-A Sanctuary Now Novel (Book 3) –
Author: Jamie Beck
Publisher: Montlake Romance (September 10, 2019)
- Genre: Romance / Contemporary
- Paperback: 317 pages
My Thoughts:
Though this is the third book in a series, it is easily read as a stand-alone. There are references to certain things that I assumed were covered in earlier books, but I felt comfortable with jumping right into the story.
The Wonder of Now is a breast cancer survivor book. Peyton’s brother Logan, a photographer, has helped her through her cancer journey by taking pictures while Peyton recorded a type of journal. Their book is published, and they are hoping it will help others who are experiencing the same thing.
But now it’s time for the publicity tour. Logan isn’t able to go, so Peyton is scheduled to tour Europe with her publicist, Mitch. But as they tour it is immediately evident that Peyton is ready to relax and relive some of the experiences she had as a travel writer. But Mitch, who is needing this tour to be successful for his own business, is cautious of letting his guard down with Peyton or varying from his marketing plan.
Peyton struggles on the tour with having to remember unpleasant experiences regarding her cancer journey. While she feels her past is quite private, there is also a need to help others by being open and sharing. In time Mitch and Peyton allow each other’s strengths to begin to permeate their shell.
The tour and their growing relationship begin to challenge everything Mitch and Peyton believe about themselves.
The story is touching and real. Peyton needs to trust that she is loved just the way she is, scars and all. Mitch needs to take a step back and smell the roses.
Peyton’s life is further complicated by how she treated her best friend (in an earlier book). The book is layered with issues that need to be solved but handled in a very believable way.
As with any series, I would suggest starting with the first book. But, again, this was probably one of the easiest to pick up mid-series and feel comfortable with.
What Concerned Me:
Call me a fuddy-duddy, but I’m not a fan of sex scenes. To me, those are better left to the imagination. As I remember there was only one in this book, and it was handled well, but that’s my opinion.
What I Liked Most:
This is a tough topic, but the story is handled tastefully and realistically. The characters are memorable and the story easily kept me turning pages.
About The Author:
National bestselling author Jamie Beck’s realistic and heartwarming stories have sold more than two million copies. She’s a Booksellers’ Best Award and National Readers’ Choice Award finalist, and critics at Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist have respectively called her work “smart,” “uplifting,” and “entertaining.” In addition to writing, the author of the Cabot novels, the Sterling Canyon novels, and the St. James series enjoys dancing around the kitchen while cooking and hitting the slopes in Vermont and Utah. Above all, she is a grateful wife and mother to a very patient, supportive family.
Fans can learn more about her on her website, www.jamiebeck.com, which includes a fun “Extras” page with photos, videos, and playlists. She also loves interacting with everyone on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JamieBeckBooks.
