Window on the Bay: A Novel

Debbie Macomber

Jul 2019 · Sold by Ballantine Books

About this ebook

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 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.

Ratings and reviews

Window on the Bay is the latest novel by Debbie Macomber. I thought the story was well-written with steady pacing. I enjoy Debbie Macomber’s writing style. She manages draw the reader into her world and hold their attention. I like that the main characters are two women in their forties who now have empty households. Jenna and Maureen are likeable and relatable women (which Ms. Macomber is known for creating). It is great that the two women are close friends and are there for each other. Both women are divorced and have spent the last twenty years taking care of their kids. Now is a chance for the two women to “spread their wings”. Jenna wants them to finally take the trip to Paris that they had to postpone after college plus she is thinking about taking a painting class. We also get to see a different perspective with Jenna’s eighteen year old daughter, Allie. Jenna is making changes at home, which upsets Allie. Allie may want to live on her own and discover who she is, but she does not want things to change at home. This provides balance to the story and a different outlook. Maureen and Jenna have dated sporadically over the years. But they have been burned by their husbands, and it is hard to open themselves up to love and to trust another man. Dating is not easy as we see with Jenna and Maureen. Each person learns something about themselves through the process. It is never too late to grow and change. The path to happily ever after is bumpy, but well worth the effort. I admit that I related more to Maureen with her love of books and dislike of sports. I enjoyed the light humor sprinkled throughout the story and I appreciated that is a clean story (no foul language or intimate relations). Jenna’s favorite spot in her home is her window seat with the view of Elliott Bay. I could understand how she finds peace from looking out at the water. It was nice there was an epilogue to wrap up the book. Window on the Bay is a heartwarming book with a happily-ever-after that will please readers and reading it is a lovely way to spend a leisurely afternoon.

You can never go wrong when you pick up a book by this author, and this one reiterates that statement. One of the favorite things I loved about this book is that it centers around middle aged friends, not only empty nesters but also ones surviving a divorce. Jenna and Maureen were college friends whose friendship has continued through the years. Imagine their surprise when two unlikely men start courting them. Will there be romance after the divorce or will past experiences and fears keep them away from taking that step? Another engaging , well written story. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Wow!! A heart warming story of two best friends move into the next chapter of their lives. Jenna and Maureen have been BFF, both of their marriages ended in divorce years ago and raising their children on their own. Now Jenna is an empty nester and the next chapter in her life begins. Learning to live on her own and dating again. Maureen too is facing a new boyfriend. This book grabbed me from the beginning and did not let go until the end, plus I wanted more. Wonderful characters that I feel that many can relate too. Plenty of romance and family dynamics that will keep you engaged. I highly recommend this book.

About the author

Debbie Macomber, the author of It's Better This Way, A Walk Along the Beach, Window on the Bay, Cottage by the Sea, Any Dream Will Do, If Not for You, and the Rose Harbor Inn series, is a leading voice in women's fiction. Thirteen of her novels have reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, and five of her beloved Christmas novels have been hit movies on the Hallmark Channel, including Mrs. Miracle and Mr. Miracle. Hallmark Channel also produced the original series Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove, based on Macomber’s Cedar Cove books. She is, as well, the author of the cookbook Debbie Macomber’s Table. There are more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide.