Mayer

Getting into Hathaway House before his friend wasn’t the plan, but that’s how it worked out, leaving Spencer in a state of waiting for his buddy to arrive. In the meantime, he has work to do. Right from day one he wants to establish and to maintain some independence in this way-too-busy center, luckily meeting the groundskeeper on his first attempt at getting coffee.
Bella has been looking after the Hathaway House grounds for over five years. Although she’s seen and interacted with many of the residents here, she never really got close to any—until Spencer. Now she can’t help but watch his progress in awe, as he moves through his program with dedication. Is he trying so hard to show off to his soon-to-arrive friend? Or for her sake? Or because he’s eager to leave the center and start his new improved future?
A future that won’t be in Hathaway House and one that might not include her …

Genres: Romance

159 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 14, 2023

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

[Marie]

Spencer is desperate to heal and get better....

....but equally fears the changes that this healing brings.
Bella and Spencer click straight away, but he is unsure what he has to offer, they have a sweet friendship that promises so much more. However Spencer has a journey of self reflection and understanding to take, he must focus on the things he can control, not the outside effects of others that he has no control over.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews)]

Spencer hadn't planned to get to Hathaway before the friend who encouraged him to apply there but while he is waiting for him to join he has his own work to do. Right from arrival Spencer is keen to keep his independence especially as the centre is way too busy but meets the groundskeeper when he tries to get coffee for himself. Bella has been at Hathaway House for over five years and has never got close to any of the previous residents. But Spencer awes her as she watches his dedication and progress. She is confused as to whether he is trying to make such progress to show his friend when he arrives or her because he seems to be keen to leave the centre and start his new future - one that won't be at Hathaway House and might not include her.

I enjoyed this story with the determined Spencer who needed to do a lot of introspection in order to stay on track with his recovery as well as the romance between Spencer and Bella. I loved that they tried to communicate clearly although even then they were not perfect and there was certainly a time when they needed to be clearer about their intentions for the future. I loved the advice and that it could actually apply to us all at times. Easy to read, feel and understand.

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

[CarolKat]

Spencer Newcomb and Timothy Watkins were roommates at a VA hospital when Timothy looks into Hathaway House. He and Spencer discuss it and then Spencer reaches out to Lance and Percy. On their recommendation he fills out the application and encourages Timothy to do the same.

The last thing he expected was to get in before Timothy, but because Timothy tends to procrastinate that is exactly what happens.

As with most newcomers to Hathaway House, Spencer is a bit overwhelmed when he arrives. He does notice the difference in the place right away, starting with the view of horses from his bed.

Bella Camden is the head of landscaping here a Hathaway House and as the only full-time member of her team she also has an apartment on site. That's just one of the many perks of being employed here. Meals in the cafeteria, use of the facilities when not in use for patients is another. She often begins her day early with a swim before diving into the day's projects, then having breakfast at her break. That also meant finishing up early before the heat of the day hits in the summer. On this particular day she's a bit late for lunch and she just happens to meet Spencer who just followed his nose to the food.

As Spencer begins his journey to treatment, Bella works on her plans for the grounds, which includes benches and picnic tables.

It's a while before she sees Spencer again, mainly because of the differences in their schedules. That doesn't mean they aren't thinking of each other. There is definitely an attraction between them.

Bella and Spencer get to see each other quite a bit and a relationship begins, then Timothy arrives and he's in bad shape but then it gets worse when he ends up in the hospital again. Spencer is going to have to understand that he is not responsible for any of Timothy's issues and stay focused on his own recovery.

I love the way these books document the process of healing from all the different angles and include a bit of romance as well. I can't wait to read Timothy's story.

[TrishAM]

This is the nineteenth book in Dale Mayer's "Hathaway House " series but can totally be read as a standalone.
Hathaway House is a rehabilitation centre for military personnel with life changing injuries, it's holistic approach, it's friendly staff, wonderful food and beautiful surroundings result is successful outcomes and a flawless reputation.
When Spencer hears about Hathaway House from his friend Timothy he is onto it straightaway, Timothy isn't so quick so it is a few weeks before he joins Spencer.
Spencer is focused from the start, he is determined to make the best of what he has, he is loving his time at Hathaway House and can't wait for Timothy to join him. thinks look up even further for Spencer when he meets the head groundswoman Bella.
Bella has tended the beautiful grounds at Hathaway House for a few years but she had never got close to any of the residents but Spencer was different, she was drawn to him, was the magic of Hathaway House casting it's spell again ?
When Timothy finally arrived Spencer was delighted but the dynamic changed, would Spencer now want to spend his time with his friend ? especially as his friend was having big problems.
This is a lovely story with a HEA that leads nicely into Timothy's story.

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

[Jean]

This is book nineteen in A Hathaway House Heartwarming Romance and it is Spencer and Bella’s story. Spencer has arrived at Hathaway House to start the next step in his recovery while waiting for his friend to join him but what he didn’t expect is to meet Bella and have a strong connection to her. Bella maintains the grounds of Hathaway House and she is always busy but absolutely loves her job and what it can do to help the recovery and outlook to the patients staying there but what she wasn’t expecting was to meet Spencer and have a connection to him as it had not happened before with any other person staying there. The more time that Spencer and Bella spend together the stronger the connection, attraction and chemistry grows between them but as usual everything isn’t plain sailing and there will be many ups and downs along the way as these veterans come to terms with the chances in there life but Hathaway House has weaved its magic yet again and given a happy ending and a future to another special couple. This is another amazing story in this emotional and heartfelt series. I absolutely love this book and series so much and I have read everything single one as they are so addictive and the characters old and new pull you into the story and keep you totally hooked and I can’t wait to read more books in this amazing series.

[Wendy Hodges]

Bella works hard sometimes doing the work of two or three when staff let her down, she wants to keep the grounds and pathways perfect for for patients and staff to enjoy. She hasn't had much to do with patients until she meets Spencer and connection clicks into place. Spencer has felt his progress has stalled until his friend and fellow vet talks him into applying to Hathaway House right along with him. With Spencer getting in first he is determined to make the most of his opportunity and to help his friend when he gets there.
This is true friendship and support as well as a blossoming romance, meetings for shared meals or a swim quickly grow and despite a few hick-ups this turns into a beautiful relationship and a future ahead of them. As always with this series I found it inspiring and interesting, I love the characters. This has to be a unique idea because I've not seen any other books along this scale, rehap in a beautiful scenic set-up for people with injuries that just are not getting helped anywhere else. I wish it were real so that it could help real military injured in their long term recovery. Wonderful story with deep emotions and issues. Uplifting read.

[Cheryl]

Hathaway House is a series of our wounded military in rehab, at the type of facility should be available in real life for each of the wounded. Each has a HEA and can be read as stand alone, though each book introduces the next book in the epilogue. I highly recommend reading them in order, but that's my two cents of unsolicited advice. Spencer hears about Hathaway House from his friend Timothy. Spencer gets in first. As I have read this series in order I always get a warm and fuzzy feeling seeing Dani, Shane, Dennis and meeting new employees. These books deal with mental, emotional and physical struggles during their rehabs and getting to know the special someone they connect with. Each book provides realistic thoughts, expectations and self sabotage but with a light hand, they are feel good heartwarming stories that are worth the read. Thank you for the arc, I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #spencer #hathawayhouse #dalemayer #valleypublishingltd #booksprout

[Linda Carlson]

Spencer & Bella

A sweet story about the ever difficult journey the injured and disabled veterans go through to help heal and get back to their lives.

There are kind and compassionate people everywhere and Hathaway House is no different. In fact, it just might be a place that is unique in the ways of support and compassion, love and encouragement.

Spencer gets lucky by being accepted into Hathaway House as quickly as he did and appreciates his good fortune. As he anxiously awaits the arrival of his long time buddy, Timothy, he meets Bella, who is the head grounds keeper for Hathaway House.

Bella and Spencer’s journey within Hathaway House is sweet and eye opening. Bella is a lovely woman making sure Spencer gets all of the help he needs. The two quickly become an item and make sure to give each other their love and support. Great story!

[Meg Martin]

This book is listed as "Heartwarming" and I could not describe it better. Book 19 of the "Hathaway" series, it is every bit as encouraging as the rest. I can say again, this series tugs at my heart strings but I wouldn't miss it for the world as it tugs in a good way. Many hints as to how to cope better with life that I have found helpful in my life as well.
Spenser was not looking at a new rehab place till his friend Timothy encouraged him to look at Hathaway House. Timothy was applying and wanted Spenser to join him. As life happens, Spenser wound up going there first and couldn't wait for his friend to join him.
Spenser's story gets even better when Bella arrives on the scene and then Timothy joins them. But that story is for another day. Timothy's story is next and I can't wait.

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

[Judy]

Spencer by Dale Mayer
Hathaway House Series Book Nineteen
Spencer Newcomb’s friend and roommate, Timothy, was telling him about Hathaway House and to get signed up. They’d been friends long, and Timothy wanted to go there together. Spencer jumped on it after emailing a few friends who’d been through the program and was accepted. But, unfortunately, Timothy had procrastinated and would come later.
Bella Camden worked at Hathaway House full-time as the gardener/landscaper. She loved her work—making the paths safe and beautiful for the patients. She never got to know the patients well, but something about Spencer drew her to him.
I love this series. Romance, struggles of a genuine nature with these injured soldiers, and no sex or language in them.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Lisa]

I love the books Dale Mayer’s “Hathaway House” series. This heartwarming series honors severely injured military men/women who need a lot of surgeries and major rehabilitation to help them successfully live an independent life. The series highlights their strength during their long, painful recuperation.

Spencer moves to Hathaway House because he does not seem to be getting any better in his current rehab center. There he meets Bella who is the head groundskeeper at Hathaway House. The two of them develop a friendship that eventually turns into love. Bella becomes his rock as he struggles through his arduous exercises.

Readers will greatly appreciate the courage and fortitude that many of our injured soldiers must endure after their tours of duty.

[Debbie Caswell]

This is a series that always tugs at your heart strings as you see the epic battle that the injured military personnel make on their road to recovery and life with their new abilities.

Spencer Newcomb and Timothy Watkins are room mates at the VA while Spencer ifs a bit of a go getter Timothy is a procrastinator so it isn't surprising that Spencer ends up at Hathaway house first Soon he is all in on his recuperation helped along by his attraction to Bella the head of landscaping at Hathaway but when Tim finally arrives and his recuperation doesn't go well then Spencer has to learn that he can only be responsible for his own health not someone else's Can he learn the lesson can he build himself a future and will it include Bella You will have to read to see

[Kari Hansen]

Timothy knows that the services offered by the Hathaway House is an opportunity he can’t turn down, but he is feeling a little out of sorts since the arrival of his friend was delayed. A chance meeting with Bella inspires unexpected feelings and shows him the future he could have if he focuses on his recovery.

Bella is dedicated to her job of maintaining the property at Hathaway House and believes it is an integral part of their patient’s recovery. The more time that she and Timothy spend together the closer they become but will his need to help others overtake what they could have together?

This is an enchanting story about love, healing and making peace with the challenges that life throws at you and fighting for what you really want.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung]

Bella and Spencer make a great pairing.
Spencer is such a compassionate friend, and is looking forward to having his teammate come to Hathaway House.
When his friend arrives and gets some bad news, it affects Spencer more than expected and has a less than desired outcome on his rehab. His team of specialists at Hathaway House work with him to overcome the problems dealing with his buddy having bad news.
All the feels in this novel.
Spencer can be read as a standalone, but reading the series in chronological order is a treat you won't regret.

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

[Rachael Bromley]

Love this series. Spencer now has a turn at Hathaway house, beating his friend to the punch as he hums and Arrrs whether to do the application. Not sure what’s going to happen, he isn’t one to ask for help and desperately wants his best friend there to experience it together.

Bella is tasked to making sure the grounds of Hathaway kept pristine and the paths accessible. Starting out as friends things go off track as Bella starts overthinking and Spencer’s friend has bad news. The chemistry was there between them and I was sad at one point int he book. As usual. I loved the chemistry between them, the characters and the storyline.

[Paula]

I really enjoyed reading Spencer . This is another wonderful story from the Hathway House series . Spencer comes to the Hathway House hoping to get more progress in rehabilitation than the previous center he was at . He never thought he would find a beautiful and special woman to build a life with . Bella takes care of the grounds at Hathway House. Se with he's impressed watching Spencer during his rehabilitation . As they spend time together Bella wonders if Spencer wants a life with her or without . This story is a sensational and emotional moving romance . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

[Kathy]

I love the Hathaway House Heartwarming Romance (and House of Healing). Each book is a standalone but it is so much better when read as a series. Beloved characters visit each book and each vet deals with the challenges, the physical and the emotional, as well as the future. Strong men and stronger women. Life in the day by day and the moments. Prepare for a story which leaves with a warm hug and a desire for the next story.

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

[Sue]

My heart really goes out to all these veterans with disabilities. Spencer and Timothy are best friends and served together. Timothy was talking to Spencer about Hathaway House and that they should both apply. While Timothy was called to physical Therapy at the VA, Spencer put in his application. Timothy started his when he got back. When Spencer got a response right away, Timothy was sad. But he went ahead and applied. You'll have to read about what happened when you read the book. Of course there's always a girl and Spencer is not difference. HEA for all.

[Amanda Marlowe]

Spencer's friend, Timothy, finds out about Hathaway House, and suggests he apply, which he does, but Timothy's left it too late, so Spencer goes first. Bella works there as the head landscaper, she loves her job even though it's tough. She meets Spencer and they become friends, she's wary as her ex fiancé told her just before the wedding that he was having second thoughts, and where was Spencer going to work?

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

Another great read in the series from Dale

[Fleur]

I really liked Spencer and Bella especially how they start of as friends and it grows to more but both are not wary but hesitant to acknowledge their feelings as they grow due to the friendship they are also building and not wanting to distract or impose on it each other. Life is full of struggles, self accountability as well as hard work and set backs, but it's also fun, filled with laughter and chances of happiness if your willing to put yourself out there.

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

[Patricia]

Spencer, at the urging of his friend, applies to Hathaway House for some much needed healing. To his surprise he is quickly accepted.
Bella has been at Hathaway House for a while, taking care of the landscaping and grounds. She hasn't had much interaction with any of the residents before, but that all changes when she meets Spencer.
I love this series, it focuses on the pain and healing that soldiers go through after an injury, and deals with the whole person, physical, mental and emotional. Very inspiring.

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

[Jennifer]

Spencer fills out his application for Hathaway House after talking with his friend Timothy. He gets in before him and while he feels guilty he still manages to drive him self forward to recovery. He meets gardner Bella and their friendship blossoms. It's a sweet, encouraging read with several favorites from the series making appearances. I volunteered to read this book via booksprout.

[janelle beaver]

Spencer gets into Hathaway house before his best friend Timothy since Timothey didn't fill his form out right away. Spencer goes ahead but feel's guilty leaving him behind. While there he meets Bella the gardener. What starts out as friendship becomes more. We see characters from past books and see the challenges that our Vets face every day. And the growth of Becca and Spencer's love.

[Melissa Swafford]

Spencer and Bella are perfect for each other. This is a clean romance with a deep sense of family. Also, it shows the inspirational struggles of some of our vets. This is a book of fiction with a HEA. But it has realistic overtones.

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

[Barbara]

The nineteenth book in the Hathaway House series. Spencer Newcomb and Bella Camden's story is well written with a great storyline that flows smoothly across the pages. It gives us a heartfelt story of his struggles and the love that comes into it. I enjoyed reading their story, and seeing them get their happy ending. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery]

Spencer and Bella have an instant connection when he enters the rehab but he has to focus on getting better and as head landscaper she has her own issues with staff. They bond over a shared love of the hot tub, pool, and the yummy sounding food the cafeteria creates. But he gets distracted when his friend Timothy arrives with all his troubles.

[Shannon]

This is a another wonderful addition to the Hathaway House series, it's well-written and quick to read. Plenty of drama and emotion throughout this story. Both Spencer and Bella are wonderful characters, likable and they have an immediate connection from when Spencer first walks into Hathaway House. I'm really enjoying this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Tahnia Ross]

Spencer and Timothy are both accepted at Hathaway House with Spencer going first. At Hathaway, Spencer meets Bella, the groundskeeper and the two begin spending time together. This story has angst and is full of romance, ending in a HEA with a cliffhanger. Very highly recommended.

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

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon)]

I enjoyed this book. The story was fun and the chemistry sultry. This book offers up plenty of big feels as this couple's romance unfolds. Tension, sparks and drama mix with intense emotion, turmoil, heat and heart to create and engaging read that had me invested and highly entertained.

[Cynthia Siermienski]

Spencer: A Hathaway House Heartwarming Romance

Great book. This had less to do with Spencer's rehab and more to do with the feeling of relief about being at Hathaway House. Then about friendship and slowly the starting of love. I totally enjoyed it.