*The Best is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber

*The Best is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine Ballantine Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

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.

Even having settled quickly into the community, Hope still feels something is still missing. That is, until her landlords convince her to volunteer at their 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 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?

If you like sweet stories about small town life, you will enjoy, The Best is Yet to Come. Debbie Macomber does a wonderful job of capturing small town life in Oceanside, Washington. In Oceanside, having a winning high school football team is everything and the entire town is always there to cheer the team to victory.

The two main characters, Cade and Hope are easy to like and connect with. They both have baggage from their pasts and are in emotional pain. They know how painful losing someone close to you can be. Until Cade and Hope meet, they are two lost souls just surviving. These two are perfect for each other as they slowly heal and fall in love.

Cade and Hope meet when they volunteer at a dog shelter. Cade has finished his military service, which has left him with scars both physically and mentally. Cade has built up walls around his heart and is happy to live by himself with little human interaction. Hope helps Cade open up and learn to enjoy life again.

This heartwarming story left me with a good feeling. It is emotional, has an interesting plot, good pacing and has a realistic portrayal of the two main characters that are layered and easy to connect with. This poignant story captured my heart.