So heartwarming. This is a new beginning for Hope in Oceanside Washington. I love when the setting sets the tone of the book. Location is a character!
This book has the caring touch that Debbie Macomber always provides. I love the details that only small-town life provides. As another reviewer mentioned, school spirit, simpler way of life while not shying away from scandals and subjects that make for an interesting storyline.

Add this book to your beach bag (or work bag… or errand bag)! Its exactly what you hope for.

I received my copy for review from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59911514

Debbie Macomber books just give you warm fuzzy feelings and this book is no exception. This book follows along with her other books set in Oceanside, WA so you get to revisit the previous characters you loved while getting to fall in love with a few new ones as well. This book has everything you can expect from a DM book, Heartbreak, Love, PNW lifestyle and animals who need the right person to adopt them!

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the characters as well as the storyline. The story kept going and. It didnt lag offf like some stories do.

This is a light summer romance about two people who need healing and come together to help each other find it. It reads very quickly, and it's typical of the Debbie Macomber style of writing. I enjoyed the focus on the issues that veterans face when they return from deployment, as well as the shelter animals. There was also an unexpected twist at the end that was interesting. Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for the advance digital copy!

What a wonderful meaningful story. I love veterans and really, if we haven’t been through what they have, do we really know what they are dealing with? I think my favorite characters are the veterans and Harry, who is also a vet. I think Hope is pretty special too. This storyline is wonderful and the characters are even better. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

Two souls in need of healing.

Cade Lincoln, Jr. is an ex-marine dealing with injuries and survivor’s guilt after the loss of two of his best friends in combat in Afghanistan. He has problems dealing with the fact that they died and he is still alive. He was arrested after a bar fight. A compassionate judge ordered counseling, physical therapy, community service and repayment for damage that was done to the bar instead of jail time.

Hope Goodwin’s twin brother died in Afghanistan. Hope and her brother were raised by their grandparents after being abandoned by their drug addicted mother. They never knew their father. Both grandparents were gone now and, with Hunter dead, Hope has no family left. She moved to the small town of Oceanside,Washington to start over teaching Computer Science and American History at the high school. She hopes that moving to the small town will be the change she needs to help her deal with her grief.

Cade’s counselor, Harry, suggested that Cade volunteer at the local animal shelter to complete his community service. Cade agreed. He felt a connection to the abandoned animals. He had been estranged from his parents for six years and considers himself to be without a family.

Preston, Hope’s landlord, was the director of the animal shelter. He suggested that she volunteer at the shelter as a means to meet the people of their little town.

Shadow, was aggressive and mistrustful of people. Nobody at the shelter could get near him for fear of being bitten. Preston feels that they will have to euthanize Shadow, but Hope doesn’t want that to happen. She asks Preston to give Shadow more time so that she could try to gain his trust. She spent a lot of time just sitting in front of Shadow’s kennel talking softly to him. Eventually, Shadow begins to trust Hope and allows her to pet him. She is the only person he trusts. When Preston says that nobody will adopt Shadow and they are going to have to euthanize him. Hope adopts him and takes him home. Shadow and Hope began the healing process together.

Cade begins to heal with the help of counseling and his work at the shelter and Hope is a big part of his healing.

A situation between students at the high school escalates and Hope intervenes, trying to calm the parties involved and prevent further incidents.

Ms. Macomber has written a compelling story that grips the reader from beginning to end. It is a story of the healing power of love. She has been one of my favorite authors for many years. Her characters come alive as the story develops. Her books never disappoint. I definitely recommend The Best Is Yet To Come.

I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I don't think Debbie Macomber ever goes wrong. I love the angst and sympathy along with the happiness and warmth in each book.

This book was no exception and as always I would recommend it to all.

A heartwarming tale of loss, hope and healing. A well-crafted, endearing story with strong characters. Macomber is a master of feel-good stories. Highly recommend The Best is Yet to Come.

ARC was provided by Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Expected Pub Date: July 12, 2022

The story begins with Cade, a Army veteran at his sentencing hearing for a bar fight. The judge sees that the young man has issues from his military service and shows him leniency. The judge reduces his sentence to physical therapy, counseling and community service. Cade decides to do his community service at a animal shelter, this is where he meets Hope. At first Cade doesn't speak to Hope but is impressed with the compassion she shows an abused dog called Shadow.
Hope has recently moved to Oceanview, Washington to make a new life after the loss of his twin brother..
Hope and Cade start a special friendship.

I enjoyed The Best is Yet to Come, it is a sweet, heartwarming story about individual that suffer grief and are will to start over. As always Debbie Macomber writes a story with strong character and a book that is an easy relaxed read.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and give an honest review

Debbie Macomber has written a number of series and Christmas stories. I first read her series that began with 16 Lighthouse Road and made my way through each of the street named entries. This current title is a standalone.

Over the course of the novel, readers follow two characters who have complex histories . Cade is a war vet who is struggling with injuries both physical and psychological. Hope has faced her own losses and has moved to this small California town to have a new start. The two meet when each volunteers at an animal shelter. Dog, Shadow, also becomes a loved character to these two and to readers as well.

Readers follow Cade and Hope as they slowly become friends and, hopefully, something more. Each would so benefit from a good relationship.

Hope works as a teacher and school counselor. One of her brightest students also has issues. Is Hope’s advice to him right? Will he find his way? How much fallout will there be among the other students and the girl that he likes?

This book is titled The Best is Yet to Come. This is what readers will wish for these characters.

This is an easy read even as it touches on some sensitive issues. Fans of the author and women’s stories will want to give this one a look.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House-Ballantine Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 12 Jul 2022
Author joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsPosted on May 30, 2022Leave a comment on Readers hope that: The Best Is Yet to Come Edit "Readers hope that: The Best Is Yet to Come"
Some e book bargains for 5.30.22
a spark of light by Jodi Picoult

I have been reading books by Jodi Picoult for many years and especially enjoyed Salem Falls and Plain Truth. When I read Leaving Time, I felt that the usual twist at the end was more of a trick. I also did not enjoy small great things, probably because it was so difficult to read about the Aryan supremacists. So…I wasn’t sure what I would find when NetGalley and the publisher so kindly gave me an ARC of this book.

Ok, the drought is over! I found a spark of light to be a well-crafted, character based story. As was true in Nineteen Minutes, Ms. Picoult helps the reader to empathize with those who represent all sides of a complex moral and societal issue. There are many in the story: an abortion clinic owner, a nurse, an artist, an elderly woman, a young girl seeking birth control, a person in need of an abortion, a doctor, protesters, infiltrators, a hostage negotiator and more. Each of their stories is told in a narrative going backward in time. Interconnections between characters become clearer as the reader turns the pages.

The primary setting is an abortion clinic that is under siege. It remains unclear who will live and who will not. There are some surprises at the end.

The book is heavily researched. The reader will learn a lot about restrictions, types of terminations, pregnancy counseling, etc. Some times these felt a bit heavy handed but then I imagined what it might be like if I were a young girl and this was the one place that I could find a lot of facts.

I highly recommend a spark of light. It will make you care and it will make you think.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!

THIS ONE IS MORE TIMELY THAN EVER!
First in the long series
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR THERAPISTS AND SOCIAL WORKERS

Author joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsPosted on May 30, 2022Leave a comment on Some e book bargains for 5.30.22 Edit "Some e book bargains for 5.30.22"
Happy Reading from the nyt

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/books/summer-reading.html
Author joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsPosted on May 29, 2022Leave a comment on Happy Reading from the nyt Edit "Happy Reading from the nyt"
What is the meaning of: The Vanishing Type by Ellery Adams
#TheVanishingType #NetGalley

This is the fifth title in this series. I have enjoyed (and reviewed) all of them. These (pretty much) cozy mysteries will hearken to bibliophiles and to those who enjoy stories of female friendships that are honest and built upon trust. The mysteries are also an integral part of the novels.

This time the friends have a lot going on. Hester is getting engaged. Why have many copies of The Scarlet Letter had her name cut out of them, that name she shares with Miss Prynne? Who is the dead body below a cliff? What is the significance of a series of books about women that are old and have flowers in their titles?

Along with these goings on, spend time (at least in imagination) eating book pockets, drinking hot chocolate and browsing the wonderful shelves of Miracle Books. Any reader could make a wish list from the book titles that make their appearance in this title.

I already look forward to the next time that I get to visit with Hester, June, Nora and Estella, and those around them. These include employee Sheldon, character’s children and the women’s romantic interests.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 26 April 2022
Author joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsPosted on May 29, 2022Leave a comment on What is the meaning of: The Vanishing Type by Ellery Adams Edit "What is the meaning of: The Vanishing Type by Ellery Adams"
Some excellent e books are bargains for 5.29.22 (and I previously reviewed them)
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
#WishYouWereHere #NetGalley Pub Date 30 Nov 2021

Jodi Picoult has a magical talent for writing novels that address social issues and concerns while, at the same time, offering readers an involving story with plot, character and a bit of education.

This time the background (and foreground) issue is the Covid epidemic. For some readers, it might still feel too close and they might want to skip reading this title. I would argue against that. In addition to re-experiencing some of the trauma, I was also reminded of how far life has come (at least for those who have been vaccinated). This, of corse, does not mitigate the deep losses that so many experienced in the real world.

The protagonist of this novel is Diana. When the story opens, she is working for Sotheby’s and is in a relationship with a surgical resident at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Diana is working with a client who seems to be based upon Yoko Ono. Due to Diana’s work, readers are treated to some interesting art and music history. I enjoyably learned a lot about Toulouse Lautrec.

Diana and Finn are planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Finn cannot/chooses not to go because of the emerging pandemic and his need to be at work. He encourages Diana to go on the trip and she does. Finn’s emails to Diana offer all of the horror of Covid, especially the early impotence that medical professionals felt in the wake of this tsunami of an epidemic.

Diana makes it to the Galapagos but is stranded there because travel is cut off. She manages to get settled, leading her to meet with a troubled adolescent, her father and her grandmother. They open Diana up to a new world. It is most likely no coincidence that our main character is living where theories of evolution were formed as she may be adapting and changing too.

The Galapagos are beautifully described and form a contrast to life in New York. Which place is right for Diana? Which relationship? What plot twists will Ms. Picoult bring to this, her latest novel? Read the book to find out. I highly recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Paris Bookseller by Kerri Maher
The Paris Bookseller

The Paris Bookseller is historical fiction about Sylvia Beach, those around her and her iconic bookstore, Shakespeare and Company. This is the story of a part of Sylvia’s life; it moves from when she began living in Paris and on into the 1930s. An author’s note at the end of the novel, gives information about Sylvia’s long life and what happened to her following the events of this story.

Readers learn early on that Sylvia was in a significant relationship with Adrienne. The author portrays great historical acceptance for gay relationships at that time. Adrienne, who owned a bookstore, encouraged Sylvia to open her own shop, one that was to feature books for English speakers. The two had a strong attraction to one another and lived together during the events described in the story.

Sylvia’s store becomes very popular with a number of ex pats, including Hemingway and Henry Miller. However, the author with whom Sylvia was most closely associated was James Joyce. She was instrumental in the initial publication of Ulysses. The struggle around getting the book written and published make up much of the novel.

The characters in the story are real people who are brought to imaginative life. I was especially struck by the way in which Joyce was portrayed. True, he was an iconic author but he was also a difficult, narcissistic and needy man in these pages.

Author, Kerri Maher, does a good job of depicting a place, the people who dwelt there and the importance of books. I also enjoyed the way in which daily life, food and more came into the novel.

Those who enjoy historical fiction are likely to want to read this novel. I rate it at four stars.
The Maid by Nita Prose

The Maid has garnered so much praise both before and after publication. It is a book that is definitely worth reading. Those who enjoy The Thursday Murder Club and Ruth Galloway mysteries are certain to love this novel with it quirky, idiosyncratic and (morally) good protagonist.

Molly sees the world in her own way. She appears to be “on the spectrum,” though I hate to use that term and do not want to make Molly anything other than the unique woman that she is. Molly has trouble reading social cues and people’s facial expressions. This can lead to her being naively trusting. Molly speaks with a beautifully old fashioned syntax and sometimes makes rhymes as, for example, “a tissue for your issue.”

Molly lives with her grandmother who works as a domestic. Molly is herself a maid, working at the Grand Hotel. It is a job that suits her orderly personality and Molly takes great pride in her work. (She will hopefully leave readers with more respect for those who toil in hotels for the benefit of the guests).

Molly becomes involved in a series of events that leave her in over her head. There were times when I wanted to yell “stop” to Molly when she trusted some of the hotel staff and guests but, of course, could not do so. The fact that I wanted to is a tribute to the author’s ability to create characters for whom readers will care.

Who will protect Molly? Will she get out of this mess? Will she or the hotel ever be the same? Read this charming, heartfelt novel to find out. To use one of Molly’s favorite words, it is “delightful.”

I sincerely hope that the author’s next book is published soon. I give this first novel of hers five stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades

Brown Girls is a novel that is both universal and highly individual in its portrayal of the titular girls growing up over time. When the novel begins, the girls are children and, as it continues, we readers watch them grow up.

The girls are raised in a most specific location, a poor(er) immigrant neighborhood in Queens. These are the children of immigrants who came to America wanting more for their children. However, at the same time, they want their daughters to be “good.” This can, at times, mean compliant and the wish for them to stay close to home.

However, the world beckons, even if that world in their neighborhood, in Manhattan, and beyond can be quite unkind and worse. The author truly understands micro aggression; there teachers who don’t (bother to) know their students’ names and somehow think that they are interchangeable, store clerks who think girls with tiny purses can hide and steal large dresses in them and more difficult experiences of daily life.

The girls always face decisions-leave the neighborhood for a “better” school, go to college from at home or away, what boyfriends to have and more. Their choices are complex.

The unconscious (is it?) racism of the parents of white friends is well portrayed. So is the girls being asked to answer questions for their whole community, even when they cannot know the answers.

How will these girls grow up? Follow along as they move into their adult lives.

It is hard to believe that this is a first novel. It is so descriptively well written. The author writes in the “we” voice and does it well. Each short vignette builds the readers knowledge of the lives of these girls.

I most highly recommend this novel. I so deeply wished for the brown girls-women to have the futures that they want. And, yes, for the world they live in to be different and better.
The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes (Hogan)

The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes: A NovelThis is author Ruth Hogan’s second novel. I was quite moved by it and plan to read her debut, The Keeper of Lost Things. She has a talent for describing characters who are fully human, quirky and both struggling and trying their best.

The novel is about two women and those they know, love and/or have lost. Masha is a mother whose child disappeared a number of years ago and, although not found, was presumed to be dead. Masha has grieved for him and has struggled to progress in her life. The reader observes as she moves forward bit by bit, fortified by new and old relationships. Part of Masha’s story takes place at the lido, a favorite locale for me after reading Libby Page’s novel. As in that novel, swimming yields some peace.

Then there is Alice. She is a mother who is overprotective and very attached to her son. Her backstory is told with compassion and the reader comes to understand her struggles and decisions.

Sally, herself, is a elderly woman whose past history becomes known late in the novel. She is eccentric and a source of some of Masha’s healing. She reminds Masha of the importance of continuing to dance, both literally and metaphorically. Other characters include Kitty who has overcome her own tragedy.

While characters in this book have experienced loss, the story is not depressing. Ruth Hogan writes empathically and I was sorry when the novel ended. There is a twist that you might see coming but, even if you know, you can enjoy reading about it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-galley. Ruth Hogan is an author to watch!
Author joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsPosted on May 29, 2022Leave a comment on Some excellent e books are bargains for 5.29.22 (and I previously reviewed them) Edit "Some excellent e books are bargains for 5.29.22 (and I previously reviewed them)"
Some e book bargains for 5.29.22
An excellent title
I recommend this one
Author joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsPosted on May 29, 20222 Comments on Some e book bargains for 5.29.22 Edit "Some e book bargains for 5.29.22"
They paved the way: 100 Women Who Shaped World History
by Gail Meyer Rolka

This book recently came to my attention on NetGalley even though it was published a number of years ago. That does not take away from it being an interesting and wide-ranging title and resource. This would make a great gift for a child who is interested in biography and history.

The range of the entries is impressive, beginning with Hatshepsut and ending with Rigoberta Menchu. Many of these women were known to me but a number were not. Each entry is short and interesting. Children who are intrigued may want to look for longer biographies of some of those featured. Of course, this title can be dipped into in any order although it is organized by chronology. There are trivia questions and project ideas at the end.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 01 Apr 1994
Author joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsPosted on May 28, 2022Leave a comment on They paved the way: 100 Women Who Shaped World History Edit "They paved the way: 100 Women Who Shaped World History"
For budding (pun acknowledged) artists: Drawing and Painting Beautiful Flowers
Discover Techniques for Creating Realistic Florals and Plants in Pencil and Watercolor
by Kyehyun Park
#DrawingandPaintingBeautifulFlowers #NetGalley

Whenever I am in a class and I start to doodle, it is flowers that I draw. I know though that I could do better. That knowledge made me want to take a look at this title.

This book begins with chapters on needed materials, sketching and watercolors. There are then different things to draw including simple flowers, flower clusters, and, fruits and potted plants.

Step by step instructions for each project are included. It felt to me as if some of these might be challenging to a complete beginner but, with patience, hopefully much can be achieved.

It’s no surprise that this book on drawing flowers has lovely illustrations. I also liked the author’s message that one should enjoy the process rather than the result.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto-Quarry for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 14 Jun 2022

This is a very light romance from a well known author. Hope moves to the western coast to a small town to teach. She meets Cade, a veteran who is getting back into society after recovering from a war injury. There are no surprises in the plot, just a simple storyline.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, I was provided an ARC of The Best Is Yet To Come by Debbie Macomber via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

*****Publishing July 12, 2022****


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hope is a teacher and counselor at a local high school. She is a counselor the students trust, so helps navigates them through difficult situations. Hope’s life hadn’t been easy, as she was raised by her grandparents and has recently lost her twin brother while serving in Afghanistan. This has taken a tole on her, so she decides to move from California to Washington for a much needed change. Is this the change she is looking for?

Cade is an injured veteran who injured himself physically and mentally in Afghanistan has gotten himself in legal trouble. The judge understands what Cade needs in order to get his life together, so he has to complete PT, community service and counseling instead of serving time in jail. Will his court order help him turn his life around?

Hope and Cade both volunteer at the local animal shelter and becomes friends. Will they be able to help each other navigate life? What will become of their friendship? Will this give them a second chance at having a loving and healthy life?

I love how Debbie Macomber includes difficult topics in her books, but weaves them into a heartfelt and uplifting story that has a happy ending! It shows that even after hardships and loss, there is hope.

A wonderful book to include on your Summer Reading list!

I loved this story about healing from the effects of war. We read about the many different injuries that soldiers can endure, physical, mental and emotional. On top of that, I just happened to read this over Memorial weekend. It was perfect in that it served as a wonderful reminder that we need to cherish those who have bravely served our country and help them in however we can. Also, there is a huge impact on the lives of family and friends as well. As always, Debbie Macomber has written a wonderful story that I highly recommend. I received an early readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. Another outstanding book by an amazing author.

This is a very typical Debbie Macomber read, a sweet clean read full of hope and healing. Hope is a high school teacher who lost her soldier twin brother. Cade is an injured soldier dealing with the effects of PTSD and struggling with life. They meet at an animal shelter where Hope volunteers and Cade is doing mandated service hours. Hope is trying to make friends with Shadow, a traumatized German shepherd who will be euthanized soon if he continues to be aggressive. Thrown in the mix are Hope's students from the high school who are going through drama that will eventually involve Hope and Cade. With Debbie Macomber, you are assured that there will be a climax to the story that will lead to a happily ever after for the characters and that makes her books an entertaining and enjoyable read. If you need a book free from tough language and graphic sex, this is your story.

Name of Book: The Best is Yet to Come
Author: Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group ~ Ballantine
Genre: Romance/Chick Lit
Pub Date: July 12, 2022
My Rating: 3.7 rounded up

Story takes place in Oceanside, Washington.
Our main characters are Hope Godwin a teacher at the local high school who is dealing with the death of her twin brother.
Cade Lincoln Jr. an ex-Marine who is dealing with his injuries and some PTSD.
They both are volunteers at the local animal shelter. There is a recue dog that has developed an attachment to Hope and they name “Shadow” as he like loves to shadow her.

Story also includes Callie Rhodes and Spencer Brown teenage students at the school where Hope works.
Callie is beautiful and very popular dating Scott Pender, the star football player. Spencer is a computer geek and doesn’t run in the same social circle as Callie. Spencer takes an easy computer class as she is attracted to Callie who is also in the class. Callie recognizes Spencer’s talent and asked for his help and states she will pay him.
He says no payment is needed ~ she insists. He says Okay, the fee is that she go to the prom with him. This, of course, creates a problem with Scott!
Sometimes a nice wholesome (no profanity) Debbie Macomber romance is just perfect!

Want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group ~ Ballantine for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 12, 2022

"The Best Is Yet to Come" by Debbie Macomber
Hooray for tomorrow !!
Yes, this is a romance story, but also so much more. It is not a light fluffy read. At least for me it was a dark, broody, compelling read. I was caught up by the conflicts in the lives of each of the four main characters, Hope, Cade, Spencer, & Callie. It is a page-turning story that just may require a tissue or two. And, there is a villain will you figure out who it is before the author shares the answer? Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley.
This review expresses my honest opinion.

What a great book! Cade Lincoln is in a bit of trouble and dealing with the after effects of serving and being injured in battle. Hope Goodwin has just moved to Oceanside in search of a new beginning after the loss of her twin brother, Hunter. Together they learn what it means to heal and begin to live again, while helping a few teens and a dog along the way. Mrs Macomber has done a fantastic job once again.


**I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book provides a story of new beginnings and healing. The characters in Oceanside, Washington, enjoy the idyllic setting their town offers in the form of school spirit and the simpler way of life, Debbie didn't shy away from the scandals and lack of opportunities that are also part of it. Hope gave hope to Shadow and the dog provides companionship to Hope. The dog suffered from fear and loneliness, too, until Hope worked patiently with him to gain his trust. Cade found hope in Hope. Watching her dedicate time and energy to an animal that had been cast aside, just as he had, helped him see that not everyone in the world was heartless and considered him damaged beyond repair. Through counseling, group therapy, and spending time with Hope, Cade learned that his self-destructive behaviors didn't have to continue, and that included the estrangement with his parents. Yes, there were the usual misunderstandings in a new relationship that resulted in anger and shutting down rather than patience and understanding, but even then, the reader could sense how much the two characters still cared about each other. The PTSD storyline was appropriately written and didn't overly dramatize the condition that many veterans deal with every day. The book honors veteran's and their struggles as well as educating students on the importance of our Veteran's.

Thank you NetGalley, Debbie Macomber and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of The Best Is Yet to Come.

Thank you NetGalley for my advanced reader copy of The Best is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber. Debbie Macomber always writes an uplifting, fun read and she did not disappoint with this one either. I’m not sure the characters were the most believable, but they were likeable, so, don’t overthink each one. The teenagers in this book offered a side story that was just ok. Overall, I would recommend this book f you are looking for a light, feel good story with a happy ending.