Window on the Bay: A Novel

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.