Chasing the Clouds Away

by Debbie Macomber

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber comes an uplifting story of an unforgettable chance encounter between a successful yet jaded businessman, and a woman who sees—but also expects—the best in everyone, sparking an unlikely romance that challenges their assumptions about generosity, trust, and the gifts of unforeseen love.

Maisy Gallaher has always dreamt of becoming a nurse, a beacon of hope and healing for those in need. But when her father passed away, she selflessly set aside her aspirations to help her family. Despite knowing it was the right thing to do, she can’t help but wish for the path not taken.

Chase Furst, on the other hand, is primarily focused on his own life and his work as a hardened bank executive and heir to a financial empire. His childhood was marred by his mother’s struggle with addiction, leaving him jaded and emotionally distant.

Then he meets Maisy, a beautiful woman full of optimism and kindness who can see past his defenses. To his surprise and annoyance, Maisy offers to help Chase in a time of need, despite just meeting him. The two butt heads, especially when Maisy declines his offer of payment. Instead, she asks him to pay it forward to someone else—not with money or a quick fix, but through an act of true selflessness. Chase doesn’t know where to begin.

Despite his skepticism, Chase is determined to rise to this challenge. And doing good for others leads Chase back to Maisy, who begins to break down his walls, even as she resists risking her own gentle heart. But the more time they spend together, the more they realize how much they have to learn from each other . . . and how much love could make a difference in their future.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance, Womens Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2026

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Chasing the Clouds Away, by Debbie Macomber, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. i thought this was a good read, though Chase is way too good to be true. I really like Patrick.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel good book was a nice change from all the thrillers I’ve been reading. Really enjoyed this one!

[Melissa Widener · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing the Clouds Away by Debbie Macomber
4.3⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0.2/5
Cursing: none
Format/Source: ebook from NetGalley and
Genres/Tropes: romance, healing, he falls first
Audience: NA
Setting: Chicago; Seattle
Quotes:
Characters: Maisy, Chase, Astrid, Sean, Patrick, Sophie, Eileen, Fred, Simon
👍 short chapters, multi POV, healing, clean, no cursing, pay it forward, faith
👎 misunderstandings

Description:
Maisy Gallaher has always dreamt of becoming a nurse, a beacon of hope and healing for those in need. But when her father passed away, she selflessly set aside her aspirations to help her family. Despite knowing it was the right thing to do, she can’t help but wish for the path not taken.
Chase Furst, on the other hand, is primarily focused on his own life and his work as a hardened bank executive and heir to a financial empire. His childhood was marred by his mother’s struggle with addiction, leaving him jaded and emotionally distant.
Then he meets Maisy, a beautiful woman full of optimism and kindness who can see past his defenses. To his surprise and annoyance, Maisy offers to help Chase in a time of need, despite just meeting him. The two butt heads, especially when Maisy declines his offer of payment. Instead, she asks him to pay it forward to someone else—not with money or a quick fix, but through an act of true selflessness. Chase doesn’t know where to begin.
Despite his skepticism, Chase is determined to rise to this challenge. And doing good for others leads Chase back to Maisy, who begins to break down his walls, even as she resists risking her own gentle heart. But the more time they spend together, the more they realize how much they have to learn from each other . . . and how much love could make a difference in their future.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel especially the pay it forward, healing, faith tropes. I would recommend it to anyone who likes refreshing romances.
#bookstagram #booklovers #romancebooks

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing the Clouds Away by Debbie Macomber (2026)
8h 2m narrated by Thérèse Plummer, 320 pages

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Rating as a movie: PG

Featuring: Author’s Note - Summer 2026, Chicago, Illinois; Seattle, Washington; Airport, Grumpy Sunshine Trope, Loss of Parent, Paying It Forward, Dreams, Family Dynamics, Affluence, Alcoholism, Kissing, Pride, Self-Elevation

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🛩🌧☁️🌥⛅️🌤☀️

My thoughts: This is probably the closest I've gotten to a Christian romance from Debbie Macomber that isn't a Christmas story. This one's centered around the Book of Job, and just like Job, there are trials and tribulations. I really loved it, it felt so refreshing. I was smiling the whole time I was reading it, so Debbie totally nailed it. My biggest hope for this story is that it becomes a series because I feel like I didn't get closure on the rest of the family. Honestly, it feels like one of her Christmas stories, but without the Christmas and winter season; short with the perfect mix of humor and heartfelt moments. Thérèse Plummer really shines in these kinds of stories.

Recommend to others: Absolutely! This is how you do Grumpy Sunshine.

Books and Authors mentioned: The Trapper and the Widow by Theresa Scott, Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter, Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

Chase Furst shifted impatiently from one foot to the other. This day just seemed to get worse by the minute. All he wanted was to pay for The Wall Street Journal, get to his gate, and wait for his flight. One would think purchasing a newspaper would be a simple thing. Only the woman standing in front of him was talking to the cashier at the checkout stand like she was a female Dr. Phil. “Really, Laura, give yourself credit. You raised Bella, you gave her a good foundation with boundaries and love. Now trust she’ll make the right decisions,” the woman in front of him said. She placed a reassuring hand on the other woman’s forearm as if to lend her comfort. Chase felt as though he’d walked into the middle of a soap opera. “I wasn’t able to give Bella a decent father, and try as I might, I can’t be both parents to her. She’s so vulnerable. I wish I could afford to put her in a private school. The one she attends isn’t in the best neighborhood.” “I know, and I understand your concerns.” “In the last few weeks, she’s gotten much worse. She’s only fifteen, but she acts like she’s twenty. One look at her so-called boyfriend and all I see is trouble. She’s so quick to come to his defense. I don’t know what happened to my sweet girl.” “Give her time,” the woman urged. “It terrifies me that Bella will make the same mistakes I did and fall for the wrong man.” It sounded as if the cashier was close to tears. Chase rolled his eyes. Heaven save him from women and their emotional drama. He had enough to worry about in his own life. The pressure from his father to marry weighed on him. Worse, Simon had essentially made the choice for him, seeing that Chase had cycled through one meaningless relationship after another for the last several years. His father worried that Chase was incapable of choosing the right woman. This from a man with three marriages behind him, no less. Chase’s current girlfriend, Astrid, had been handpicked by his father and fulfilled every requirement for his son to one day take over the huge Furst financial empire. Chase liked Astrid well enough, but he wasn’t really feeling it. “The things Bella says to me are shocking.” “She doesn’t mean any of it. You know that,” the woman continued with her back to him, her voice soft and comforting. “Bella’s temper is out of control.” “She’s venting.” The woman standing at the cash register sighed. “I don’t know how much more I can take, Maisy.” Me, either, Chase silently mused. “Have faith.” “I wish it was that easy…” “I’ll make more of an effort to stay in touch with her,” the woman named Maisy promised. The relief in the cashier’s face was immediate. “Would you?” “Of course. We both know how difficult the teen years can be.” “Excuse me,” Chase said, with limited patience, interrupting the flow of the conversation. The women pretended not to hear him. One thing Chase refused to tolerate was being ignored. His frustration had reached its limit. Stepping forward, he butted his way to the counter until he stood in front of the cashier. “What’s the name of your supervisor?” he demanded. Clearly this employee had no sense of customer service, nor did she care one bit about her job. Plus, she brought her problems to work with her to share with anyone willing to listen. The cashier stared open-mouthed at him as if he’d spoken a foreign language. “I beg your pardon.” “I want the name of your supervisor.” The other woman abruptly turned around to confront him. “Why?” Chase was immediately taken with her clear green eyes, which were intense, steady, and intelligent. She wore her light auburn hair in a bob cut with bangs that needed a trim. As if reading his thoughts, she brushed the hair away from her face. She wasn’t strikingly attractive but had a pleasant look about her. He guessed most men would call her pretty. All of this went through his mind in a matter of a millisecond. What he noticed, what caught his rapt attention, was the expression on her face. She seemed to look straight through him like she knew his every thought. Her narrowed eyes telegraphed her annoyance. That she was able to read him so easily left Chase with an uncharacteristic feeling of unease. It was as if he stood naked before her. He stiffened and glared back, refusing to let her rile him. “It’s all right, Maisy,” Laura said. Maisy continued to stare at him. “Is something wrong?” She directed the question to him. He immediately bristled and tightened his jaw. “You mean other than the fact that I’m trying to pay for this newspaper and my plane is about to board?” This behavior was unacceptable. “It’s more than that,” Maisy said. “It’s something else.” Again, she gave him the impression she saw straight through him. It was as if she intuitively understood how much he resented having to take this flight to Seattle. Chase briefly closed his eyes. He knew next to nothing about this woman. In fact, he would be completely happy if he never saw her again. Flustered now, he reached inside his suit jacket and withdrew his wallet. He slapped a ten-dollar bill on the counter. “Keep the change,” he said, eager to remove himself from both women so he could get to his gate.

“Do you still want the name of my supervisor?” Laura asked. He hesitated, debating if contacting the delinquent employee’s manager was worth the hassle. “Yes,” he decided, if for no other reason than to let his displeasure be known. He might or might not escalate the issue, although it would have to be later. He hoped the threat of reporting her lack of attention to her job would be enough for her to change her behavior. Laura wrote out the name on a piece of paper and handed it to him. “Why would you do that?” Maisy asked in that same calming voice, as if genuinely curious. He didn’t bother to answer. No need. He’d made his point. Tucking the newspaper under his arm, he left the newsstand and walked to his gate, eager to put the unfortunate exchange behind him. When he reached his gate, he learned the flight had been delayed. Perfect. Just perfect. He found an empty seat in the crowded area. Normally he’d have the plane and avoid these complications that often arose when flying commercially. That said, he felt it imperative that he get to Seattle and back in one day. This was the only flight with first-class availability. Now a flight delay would upset his entire schedule. This day was getting worse by the minute. Folding open the newspaper, he crossed his legs and did his best to find a comfortable position. Although he centered his attention on a news article about the possible rise in home mortgage rates, his mind was on anything but the printed words. If anyone were to ask him what he was reading, he wouldn’t have been able to say. What troubled him, and multiple things did, was the necessity of this trip. It irked him to the point of distraction. He hated the fact that this unpleasant task was left to him to deal with. Finding it useless to even try to read, he set the newspaper aside and noticed Maisy, the woman from the newsstand, heading toward the gate. She paused when she saw him before smiling as if she was amused to see him again. He ignored her and looked away. There were only a few empty seats available in the area. One was directly across from him, and she hesitated as though considering heading in his direction. He glared at her, signaling that she should look elsewhere. Chase knew his frown was intense and quelling. One of his stares was able to silence a boardroom filled with executives. He didn’t need to say a word to get his message across. To his surprise, Maisy appeared not to be the least bit intimidated and claimed the chair. What was with this woman? He wanted nothing more to do with her. His eyes narrowed, as if to will her away with his displeasure. Apparently, she was oblivious. “Excuse me,” she said, as she leaned forward, focusing her attention on him. He refused to acknowledge her. “We met a few minutes ago,” she continued, even though it was impossible for him not to remember. “At the newsstand, where I was talking to my friend, Laura.” He looked past her. “You were upset because she was talking to me about her daughter.” How obtuse could this woman be? He had no interest in anything she had to say. “You should know Laura wasn’t purposely ignoring you; she was on her fifteen-minute break. She works two jobs to make ends meet so she can continue her schooling. One day she’s going to be a wonderful, caring nurse practitioner.” Fine. Whatever. Even if that was the case, Laura should have directed him to a different cashier instead of pretending not to see him. Chase wasn’t a man people ignored. “I hope you won’t follow through on your threat to report her to her supervisor.” The people around them shot him a nasty look, as if he was an unreasonable jerk. Chase could be all that and more—not that he cared what anyone thought of him. “Maisy Gallagher.” Her name was announced over the speaker by the agent at the gate. “Oh.” Maisy gasped a small note of surprise as she left her small carry-on and immediately headed to the counter. Trusting woman, that Maisy Gallagher. She should know better than to leave her luggage unattended. Several minutes passed before Maisy returned. She smiled at him again, her eyes sparkling with delight. “I was upgraded to first class.” He didn’t know why she assumed he would care. He pretended not to hear and glanced at his watch. Another announcement informed those waiting that the problem had been located and a maintenance crew was on the way. The plane should be ready to leave within the next hour…or two. He groaned inwardly and did his best to swallow his frustration. “I’ve never flown first class before,” Maisy said, leaning toward him as if he was interested. He wasn’t. Why she felt she had to mention it was beyond him. “The woman at the counter said they would serve a meal so I wouldn’t need to purchase anything to eat during the flight.” She was as excited as a kid. She acted like she was headed to the waterpark on the hottest day of summer. If Maisy Gallagher knew the quality of the food served on flights, even in first class, she wouldn’t be nearly as impressed. For his part, he intended to skip the meal, order a glass of red wine, and try to get through this entire trip as easily as could be managed. “I don’t fly much, so this is a nice surprise.” She settled back into her seat, reached inside her giant purse, and withdrew a book. Chase couldn’t help but glance at the title. The Trapper and the Widow. A romance. He should have known. She looked like the type of woman who believed in happily ever after. What a fool.

[Raquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I really enjoyed it. Chase is rich and kinda arrogant. Maisey meets him at the airport when he’s being extremely rude to her friend and was about to get her friend fired. She then ends up on the same plane seated by him. When they land Chase’s rental car was canceled due to their flight being late. Maisey being who she is offered him a ride. He expected to pay her and be on with it but Maisey wouldn’t take anything from him. She just told him to pay it forward. He knew she didn’t just mean writing a check to a charity. He started talking with her trying to come up with something he wanted to do to pay it forward. Even after he did and told her they kept talking and he kept doing things for people. He really changed how he was because of her. He kept trying to help her out but she (and her family) were very proud and wouldn’t take anything from him.
This is a very family oriented book where both main characters grew a lot.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a meet cute, opposites attract charming romance with characters that beg to be loved. Chase Furst is a bank executive, too important for his own good and on a path to certain success when circumstances put him into the path of Maisy Gallagher, a woman with a positive attitude that annoys him. Chase enjoys pursuing success but his life is not fulfilling so he ends up seeking out a friendship with happy-go-lucky and spirited Maisy. These two are the epitome of opposites, and as Maisy’s unselfish generosity and kind-heartedness begin to soften grump Chase’s heart, he is not ready for the changes that take place. This is an entertaining and delightful book to read, well crafted and with a charming plot. The characters are easy to cheer for, even the secondary ones, and this warmhearted romance was a slam dunk and refreshingly satisfying love story. The accidental meeting of Maisy and Chase is a predestined love story, but the emotional depth of the story and the characters kept me reading and engaged from beginning to end.
I voluntarily received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. I was also blessed to receive a hard copy from a Goodreads Giveaway. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is more comforting than a Debbie Macomber book, and this one truly exceeded that for me. I first fell in love with the grumpy-sunshine dynamic right from the start, and I couldn’t help but chuckle as Maisey’s free spirit refused to take a back seat to Chase’s rejection and rude behavior. But oh my! When Chase is met with a challenge that makes him really stop and think about what someone like Maisey would do, his whole world begins to shift. And I loved every moment of his journey.

This is pure joy and happiness wrapped in a gentle reminder for everyone. I confess, I sometimes get caught up in my own needs and forget about those around me, and this is a heartfelt nudge to do better. Thank you, Ms. Macomber, for bringing to life characters who inspire me to kindness and remind me to pay it forward.

[Bookworman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Meh. I usually really love Debbie Macomber's stories but this one just didn't do it for me. There were moments that I enjoyed but overall I felt impatient with the two MCs especially Maisy who was SO stubborn. I did love Maisy's family especially Patrick who was a real cutie. I loved the family's faith and perseverance under very challenging life situations but... but... but...

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book.

What happens when two people from different walks of life fall in love?

When Maisy clashes with a rude man at the airport on her way home to Seattle, she defends her friend. But when she gets upgraded to first class unexpectedly and is seated next to the same guy, things take a turn.

Chase comes from a very wealthy banking family. His father was using the company plane, so he got stuck flying commercial. His day has been awful so far. When he was trying to buy a newspaper, the cashier was talking to her friend and didn't rush to wait on him (Not realizing that the cashier was on her lunch break) so Chase started to make threats about her job. So when his flight is delayed for two hours due to mechanics, he's frustrated, but when he's seated next to the girl who talked back to him at the newspaper stand, he knows that it's going to be a long flight.

Maisy comes from a working class family. She had to drop out of nursing school when her father died to help support her family. Taking this trip to visit her friend in Chicago was a luxury her family gifted her.

Maisy knows just by looking at Chase that he's entitled and wealthy. His arrogance and attitude don't help either. He expects people to do what he says. When he snaps at the flight attendant, Maisy finally has enough and opens her mouth. She was brought up to treat people with kindness. When Chase finally admits that his estranged mother died and that he's on his way to arrange her funeral, Maisy understands.

At the airport, his car was cancelled due to his flight delay, so Maisy offers him a ride. Chase is so baffled that a stranger would a kindness without taking money from him. The only thing she asks in return is to pay it forward.

When he get an envelope from the funeral parlor he assumes it's a bill and he throws it into in briefcase to read at home. Inside it are all the letters written to him from people who loved his mother; including one from Maisy. At first he's furious and he calls her to vent. But when he finds out that his mother had a wonderful life, he's full of regret and remorse for ignoring her calls and letters for years.

After that phone call, Chase starts to see things differently and treat people differently as well. But he can't stop thinking about Maisy either. So he flies to Seattle a week later and shows up at her family's store, hoping to take her out for lunch. Lunch turns into dinner with her family, and afterwards the duo start talking every night for several hours, slowly falling in love.

But when financial problems finally come to a head in Maisy's home, things become awkward when Chase insists on being the hero. Maisy's family refuses to accept charity from anyone, they have their pride. But when everything is suddenly paid off, Maisy knows that it's not a coincidence.

A good read!

*Was given an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that I can pick up a book by Debbie Macomber and know that it'll make my heart happy! And that's exactly what happened while reading this one.

I loved Maisy's character right away! Chase had to prove himself a little bit more to me. But as the story unfolded and I understood more about him and his background and why he acted the way he did, I ended up liking him too!

I love reading these books about strangers who can make a big impact in each others' lives. I also love thinking about the moments that when someone is not the happiest and grumpy towards others, we can be kind because we don't always know what people are going through and they might just need some kindness to help them. Not saying that they should be rude to others but, the more I interact with people, the more I know that everyone has a story and has something going on and we all just need more kindness!

I love the impact Maisy has on Chase and how she helps him see things differently than what he's always perceived. And even though that comes with some pain and remorse and sorrow, it's still possible to change and grow and be better. We all have that ability to do so with the choices we make.

I also loved Maisy's spunk! She's great. She's been going through sorrow and loss and struggles herself but I loved how her family members were together in their struggles and working together to help each other! And I loved how that affected Chase and he could see a loving family.

Delightful story! It will make you think and ponder relationships and perspectives! Enjoy!!!

Content: Clean. Death of a family member, mention of alcoholism in the past. Some sweet kisses but nothing further.

I received a copy from the publisher, Ballantine, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisey and Chase are total opposites in this feel-good, family oriented comfort read. He's a rich grump jaded by life and a difficult childhood. She's an optimistic do-gooder who gave up her dream to care for her family. A challenge to pay it forward changes everything and sparks an unlikely relationship.
I needed an escape from the hectic 12 hr work schedule and this was the perfect comfort read. Low on spice and drama, high on faith and healing, it leaves you with a cozy happiness and a perfect HEA.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

[Joann M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is our now!

Another 5 stars for Debbie I finished this yesterday in just a couple hours.

This is just one of those feel good story that I just couldn't put down
Sweet romance and I just loved the pay it forward aspect.
If you want a clean romance that has a bit of "faith" this is the book for you.


My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Macomber never disappoints me with her great books. This was a great story, with some sad moments and many heartwarming moments too. I loved it!

[Dinky Dickerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debbie Macomber didn’t disappoint me with her latest love story. I always love her books, they take me back to the books I read in my teen years.

[Liv · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this for free from the Goodreads giveaway, and it was a very cute and sweet story! I felt like I was reading a Hallmark movie :)

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Macomber for this opportunity. This was my first book by Debbie Macomber, always heard they are hallmark like. I cannot agree more! Such a cute, spiritual, cozy romance. I loved Chase from the beginning and with his personal growth made him my favorite character. Maisey bothered me a little at the end with her lack of faith and trust. Wish we didn’t have that tension between them and just worked out the other differences.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional damage wrapped in a soft, comforting hug? Because Debbie Macomber’s Chasing the Clouds Away really looked me in the eye and said, “you’re going to feel things… but gently,” and somehow that hit even harder.

Published by Ballantine Books, thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy—I went in expecting cozy and came out sitting in my chair rethinking my entire outlook on kindness, generosity, and how we show up for people.

This story opens with a moment that feels almost too ordinary to matter—an airport delay, a frustrating interaction, a chance meeting—but that’s exactly the point. Maisy Gallagher is the kind of woman who chooses grace even when life hasn’t exactly handed her much of it lately. She’s put her own dreams on hold after her father’s death, stepping in for her family without hesitation, and there’s something both admirable and quietly heartbreaking about how easily she puts herself last. Then there’s Chase Furst—successful, guarded, and so emotionally buttoned-up it’s almost impressive. He’s used to control, to money solving problems, to keeping people at arm’s length. And yet, from the moment these two share space, there’s this subtle shift you can feel building.

What makes this story work isn’t big drama—it’s the slow unraveling of who these characters think they are. Maisy doesn’t try to fix Chase, and that’s what makes her impact so powerful. She simply expects better from him. When she asks him to “pay it forward” instead of repaying her, it’s not just a cute moment—it becomes the emotional backbone of the entire story. Watching Chase try to interpret that, to actually live it out, felt surprisingly moving. It’s awkward at times, even a little clumsy, but it’s real. Growth here isn’t polished—it’s earned.

“Kindness isn’t about what you give—it’s about what you choose to see in others.”

That line stayed with me long after I finished.

And then there’s the emotional layering. This isn’t just romance—it’s grief, family pressure, pride, and the uncomfortable truth that love doesn’t fix everything… but it can soften the edges. Maisy’s family brings this warmth and groundedness that contrasts so sharply with Chase’s more distant, fractured background. You feel that difference in every interaction, every hesitation, every moment where love looks different depending on how you were raised. Their relationship isn’t perfect, and honestly, that’s what makes it feel believable. There are moments of frustration—times you want to shake them both and say “just talk to each other already”—but that tension adds to the authenticity.

The pacing leans gentle, very much in that signature Debbie Macomber style. It’s not a high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat kind of read—it’s the kind you sink into. Coffee beside you, maybe a soft blanket, and a willingness to just sit with the characters as they figure things out. And if you’re someone who loves stories that remind you people can change, that kindness still matters, and that love doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful… this will absolutely land for you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is for readers who crave heart over heat, growth over drama, and stories that leave you feeling a little lighter than when you started. It’s soft, it’s hopeful, and it carries a message that doesn’t feel forced—it just quietly exists, waiting for you to notice it.

So now I’m curious—are you the kind of person who believes one small act of kindness can change everything, or are you still holding onto your Chase-era skepticism? ☁️📖

#ChasingTheCloudsAway #DebbieMacomber #BookReview #RomanceReads #WomensFiction #FeelGoodFiction #CozyReads #Bookstagram #NetGalleyReads #ReadersOfInstagram #BookishLife #HeartwarmingReads

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay but listen… if I had a dollar for every time a man like Chase Furst tried to buy his way out of having a personality, I could personally fund Maisy’s entire nursing degree and still have change left for emotional therapy goats. Chasing the Clouds Away is one of those books that feels like sitting next to a sweet older lady on a plane who tells you her life story while handing out butterscotch candies. It’s warm. It’s pleasant. And sometimes, it drags on a little while you just want to nap. Three stars, with affection.

We open at an airport where Chase, our emotionally calcified bank exec with childhood trauma and a Black Card, is being a straight-up menace. Maisy, who has the energy of a woman who volunteers at the library and still somehow looks adorable in rain boots, decides to be nice to him anyway because she is powered entirely by decency and strong tea. The man’s mother just died, which explains some of the crankiness, but still… he tries to tip her for a RIDE. Sir, she is not an Uber, she is a plot device with a beating heart.

Now Maisy, let’s talk. She gave up her dreams of nursing school to help at her family’s failing jewelry shop after her dad passed, which is peak “martyr girl next door” energy. She is sunshine and self-sacrifice wrapped in a cardigan. When Chase tries to repay her, she hits him with the emotional Uno reverse: “Pay it forward.” And the man’s brain blue screens. He doesn’t know how to function if it doesn’t involve Venmo or mergers.

So he starts… trying. Like awkwardly fumbling into good deeds like a toddler learning empathy. He helps people. He feels feelings. It’s giving “Scrooge post-ghosts” but make it hot and emotionally repressed. And naturally, he starts calling Maisy to tell her about it, like a proud little golden retriever with a stick. Is this how flirting works now? “Look at me, I made a donation and didn’t even write it off on my taxes!”

But here’s where the story wobbles. The stakes? Mellow. The pacing? Sleepy. Every conflict resolves a little too easily, like the emotional equivalent of a Hallmark movie hitting the 90-minute mark and realizing they’ve got two minutes left and a Christmas proposal to shoehorn in. Chase and Maisy’s class difference is supposed to be a big deal, but it never fully lands. They have one fight, a few conversations about pride and money, and suddenly everyone’s hugging. Even the grumpy family members get redemption arcs like they’re being handed out with Macy’s coupons.

Also? Maisy girl, I adore your moral backbone, but the number of times she pushes Chase away because “she doesn’t want help” starts to feel less like independence and more like a low-stakes trust issue cosplay. Let people love you and help you, babe. It’s called community, not charity.

Still, it’s undeniably sweet. Maisy’s little brother Patrick is a chaotic delight, the grandma is a low-key savage in the best way, and Chase does eventually find a soul somewhere under his designer suit. It’s the literary equivalent of a vanilla cupcake. Comforting, easy, maybe a little bland if you’re into spice, but sometimes that’s exactly what you’re in the mood for.

Solid three stars. Would I reread it? Probably not. But would I hand it to my aunt who watched The Good Witch religiously and cries during Folgers commercials? Absolutely.

Massive thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the ARC and for letting me judge a rich man’s redemption arc from the comfort of my sweatpants.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, a Debbie Macomber book. It somehow always makes me feel like it's time to cozy up in my most comfy PJs and curl up in the recliner under a nice warm blanket to settle in for what I just know will be a sweet read. While an opposites attract type, it rather morphs into a read emphasizing not just family but the dynamics of family that shape us. Both Maisy and Chase have faced dark days in their past so while it's fair to say they're opposites, you'll also discover that they have common ground.

That's good as, quite frankly, their not exactly meet cute doesn't showcase Chase well. He's brusque and short tempered. Even worse, poor guy. He's going to have to fly commercial rather than in a private jet. Well, at least he gets a seat in first class, expecting never to see the woman who called him on his behavior. It's obvious from the beginning that Chase is used to getting what he wants, when he wants it. Maisy is apprehensive his misplaced anger may endanger her friend's job but maintains her calm. She's been taught from an early age that anger is often a cover for deeper feelings, hence she gives Chase the benefit of the doubt. She's absolutely delighted to be upgraded to first class where, you guessed it, she discovers her seatmate is none other than the rude guy from the airport. Chase is also less than excited to find the troubling woman there and pretty much tries to short circuit her tendency to engage in friendly chatter early on. Much to his surprise, after discovering the flight delay lead to his rental car not being held, Maisy offers him a ride. He's doubly shocked when she refused payment, simply telling him to pass it on. Let's just say, for someone used to money being able to get almost everything, that's a foreign policy to him.

I'm not going to detail the plot but that's pretty much where the story takes off. Chase is practically engaged but to his annoyance finds Maisy intriguing. As you'll discover, family dynamics have impacted both. The story moves along smoothly, albeit with the expected bumps along the way. I mean, Chase is practically engaged to the "perfect wife" for success. Maisy is just busy trying to help her family after giving up her dream of being a nurse. The chapters essentially alternate between them, giving us a good idea of their thoughts and past, which adds to the understanding as the story goes along.

Bottom line, this was exactly the feel good story I was hoping for. In a sense, it was a reassurance that life can be full of joy if we only learn to get out of our own way. I mean, there is a difference between being proud and too proud, which you'll come to understand as you read. I found myself liking the main characters. Heck, even Chase's almost "perfect wife" turned out to be someone I think I'd have liked, not to mention Patrick, the baseball nut from Maisy's family was a fun character, too. I also noted that Macomber's early mention of a homeless vet outside the area of Chase's offices wasn't just there for word count. Nope. Not telling what I mean by that. You'll just have to read the book. Thanks #Ballantine for the early peek at this heartwarming, feel good romance. The epilogue was an extra nice touch.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chase Furst is a bank executive who has no time for piddling and conversation. Patience is not a virtue for him. He is at the airport on the way to Seattle to do something he despises the thought of doing, so this has definitely added to his grumpiness. Being rude and dismissive of people comes naturally. I do not even think he realizes he is doing it. That is until a chance encounter with a woman named Maisy Gallagher, or maybe it is not by chance.

Maisy has always wanted to be a nurse. However, she has had to put her college career on hold to help with the family business after her father's death. She is everything that Chase is not. Sunshiny, glass half full and optimistic to a fault. She is generous, kind and gives without expecting anything in return, which is how she ends up helping Chase out of jam. He is flabbergasted when she expects no payment.

Without even trying, Maisy has inspired Chase. He finds himself in a strange place of wanting to do for others for no reason. And he gets excited doing it. Through text messaging and phone calls, Maisy and Chase learn more about each other. Like it or not, Chase is not the same man he was before he met Maisy.

Maisy inspired me to be a better version of myself. She is the most selfless person, I have ever encountered on the pages of a book. When she enters a room, it is better after she leaves it. My only problem with Maisy was her pride, which you will better understand when you read it. It is very easy to see that Chase is a better person because of her influence. I really enjoyed seeing Chase spread his wings and fly as he learned life lessons from Maisy and found something that has been missing from his life forever.

In typical Debbie Macomber fashion, her writing style and her story will inspire you, make you smile and make you you look within yourself. The pacing is perfect and easy to read as well, which makes it easy to fly through the pages.

Although I loved reading Chase and Maisy's story, Patrick (Maisy's little brother) was my favorite character in the book. He only plays a small part, but he touched my heart with his innocence and appreciation for the little things.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have received this book in exchange for an advanced reader copy.
Debbie Macomber’s Chasing the Clouds Away feels like sitting across from a wise, warm friend who gently reminds you that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. It’s a story rooted in everyday struggles—loss, uncertainty, the quiet weight of starting over—but what makes it resonate is how deeply human it feels.

Macomber has always had a gift for creating characters who seem less like fiction and more like people you might know, and this book is no exception. The protagonist’s journey isn’t dramatic in a sweeping, cinematic sense; instead, it unfolds in small, believable steps. There’s something refreshing about that. The emotional stakes come not from grand twists, but from the internal battles—learning to trust again, finding hope after disappointment, and choosing courage even when it’s inconvenient.

What stands out most is the book’s tone. It never slips into cynicism, yet it doesn’t ignore hardship either. Macomber walks a careful line, acknowledging pain while still insisting on the possibility of joy. That balance gives the novel its quiet power. At times, the optimism can feel a bit idealized, but it’s also exactly what many readers come to her for: reassurance that things can get better.

The pacing is gentle, almost meditative, which might not appeal to readers looking for high drama, but it suits the story’s message. This is a book about emotional healing, and healing rarely happens in a rush. By the end, there’s a sense of earned peace rather than flashy resolution.

If there’s any drawback, it’s that some moments feel predictable, and certain emotional beats land exactly where you expect them to. But even then, the sincerity carries it through. Macomber isn’t trying to shock you—she’s trying to comfort you, and in that, she succeeds.

Chasing the Clouds Away isn’t just about escaping hardship; it’s about learning how to live alongside it without losing your sense of hope. It’s a soft, steady reminder that even when life feels overcast, the clouds don’t last forever.

[Bonnie Ludlum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story begins with a meet-cute that is charming in that the lovely heroine is comforting a friend while waiting at the airport while the hero is waiting in line behind her growing frustrated at the whole scene.
Chase Furst, a banker who is the heir to the banks that share his last name, is a hardworking, no-nonsense type of guy who comes over as disgruntled with life. He is flying to Seattle to arrange a funeral for the estranged mother that left him as a child. He has not time or patience for a chatter box.
Maisy Gallagher is flying home to Seattle after visiting a friend. Mr. Grumpy is not going to ruin her day nor her trip back as she finds herself sitting next to him on the flight home in first-class where she was upgraded to by the airline.
Once in Seattle, Chase finds his car service has been cancelled and he is unable to find another form of transportation. Maisy offers to take him where he needs to go and Chase reluctantly accepts. He offers to pay her for her trouble and Maisy declines encouraging him to pay it forward.
What is amazing is that Chase is intrigued by Maisy, yes Maisy, the very one he had to tolerate before and after a flight from Chicago to Seattle, someone he couldn’t wait to get away from as soon as possible. Back home in Chicago, Chase finds he cannot stop thinking of Maisy and he finds himself attempting to do the good deeds that are beginning to soften his whole being.
Worlds apart not just in distance but in social standing as well as financially, both Chase and Maisy find they are falling in love with one another. They talk every night and text during the days plus, Chase has flown out to visit her and her family. Maisy can’t help thinking she is way out of Chase’s league and how will they ever work this out?
I gave this book a 4 instead of the 5 I usually give all Macomber's books. This one had me finding the heroine, Maisy, a bit aggravating at her snobbery to Chase and his riches plus his wanting to help. I understand how one could feel some pride in needing to figure out things that someone with money could fix in a second along with the indebtedness that would invariably follow, but this character was a bit overboard.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chase Furst is impatiently waiting to pay for his newspaper so he can board his flight. However, a woman in front of him is chatting with the cashier which frustrates him. Finally, he asks for the number of the cashier’s supervisor so he can complain. She calmly gives it to him. The cashier and the woman are both surprised at his anger. Next, Chase learns that his flight has been delayed. To make matters worse, the woman chatting with the cashier sits opposite him saying she has been upgraded to first class. When they finally board, he is dismayed to find the woman sitting next to him. Oh, great.

Chase’s father has grown impatient with him to find a girlfriend and settle down so he has chosen someone for him - Astrid. One day, Chase will take over the Furst financial empire.

He tries to ignore the woman sitting next to him, Maisy, but then he blurts that he is going to make funeral arrangements for his mother. Maisy is shocked and sympathetic, but he says she was never a mother to him. Upon arrival, he learns his car has been cancelled and Maisy insists on driving him to the funeral home. When he offers to pay her, she refused and tells him to simply pay it forward one day.

Maisy had been training to be a nurse when she had to drop out to work at the family’s company, Gallagher Jewels after the sudden death of her father. The whole family is struggling to pay the bills and keep everyone going.

Back in Chicago, Chase is looking for ways he can pay it forward and the little things that he does gives him much pleasure. But he can’t stop thinking about Maisy and he wants to get to know her. Can he connect with her and could they possibly have a future together?

I liked this story but I have to admit that Maisy’s adamant refusal to let Chase help her and her family was way overdone. Pride is fine but not when you "cut your nose off to spite your face." But a nice book and one I’m sure readers will enjoy.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Ashleigh Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debbie Macomber has done it again! She is the queen at writing heartwarming and wholesome stories that have a lesson but also get you in the feels. But more importantly, it asks the questions of if one person can change your life?

In Chasing the Clouds Away, we meet Maisy and Chase as they are about to board a flight bound for Seattle. In their initial meeting Chase is less than kind but Maisy doesn't let deter her from attempting to see the best in him. But she also doesn't let it get under skin. She chooses instead to embrace kindness and the thought that perhaps he is going through something that has made him surly. She expects to leave the airport and never see him again. But lo and behold, he needs a ride after his car service cancels. Being the kind and generous soul she is, she gave him a ride and told him to pay it forward. And what unfolds is a story of love and finding your right person where you least expect it.

In the beginning, I was firmly in the I was not going to like Chase. But watching him listen to Maisy's request of paying it forward, had me falling in love with him. He took her advice seriously and he did both big and small acts of kindness. So, the question became, can one person change your life? I loved that theme that was explored throughout the book. Would Chase had changed or viewed the world differently if he hadn't met Maisy that day? Was it meant to be?

But for Maisy, she had to learn to be okay with asking for help or accepting help. She was not keen on accepting Chase's help because it usually came in the form of money. And she didn't want to be a charity case. Which caused them a few moments of grief and misunderstanding. But eventually they fumble their way through it.

This story did a great job at comparing different family dynamics. You have Maisy who's family shows up one another and is tight knit. But Chase's family is a bit disconnected and his parents were divorced. You could see how the differences played a role in their relationship and how it impacted how Maisy and Chase interacted. But through the understanding of the family dynamics and learning to pay it forward, there is a true journey of healing and learning to love your person. All aspects of that person.

It was beautifully written and a delight to read.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Madoka Kamimura Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debbie Macomber brings us a sweet story about giving, love, and family. We first meet Chase at the airport when everything and everyone around him sets him off. He has to wait for the two women in front of him talking when all he wants to do is pay for his newspaper then his flight gets delayed and finally the car that he hired gets cancelled when his flight was delayed. When a stranger offers to take him, he is taken aback by her kindness and selflessness when he was rude to her from the moment they met.

Debbie Macomber shows us what faith and trust can bring us when we show others just a bit of it. Maisy does this for Chase when she offers him a ride and asks him to pay it forward when he offers her money for giving him a ride. This request stays with him as he tries to find a way to pay it forward instead of just making a donation. Meeting Maisy sets Chase off on a different path as he learns the joy of giving and hoping that Maisy can join him on this path of discovery. When visits and phone calls become frequent and they start to care more for each other, will living in two different cities and their financial differences be too big to overcome? When disaster strikes, will they be able to come together and weather the storms together, or will their differences and their past get in the way? Will who they were become their reality, or will who they have become for knowing each other win out in the end?

I enjoyed seeing how they affected each other from their first meeting and how that has grown from page to page. I like how the power of faith and giving changes everyone around them. It was nice to see how being with each other allowed them to grow and become better versions of themselves just by allowing others in.

I have read and received an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Ballantine | Ballantine Books for this privilege.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing the Clouds Away by Debbie Macomber

A Novel


Chasing the Clouds Away by Debbie Macomber
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber comes an uplifting story of an unforgettable chance encounter between a successful yet jaded businessman and a woman who sees—but also expects—the best in everyone, sparking an unlikely romance that challenges their assumptions about generosity, trust, and the gifts of unforeseen love.

Maisy Gallagher has her own dreams, but when her father passes away, she selflessly sets them aside to help her family. Despite knowing it was the right thing to do, she can’t help but wish for the road not taken.

Chase Furst, the hardened heir to a financial empire, is on the other hand primarily focused on his own life and on his work as a bank executive. His childhood was marred by his mother’s struggle with addiction, and left him cynical and emotionally distant.

But then Chase meets Maisy, a beautiful woman full of optimism and kindness who can see past his defenses. To his surprise and annoyance, she offers to help him during a time of need, and declines his offer of payment. Instead, she asks him to pay it forward—and not with money or a quick fix, but through an act of true selflessness. At a loss, Chase doesn’t know where to begin.
A good book.
I recommend reading this book.
Chasing the Clouds Away by Debbie Macomber
is a 5-star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Debbie Macomber.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Macomber’s *Chasing Clouds* is the kind of story that lingers in your heart long after you’ve turned the final page. What struck me most was how beautifully she crafted characters who, on the surface, seem worlds apart—yet somehow, their differences only deepen the connection between them. Watching love grow between such contrasting personalities felt genuine, hopeful, and incredibly moving.

Chase quickly became a standout for me. In a world where promises are often broken, his determination to keep his word—especially when it mattered most—was both admirable and deeply touching. It gave his character a sense of integrity that made me root for him even more.

Another highlight was Simon, Chase’s father. His quiet but powerful act of stepping in to help Maisy and her family, simply because he recognized the positive impact she had on his son, added such a meaningful layer to the story. It wasn’t just about romance—it was about kindness, gratitude, and the ripple effect of compassion.

Emotionally, this book truly delivers. I found myself tearing up during some of the more heartfelt moments, completely drawn into the characters’ struggles and triumphs. And just when things felt heavy, Macomber balanced it perfectly with touches of humor that made me laugh out loud.

*Chasing Clouds* is a warm, uplifting read about love, loyalty, and the unexpected ways people can change each other’s lives. If you’re looking for a story that will make you feel deeply—both joy and heartache—this one is absolutely worth your time.

[Shelly Itkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chase Furst is on his way to Seattle to make arrangements for his mother. He is a very busy bank executive and finds the entire situation a waste of time since he hardly knew his mom, who left when he was a little boy.

Normally, he would take the corporate jet, but it was unavailable, and even though he would be sitting in first class, the plane was delayed.

He goes to pay for a newspaper at the stand and is annoyed because this woman is having a ten-minute conversation with the cashier, and all he wants to do is pay, sit down, and wait for the departure.

Maisy Gallagher is returning home to Seattle and was just paged, told she will be sitting in first class, as her seat has been changed. She is so excited as she has never flown first class before.

On the flight, which puts Maisy at the window and Chase at the aisle, she can tell he is upset. She finally gets him to open up, and he says his mother has passed away and he is flying to Seattle to make funeral arrangements.

Chase is used to having things go his way, and when the car he ordered left because the flight was delayed, Maisy offers to drive him to the funeral parlor to make arrangements.

They could not be more different. He is very wealthy, and she and her family are struggling to get by since her father's death.

She offers to wait with him and then drive him back to the airport, but he refuses and wants to pay her. She refuses and says, "Pay it forward."

I loved this book and read it within 24 hours; it was one of her best. Great to give as a gift to a friend or for Mother's Day.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing the Clouds Away by Debbie Macomber
This story follows Chase as he's left Chicago and on his way to Seattle to plan for his mother's funeral. Everything goes wrong and more. He ends up on the plane with a woman who he had seen in the newspaper store and ends up sitting next to her on the plane. He sets the rules before the plane takes off.
Maisey is heading back to her grandmother's in Seattle and she helps Chase get a ride to the funeral home. He offers to pay and he requests his donate it to charity. He finds a place to make a donation and he knows it's not what Maisey would've wanted it used for....
She talks to her grandmother about the encounter and they go to the service and find out so much more about Chases' mom.
Chase heads back to Chicago for the next days meeting and also to talk to his girlfriend Astrid. He's not feeling the connection any longer...
Chase and Maisey do get together and he promises to never use his money when her family needs it. He gets a call from her calling off their relationship because he used his family money to buy the family business, pay grandmothers health bills, get truck for her older brother, etc. Chase denies it but she won't hear anymore from him.
Such a misunderstanding and like how it all ends.
Received this review copy from Ballantine Ballantine Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#ChasingtheCloudsAway #NetGalley

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chase Furst, is a very successful, hardworking bank executive. He is heir to his family’s bank and financial empire. He meets Maisy Gallaher when he flies to Seattle to settle the affairs of late mother. Maisy is kindness personified. Maisy has put her dreams of becoming a nurse on hold to help out her family. She offers Chase kindness in a situation and encourages him to pay it forward by doing an act of true selflessness. Chase doesn’t get it at first but he can’t get Maisy off his mind. They connect again over the phone and through texts getting to know each other before he decides he must see her again.

This is an uplifting novel that will please fans of the author. Chase and Maisy are good for each other. I like that there aren’t any villains, including Chase’s ex girlfriend. The pay if forward theme is central to the storyline. I thought it was moving to see Chase figure out how he could do that in his life. And Maisy doesn’t nag or shame him but expects him to do better. Some will suggest the theme is cheesy or even preachy. I took it as part of the story that helped Chase see life was more than making money and business meetings.

This is perfect for people who enjoy clean romances with an uplifting message. Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review. (3.5 Stars)