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?