The Best Is Yet to Come

In this personal story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber, two lonely souls get a second shot at belonging when a woman who is alone in the world boldly decides to open her heart.

Hope Godwin needs a fresh start in the picturesque town of Oceanside, Washington, after the death of her twin brother. Numerous factors may divert her attention, such as her comfortable home next to inquisitive landlords and an ongoing conflict between her pupils at the nearby high school.

Hope has adapted to the society rather fast, yet something is still lacking. Unless her landlord persuades her to volunteer at his animal sanctuary, that is. She meets Shadow there—a rescue dog who has been abandoned by everybody. But Hope, true to her name, thinks he's worthy of rescue.

Cade Lincoln Jr., a volunteer at the shelter, has injuries that most people are blind to. Cade, a wounded ex-marine, assumes Shadow is beyond rescue and they bond. Hope has so much love to share, and she knows that what they all need is someone to believe in them. Hope sees that Cade is starting to open up as well, as she wins Shadow's confidence. Hope eventually starts to feel at ease in her new house as she musters the guts to be vulnerable once again and moves toward a romantic connection with Cade.

However, as Cade's old grudges come back to haunt him, Hope's newfound happiness is put to the test as she becomes entangled in the worsening circumstances at the high school. All wounds are intended to heal with love and compassion. Are they, however, sufficient to aid Hope and Cade in overcoming the suffering of their past and the impediments to a brighter future?