The Best Is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber: Book Review

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

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?

Debbie Macomber, the author of A Walk Along the Beach, Window on the Bay, Cottage by the Sea, Any Dream Will Do, If Not for You, and the Rose Harbor Inn series, is a leading voice in women's fiction. Thirteen of her novels have reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, and five of her beloved Christmas novels have been hit movies on the Hallmark Channel, including Mrs. Miracle and Mr. Miracle. Hallmark Channel also produced the original series Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove, based on Macomber's Cedar Cove books. She is also the author of the cookbook Debbie Macomber's Table. There are more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide.

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.)