NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • When a single mom becomes an empty nester, she spreads her wings to rediscover herself—and her passions—in this heartwarming novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber. Jenna Boltz’s life is at a crossroads. After a messy divorce from her surgeon husband nearly twenty years ago, she raised her two children on her own, juggling motherhood with her … on her own, juggling motherhood with her beloved job as a Seattle intensive-care nurse. Now that Paul and Allie have gone to college and moved out, Jenna can’t help but wonder what her future holds.
Her best friend, Maureen, is excited for Jenna’s newfound independence. Now is the perfect time to finally book the trip to Paris they’ve been dreaming of since their college days. But when it comes to life’s other great adventure—dating—Jenna still isn’t sure she’s ready to let love in . . . until an unexpected encounter begins to change her mind.
When Jenna’s elderly mother breaks her hip, Dr. Rowan Lancaster saves the day. Despite his silent, stoic exterior, Rowan is immediately smitten with Jenna. And even though Jenna is hesitant about becoming involved with another surgeon, she has to admit that she’s more than a little intrigued. But when Jenna’s children approach her with shocking news, she realizes that she needs to have faith in love and embrace the unexpected—before the life she has always dreamed of passes her by.
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This is my first read by Debbie Macomber and it definitely won’t be my last. I really loved this book. It’s not my typical sort of go-to novel but I enjoyed the sweet romance and family/friendship dynamics. Great read!
Awesome book
This was a great book!
This story of family drama was an enjoyable read. It was well told and the characters were likeable and believable. A great book, I highly recommend it.
Debbie Macomber came through again! If you want a fantastic romance, better grab this one! I’m never disappointed with a Debbie Macomber book, and this was no exception. I enjoyed the story line and the characters and was glad I listened to this.
I am glad that the two main characters regained their ability to trust and stay connected with their families and that the men who helped them with that awesome task were willing to be patient. As always, a Debbie MaComber book leaves thinking and completely satisfied.
Never disappoints.
The characters are well developed. You will easily fall in love with them!
This is a delightful romance about two women who have been friends since college. Jenna and Maureen have accepted that they have no romance in their lives, but they are challenged to start looking for love. They have been friends since college and share everything, so they both decide to start dating again after their last child leaves the nest. Jenna was married to a successful doctor and a philanderer, so she knows that she doesn’t really want to date a doctor. Maureen is a slightly uptight and oh-so-proper librarian who wants someone sophisticated in her life. What both women find in love is a surprise and the escapades they go through are very funny, especially Maureen. Without giving away a lot of the plot, I will say that this is a clean read and is a love story that will have you cheering for both women and their “gone from the nest” children. Debbie Macomber always knows how to tell a good story that will captivate your heart and your imagination! This book is for all who still believe that love is possible, even after a certain age.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I checked this book out from my local library using the Overdrive App. I was not required to write a positive review.
Window on the Bay” is Macomber’s latest release. It centers on Jenna and Maureen, two divorced empty-nesters. Jenna is a nurse and Maureen is a librarian.
I was excited for this release and happy to learn that my library had a copy of it, and I was thrilled when my turn came.
Jenna had a messy divorce 20 years ago from a surgeon, one that wanted nothing to do with his children other than the required support. Now, both Paul and Allie have moved out and are in college, leaving Jenna to wonder what is going to happen down the road.
Maureen is happy for her friend and believes it is time for the Paris trip they’d planned in their days at college.
However, in the game of love – neither one is ready yet.
Maureen is being courted by a patron who calls her “Marian the Librarian”, a moniker she isn’t happy with. Still, Logan (the plumber) tries to “woo” Maureen. Her daughter Tori couldn’t be more supportive.
For Jenna, love and the trip have to wait when her elderly mother breaks her hip. Enter her mother’s doctor – Dr. Rowan Lancaster. The man is attracted to Jenna who refuses to date another surgeon. However, she is intrigued by him.
Both Maureen and Jenna decide to enter the dating scene, much to their own surprise.
Macomber crafts a story that tugs at heartstrings, brings real issues to home – breakups, reconciliations, and heart-breaks – but, never without a “feel-good” ending.
And, while it had a pretty good ending – more on Jenna’s side than Maureen’s – there was SO much miscommunication in this book. Maureen and Logan was a huge issue. Maureen knew nothing of sports, but went to a football game with Logan. Yet, when she treated Logan to the ballet – that’s when the trouble became apparent. Logan fails to stand up for Maureen and dismisses how his co-workers treat her, resulting in a temporary break-up.
Jenna is just as bad when she has a miscommunication with Rowan and his daughter, thinking he is exactly like her ex-husband. In addition to Jenna and her kids – son Paul who has dropped out of college and Allie who seems to be rebelling against her mother’s new “empty-nest” status.
I usually love Macomber’s work. Normally I can read through a Debbie Macomber book and enjoy it. This one challenged me quite a bit and seemed to slug on. Even though I read it in three (3) days, it seemed more challenging than her other novels. Admittedly I haven’t read one in about 2-3 years due to life and other things going on, also because of reading other books.
Right now, this is a solid 3 star read for me. I might update the rating when I can go back over the other books I enjoy to see how it compares.
Jenna and Maureen are now empty nesters and looking forward to some changes. They are looking to take a trip to Paris. These ladies have been planning since they were in college. But like most things life throws a few curve balls their way. They both are divorced and not seriously dating after their experiences with their exes. Each lady finds a man that they think will fit into their lives. These men have a lot to prove to these ladies.
Enjoyed reading this book and how they each work out family situations. Each character has things they need to fix before moving forward and trusting in relationships. I was given this book as ARC by the publisher for my honest review.
I was disappointed with this book, mainly because I didn’t care for the two female characters. But I guess they have to start out with annoying traits if they are to grow during the story. Two single mothers have baggage from their divorces. They are also helicopter moms, who try to control their kids’ lives — which is hard to avoid as a single mom, and not uncommon. Just an OK read.
Enjoyed it.Page turner
Deb Macomber always tells a good story. I read it in a day!
Another great book by Debbie Macomber. I would recommend this book.
I really enjoy Debbie Macomber’s books. I love the easy-to-read style of writing. I love the setting and the characters. Jenna and Maureen have been friends forever. They have been there for each other through marriage, children, divorce, and new beginnings. Each woman has a different set of issues she must come to grips with in order to move on with their lives and new loves. My emotions ran the gamut from anxious, irritated, sad, and happy. Wonderful book, again!
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
It was ok, but not one of her best stories. Almost seems like she’s gotten lazy with her writing.
Another great read from Debbie Macomber!
I always look forward to Ms. Macomber’s books and I have never been disappointed. Window on the Bay is no exception. The friendship between Maureen and Jenna, the two main characters, is a main theme throughout the book. Both women are divorced and have raised their children as single mothers with no help from the absentee fathers.
When the children are away at college, they begin to have time to think about themselves and plan for their futures. They have raised their children to be independent. Now it is time to let go.
Window on the Bay delves into the lives of two women who have dedicated their whole lives to taking care of others. Now that they have time for themselves, where do they go from here?
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who likes good women’s fiction.
Ms. Macomber has a talent for developing characters that make you feel like they have been your friends forever. Reading one of her books is like coming home.
I listened to the audiobook version of this latest release by Debbie Maccomber. I’d give it a 4.5 stars, with strong writing as usual from this wonderful author. I don’t normally like first person POV stories and this has two parallel and interlinked women’s fiction/romances set in contemporary west coast setting. But with the narrator, I was able to overlook the POV being first person. Basically the reader is getting a two-for-one in this lovely novel.
Really nice easy and enjoyable read!