Window on the Bay
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Synopsis
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.
Details
First Published: 2019/07/16Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 9780399181337
Excerpt
Window on the BayPrologue
Where It All Began
Jenna
“We need to talk,” Maureen said as we walked across the University of Washington campus.
Maureen and I had been study partners in our college French class for two years. At the end of the course we were scheduled to travel to France, which for the two of us would be a dream come true.
Paris. We were dying to see Paris. I’d fallen in love with the city as a young teen after watching Casablanca for the first time. When Ingrid Bergman looked deep into the eyes of Humphrey Bogart and whispered, “We’ll always have Paris,” I was captivated.
The city of love had beckoned me. It was the very reason I’d taken six years of French classes—four in high school and now two in college. I couldn’t wait to see Paris. I wanted to walk in the moonlight along the Seine, tour the Louvre and see the view of the city from the Eiffel Tower.
Maureen and I had spent endless hours talking about the trip we planned to take following our graduation in June. We’d both taken part-time jobs to pay for the trip; we’d sacrificed our weekends, saved and dreamed.
“Is something wrong?” I asked, holding my text books close to my chest. It was spring—my favorite time of year—and I’d spent a good portion of my French Literature class day dreaming about springtime in Paris. I could see myself walking along the river, viewing artists busily painting on their canvases while a love song came from a distant accordion, the sweet notes drifting through the air and filling the warm sunshine.
“I can’t go to Paris,” Maureen blurted out.
“What?” Her words took my breath away. I was sure I’d heard her wrong.
“I won’t be able to go to Paris the way we planned.”
Dumbfounded, I stopped walking and stared at her. We’d planned this trip for months, going over every detail, checking prices for flights, hotels, and budgeting our money down to the penny.
Maureen lowered her eyes. “I’m pregnant. Peter and I have decided to get married as soon as we graduate.”
I knew she’d been seeing a lot of Peter Zelinski but had no idea their relationship was this serious. Maureen had taken on the role of tutoring students as a means of earning extra money for our Paris trip. Peter had been one of her calculus students.
I was dating, too. Kyle Boltz was a first-year medical student and I was beginning to hope we would have a future together. Kyle had a lot of schooling ahead of him and I would soon be graduating with a nursing degree. We’d met at a party and we had had clicked.
“Say something,” Maureen pleaded.
That was the problem. I didn’t know what to say. I hadn’t fully assimilated that everything—all our plans, our prep work, the anticipation—had changed overnight. And, my best friend was pregnant. This changed everything.
“You should still go,” Maureen added.
“Not without you.” I refused to entertain the thought. It wouldn’t be the same without my best friend.
“I’ve ruined everything,” Maureen said, biting into her lower lip.
Giving her a big hug, I did my best to comfort her. “You didn’t ruin anything. A baby is far more important than a trip to Paris. We’ll get there one day.”
Maureen’s mouth wobbled with the effort to smile.
“And I get to be in your wedding.”
“Maid of Honor,” Maureen said. “I wouldn’t have anyone else.”
“Deal.”
Yes, I was disappointed, but we had our whole lives ahead of us. Paris would wait. Read more
Reading Guide:
Download Guide1. Initially, Jenna is skeptical to date a surgeon, given her marriage to Kyle. But, despite her reservations, she is able to fall in love with Rowan. Discuss a time when your expectations about someone were changed.
2. Jenna often contemplates the changes in her life while sitting by her window on the bay. Is there a place that holds special meaning to you? What about it soothes you?
3. Though Jenna and Maureen’s “green light, yellow light, red light” system has always dictated their dating lives, each handles her own relationship differently over the course of the novel. Do you find yourself identifying with Jenna’s approach more so than that of Maureen, or vice versa? Explain.
4. After attending the Seattle Seahawks game with Logan, Maureen decides to invite him to a night at the ballet. Compare and contrast the two dates. Do you believe Maureen and Logan are equally willing to explore each other’s interests? Why or why not?
5. Jenna finally confides in Rowan about her divorce and Kyle’s affairs. Shortly afterward, Rowan breaks down to her after losing a young patient. How do you approach a tough conversation, and how do you know when you’re ready to open up to someone?
6. Maureen’s conversation with Misty, though initially uncomfortable, pushes her to tell Logan her true feelings. Her talks with her daughter, Tori, also lead her to the same conclusion. Discuss a time in which a conversation or some particular words of wisdom guided you to make a decision. Did it pay off? Why did you approach that particular person for advice?
7. Mackensie decides to conceal from Rowan the fact that she is attending the University of Washington, though she later regrets that decision. What do you make of Jenna’s reaction to the news, as she takes it to mean that Rowan is just like her ex? Was her reaction justified, or should she have offered Rowan the chance to explain himself at the time?
8. Allie and Mackensie become “thick as thieves” and close friends after sharing a class together. They also bond over having divorced parents. Discuss the girls’ attitudes toward their parents. How are they similar, and how do they differ?
9. Jenna and Maureen’s planned trip to Paris is a symbol of their friendship—and, though they postpone it a number of times, they are finally able to have the vacation of their dreams at the end of the novel. Have you ever taken a trip or vacation that meant something to you? What made it a time to remember?
10. Explain how you felt upon reading the epilogue. Jenna and Maureen have both re-married. What do you believe is in store for these characters and their families?
Praise
"This heartwarming story sweetly balances friendship and mother-child bonding with romantic love." -Kirkus Reviews
“Where Window on the Bay really shines is in its portrayal of women who are done raising their children, but are far from done with life.” -Booklist
“Macomber's books are as comforting as an old quilt; even hot summer weather won't keep her legion of fans away.”-Booklist
GOODREADS / NETGALLEY
“Another great book by Debbie Macomber. Wonderful characters and storyline. Like always this book also deserves a re-read. Just an amazing story. Definitely recommend.”
“If you are looking for a relaxing read with Debbie’s trademark relatable characters, gentle humor, and a happily ever ending, you’ll enjoy reading Window on the Bay.”
“Debbie, you did it again! Jenna and Maureen were likable solid characters that were the women that you wanted to see have a happily ever after. What I enjoy most about Debbie Macomber is that she writes about romance without profanity and explicit love scenes, she ignites romance by making you care about the characters.”
“Debbie Macomber has done it again. Another sweet, cozy romance with some real-life examples of letting the walls around your heart down both in terms of romantic love and the love between parent and kids.”
“Window on the Bay is another delightful read by Debbie Macomber.”
“Macomber's fans won't be disappointed!”
“As both of these women have new experiences, you can't help but laugh and smile with them. Macomber once again grabs her readers at page 1 and you can't wait to see how things are going to turn out, will they ever get to Paris? Will Maureen be able to love outside her comfort zone and Jenna will she be able to let go of her mistrust issues brought on by her ex? Great feel good book, totally recommend.”
“Once again Debbie Macomber did not disappoint. I picked this up and started reading and could not put it down. This story about 2 life-long friends is a delight. Do not miss it.”
“Debbie Macomber does it again!!! She never disappoints. Absolutely a great read!!"
“A definite must read.”
“Another top-notch book by Debbie Macomber. Everyone needs a Window on the Bay!!”
“If you enjoy a story about middle-age romance with mature adults then this is the story for you. I enjoyed reading this story very much and I think you will too.”
“This is exactly what you pick up a Debbie Macomber book for -- that sense of warmth, genuine, natural narrative and dialogue, relatable characters, a plot that weaves storylines together without any surprises. It's like the frosting of the novel cupcake. You love that it's there for you, and you don't care much if it's a little too sweet. It's just pleasing, and expected in a way that's comforting.”
“Window on the Bay is the very sweet and endearing story of two best friends.”
“I always look forward to a new Debbie Macomber book! The characters always make you wish that you lived there! It doesn't hurt that the book covers are absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for another great book Debbie!”
“In a typical Debbie Macomber fashion, the reader instantly falls in love with the characters and are taken on an emotional journey. A great story that was a joy to read.”
“Debbie Macomber has done it again! This book was very enjoyable.”
“Having met in college and maintaining their friendship through the years, empty nesters, Jenna and Maureen are ready to spread their wings and pursue their passions. Two sweet love stories and a sure hit for Debbie Macomber fans.”
“Debbie Macomber is an amazing writer that touches your heart and whose stories give hope. I enjoyed reading this book and it was over before I hoped. Looking forward to more books from Debbie Macomber. If you need a feel-good, wholesome story this is the one for you.”
“Super cute fun beach read. Debbie Macomber is always a great author to read and she does not disappoint on her latest book. Characters are very engaging and entertaining from the very start and it will keep you reading from the first page. Loved this one!”
Dedication
To Sheila and Norm Crighton
for all the laughter, fun, and Scotch