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Oceanside #3

The Best Is Yet to Come

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When a woman alone in the world bravely chooses to open her heart, two lost souls have a new chance at belonging, in this intimate novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

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.

Despite having settled quickly into the community, something is still missing for Hope. That is, until her landlord convinces her to volunteer at his 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 new 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?

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 12, 2022

1190 people are currently reading
15994 people want to read

About the author

Debbie Macomber

894 books20.6k followers
Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,065 reviews
Profile Image for Kay.
2,212 reviews1,201 followers
August 4, 2022
I tend to read at least two Debbie Macomber's books each year. One summer book and one holiday book. Her books are easy and quick reads that highlight a few couples, families, and the community. It's also romance lite. This one follows that successful formula.

The Best is Yet to Come is a feel-good romance with a lovely small town setting- Oceanside, Washington. The story touches on wounded veterans like Cade Lincoln who suffer injuries the kind that you can see and the kind that you can't. He's going through physical therapy as well as healing his inner self after losing brothers in arms. Hope Godwin is new in town from California. She's trying to start a new life after her twin brother died in Afghanistan. The two connected over a dog rescue where they volunteer.

I enjoy the steady pace of the novel. The message of healing and second chances were emotional at times but ended on a delightful note. This is a perfect read for November. The story takes place over Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving.

Thérèse Plummer narrates, need I say more? 😍🎧
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,443 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2023
This is a Women's Fiction/Clean Romance, and this is the third book in the Oceanside series. I have read and reviewed the other books in this series, but I do feel you can read this book as a standalone book. I really loved getting to know the two main characters. Both of the main characters are overcoming something and need each other's friendship. I love the dog in this book, and I love that even the dog character in this book is overcoming something. There was so much going on in this book, but I really think that Debbie did a great job. Even though there was so much going on it was easy to read and keep up with. The ending was so good. This is a great book with lots of drama, great characters, and so many lessons. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Ballantine Books) or author (Debbie Macomber) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Note: I have purchased a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Cara.
547 reviews1,003 followers
July 23, 2022
The queen of amazing story telling is back again and delivered yet another amazing and heart tugging story. I don't know what it is, but i'm in a Debbie Macomber phase right now, and i'm just loving her books, and devouring them like a can of monster. The Best Is Yet To Come pulled on my heart strings in all the right ways. These war stories are putting such heavy weights on my heart, but they are just so amazing. Debbie has a way of connecting her readers with the story and making them feel like they are right there witnessing the whole thing. I was hooked from the very first page, and couldn't put it down. This story is about second chances and new beginnings, this was also a super clean contemporary romance novel. This novel is told in three pov's from our main characters, Hope, Cade, and Spencer. This story had my emotions all over the place, from smiling to crying to laughing. All you need to enjoy this book is a copy of the book, a cozy blanket, a bag of chips, and a can of soda. Honestly, there's nothing better than having a bag of chips by your side while having tears running down your face.

Hope Godwin has decided to leave sunny California for a new beginning in Oceanside, Washington. Hope has made the decision of leaving California because there's nothing left there for her anymore. Hope lost her twin brother, Hunter while fighting battles in the war. Hope has no family left. Her mother abandoned Hope and Hunter when they were very young, which caused them to live with their grandparents. But, Hope's grandma passed away, and then shortly after a year their grandpa passed away from a broken heart. In Oceanside, Hope is a US history and computer teacher at the local high school. Hope is also a counselor for students who need someone to talk to. Even though Hope is new to this community, her landlord offers her a volunteering job at the local animal shelter, where she meets Shadow. Shadow is a rescue dog that pretty much everyone has given up on except for Hope.

Shadow is not friendly with anyone else at the shelter, he bares his teeth and growls at everyone that tries to get close to him. Next, we meet Cade Lincoln Junior. Cade has returned to Oceanside after returning home from Afghanistan. Cade has injuries that others can't see, he has a slight limp. Cade lost two of his best friends over in Afghanistan, which he blames himself for. One night, Cade got in a bar fight which caused him to serve five days in jail, but with the judge who is handling his case gives him community service, counseling, and physical therapy, this judge believes Cade deserves a second chance because she knows exactly what Cade is going through, because one of her family members has also served. A wounded ex-marine, Cade identifies with Shadow, assuming they are beyond help. Hope notices Cade but soon realizes that he doesn't talk to anyone.

Hope's senses are on high alert that what they each need is someone to believe in them. As Hope gains Shadow's trust, she notices that Cade is beginning 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 community. As Hope and Cade start spending more time together they both learn each others stories. My heart absolutely broke for Hope when she was telling the story about her twin brother, but my heart also broke after Cade was saying he should have been the one dead instead of his best friends. I believe these two sweet people deserve the absolute world. We also meet Spencer, one of Hope's students, who is having problems of his own. I love how Debbie added a dog to this story. 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 for a better future together?
Profile Image for Julie .
4,247 reviews38k followers
November 3, 2022
The Best is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber is a 2022 Ballantine publication.

I can’t get enough stories like this one!

Hope lost her twin brother in Afghanistan and is still working through her grief. She’s moved to Oceanside for a fresh start, taking a job as a high school teacher. She gets an invitation to help out at the animal shelter, which is where she meets Cade.

Cade is working at the shelter as a part of his community service duties. Like Shadow, one of the most challenging dogs at the shelter, Cade is a bit gruff and unfriendly, sending off definite vibes that he does not want to be social.

But before long, he and Hope develop a tentative friendship that eventually leads to deeper feelings- but Cade is still a work in progress…

Meanwhile, Hope is concerned about a special student who is setting himself up for a major heartbreak, while also fending off a star football player who is trying to intimidate him- but who always gets away with his antics…

This is a lovely story, with a sweet love story, but also has a little bit of a mystery and some suspense, as well. I was immediately invested in the characters, and had a hard time putting the book aside, reading it all in one sitting! While there is a lot of drama in the story, the pacing is brisk, but still manages to give each thread, and each character, the time and depth needed to develop.

It’s so nice to lose oneself in a Debbie Macomber novel. The topics are emotional, but the tone is not overly heavy. The characters are flawed but I cheered them on as they worked hard to overcome the issues holding them back.

Overall, I enjoyed spending the afternoon with these characters and realize now that over the years I often overlooked this author- completely misunderstanding her style. At least I have plenty of books from her back-list to enjoy- if Macomber follows through with her hints of retirement- but I think- and hope- we’ll keep hearing from her for a while to come… And I for one, am looking forward to it!

4 stars

*Lovely cover!
Profile Image for Renata Annese.
131 reviews16 followers
August 8, 2025
The moment I saw that stunning cover, I knew this small-town story was calling my name 💐📚. The cover radiates warmth and promise....and the story delivers every bit of it 🌞💖.

Debbie Macomber weaves together animal rescue 🐾, veterans 🇺🇸, bullying 🚫, and school politics 🎓, all wrapped into a tender love story 💕. We meet two slightly broken souls 💔 who slowly help each other heal and grow 🌱.

Along the way, the story reminded me of the truly caring teachers I had growing up 🍎 and didn’t shy away from the hard truths of small-town life, scandals and all.

To all the veterans, thank you for your service 🙏 and may you find your path to healing 🕊️. This warm, meaningful read will stay with me for a long time ✨📚.
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,137 reviews160 followers
July 10, 2022
Debbie Macomber returns to the small town of Oceanside, Washington, for another touching story involving two hurting souls affected by war. Hope moves from California for a fresh start to overcome the loss of her twin brother. Now she has no family left. She teaches at the high school and is a counselor for students who need someone to talk to. She also volunteers at the local animal rescue run by her landlord.
Cade Lincoln lost two best friends in Afghanistan and is dealing with physical and emotional issues. He works a part-time job, volunteers at the animal rescue, undergoes counseling and physical therapy. He is a loner estranged from his family. Hope is a nurturing soul who is touched by others' pain. She falls for an unfriendly dog at the rescue who responds only to her. She and Cade eventually become friends and tentatively spend time together. She is pulled into a conflict between some of her students. It is a battle between geeks and jocks and a smart, popular girl in the middle in a small town where football is important.
This is an emotional story with strong characters that deal with real issues. I was pulling for the main characters and was happy to see that their choices, while not always the easiest, were the best in the long run and led to growth. A tiny thread of faith is interwoven. Highly recommend for a heartwarming story about healing, forgiveness, and romance.
Profile Image for Karen J.
595 reviews281 followers
November 19, 2022
The Best Is Yet To Come by Debbie Macomber
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

A very cozy enjoyable read with great characters and an excellent story line. Of course being an animal lover I really enjoyed the main character volunteering at an animal shelter and rescue a precious dog.
Profile Image for Oceana Reads Co..
952 reviews2,349 followers
September 16, 2025
This was a great clean romance!

I randomly picked this up and I'm glad I did because it was a sweet, clean, touch of faith, romance that I enjoyed!

There's two storylines that converge close to the end.

One of the breakups was super annoying, but dealt with pretty well.

No language, only kissing, and entertaining! I'd recommend for sure!

Tropes & Triggers: mention of PTSD from war casualties, teenaged drug use, dog shelter (no doggy deaths)
Profile Image for Linden.
2,104 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2022
As the book opens, Cade, an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, is being sentenced for his role in a bar fight. The judge sees that he has issues from his service, and suspends his sentence, with the caveat that he must undergo counseling and PT, and do community service. He chooses the animal shelter for his community service, and there he meets Hope, who has just moved to Oceanside and is teaching at the local high school. Cade doesn't want to talk to anyone, but he is very impressed with how patiently Hope deals with an abused dog no one else can handle.. There is another story line about some issues with Hope's students, but to me the more interesting story involves Hope and Cade, both trauma survivors, trying to decide if each is worthy of trust. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,492 reviews206 followers
August 1, 2022
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.
Profile Image for Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader.
1,678 reviews207 followers
July 19, 2022
To me and this is my opinion this book read like a young adult book. It was a good story but not what you normally get from Macomber. It's a fast read and one that you will be happy you read on a lazy afternoon.
Profile Image for Sherri Thacker.
1,675 reviews373 followers
March 28, 2022
How happy I was to have my “wish” granted by the publisher. This latest book by Debbie Macomber is perfectly titled “The Best is Yet to Come” because it’s all about new beginnings and second chances. Hope moves to Oceanside to start a new life without her twin brother. She meets Cade, a veteran, who is also starting his life over and a special friendship evolves! This was a wonderful heartwarming story and I enjoyed it a lot. Many thanks to NetGalley and to Random House Publishing, Ballantine Books for granting my wish and allowing me to read this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published July 12, 2022
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,049 reviews83 followers
July 25, 2022
The Best is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber is a story about second chances and new beginnings. I was immediately drawn into this story. I like Debbie Macomber’s writing style. It has such an ease to it. I started reading and did not want to stop. The story moved along at a quick pace. I enjoyed getting to know Hope, Cade, Spencer, and Callie. There are three storylines that play out from three points-of-view (Hope, Cade, and Spencer). I like that the characters were realistic and relatable. The characters also had real life problems. Hope lost her twin brother who died a hero in the Afghan desert. She misses him terribly and is looking for a new start. She wanted a small town and Oceanside was the right choice. Cade was wounded in Afghanistan plus he lost his two best friends. He is estranged from his parents since he did not follow in his father’s footsteps to become a lawyer. Spencer is a high school student who is also an uber geek. He who cares for Callie, a popular girl who is dating the star of the football team. Spencer wants to take Callie to homecoming. When Callie needs help, a deal is struck. Cade and Hope meet at an animal shelter. Hope works to help a dog, Shadow who was severely traumatized (it is heart wrenching). We see that there are different types of trauma. Kindness, patience, love, and hope go a long way towards healing it along with therapy. There are good life lessons in this story. I like how everything came together into one heartwarming story. The Best is Yet to Come shows the importance of hope, healing, friendship, and faith. The Best is Yet to Come is an uplifting tale with an irate soldier, a compassionate teacher, a computer geek with a crush, a football player with a temper, a suffering Shadow, an understanding judge, a selfish old friend, and a thoughtful therapist.
Profile Image for Wendy W..
517 reviews184 followers
Want to read
July 6, 2022
Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑
The Best is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber is a sweet story of redemption and growth, that I just loved. Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors, and this latest book of hers did not disappoint.

Hope Goodwin needs a new start after losing her twin brother. She moved to Oceanside, Washington in hopes of making a new start. She gets a job at the local high school as a teacher. Her landlord convinces her to volunteer at a local animal shelter in order to meet people and keep busy. At the shelter, Hope meets shadow, a dog that appears to be irredeemable, but for some reason, Hope is the only one who Shadow accepts, as she takes her time with the emotionally wounded dog, they become fast friends.

Hope also meets Cade, another volunteer at the shelter, who has a stormy past and is as emotionally wounded as Shadow. He just wants to be left alone and try to atone for his past. He can’t help but notice Hope and how her kindness is helping Shadow. But, women like Hope don’t go for guys like Cade. Or do they?

I really enjoyed this hopeful book about redemption and hope. The side story of the high school kids was a nice addition to Hope and Cade’s story. I loved the dog in the story and how even the dog was working to overcome a difficult past. The book deals with grief, PTSD, mistakes, and so much more. It’s a beautiful romance full of emotion and a lovely sweet romance.

The pacing was just right, as I would expect from such a seasoned author. The romance was a slow burn, but satisfying and sweet. The author does a wonderful job of dealing with such tough topics with empathy and understanding.

I highly recommend The Best is Yet to Come to anyone who enjoys romance and women's fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Dale Harcombe.
Author 14 books426 followers
October 11, 2023
Four and a half stars.
Hope Godwin needs a new beginning after the death of her twin brother Hunter. She moves into a cosy cottage in Oceanside Washington. Despite slightly nosy landlords Mellie and Preston Young, Hope starts to feel at home in the small community. In an effort to give back to the community that welcomed her, Hope accepts a volunteer position at the animal shelter. There she meets Shadow, a rescue dog everyone seems to have given up on. But Hope is far from convinced he is a hopeless cause. Hope also teaches at the local high school. One of the young people that she has a lot of time for is Spencer, who has what seems a hopeless crush on Callie. Callie is currently dating Scott a football hero of the school.
Cade Lincoln also helps out at the shelter as part of the community service imposed on him by a judge. This wounded ex marine knows he deserved a harsher penalty. As he watches Hope with Shadow he becomes intrigued by her gentle, patient manner. Just as Hope gains Shadow’s trust, Cade begins to open up a little to her and let down as few barriers too. But his past and escalating problems within the school involving Spencer, Callie and Scott, throw up challenges that need to be overcome.
Interestingly this makes several books in a row I have read that have dealt with the issue of alcoholism, and drugs which probably just highlight what a severe problem these are in society. It also deals with grief and post traumatic stress. I really liked Hope and Cade and found them easy to empathise with. Same with young Spencer and Mellie and Preston. Counsellor Harry is another gem as are Silas and others in the group of people being counselled.
It is a while since I have read a Debbie Macomber book and this was a good choice. An emotional involving read. I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Amy.
986 reviews19 followers
March 13, 2022
Mental traumas fester below the surface and rage long after returning from service. Fitting back into society after losing friends and facing horrors of war, we welcome soldiers back but then leave them to their own devices.

The heartbreaking stories of PTSD are more than hardships of losing a limb or disfigurement. The scars that linger often separate veterans from families and they are unable to fit back into society. The atrocities they faced often result in nightmares, lashing out and trying to numb the mental or physical pain with substance abuse.

Standing before the Judge Walters, Cade is facing a list of charges. Losing his friends in the war, Cade would trade his Purple Heart for their lives. The angry man before her is only a shell of his former self. Gifting him with community service, therapy and required to make restitutions instead of jail time, Judge Walters gives Cade the chance to change his life.

Meeting Hope at the animal shelter where he's serving community service, Cade fears that she has the ability to see beyond his façade. By doing so, she has the power to hurt him so to protect himself, he rebuffs her friendship. When he's able to see himself in the care she bestows on Shadow, an abused dog, Cade's walls begin to crumble. Will he be able to trust again?

Thank you to #NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read an early edition of #TheBestIsYettoCome in exchange for an honest review. Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite writers and this is one of her best novels. Macomber masterly weaves the stories together and makes readers question how we judge people at face value. Not knowing their stories or the pain behind their eyes, we tend to brush off cantankerous people and they might need our help more than others.

My relatives served in the wars and returning home, remained silent about their experiences. Looking back, we didn't realize their pain as they self-medicated. PTSD provides a label but we need to do more to protect our veterans after their service.

Although a fictional character, Cade gives a voice to the soldiers that return home and are unable to assimilate back into society. Whether veterans are facing pain, rage or trauma, Macomber's poignant story illustrates that compassion and kindness goes a long way to facilitate healing rather than locking it away.




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3,915 reviews1,763 followers
July 16, 2022
One of my favourite Debbie Macomber stories. And I absolutely loved that the audio book is narrated by the fabulous, incredibly talented Therese Plummer! A compelling plot, with varied POVs and a few unexpected twists like a bit of a mystery kept me riveted. And I love the rescue dog angle! Both hero and heroine are grappling with issues that make it difficult to navigate a seamless romance (which means all kinds of fun and angst for the reader.) I also enjoyed getting the secondary plot revolving around high school senior Spencer and the way his story worked its way into Cade's and Hope's. (perfect name for the heroine, by the way.)

Please note: there are a few incidents of mild cussing.
Profile Image for ReadingInThe6ix.
758 reviews9 followers
August 22, 2022
For such a renowned author, this was shockingly dreadful.

Things I liked:
- The story flowed well, and the way that the two separate stories ran parallel and then weaved together was very well-done.

Issues I had:
- There was absolutely no chemistry between Cade and Hope. I don’t mean it was a little or just not enough…I mean there was none. I didn’t realize they had even become a couple until one of them mentioned they had been seeing each other for a few weeks. Huh? When? I think we got to see two dates (if you can call them that…the school dance and the beach hot dogs) and two kisses. But there was absolutely no relationship and nothing can convince me otherwise. I couldn’t even classify this as a romance in any way.
- The whole Callie and Spencer story took far too much attention and it was fairly obvious how it would end. As a non-American, I also don’t understand the whole football culture described in this small town, but it seemed ridiculous.
- This was longer than necessary and it got boring.
- There is a comment made early on by Cade about his time in the military that made me almost stop reading. He mentions fighting in a town in Afghanistan with an “unpronounceable name”. Well, I’m sure its not that hard to read, taking 30 seconds to figure it out would be fine, and this really screamed of xenophobia to me. Frankly, this book had more and more mentions of thanking veterans for their service and fighting for freedom and thanking God for His blessings as it went on and sorry, but that doesn’t work for me.

Don’t think I’d try another one by Macomber - I just don’t think I’m her target audience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sue .
2,034 reviews124 followers
August 7, 2022
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.
Profile Image for Cheryl Rowland.
250 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2022
I love Debbie Macomber's books, yes they follow a certain pattern but they are always well-written. I was concerned when I read the Foreword, because she had written that she thought this would be her last book, but realized that writing in a big part of her life. I really hope she continues to write.
Profile Image for Kirsten .
1,748 reviews292 followers
August 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this latest of Debbie Macomber's romances. I think what made this one particularly enjoyable was not just the romance between our two leads. It was the addition of the nice mystery/intrigue plot. I really liked the addition of that. It made the book have a lot more depth and meat to it.

Oh, and the dog didn't hurt either!
Profile Image for Danielle B.
1,298 reviews215 followers
March 25, 2022
Hope Godwin is starting a new beginning in Oceanside, Washington. The new scenery is highly appreciated after the tragic death of her twin brother. Hope decides to volunteer at the local animal shelter and meets Shadow, a dog that nobody wants. Hope strongly believes that Shadow is worth saving. Hope also meets a fellow volunteer named Cade Lincoln. Cade is a former US marine and is suffering in a way no one can understand. Hope opens her heart to Shadow and Cade, will these two broken souls be able to love again?

Debbie Macomber is an auto-buy author for me. I jumped at the chance to read her latest work, THE BEST IS YET TO COME. This is a really nice story about grief, hope, and healing. You can really connect with the main characters, as Macomber’s writing skills are top notch as always!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
7 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2022
I love Debbie Macomber. Her stories are predictable but they get me reading when I just don’t feel like it. When I feel like I am in a rut I can count on her to get me going again. So when I saw her newest book available at the libraryI had to read it immediately . I was so happy and excited when I started reading it and some of my favorite characters were in the book from her book “Cottage by the Sea” That was my favorite book of hers. I was disappointed a little by the end. It was a little boring and I hated the highschool drama part of it. I felt like it was an episode of Scooby Doo..” if it weren’t for those medaling kids ...” It didn’t really seem resolved and just kind of ended for that part.
Profile Image for Alex (Alex's Version).
1,136 reviews110 followers
July 17, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley I was able to read this book about 4 months before the Public gets to read this.

I love Debbie Macomber, I think she's a fabulous writer and really knows her audience, I don't really fit into her target audience but who cares.

I really liked this, but to honest.. I don't think it was her best book.. I really didn't care about the high school drama.. Who cares? I liked the main characters but not the stupid side story that she wouldn't stopping talking about..
Profile Image for Mimi.
2,286 reviews30 followers
April 14, 2023
This is the first (and last) book I read by Debbie Macomber. For a romance novel, there was very little romance. I found that the story lacked depth, the dialogue was stilted, and the character development was almost nonexistent. Overall, too clichéd. Very disappointing.
670 reviews6 followers
July 27, 2022
I’m sorry, Debbie, this one didn’t do it for me. Bland story and pretty bland characters. Hope this isn’t really your last book.
Profile Image for Vickie.
2,232 reviews76 followers
July 7, 2022
Who doesn’t like a good romance with a good lesson to learn? This book is a perfect romance between two lost souls who need to find each other. Hope is newly settled into the small town of Oceanside, teaching and counseling at the local high school and trying to make friends by volunteering at the local animal shelter. There she meets Cade Lincoln, an ex-marine who is a wounded veteran. She also meets Shadow there, a poor abused dog who trusts no one except Hope. It’s love at first sight for Hope and Shadow and Cade isn’t far behind. How they get to their “happily ever after” is an amazing trip with some unexpected turns and complications, including students taking drugs, vandalism and family drama. I really enjoyed the sub-plot about teen Spencer and his attempt at being accepted by a girl he really likes but who is so popular his chances are slim. The lessons taught include never giving up, being hopeful for the future and choosing to do the right thing in spite of obstacles and others leading the wrong way. I especially liked the inclusion of honoring veterans who sacrifice so much for our nation. This is a wholesome book that is encouraging and uplifting as well as a really good story.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Racheli Zusiman.
1,992 reviews74 followers
September 30, 2024
הספר השלישי בסדרת אושנסייד של דבי מקומבר. קדמו לו "בית ליד הים" (אהבתי) ו-"הליכה על החוף" (נחמד, פחות טוב מהראשון). חלק מהדמויות של הספרים הקודמים מוזכרות בספר הזה, אבל בצורה כזו שאין חובה לקרוא את הקודמים.
הופ לבדה בעולם. אמא שלה נטשה אותה ואת אחיה התאום, האנטר, כשהיו ילדים, והשניים גדלו אצל הסבא והסבתא, שנפטרו. האנטר נהרג במהלך שירותו הצבאי. הופ עוברת מקליפורניה לאושנסייד שבוושינגטון בניסיון להתחיל מחדש, והיא עובדת כמורה להיסטוריה של ארה"ב, מורה למחשבים ויועצת חינוכית בבית ספר תיכון בעיירה.
קייד לא דיבר עם הוריו במשך שש שנים, לאחר שהחליט להתגייס לצבא במקום להתמסר לקריירה של עורך דין כמו שרצה אביו. קייד נפצע באפגניסטן, חבריו נהרגו, והדבר השפיע עליו לרעה פיזית ונפשית. הוא עומד למשפט בגלל שהיה מעורב בקטטה בבר כשהוא שיכור, וגם הרס חלק מהמקום. השופטת גוזרת עליו מאסר על תנאי כתלות בביצוע שעות שירות בקהילה, פיזיותרפיה ונוכחות בטיפול פסיכולוגי פרטני וקבוצתי.
הופ וקייד נפגשים בבית המחסה העירוני לכלבים (שמנוהל ע"י פרסטון ומוזכר בספרים הקודמים). קייד מתרשם מהנחישות של הופ בטיפול בכלב עזוב ופרוע שאף אחד לא מצליח לגשת אליו מלבדה. השניים מתיידדים, אך אופיו המסוגר של קייד והטראומה של שירותו הצבאי והמריבה עם הוריו מקשות על התמסרותו למערכת היחסים. בספר יש במקביל גם עלילת מתח המערבת את הופ וכמה תלמידים מהתיכון.
ספר נעים לקריאה ומעניין. הוא קצת קיטשי אבל במידה הנכונה. היה מרגש לקרוא על הדרך שקייד עושה להחלמה הרגשית והנפשית שלו. נהניתי לקרוא והספר עושה טוב על הלב.
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