The Best is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber -a Review

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Description:
A new beginning in charming Oceanside, Washington, is exactly what Hope Godwin needs after the death of her twin brother. There are plenty of distractions, like her cozy cottage with the slightly nosy landlords next door, and a brewing drama among her students at the local high school.

Despite having settled quickly into the community, something is still missing for Hope. That is, until her landlord convinces her to volunteer at his animal shelter. There she meets Shadow, a rescue dog that everyone has given up on. But true to her name, Hope believes he’s worth saving.

Like Shadow, shelter volunteer Cade Lincoln Jr., is suffering with injuries most can’t see. A wounded ex-marine, Cade identifies with Shadow, assuming they are both beyond help. Hope senses that what they each need is someone to believe in them, and she has a lot of love to give. As she gains Shadow’s trust, Hope notices Cade begins to open up as well. Finding the courage to be vulnerable again, Cade and Hope take steps toward a relationship, and Hope finally begins to feel at peace in her new home.

But Hope’s new happiness is put to the test when Cade’s past conflicts resurface, and Hope becomes embroiled in the escalating situation at the high school. Love and compassion are supposed to heal all wounds. But are they enough to help Hope and Cade overcome the pain of their past and the obstacles in the way of a better future?

Review:

The Best is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber is a heartwarming standalone novel. We meet Hope Godwin, our heroine, who recently moved to Oceanside, Washington, and is a teacher at the local high school.  Hope lost her twin brother, and both of her parents, and hopes that this small town will take away the grief and build a new life; though she still feels like something is missing.  Her landlord asks her to help out as a volunteer at his Animal shelter; soon she meets Shadow, a rescue dog, who is aggressive to anyone who approaches him.  She decides to spend more time with Shadow, determined to get him to know her, and bring him out of his shell. To everyone’s surprise, Shadow slowly begins to change, learning to love Hope, with her adopting Shadow.

We also meet, Cade Lincoln, our hero, a former marine, who is in court, being sentenced in a bar fight.  Cade lost his best friends during the war, which continues his despondent and angry behavior.  The judge sees that he is a shell of his former self, and knows he was awarded the purple heart.  She decides to give him choices; do volunteer work and therapy or go to jail for a year; Cade accepts the volunteer work, which also include counseling and therapy.   Cade decides to work at the Animal shelter as part of his community service, where he will eventually meet Hope. 

Cade watches how great Hope is patiently handling, Shadow, and in a short time he will open up to befriending Hope.  In a short time, their friendship, helps find the courage to move toward a relationship and slowly happiness, peace and romance. 

There is another storyline with Hope’s students, that she will get involved to help; but the issues are intense, with high school drama, attacks, kidnapping, as well as drugs. I really loved Hope, as she was a terrific heroine. I did like Cade, but he would jump to conclusions at times.  I loved loved Shadow, who turned into an amazing and wonderful dog. 

The Best is Yet to Come is a wonderful heartwarming story line, so very well written by Debbie Macomber.  The story covered many issues, dealing with family, tragedy, obstacles, school issues, drugs and PDST; but Macomber gave us a great couple in a pure clean romance. I wholly suggest you read The Best is Yet to Come.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher