Member Reviews
Prolific writer Debbie Macomber has always been my go-to for cozy and heartfelt stories of family and chaste romance - and I adore her vivid Pacific Northwest settings. With the exception of exactly ONE of her books, I have loved everything she’s written ❤️
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WINDOW ON THE BAY tells a tale of two middle-aged best friends encountering new loves and ups and downs with their adult children and an aging parent. The Seattle setting is PERFECT. Jenna and Maureen were a delight to get to know and I was rooting for their romances with Logan and Rowan from the very beginning ❤️
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Highly recommended for longtime fans of Macomber and a good place to start for those new to her work!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about two friends who plan to go to France together, a storyline with which I can totally relate. Of course, life gets in the way of the trip, something else with which I can totally relate. That was exactly what made this book so good for me: I could instantly relate, not only with the planned trip, but with life that gets in the way. Debbie Macomber is the expert at making her stories relatable to her audiences.
Received this Advanced Reader’s Copy from Ballantine Books and I couldn’t have been more appreciative!
I enjoyed this fast paced read, as I do with each of Debbie’s books. Jenna and Maureen had such similar yet different lives, however they still became the best of friends and remained as such for many years afterwards. This was not one of my favorites, but none the less I still enjoyed it. Coming home after a long day, and escaping into the kind, light hearted story, took my mind away from the day. That is what a good book should do!
It was a book filled with fun, love, family and friends and the ending was just as wonderful. Didn’t leave you hanging, and allowed you to see how things played out, five years later.
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This is a heartwarming story about second chances. I enjoyed the format of the story, both character take turns telling their side of the story. Jenna and Maureen have been best friends since college and have been by each other's side through their marriages breaking up and raising their children as single moms. Now that their children have left their houses they're experiencing their first taste of freedom in years. As we follow their stories they both meet men that they are very hesitant to let themselves get involved with in a romantic relationships. Will they find a way to trust after their former relationships hurt them so badly?
I am very grateful to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can receive your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Window-Bay-Debbie-Macomber-ebook/dp/B07JLP3N49/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Window+on+the+Bay&qid=1570109556&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
I was so honored to be receiving this book in exchange for a review. I have read over 100 books by Debbie and I have enjoyed every one of them to their fullest. This book did not disappoint.
We start out at University with two friends; Jenna and Maureen who were planning on going to Paris after graduation. The best laid plans... Maureen has a circumstance that way lays these plans. Everything was purchased: airline tickets and hotel reservations. An itinerary was meticulously laid out and on their phones. However, it just wasn't going to happen, not yet.
The book then forwards to Jenna taking her daughter to college, her alma mater, the University of Washington. This means the nest is now empty. Jenna has spent the last 16 years being a single parent and being both mother and father to both her kids and now the silence is deafening. Maureen, also with a failed marriage comes over to keep Jenna company only to console her on her situation only to have another shocking turn. Jenna receives a call regarding her mother and a fall. This brings us to a very relatable situation with Jenna and Maureen in the hospital waiting for Jenna's mom to get out of surgery on her hip. There was an awkward situation with Jenna and the surgeon, Dr. Rowan Lancaster.
I loved the Hillbilly Elegy reference in this book. It makes an appearance as a book exchange that soon becomes a flirtation point. The attraction between Jenna and Dr. Rowan Lancaster, the shower scene with her daughter from the drill, and more. There are so many parts of this book that had me giggling, dying as I put myself in that situation, laughing out loud and just excited to see what was going to happen next. Reading this book in public places warranted a lot of attention from onlookers as I tried to stifle a laugh here and there. Seeing Jenna as an adult dating and a mom to adult children really added to her character. It was nice that she actually took time out to be herself. As a mom, we are quick to give up our dreams and aspirations for those around us to cater to other’s needs. The ending of this book really warmed my heart! Jenna got everything that she always wanted and more! I hope you all enjoy the book as much as I did!
Window on the Bay by Debbie Macomber is a beautiful novel. I don’t know how she does it, by her novels keep getting better. She writes with such emotional depth and complexity. I absolutely loved this particular novel and found it full of great hope. I cannot believe the negative reviews that this book has received. I think the only reason I can imagine is that the book’s characters are older empty-nesters. I thought they were beautifully written and would love to see more like this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
Another great book!!! I love anything Debbie Macomber writes! She never disappoints me. Her storytelling astounds me!! Can't wait for her next book!!
Window on the Bay offers Macomber readers a book about two women, good friends, who are single and uncertain as to the next phases of their lives. Moving on after divorce, the two adjust to dating and parenting their respective adult children. Each dates but has not found anyone worth pursuing beyond an initial date or two, until they each meet a man who offers a challenge to their way of thinking. Jenna had been married to a doctor and refused to date other physicians based on his actions. Her best friend Maureen was holding out for her ideal man and when she met someone who didn’t fit her defined criteria, it threw her a bit. As the two women consider these relationships, their beliefs and ideals are challenged, and they ultimately grow as people.
Though I liked the general concept of the book and appreciated reading about women around my own age, I found each of them to be somewhat unrealistic and naive at times. One example is when Maureen is invited to go tailgating at a football game and she didn’t know what that is, nor how to dress for it. This type of situation happened enough to be at times, annoying. The book is worth reading as it good to see the characters go through a humbling transformation and emerge stronger and more likable.
Ballantine Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Window on the Bay. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
Jenna Boltz is a divorced empty nester with time on her hands and an uncertain future. Planning a long awaited trip to Paris with her best friend Maureen is the highlight of her days. When her mother falls and breaks a hip, a chance encounter leaves Jenna with a promise of future happiness. Will untold stories of the past and rash decisions bring Jenna's life to a screeching halt?
Both Jenna and Maureen have a chance at happiness, but their hang ups regarding relationships threaten their future happiness. Not only that, but for women who loathe being judged, they are certainly very judgmental. Hannah's reactions to her Mom (Jenna) were over the top, especially considering the closeness of their relationship according to earlier statements in the book. I found both romantic relationships to be a little lacking, with a lot of unrealistic expectations and hurt feelings. With relationships being the cornerstone of Window on the Bay, this fact did hold the novel back a little. Readers who like Debbie Macomber will probably like the novel for its formulaic elements, but those new to the author may find it a bit lacking.
Thanks Netgalley for an ARC to read and give my honest opinion.
Loved it. Being an empty nester myself this book really spoke to me at this point in my life. Finding love late in life after giving your all for the kids really feels amazing. This author draws it out and it just a beautiful story about two friends finding the one to complete them.
What did I like? I found this story just to be ideal because I'm in a similar like minded situation. Author does a good job of just making you feel for the characters and cheer for the HEA.
Would I buy this book? Any fans of this author will NOT be disappointed. I love this author. Her novels are amazing.
Thoughts for the author? Poignant book and straight to the heart! Five fun stars of entertainment!
I’ve read many of Debbie Macomber’s stories and this one just wasn’t up to par. I was intrigued by the fact that they were two college friends now divorced struggling to find love in today’s world while coping with being empty nesters. I found some of the characters boring and not believable and the story dragged on. The idea of them planning and never being able to get to Paris could have been left out of the story.
Jenna is a divorced mom who just sent her youngest child to college. She has spent her adult life sacrificing her dreams and plans to raise her children while working as an ICU nurse in Seattle. Maureen is also a divorced mom who has a grown, married daughter. They have been friends since college and have been planning a trip to Paris for that entire length of time. Jenna takes a chance and develops a relationship with a Surgeon, which she SWORE she would never do again. Maureen meets a construction worker who throws her prim, structured life totally for a loop. Is it finally time for these women to find love again?
Let me say that I LOVE Debbie Macomber. I love that she always throws knitting or crochet somewhere in her books. I LOVE that she focuses so many stories in the pacific northwest. Most of all I LOVE how she writes about relationships between female friends. The bond that Jenna and Maureen have is something every woman should strive to find. We all need that friend that will be there when we need a shoulder to cry on, but will also boot us in the rear when we need it. Both Jenna and Maureen have grown daughters and I loved seeing how their relationship changed and developed as the girls became young women. As with most of Macomber's books, things start great, then a problem comes up, then people overcome. I'm good with that and I love her stories. Four out of five stars for me!
Thanks to Netgalley and Ballentine books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Window on the Bay deals with the lives of two college friends that have grown closer throughout their lives – as they navigated each of their divorces, child-rearing, and dating again as empty-nesters. As their children leave home for college, their roles as parents are forced to change. As they both start dating, they give each other support and unconditional friendship in good times and bad. The characters are likable and make mistakes as well all do. Women with good friends will appreciate the story. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read and give an honest review.
This book is such an enjoyable read . Debbie McComber does not let you down Unlike many romance novels this book is so easy to believe. it's about a lady who finds her self divorced with a kind of jerky ex. Working and raising two kids on her own. Everything she has to go trough just to provide for her family. OH OH now comes the empty nest what will Jenna now do with her free time. Time to get back in the dating game, however she seems to look for love in all the wrong places. A fun and easy read , you will have a hard time putting it down.
Debbie Macomber dazzles again in this gorgeous novel about second chances and grabbing life by moments. I was just smitten with the characters. Jenna is determined, witty, and full of love for her children. Rowan is sweet, sincere, and someone who you dream about meeting. This is a perfect story for those who love good clean writing with a bit of mystery thrown in for fun. Love her books!!!
**thanks to the publishers for the ARC**
Jenna and Maureen have remained best friends since college, when their planned trip to Paris was 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. Life gets in the way once again and happy endings aren't far off.
I really enjoyed Window on the Bay. It was refreshing to have a story concerning two middle age women (Maureen and Jenna) who are best friends and the trials they are facing with empty nests. The romances in the story were realistic that people think who the perfect person is for them is not always who it should be. Thanks for the great read! You won’t regret if you purchase this.
Window on the Bay by Debbie Macomber about a single mom who rediscovers herself. Debbie Macomber has done it again with this romance novel. She has showed us how love bloomed between Maureen and Logan as well as Jenna and Rowan. A heartwarming family style Novel. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you to Net Galley for providing an advanced reader’s copy for review.
Window on the Bay by Debbie Macomber is a delightful read. In her typical fashion this book is all about the characters. Truth be told I really didn't like either one of them in the beginning. But there was a few qualities that Macomber decided to build into these women that I didn’t care for. Several times they were rude and immature in their ability to speak to men who are interested in them. Keep in mind both these women have grown children the youngest being in college. One would think by that time in life one would be 'all grown up by now'. I will say that the author, by the end of the book, had redeemed herself thoroughly. This is definitely a quick read and very enjoyable. This book is a standalone and I would consider it contemporary romance. Window on the Bay does give us the happily ever after that we love but we have to go through a lot to get there. Enjoyable, feel good story.
I would like to thank the publisher, author and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Window on the Bay by Debbie Macomber is a wonderful story about two best friends. In college they planned to go to Paris, but life got in the way. Now that their children are grown, and both women are single, they are finally going to take that trip. Until one of their mother's breaks a hip. I really enjoyed this story, that explores stages of life, and finding love again. Do they ever make it to Paris? Read it and find out. This is my first book by Ms. Macomber, I know where have I been, but it won't be my last. Highly recommend this book.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine. Thank you.