In this powerful and uplifting novel a mother and her daughter-in-law bravely leave their troubled marriages and face the challenge of starting over. Leaning on each other, Nichole and Leanne discover that their inner strength and capacity for love are greater than they ever imagined.
When Nichole discovers that her husband, Jake, has been unfaithful, the illusion of her perfect life is indelibly shattered. While juggling her young son, a new job, and volunteer work, Nichole meets Rocco, who is the opposite of Jake in nearly every way. Though blunt-spoken and rough around the edges, Rocco proves to be a dedicated father and thoughtful friend. But just as their relationship begins to blossom, Jake wagers everything on winning Nichole back—including their son Owen’s happiness. Somehow, Nichole must find the courage to defy her fears and follow her heart, with far-reaching consequences for them all.
Leanne has quietly ignored her husband’s cheating for decades, but is jolted into action by the echo of Nichole’s all-too-familiar crisis. While volunteering as a teacher of English as a second language, Leanne meets Nikolai, a charming, talented baker from Ukraine. Resolved to avoid the heartache and complications of romantic entanglements, Leanne nonetheless finds it difficult to resist Nikolai’s effusive overtures—until an unexpected tragedy tests the very fabric of her commitments.
An inspiring novel of friendship, reinvention, and hope, A Girl’s Guide to Moving On, the second story in the New Beginnings series, affirms the ability of every woman to forge a new path, believe in love, and fearlessly find happiness.
What a touching book, Debbie once again delivers a great story with many different levels of love. Love between family members, husband & wife, lovers, love interest and friends. It’s also a book of second chances & self growth.
1. If you were in Leanne’s position, would you have shared your son’s infidelity with his wife? Why or why not?
2. How are Leanne and Nichole’s journeys similar? How are they different?
3. How do Leanne and Nichole support each other?
4. Were you surprised by any decisions Leanne and Nichole made during the course of the book? Which of their choices did you find the most surprising and why?
5. Do you think it’s possible to truly move on from something as devastating as what happened to Leanne and Nichole?
6. When Rocco tells Nichole, “I’d think less of you if you didn’t love [Jake]” (p. 107), what do you think he means? And what does this say about him as a person?
7. Did this novel strike you more as a love story or a story about female friendship? What elements distinguish these different types of stories? Which kind of story do you prefer?
8. On page 240, Nichole says, “I’d learned a lot about myself. I was much stronger than I realized.” Have you ever had a moment in which you had a similar realization? What led you to that discovery?
9. Leanne’s friend Kacey tells her at one point: “Happiness is the best revenge.” What does this saying mean to you? Do you agree with that sentiment?
10. Which of the Rules do you think is the most important to moving on and why?
Debbie Macomber's finest novel... In this wonderful story her very nimble hands weave a spectacular kaleidoscope of courage, struggles, and finally joyous redemption and reinvention. Macomber totally understands the human heart. I absolutely loved it! - Dorothea Benton Frank, New York Times bestselling author
This beloved author’s timeless wisdom has reached new heights and again is applauded by her fans and peers. She has given this reader another perfect escape to a place that brings complete enjoyment for a few peaceful hours. - Sue Baker, Fredericksburg Newspaper
How do you move on after your marriage ends? Debbie Macomber excels in creating resilient characters with heart. Inspiring and wise, A Girl's Guide to Moving On opens your eyes to the healing power of self discovery and love. - Mary Alice Monroe, A Lowcountry Wedding
I loved how each woman began to find themselves after being apart of a couple, I believe many people don't realize in trying to please your other half you sometimes lose a part of yourself…I believe this story will be an inspiration to woman going through difficult times and help them understand that they can be stronger than they they ever realized when it really counts. -Netgalley Reviewers
Beguiling... I predict every die-hard Macomber fan- as well as legions of readers new to the Macomber magic- will be cheering for Leanne and Nichole, and clamoring for more, more, more. - Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author
I did appreciate the messages that women don't need to stay in a cheating relationship and that people are responsible for creating their own happiness.
- Netgalley Reviewers
The perfect read curled up in front of the fire or on a beach, Leanne, Nichole, Rocco, and Nikolai will renew your faith in love and hope. Reading this book is as satisfying as a slice of freshly baked bread—wholesome, pleasantly filling and delicious. - Karen White, New York Times bestselling author
What I like most about Debbie's writing is that it feels true to life, she shows the troubles that couples go through in order to make it. Like in real life there is fighting and making up and misunderstandings but if the couple is strong enough they will come out on the other side. This is a must read for fans of Debbie Macomber! -Netgalley Reviewers
Macomber reaches new heights in this wise and beautiful novel. It's the kind of reading experience that comes along only rarely, bearing the hallmarks of a classic. With characters as warm and relatable as your best friends, it’s a novel of connection, exploring life’s unexpected twists and turns–friendship, betrayal, passion, heartbreak and healing. The timeless wisdom in these pages will stay with you long after the book is closed. -Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Wow! This book was a beautifully story about finding yourself and moving on after divorce. These two women and their incredible stories filled me with so many different emotions. I cried and grieved with them during the hard times and smiled and rejoiced with them in the happy times. I loved how each woman began to find themselves after being apart of a couple, I believe many people don't realize in trying to please your other half you sometimes lose a part of yourself. I believe this story will be an inspiration to woman going through difficult times and help them understand that they can be stronger than they ever realized when it really counts. Bravo to Ms. Macomber on this amazing heartfelt story. -Netgalley Reviewers
Debbie dazzles! A wonderful story of friendship, forgiveness, and the power of love. I devoured every page! -Susan Mallery, #1 New York Times bestselling author
To Jim and Dolores Habberstad, in appreciation for the joy and friendship they bring to Wayne and me
