Oceanside, Washington, is the setting for a meeting of hearts. THE BEST IS YET TO COME matches off Hope Godwin, schoolteacher, with a wounded warrior. Β Two wounded warriors, to be exact, but only one is human. Β Cade Lincoln Jr., having caused some chaos, fully deserves a firm sentence. His attorney is surprised when the judge lifts the jail time, provided Cade does community volunteer work and stays out of trouble. Cade agrees β what else would he do? And this time he really means it. He still limps from battle injuries, and he has to attend counselling, but heβll try to behave. Β Hope, who came here for work and doesnβt know anyone in town, has made one friend who encourages her to get out more. She agrees to volunteer at a pet shelter. Shadow, a rescue dog at the shelter, is suspicious of all people since he was badly treated and starved. Hopeβs quiet patience starts wearing away his uneasiness, but it may not be enough to get him adopted. Cade, volunteering at the same place, watches progress. Eventually, he starts talking to Hope. Β This is an understated romance, which clearly shows that love is built upon trust and friendship. A sub-plot involves the high school and budding romances, jealousies and control freaks. I can see a lot wrong with mixed education, as boys and girls at that age can find it hard to concentrate on class if they are flirting and getting possessive of partners who arenβt even eighteen yet. In my all-girls school, the worst that happened was a few girls smoked in the bike shed. Β Anyone who enjoys a story involving dogs that isnβt super cute, but quite realistic, may have a good time with Debbie Macomberβs modern romance, THE BEST IS YET TO COME. Hope is a good name for the heroine, because both she and Cade are missing a family member, but Hope shows there is always hope for the future. This story would suit adult or mature teen readers.
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?
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