Hope teaches at the local high school and volunteers at the animal shelter. When a "dangerous" dog is brought in, Hope knows he just needs someone to show him the world isn't as bad as he has experienced so far. But when Cade shows up at the shelter to work off his community service, is her heart open enough to let him in too?

Debbie Macomber's The Best is Yet to Come was on my list of books to read before summer ends. Between her summer books and her Christmas books, I usually find myself liking her Christmas books a bit more. I think it is because her summer books are often about divorced or widowed women finding love for a second time whereas her Christmas books are often rom-coms featuring characters finding love for the first time.

So I was a little surprised when I picked up The Best is Yet to Come was about a young single woman (maybe in her 30s) and a young single man. It was like her Christmas stories without Christmas as the setting. Actually is set during the school year so if you haven't picked it up yet it will make a great fall read.

I was a little worried when they were at the animal shelter a lot and there was an "unadoptable" dog. I don't like reading books with animals because I almost always cry. But there were plenty of scenes away from the shelter and there is a happy ending for the dog so if you are like me and shy away from books with animals you don't have to worry with this one.

I really liked the characters. They are sweet and you will be rooting for them both - not only to get together but also to heal from their pasts.

It is listed as book 3 in the Oceanside series. I read book 2, A Walk Along the Beach, but The Best is Yet to Come can totally be read on its own. I actually didn't realize it was part of a series until I was looking at it on Goodreads just now.

My review is published at Girl Who Reads - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2022/09/the-best-is-yet-to-come-by-debbie.html

Hope Goodwin has moved to Oceanside, WA to move on from the death of her twin brother in Afghanistan. Cade Lincoln, an ex-Marine, has also settled in Oceanside after injuring his leg and losing his two best friends in Afghanistan. Hope and Cade meet at a local animal rescue shelter, where Hope manages to calm down an angry shepherd who has been mistreated and abandoned, impressing Cade as well as the rest of the staff. As a local high school teacher/counselor, Hope likewise meets and deals with the town’s teenagers and their problems. As time goes on, Cade and Hope forge a trust that begins to grow into something much deeper. In the book sub-plot, Hope also becomes involved in her students’ problems–one of which blossoms into a real-life issue that consumes them as well as almost everyone around them. A second sub-plot involves Cade’s family, with whom he is badly estranged.

This is a book well worth reading. It is as good as any of the author’s other books. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Hope and Cade grow. The insertion of the shepherd into the story only added to my enjoyment. Again, I enjoyed watching Hope and Cade’s concern and love for the dog grow as the story progressed. The sub-plot around her students was fascinating to follow. It was definitely real-life and could have easily happened anywhere, while adding more real-time to the story. This is one more of the author’s books I have enjoyed tremendously, and I am grateful to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review it.

So many topics that touches my heart that I has a hard time putting it down. Both Hope and Cade have pasts that they are dealing with and a friendship develops that turns into so much more. A rescue dog, Shadow that Hope adopts. Who doesn't love a rescue dog? Hope is a high school teacher who is dealing with bullying. The bullying breaks my heart.

This is a book that you don't want to miss. Wonderful characters, who many can relate to. A story of forgiveness and learning to move forward in life.

Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors. When I received an advance reader copy through Netgalley I was excited. Hope and Cade both have to overcome losses. Cade has physical and emotional scars that need healing. Hope finds a way to build trust through adopting a dog from the shelter. Cade and Hope are both volunteers at the shelter. Hope is a high school teacher and guidance counselor. There is an underlying issue that begins to grow into a large problem for the football team and town. Family issues and counseling sessions provide an outlet for friendships and love to grow. I recommend The Best is Yet to Come if you enjoy fiction and cozy romance.

Debbie Macomber writes wonderfully readable books with lots of heart. This story focuses on Hope who needs a fresh start and Cade who has hit rock bottom. I particularly enjoyed Hope’s relationship with Shadow, an abused dog she works with while volunteering at the local animal shelter. I also greatly appreciated Harry, Cade’s counselor, who was written with so much wisdom and control.

The story involves issues such as PTSD, abandonment, and, since Hope is the high school counselor there are relationship conflicts and drug use issues. The story was very well-written and easy to read. I received a free copy of this book for my honest voluntary review from NetGalley. I continue to be a fan of Debbie Macomber because of great books such as this one.

I loved reading this romance story. This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. Her books are engaging and her attention to details bring the story to life. Her writing style makes her book easy and entertaining to read. This is a well written story where the characters are written with alot of heart and soul. They have great growth throughout. I also enjoyed their chemistry. They are relateable and truly bring the story to life. This is a fast paced romance story that you don't want to miss. This is a hard to put down story that had me coming back for more. I highly recommend this book and this author.

A tale of two broken people that find a second chance in love. Debbie Macomber does it again with a timeless and classy love story.

Hope and Cade are two young people who’ve been damaged by war. They both relocate to Oceanside, Washington in search of a new start. They meet at a animal shelter. Over time their walls break down and they become friends and then more. Hope is a teacher/counselor at the nearby high school. A parallel story involving three teens, bullying and drugs becomes interweaved with Hope and Cade’s story. In typical Macomber fashion, this is a cozy read with some romance and some lessons. I enjoyed it and recommend it. I thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ebook copy of “The Best is Yet to Come” by Debbie Macomber in exchange for a honest review.This is another heartwarming book from Debbie Macomber about a woman named Hope who lost her twin brother to war and even though she works as a teacher in a local high school is very lonely.Enter Cade, an ex soldier who survived Afghanistan even those his 2 buddies didn’t.He has a chip on his shoulder, is estranged from his family and has anger issues.Through the story, they each come to rely on each other and form a united front to help some of Hopes high school students when a drug scandal erupts.A feel good story.Highly recommend!

Hope and Cade both come to Oceanside to start over. They are both trying to escape tragic pasts involving loss of a loved one in the military.

Hope is a teacher but finds she needs a little bit more in her life so she volunteers at an animal shelter. Cade gets into trouble but a sympathetic judge sends him to counseling and assigns community service which he completes at the same animal shelter.

Cade sees Hope and how she treats the emotionally wounded and forlorn animals. They begin to cross paths a lot and things between the develop and progress. At the high school where Hope teaches and counsels, some kids are telling her about drugs circulating around the campus. Cade is concerned about Hope's safety, but Hope is worried most about the students.

Can Cade and Hope save each other and find happiness?

This was a very Hallmark-y story. I can totally see this as a movie! I Ioved it because it was a quick read that had all the feels. The story was interesting and emotional. It really brought to light some of the PTSD issues a returning soldier might encounter. The characters were amazing people who seemed determined to do what was right and tried to do their best. Very uplifting and satisfying 😌

The story of Hope and Luke is a typical DM book. I was not expecting the judge. Time can heal. Whether it is an animal’s heart or a human’s heart. I wish Luke had been not so quick to make judgements. But I understand it was part of the storyline. As with other DM books I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their backstories. I would recommend this to someone looking for an easy uncomplicated book or anyone who enjoys reading DM style books. I look forward to reading more of her books.

If you have ever read a Debbie Macomber story, you know that there is usually a certain pattern followed. Her newest The Best Is Yet To Come is no exception. In this one, two characters are unexpectedly brought together and help each other heal. Both characters have been wounded but, find an undeniable pull when they are near each other.

Hope Goodwin moves to Oceanside, Washington to find a new beginning for herself. She is grieving the loss of her twin brother and finds the small town by the ocean to be very welcoming. She starts as a new teacher at the local high school and also becomes the teacher that students come to for a listening ear. Hope has a warm heart and tries to find the best in people. She is also a little stubborn and she doesn't like to give up on people.

Not only doesn't she like to give up on people, she fights for the underdog. In this case, it is a shelter dog named Shadow. Shadow is a rescue dog that everyone has given up on. He growls at anyone that tries to enter his cage. He doesn't trust anyone but, when Hope starts volunteering at the shelter, he starts letting her near. I loved the bond that starts forming between Hope and Shadow. Debbie Macomber writes human/animal bonds just so well.

There is something else pulling at Hope and that is fellow volunteer Cane. Cane is a wounded ex-Marine with a gruff exterior. He is at the shelter because it was part of his sentencing for when he lost control and destroyed a local bar. He feels like he is not worth saving but, feels a pull to Hope's goodness. These two characters become really vulnerable with each other. I enjoyed the way that their relationship was built up. They become very comfortable with each other.

The Best Is Yet To Come creates a really nice found family. Unfortunately it does have one of your typical clichés - misunderstanding without taking about it - but if you can overlook that, it'll all be okay. I enjoy reading Debbie Macomber books as the characters are usually sweet and the story flows easily. They usually are exact what I need to help pass the time and possibly even rejuvenate my desire to read.

**Rating: 3.5 Stars**

When I open a Debbie Macomber book, I always know that I have several hours of a great story, a romance and characters that are very relatable. She started her career writing romance novels and has developed to writing books that have some romance but they are also about struggles that people have in life and character growth toward understanding their lives and challenges.

Hope moved to a small town in Washington State after her brother was killed in action. She is distraught but knows that she needs to learn to live a life without her brother in it. She teaches at the local high school and starts to get involved in the community. Her landlord suggests that she volunteer at the animal shelter. While there, she bonds with Shadow, a dog that has been mistreated and doesn't trust anyone. As she begins to spend more time with Shadow, she meets Cade, another volunteer. He is brusque and unfriendly but as they begin to spend more time together, they become friends...just friends. Cade is hiding that he is a wounded vet from the rest of the world but as he and Hope become friends, he begins to share his past with her. Can their friendship turn into love or do they both have too much baggage to be able to trust each other and help each other heal? This is a beautifully written book about two lost people who try to heal their hearts while helping someone else. It's a story of love and forgiveness and learning to look toward the future instead of the past.

Such a great story. I love that the MC was older and easier for me to relate to. It’s full of second chances and learning to live life again.
Debbie Macomber can do no wrong!

Thank you to NetGalley for the complimentary book.

Debbie Macomber is one of my absolute favorite authors!

Her newest book The Best Is Yet to Come came out last week and it's a wonderful book about new beginnings in this romance.

I love Debbie Macomber books because of the sweet romances, great characters and lovely stories she creates. I read this a few weeks ago and it was the perfect book to read out on my deck!

Wee Willie's Wiener Wagon


Now that I have your attention, READ THIS BOOK! Debbie Macomber is such a terrific story teller and I couldn't turn these pages fast enough. Hope Goodwin is new to Oceanside and has every intention of starting all over. Her landlord suggests she volunteer at the animal shelter and before long she meets Cade, an ex-marine, and Shadow, a rescue dog. She also loves her job as a teacher & counselor but there's a very aggressive student lately that she is keeping an eye on. This is one of those stories that has 2 very well thought out story lines that seamlessly fit into each other AND they both tie up nicely.

This novel is full of Hope, love, second chances, and even a few tears. Definitely give it a chance!

TW- Military death (off page) & animal abuse (off page).

I was lucky to receive an advance copy of The Best Is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review and opinion. First off, I'm going to say anything by Debbie Macomber is always a huge hit and this book absolutely lived up to that reputation. LOVED IT! This will tug at your heart strings and keep you guessing until the end as there are plenty of twists and turns throughout the book. Do yourself a favor and read this at the first opportunity you have.

I have enjoyed Debbie Macomber's books for a long time, so I am always interested when I see that she has a new book. Her stories are always entertaining and well written, and this one was no exception.

The main storyline revolves around Hope and Cade, both dealing with traumatic losses and in search of healing. I thought this really shined a light on PTSD and the struggles that the military deal with in returning home--- both physical and mental. I definitely felt like this was a very pro-servicemember story, which I certainly appreciated as military wife. In addition, there was also another storyline with a few of the teenagers from the school Hope worked. At first, I wasn't quite sure about this particular storyline but in the end I did enjoy it and it helped move Hope and Cade's story as well.

I must admit, this might not have been my favorite Debbie Macomber read... but it was an enjoyable one nonetheless. If you enjoy a sweet, clean romance, this is certainly one to check out. (Note: while it is a clean romance, there are a handful of curse words-- I believe less than five total.)

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Absolutely loved this book! You can never go wrong with Debbie Macomber but i found this to be her best yet!

Keep the tissues close by as you are reading THE BEST IS YET TO COME by Debbie Macomber. She will have your emotions all over the place. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to Hope and Cade after so much heartache! Two wounded people, starting over, are brought together by a special dog to find love with one another. What an awesome story. All of Debbie’s characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will also wonder how much heartache a person can stand before they completely break down and shatter.

THE BEST IS YET TO COME is all about family and the past and the secrets that come out are heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Cade and Hope and all the secondary characters. Hope is shattered after a family tragedy that leaves her all alone in the world. How will she ever get over her grief? She decides the only place she can be happy is at the animal shelter. Maybe she can find the meaning of her life once again. Cade is also a volunteer at the animal shelter as part of his court mandated community service hours. He is also someone who is hurting and shies away from humans. THE BEST IS YET TO COME is a heart tugging story that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once you start reading, it will be very hard to put down!

THE BEST IS YET TO COME is without a doubt one of the best books I’ve read in 2022 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. My heart broke for Cade and Hope and for all they were dealing with but Cade shredded me. He is so a lonely and and no one deserves to be all alone like that and he really doesn’t want to be. I really loved the way THE BEST IS YET TO COME shows how some of our Veterans come home from war and the struggles they are faced with. Debbie Macomber really knows how to write about family drama, heartbreak, and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. I have many of her older books to read and that brings me so much joy and happiness to know they are waiting for me!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Ballantine Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.