The Best Is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber

The Best Is Yet to Come
by Debbie Macomber

ISBN-13: 9781984818843
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Released: July 12th 2022

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
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-soldier, 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.

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?


My Review:
The Best Is Yet to Come is a heartwarming story with several sweet romances. Hope patiently won the trust of the dog (which wasn't the focus of the story) and also Cade's trust as he watched her patience and kindness with the dog. Cade's attracted to her, but he has become comfortable feeling angry and worthless. Not only couldn't he save his best friends when he was also injured in Afghanistan, but his parents refused to support his choices. Cade and Hope learned to trust one another (through some ups and downs) and healed enough to build a solid relationship.

Among Hope's high school students were a nerd and a cheerleader who once were good friends. The girl's worried about her twin brother, who's on the football team and appears to be taking drugs. She reaches out to the nerd to help her figure out who's supplying the drugs in return for going to the Homecoming dance with him. She initially resents this bargain, her recent boyfriend is set on punishing him for taking his girl, and the drug dealer doesn't want to get caught. This provided some mild suspense.

There were no sex scenes. There were a couple uses of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable story.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.