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.

If you would have told me that I'd rate a Macomber book 5 stars, I would have been doubtful. I've had issues with past books by this author where I felt she let her characters go a bit too far in the romance department before reeling themselves in. (Thankfully that does not apply to this book.) In fact, I was a bit sad to read that Macomber intended this to be her last book--though she does say that she got an idea for another one, so I suspect we will see more from her, just maybe not at the same pace she was publishing in the past.

Both main characters (Cade and Hope) are hurting, as is Shadow (the dog). Though I am not alone in the same sense that Hope is (without relatives), there are times that I do feel alone even when I'm with a group of people. So I can relate. I can also relate to Shadow having been hurt in the past and being defensive so as not to get hurt again. I did kind of wonder if there was an issue in Shadow's past with a male or males which was why he was so different with Hope than he was with the others who tried to approach him.

Cade has a bit of survivor's guilt and the military mindset of "there's nothing wrong with me, I don't need help". I'm glad the judge tried to help him rather than condemning him. I'm glad Cade saw the value in the PT and counseling eventually, even if he only went at first because it was court ordered and the only way to avoid spending a year in jail.

I felt for Spencer. I know what it's like to love someone when they don't love you back--or at least don't love you in the same way you love them. I also know what it's like to have had a friend and then the relationship changes as you age--and missing what you had. Sometimes you can reconnect--but also remember that the real world isn't fiction so it may or may not happen the way Spencer and Callie reconnected.

I guessed what was going on with Ben and Scott before the author revealed it--though I didn't guess who was the main person in that.

There are some life lessons:
1. Watch what you promise someone, as if you don't or can't, keep that promise you may hurt the other person.
2. Communicate--don't assume you know what someone else is feeling or know their motive for doing something. Yes, you may need to take a cooling off period if you feel your emotions are running too high for a rational discussion, but you need to communicate that as well, not just cut off contact.
3. Be patient and give others a chance--even a snarly or prickly disposition may change if you're patient enough.
4. Be careful what you wish for. Or as Mr. Spock said (paraphrased), you may find that the having is not what you thought it would be when you were in the wanting stage. ( )

One of her better ones lately. I have been reading duds so it was nice to pick up one that made me not want to stop reading . ( )

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! ( )

The Best Is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber is a beautiful story of loss, love, friendship and the journey of believing in oneself and in others again. Add in a lovable but misunderstood dog, a friendly small hometown setting where everyone knows each other and each other's business too. Top it off with Mrs. Macomber's delightful writing and sense of humor, an engaging plot, relatable characters and I soon found I wasn't able to put this book down until I had read the very last sentence. I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did.
I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Kagan and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Rating: 5 Stars! ( )