THE BEST IS YET TO COME by Tara R. Alemany is the kind of love story that just might make a jaded reader or Christian believe in true love again, even though the story includes human love both found and subsequently lost. Tara has spent the last 12 years consciously un-coupled. Oh sure, she’s dabbled in internet dating with sometimes depressing, sometimes humorous results. But coming from a background that includes abuse, this stalwart, modern-day follower of Christ is determined not to romantically partner again until she manages to meet another God-centered individual who meets some very specific criteria. The qualities God would provide in a man created especially for Tara include him being a person of integrity who will do what’s right even when it’s difficult. Someone who understands how to protect his family and is willing to share in daily chores and challenges. Someone smart enough to be stimulating and a good, clear communicator. Someone who will embrace the offspring Tara already has. And someone with whom disagreements can be had without it feeling/being dangerous. This means Tara has to reject a lot of frogs–until Frank comes along, who has all these special qualities and more.
What beautiful examples of sincere affection and care these two people share as they begin getting to know one another in a heart/God-centered way. They pray together regularly, as well as practically help each other out, even though their budding courtship is, so far, long-distance. Spending much time on the phone while each accomplishes separate daily chores, the reader gets to see just how special these individuals are, and how much they are coming to rely on one another while making plans for a very fine future together. And yet in all God’s wisdom and care, within four months Frank succumbs to health issues and dies alone in his far away home…before he and Tara actually get to meet face to face. Now the sense of their forever love held tenderly in the palm of Divine Love becomes truly tested as Tara must deal with Frank’s family, many of whom barely knew she existed and do not want her attending his memorial, along with new challenges like rescuing Frank’s beloved dogs who will surely be put to sleep if someone doesn’t agree to provide them with a new home. Are Tara and Frank still each other’s family, no matter what? Or did everything good about the love they shared die with him?
THE BEST IS YET TO COME by Tara R. Alemany is a gloriously earnest, inspiring and hopeful story about trusting in God’s Love, even when human trials seem almost too great.
~C.S. Holmes for IndieReader