One Summer by David Baldacci

One Summer - It is just before Christmas and Jack Armstrong is dying.  He is hanging on to be there for his family for the holiday.  Tragedy strikes again when his wife is killed in a car accident.  His in-laws, claiming that it is best for the kids, separates them from Jack and leaves him to die alone in a facility.  However, Jack doesn't die, he makes a miraculous recovery.  His plan to reunite him with his children includes refurbishing his wife's childhood home and the lighthouse that meant so much to her.