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Available
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Genres
Collection
Publication
Ballantine (2019), Edition: First Edition
Description
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 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.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Pam50627
Window on the Bay is a captivating, emotional story following the lives of two college friends. Jenna & Maureen met in college & stayed close. After divorces, kids & careers, they are closer than ever & are again planning a trip to Paris. Two women who were both hurt in their own ways & the courage
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it took to open themselves up to living again. This book is their journey through empty nests, dating, misconceptions, new lives & life ever after. I laughed. I cried. I worried. I swear I felt every emotion possible. The writing was intense & down to earth. The characters were so well developed it was easy to fall in love with them. The writing enables the reader to slip into their places & just feel. Ms. Macomber has given her readers another gem of a story. Show Less
LibraryThing member aimeef
An endearing story of college friends who remain best friends through motherhood, divorce, and being empty-nesters. This tale takes place as they navigate having empty-nests and dating.
Two best friends, Maureen and Jenna discover dating and wondering if they are able to risk opening their hearts to
Two best friends, Maureen and Jenna discover dating and wondering if they are able to risk opening their hearts to
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love. Show Less
LibraryThing member alekee
I look forward to books by this author, and this one sure didn’t disappoint.
Two young women meet in college and form a bond and lifelong friendship, they also have plans to travel to Paris in spring time, but life’s challenges seem to have gotten in the way.
Fast forward twenty plus years and
Now with plans to finally go to Paris, we get to see how things work out, and there are possible romances in these woman’s lives.
I also love that we are given an epilogue, although I wish I could continue in their lives!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Random House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Two young women meet in college and form a bond and lifelong friendship, they also have plans to travel to Paris in spring time, but life’s challenges seem to have gotten in the way.
Fast forward twenty plus years and
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our girls are now empty nesters and both have been long divorced. They have dated through the years, but have been scared and so far, neither have found the right guy, and they have a traffic light signal for their appraisals of these possible romances.Now with plans to finally go to Paris, we get to see how things work out, and there are possible romances in these woman’s lives.
I also love that we are given an epilogue, although I wish I could continue in their lives!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Random House, and was not required to give a positive review.
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LibraryThing member Kris_Anderson
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
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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. Show Less
LibraryThing member susan0316
It's always fun to pick up a Debbie Macomber book because you know that's it's going to be an easy read with a happily ever after ending. Though this book tackled some problems that you don't see in normal romance novels, it was still a satisfying read.
Jenna and Maureen became friends in college
This was a light fun read. I didn't enjoy it as much as other books by this author because I didn't like several of the characters. I thought that Jenna was way too controlling with her children - she said they she was glad that they were grown up but felt like she had to control every aspect of their lives. I also didn't like Logan, the construction that Maureen dated. He didn't seem very willing to make changes in his life to make her happy.
Will Jenna and Maureen be able to relax and enjoy the changes that are happening in their lives? Will they get their happily ever after? It's time to read this book and find out.
Jenna and Maureen became friends in college
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and planned to visit Paris after they graduated. The trip never happened because Maureen got pregnant and married. Jenna also married her boyfriend and had two children. After only a few years, he decided that he didn't want to be married and after their divorce, he had very little contact with his children. As the book begins, we find out that they are both empty nesters who are unsure of how to live their lives without children. One of their first decisions is to plan their Paris trip again. As their lives continue to change, they both decide to try dating again and run into complications. Maureen starts to date a construction worker who visits the library frequently and Jenna starts to date the doctor who took care of her mother. Neither one of the women know if they can learn to trust men again or if they will get their happily ever after.This was a light fun read. I didn't enjoy it as much as other books by this author because I didn't like several of the characters. I thought that Jenna was way too controlling with her children - she said they she was glad that they were grown up but felt like she had to control every aspect of their lives. I also didn't like Logan, the construction that Maureen dated. He didn't seem very willing to make changes in his life to make her happy.
Will Jenna and Maureen be able to relax and enjoy the changes that are happening in their lives? Will they get their happily ever after? It's time to read this book and find out.
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LibraryThing member ethel55
Jenna and Maureen have remained best friends since college, when their planned trip to Paris is upended by Maureen's surprise pregnancy. Over twenty years later, the pair may be able to finally make their dream trip come true, as the last chick is off to college and both are divorced empty nesters.
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Life gets in the way once again and happy endings aren't far off. Show Less
LibraryThing member Maydacat
There is a lot of angst in this tale, and almost all of it is by the adults! Two grown woman with kids who are college age or older act like they are in high school experiencing their first crush. Eventually, they come to their senses and start acting their age, even if it takes some advice from
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the younger set to get them on the right track. The characters are interesting and the plot is intriguing. The narrator in the audio version does such a good job portraying the whiny freshman daughter that you want to just tell her to shut up already! Luckily, that character, like the other female ones, shows some growth in the story. An entertaining novel that ends like a typical Macomber book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Tatoosh
Window on the Bay is a two-fer, told from the perspective of Jenna and Maureen, best friends since they met in college. Both had brief marriages that did not work out, raised their children by on their own, and are now entering their empty nest years.
Jenna is socially active and has dated several
Maureen is more reserved and has not dated since her divorce. A librarian at the downtown branch of the Seattle City Library, she sees herself as techy and nerdy. A construction worker who has been seeking her out for book recommendations intrigues her but she is hesitant to date a man whose personality is so different from hers.
Romance stories need not be realistic any more than any other genre, but there’s a fine line that successful books must respect. Step over the line and the tale becomes silly. Window on the Bay tiptoes up to the line and occasionally taps a toe across, as if testing to see if we are paying attention, then returns to marginal believability. For example, librarians are known for their research skills and broad knowledge of current events, but Maureen has no clue who the Seahawks are, no inkling that downtown Seattle —where she works— experiences massive traffic jams on football Sundays, and has never heard of the concept of tailgating. I can believe she’s not a sports fan but portraying her as an ignoramus is over the line.
An even more serious problem is the flawed story arc. Macomber fails to give either protagonist significant interests so the entire plot revolves around the women’s good fortune in finding a man that intrigues them. That occurs within the first third of the book, and the middle forty percent moves from one moony, daydreaming, stomach fluttering date and kiss to the next. Interspersed among these are petty little melodramas. For example, Jenna’s daughter has a hissy-fit when she finds her mom has hung some clothes in “her closet,” even though she is away at college.
Readers will suspect early on that incidents will occur that upset their idyllic romances. As the boring melodrama drags on, they will be desperate for it, hoping it will breathe new life into the story. I found myself impatient for Macomber to get on with the “happy ever after” ending I anticipated so I could move on to a more interesting book.
Macomber has earned my patience with “Mr. Miracle” and “Cottage by the Sea,” but “Window on the Bay” was a disappointment.
Jenna is socially active and has dated several
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men over the years, but all rated a “yellow light” or “red light.” An ICU nurse, she was married to a surgeon and is dead set against dating another surgeon. As fate would have it, she becomes attracted to a surgeon who works in the same hospital, raising concerns about workplace dating.Maureen is more reserved and has not dated since her divorce. A librarian at the downtown branch of the Seattle City Library, she sees herself as techy and nerdy. A construction worker who has been seeking her out for book recommendations intrigues her but she is hesitant to date a man whose personality is so different from hers.
Romance stories need not be realistic any more than any other genre, but there’s a fine line that successful books must respect. Step over the line and the tale becomes silly. Window on the Bay tiptoes up to the line and occasionally taps a toe across, as if testing to see if we are paying attention, then returns to marginal believability. For example, librarians are known for their research skills and broad knowledge of current events, but Maureen has no clue who the Seahawks are, no inkling that downtown Seattle —where she works— experiences massive traffic jams on football Sundays, and has never heard of the concept of tailgating. I can believe she’s not a sports fan but portraying her as an ignoramus is over the line.
An even more serious problem is the flawed story arc. Macomber fails to give either protagonist significant interests so the entire plot revolves around the women’s good fortune in finding a man that intrigues them. That occurs within the first third of the book, and the middle forty percent moves from one moony, daydreaming, stomach fluttering date and kiss to the next. Interspersed among these are petty little melodramas. For example, Jenna’s daughter has a hissy-fit when she finds her mom has hung some clothes in “her closet,” even though she is away at college.
Readers will suspect early on that incidents will occur that upset their idyllic romances. As the boring melodrama drags on, they will be desperate for it, hoping it will breathe new life into the story. I found myself impatient for Macomber to get on with the “happy ever after” ending I anticipated so I could move on to a more interesting book.
Macomber has earned my patience with “Mr. Miracle” and “Cottage by the Sea,” but “Window on the Bay” was a disappointment.
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LibraryThing member medwards429
“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
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.
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
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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.
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LibraryThing member marquis784
Window on the Bay by Debbie Macomber
Random House/Ballentine Books
July 16, 2019
Fiction, beach read, romance
336 pages
Rating: 4/5
I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley and Ballantine Books in exchange for an unbiased review.
Jenna and Maureen had been best friends since they met at the
Jenna Boltz is a divorced single mother of two children living in Seattle. She works as an ICU nurse to support her children, Paul and Allie who are in college. Kyle Boltz is her ex-husband who is a surgeon but found fidelity to be an issue and made a new life for himself. Fortunately, Jenna and her kids still had Jenna’s mother, Carol, who was spry 70-ish woman. Carol had a good friend Mrs. Torres who was checking on her friend to find that she had fallen. She immediately called for help and notified Jenna. It seems that surgery and a long rehabilitation lie ahead for Carol.
Maureen Zelinski worked as a librarian and also divorced from Peter which only lasted 5 years. They had a daughter, Victoria “Tori” who married an engineer, Jonathan. Maureen had been a support to Tori since she miscarried a year ago. She is very organized and structured which suits her career as a librarian. It seemed that new construction in the area brought a weekly visit from a construction worker. Logan worked as a plumber and during breaks would check out a book to read with Maureen’s suggestion. He was a bit rough around the edges and liked to call her “Marian the Librarian” which eventually grew on her. Over time they developed an awkward relationship given their many differences.
The two friends are a constant support to each other through all the many ups and downs over the years. Jenna had been stressing over being a newly empty nester since sending Allie to college. She worried less about Paul who worked hard at a restaurant while attending college. Maureen was confused about the attention she was receiving from Logan. The two friends were Leary when it came to getting romantically involved again.
Carol is recovering before being transferred to a rehab post hip surgery. She is pleased with her orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Rowan Lancaster. Jenna didn’t know much as side from gossip that he kept to himself. When he casually flirted with her at her mother’s bedside she didn’t know what to make of it. She tries to maintain a professional relationship with him which becomes complicated since he has taken a special interest in his patient, Carol.
Both friends discover that they need to take a chance on dating and romance. Relationships can be complicated but can also provide support and comfort. This is a delightful story of friendship, family and finding love again. It reminds us that everyone has a life story and the path they take is unique.
Random House/Ballentine Books
July 16, 2019
Fiction, beach read, romance
336 pages
Rating: 4/5
I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley and Ballantine Books in exchange for an unbiased review.
Jenna and Maureen had been best friends since they met at the
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University of Washington many years ago. They had always planned to take a trip to Paris but it seemed that life events always got in the way. Jenna Boltz is a divorced single mother of two children living in Seattle. She works as an ICU nurse to support her children, Paul and Allie who are in college. Kyle Boltz is her ex-husband who is a surgeon but found fidelity to be an issue and made a new life for himself. Fortunately, Jenna and her kids still had Jenna’s mother, Carol, who was spry 70-ish woman. Carol had a good friend Mrs. Torres who was checking on her friend to find that she had fallen. She immediately called for help and notified Jenna. It seems that surgery and a long rehabilitation lie ahead for Carol.
Maureen Zelinski worked as a librarian and also divorced from Peter which only lasted 5 years. They had a daughter, Victoria “Tori” who married an engineer, Jonathan. Maureen had been a support to Tori since she miscarried a year ago. She is very organized and structured which suits her career as a librarian. It seemed that new construction in the area brought a weekly visit from a construction worker. Logan worked as a plumber and during breaks would check out a book to read with Maureen’s suggestion. He was a bit rough around the edges and liked to call her “Marian the Librarian” which eventually grew on her. Over time they developed an awkward relationship given their many differences.
The two friends are a constant support to each other through all the many ups and downs over the years. Jenna had been stressing over being a newly empty nester since sending Allie to college. She worried less about Paul who worked hard at a restaurant while attending college. Maureen was confused about the attention she was receiving from Logan. The two friends were Leary when it came to getting romantically involved again.
Carol is recovering before being transferred to a rehab post hip surgery. She is pleased with her orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Rowan Lancaster. Jenna didn’t know much as side from gossip that he kept to himself. When he casually flirted with her at her mother’s bedside she didn’t know what to make of it. She tries to maintain a professional relationship with him which becomes complicated since he has taken a special interest in his patient, Carol.
Both friends discover that they need to take a chance on dating and romance. Relationships can be complicated but can also provide support and comfort. This is a delightful story of friendship, family and finding love again. It reminds us that everyone has a life story and the path they take is unique.
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LibraryThing member kbranfield
4.5 stars.
Window on the Bay by Debbie Macomber is a captivating novel of family, friendship and love.
Jenna Boltz and Maureen Zelinski have been best friends since college. Their plan to someday visit Paris is now in reach since they are empty nesters. Jenna is an ICU nurse who raised her two
Jenna has put her children first ever since her divorce and she is looking forward to her empty nest. But the reality of living alone is nowhere near as exciting as she thought it would be. Jenna remains close to her oldest son, Paul, but she cannot help feel uneasy about a growing distance between them. Her relationship with Allie is sometimes a minefield since her daughter is stubborn, independent and quick to become defensive. Jenna is worried about her mom's recovery from her fall, but she is reassured by Rowan's obvious care and compassion for his patients' well-being. She is also quite intrigued by the taciturn surgeon, but Jenna has good reason to be wary of dating a doctor.
Despite her amicable divorce, Maureen is extremely cautious when it comes to dating. She looks forward to her weekly meeting with Logan and she puts quite bit of thought into her book recommendations to the good-natured man. Reluctantly agreeing to have a drink with him, Maureen is uncomfortably out of her comfort zone but will she give their burgeoning romance a chance?
Window on the Bay is a heartwarming novel that is fast-paced and engrossing. Jenna and Maureen are vibrantly developed characters whose respective issues are realistically portrayed. Rowan is an absolutely delightful man who never gives up Jenna even when they are at odds. Logan is a bit of a mixed bag who does not always treat Maureen with the respect she deserves. Although the romances encounter a few misunderstandings and family ties are a bit strained, Debbie Macomber brings this winsome novel to a delightfully heartfelt conclusion.
Window on the Bay by Debbie Macomber is a captivating novel of family, friendship and love.
Jenna Boltz and Maureen Zelinski have been best friends since college. Their plan to someday visit Paris is now in reach since they are empty nesters. Jenna is an ICU nurse who raised her two
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children, Paul and Allie, on her own following her divorce. Maureen is a librarian who is also divorced but her ex-husband remained involved in their daughter Tori's life. Although both women have dated in the past, neither have had much success in finding Mr. Right. So Maureen and Jenna are both surprised when two men in their lives unexpectedly show interest in them. Will Maureen agree to go out with Logan, a library patron whom she looks forward to discussing books with? And when Jenna's mom's doctor, Rowan Lancaster asks her out, will she accept his invitation to get to know him outside the hospital?Jenna has put her children first ever since her divorce and she is looking forward to her empty nest. But the reality of living alone is nowhere near as exciting as she thought it would be. Jenna remains close to her oldest son, Paul, but she cannot help feel uneasy about a growing distance between them. Her relationship with Allie is sometimes a minefield since her daughter is stubborn, independent and quick to become defensive. Jenna is worried about her mom's recovery from her fall, but she is reassured by Rowan's obvious care and compassion for his patients' well-being. She is also quite intrigued by the taciturn surgeon, but Jenna has good reason to be wary of dating a doctor.
Despite her amicable divorce, Maureen is extremely cautious when it comes to dating. She looks forward to her weekly meeting with Logan and she puts quite bit of thought into her book recommendations to the good-natured man. Reluctantly agreeing to have a drink with him, Maureen is uncomfortably out of her comfort zone but will she give their burgeoning romance a chance?
Window on the Bay is a heartwarming novel that is fast-paced and engrossing. Jenna and Maureen are vibrantly developed characters whose respective issues are realistically portrayed. Rowan is an absolutely delightful man who never gives up Jenna even when they are at odds. Logan is a bit of a mixed bag who does not always treat Maureen with the respect she deserves. Although the romances encounter a few misunderstandings and family ties are a bit strained, Debbie Macomber brings this winsome novel to a delightfully heartfelt conclusion.
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LibraryThing member lighthousewatcher
Jenna and Maureen two best friends for years trying to organize a trip to Paris. Maureen meets and falls in love with a construction work and Jenna a surgeon and she is a nurse
ISBN
198480099X / 9781984800992