Debbie Macomber is definitely one of my go-to, automatically purchase / read authors. I don't think I've ever read something by her that I've been a smidge disappointed in.

Hope's twin dies, it's tragic, she doesn't know how she will cope.

She heads to Oceanside, Washington.

Hope starts volunteering at the local dog shelter at the urging of her landlord and it's just what she needs, even if she doesn't know it right off the bat.

She encounters Shadow, whos' bruised and battered and down on his luck - basically Hope in dog form. The two of them will eventually heal each other.

Cade, also a volunteer is struggling. He and Shadow do not have the same relationship that Shadow and Hope do, but Cade is hoping and trying to get over life to have a relationship with Hope.

Love, Life, and Baggage, can these suffering humans made it?

I just reviewed The Best Is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber. #TheBestIsYettoCome #NetGalley

The Best is Yet to Come

by Debbie Macomber

When a hurt is so deep, so intense, that it permeates your very soul; when it causes pain that is both physical and mental, is there any way out? Cade survived a firefight after watching his two best friends die. He has a leg injury, PTSD, and a lot of anger. He lost his parents’ support when he chose not to follow the family tradition of becoming a lawyer.

Shadow is a German Shepherd who was abused and neglected; but even in his malnourished state, he is aggressive toward all in the animal shelter until he meets Hope. Hope is a high school teacher and counselor who is determined to win Shadow over with patience and love. Can she do the same for Cade?

Hope has her own past to get over as her twin brother died in Afghanistan. He was her only remaining family member, and they were very close.

Along the journey Cade makes toward wellness, we meet Harry his VA counselor, the other members of his group counseling sessions, and a lot of supportive people.

The Best is Yet to Come is a book with relevant issues facing many who have served in the military and their loved ones. It is a clean romance with emotional impact. A quick read, it provides lots of opportunities to take breaks, but you won’t want to. The story line includes interactions with some of Hope’s students focusing on their struggles, and it climaxes with an action-packed scene.

The author provides satisfying resolution to all the plot threads, and the book leaves you wanting to read another Debbie Macomber novel. Fortunately, there are many you can choose from.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Women’s Fiction, Romance

Notes: This is #3 in the series Oceanside, but it read like a standalone to me. I was not aware it was part of a series until I began to write the review.

Publication: July 12, 2022—Balantine (Random House)

Memorable Lines:

The memories of that last battle engagement clawed at him like an eagle’s talons, his sleep peppered with nightmares that his mind insisted on tossing at him like a hundred-mile-an-hour hardball pitch. He drank to forget. To sleep. To escape.

“By being loners, we feel like we’re handling life; we’ve built this fortress around ourselves. Involving others, inviting them into our pain, is hard. We resist. We don’t like it. We feel we can handle it on our own. We’re islands unto ourselves, not needing anyone.”

“An attitude of gratitude,” Harry said. “That, young man, will take you far.”

Debbie Macomber is an author that I have been reading for a long time and I never get tired of picking up her summer and holiday releases! Debbie is based in Washington and all of her books (at least that I remember) are set in the PNW so I couldn’t resist carrying her newest book along with me on my trip to Washington last month for a photo op.😍

The Best is Yet to Come is a heartwarming story about grief, found family, and second chances. It is a pure comfort read and feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket. I especially loved the focus on veterans, the physical and mental struggles they face after serving their country, and how it can affect their relationships and lives once they return home. While they can be considered a little cheesy, I return to Debbie’s books over and over again because they provide an easy read that is wholesome and always full of hope. I finished The Best is Yet to Come with a smile on my face and a full heart. ❤️

Even though it released over the summer, it would actually make a great cozy fall read as it does have a storyline that involves the small town’s high school football team and also takes place throughout the fall months including Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving.

Thank you so much Debbie Macomber and Netgalley for the gifted copies! All opinions are my own!

A good read with good flow to the story. I like the small town setting.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Whenever I need a pick-me-up book, I can always count on Debbie Macomber to deliver! This feel-good story is definitely no exception. Hope and Cade both are looking for new starts in life based on past hurts and disappointments. Issues that Hope has with her students brings the story into modern times and makes it all the more realistic. New starts can bring happiness and contentment! I will certainly be recommending this book to my reader friends!

I don't know how she does it but every time I read a Debbie Macomber book it feels like wrapping myself in a nice warm blanket. I loved her Cedar Cove series and was sad when the series ended, every time I read one I felt like I was visit old friends. I thoroughly enjoyed The Best Is Yet To Come and was happy to find it was book 3 of a series. It can be read as a standalone as I didn't feel I was missing a lot without the other two, though I can't wait to read the first two. If you enjoy a quick, easy to read heartwarming story with relatable characters I would definitely recommend reading this one!

The Best Is Yet to Come (Oceanside #3) was a great read by Debbie Macomber. Hope Godwin is looking for a new beginning in Oceanside, Washington after the death of her twin brother. She has settled quickly but still feels as though something is missing. Everything changes when her landlord convinces her to volunteer at his animal shelter. She meets Shadow, a rescue dog that everyone has given up on, but Hope believe's he's worth saving. Shelter volunteer Cade Lincoln Jr, is suffering from injuries that many people can't see. He is a wounded ex-marine who identifies with Shadow. As Hope gains Shadows trust, she sees Cade beginning to open up as well. Cade and Hope take steps towards a relationship which helps Hope feeling at peace in her new home. Unfortunately Cade's past conflicts resurface and hope becomes embroiled in an escalating situation at the high school. I loved reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.

Hope Goodwin is looking for a new beginning after the death of her twin brother. There is plenty to distract her, but she finds that volunteering in the local animal shelter is just what she needs to fill the gaps and empty spaces. She meets Shadow and believes he is worth saving. Cade Lincoln also volunteers at the shelter and is vulnerable and hides his emptions. Cade and Hope begin a relationship, but it is tested when Cade's past conflict surface and Hope becomes immersed in a situation at the high school. The book deals sensitively with issues of grief and PTSD. Their journey you will enjoy following as you root for them.

Another Macomber that pulls and tugs on your heartstrings. She is the master of escapism. Hope abd her work at the animal shelter will move you. Macomber is perfect for escapism reading!

A light read set in a quaint Oceanside town in Washington State. Hope has lost everyone in her life and decides to start over. She accepts a teaching position at the high school and makes new friends. Cade catches her eye at the animal shelter and sparks ignite. Cade a veteran with ptsd who volunteers there has numerous issues he’s grappling with. He and Hope quickly become friends and a romance begins to bud. Hope is well liked by her students and they begin to seek out her advice and confide in her. Callie and Spencer have been friends all through school however Spencer has had a crush on her for some time. Things take a dark turn and choices are made. A well written story with endearing characters. The situation each faces is very relatable. It really has a mix of different situations which keeps the reader engaged. #NetGalley #TheBestIsYetToCome Ty for the ARC which NetGalley provided.

It took me a few minutes to remember why some of these people seemed familiar--they populate the cute small town of Oceanside where Macomber's recent stories have been set. Schoolteacher Hope and a recovering soldier named Cade have different reasons for volunteering at the local animal shelter, but a friendship ensues. The side story involving some of Hope's students at the high school rounds out the book.

Such a heartwarming story of damaged, lonely people who find each other. On the journey to healing and love they help others, which adds so much depth to this story. I loved all the characters so much and was rooting for them page after page. The title is so fitting for this book!

Ahhhhhhh this was just such a wonderful book and I just thoroughly enjoyed myself. I didn’t want to put this book down. I just fell in love with this wonderful story and it’s wonderful characters. I will most definitely be reading more stories from this wonderful author.

Always can expect a beautifully written soul gripping read. If you enjoy a hallmark style romantic, self discovery read this one is for you.

The Best is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber is a sweet romance. I’ve long been a fan of this author’s books and I truly believe her best works have come in just the last few years. This sweet romance is full of hope and promise. Readers in this genre will adore it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

John “Cade” Lincoln Jr. is a military veteran in trouble and grieving the loss of his comrades and best friends in arms. Thanks to a sympathetic judge he just may turn his life around. Cade isn’t looking for love and is estranged from his family. Hope Goodwin is facing the world alone. She’s grieving the loss of her twin brother. Hope thinks that a change of place will help with moving on. When Cade and Hope meet it just turn their lives around and make it The Best Is Yet to Come.

The Best Is Yet to Come is the next book from author Debbie Macomber. A man and woman are grieving the loss people important to them. As they get to know each other they’ll have to find their way through the guilt and loneliness. A damaged dog shows a woman the courage to continue with her life. A man not wanting to improve his life when forced to just find Hope in unexpected way. The Best Is Yet to Come is a heartwarming story of finding your way through a rough patch in your life to come out the other side to find a happiness that wasn’t expected. Grief plays a big role in these two characters’ lives as they try to move on from the tragedy in their lives. Finding each other just may the remedy to what they are going through. Debbie Macomber’s The Best Is Yet to Come is a wonderful story of loss and moving on that will keep the reader engaged and hoping to see a happily ever after for these two. A little danger added into the mix of the story. Two people along with a few secondary characters must find their way through a tangle of intrigue and drama about the local high school football team. Debbie Macomber writes a story that has the reader cheering on the main characters to figure a way through the grief they’re feeling to find their way to start living their lives again. As always Debbie Macomber writes a great story that fans of her can’t go without reading and a great way to find a new author if you’re looking for one.

Hope Godwin has begun a new chapter in her life, with a move to Oceanside, Washington after the death of her twin brother. A teacher at the local high school, Hope is kept busy with both her students and with her volunteer job at the animal shelter.

Shelter volunteer Cade Lincoln Jr. has lasting mental and physical anguish from serving in the military. Causing trouble that put him in front of a judge, Cade is lucky to get sympathy where none is deserved. Between his job, mandatory counseling, and volunteering, does Cade have time to form bonds and personal connections?

With author Debbie Macomber, what you see in The Best Is Yet to Come is what you usually get. Characters from previous books make cameo appearances, the main character or characters have personal issues to solve, and a clean romance typically ensues. This novel is definitely a good beach read and those who enjoy the genre will like the development of a relationship. The plot all came together too easy for me, but I do like the characters and the setting.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Best Is Yet to Come by NetGalley and the publisher. The decision to read and review this novel rested entirely with me.

this is book 3 in the Oceanside series. It is the story of Hope and Cade and his rescue dog Shadow. Hope has moved to oceanside to heal from the death of her twin. Cade is hurting from his past and feels there is no future for him but Hope sets out to change his mind. A great Debbie Macomber story that is full of romance and a happy ending.

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.